New or old Savage?

[tonyben]

I posted this on another board, but I figured I'd post it here as well..

I was at the local general purpose store that sells guns, ammo and reloading equipment and they had a new model 11 308 with a cheap Bushnell Banner scope for $375. I was thinking this would get me covered for long and short actions since I have a mid-80's 110 in 30-06. I have an M14 clone (LRB) and an M1A which already run 308. I already have the RCBS 308 X-dies and 90% of the ammo shot through my LRB are hand loads (1500 rounds down the tube so far). I primarily load 168's. I've got over 1000 pieces of new 308 brass. I eventually want an accurate 308 Savage with a bull barrel and was looking to get an action from one of the popular members here but a basic action was like $350 or something like that. So for a few bucks more I could have a new complete short action 308 rifle as a blank canvas.

I eventually want a bull barrel and a B&C stock. I will most likely get a Harris bipod and top if off with a Zeiss of some flavor (I have an inside man at Zeiss). I guess my real question is, with the direction I am going, should I be looking for an older used 308 or a new production 308? I know quality of many firearms has declined in recent years but I don't know about Savage. The trigger on the one I handled yesterday was HORRID but I know I can get that sorted out. To me, a bad trigger pull is a sign of poor manufacturing but I don't know if that's the case with Savage. I've been told there are better triggers than the accu-trigger.

My long term is to have 2 switch-barrel Savages. One in long and short action to use with 308, 223, 30-06 and 300 win mag.

Opinions?

Thanks,
Tony

 

[Taildrag15X]

Find yourself what some call a "J" action, it came in both single shot and repeater. It is the in between of a short & long action and can (I have one) handle a 30-06 and .300 Win. Mag. lenght round. I use it as a .223 Rem., .243 Win. .308 Win, .30-06 Spring. and .300 Win. Mag. with a 6mmbr Norma barrel in the works.

 

[tonyben]

Nice. Would I be able to swap internal mags or would it be a single feed?

 

[Taildrag15X]

I have a single shot, so I single feed, if you found a repeater in .243 or .308 I think the follower would work for both, the .223 I'm sure you would have to find a the correct one. The 06 & 300 Mag would have to be single feed as the mag. well is not long enough to take the loaded round.

 

[tonyben]

Thanks again.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Is there a specific serial # the J action starts with?

 

[Taildrag15X]

No, Savage has no special order to serial #'s to models, it's only identifiable by a novice by the action bolt spacing of 4.5220", no matter what may be stamped on the barrel as a model #.