New Tac LR shooter here

[jwfuhrman]

Ok, so Im new to the Bolt Gun world. Got lots of AR's but Ive got the Bolt Gun itch. Ive been reading up on different calibers and I like the 243 Win for what Id like to do. Tac LR Competition, some Benchrest shooting, stuff like that and the 243 Win sounds like a good choice for that.

Now, my questions are(and they have probably been answered or maybe they are just stupid, I really dont know"

Im debating between Remington 700 and Savage Model 12 or the Savage Edge. All in 243 Win.

First question:

Can I put a lets say Krieger blank(have it finished by a qualified gunsmith) on to any of those actions(Im leaning towards the Edge for price wise). I want to get a off the shelf gun to get me started, get some range time, see how I really like it and then build off the action I go with.

2nd, what stocks work with Savage Action. Id love a Savage gun, as Ive read lots of good things, but the R700's just have so many options out there(AICS is real nifty as is McMillan A5) and Im pretty sure they only work with R700 actions.

3rd - I guess I just need help period haha. I dont have a lot of $$$ so its a over time project, hence why I want to start with an off the shelf and build from there.

Just lookin for recommendations. I know with what ever barrel I go with to replace the factory I want it at least a 1/8 twist

 

[MarkS]

jwfuhrman,

I would get a Savage LRPV 6BR 8tw. Then you would have everything, good action, trigger, HS stock and barrel. The BR will run with the 243 for speed, and will out shoot it. I has one myself. I am looking to do a little Tac match too. You can get custom barrel pre-chambered. You can have a Krieger fitted to both actions. You can buy a used gun and changed to what you want. The Savage, you can change the boltface, to what you want, not so for the Remington.

Mark Schronce

 

[HPMike800]

It seems that Savages are better out of the box, but everything under the sun is out there for Remmys. Since you mention upgrading it, I say get a used heavy barrel 700 in whatever and get an Elesio RTS or RTM stock and a fit barrel in the cartridge of choice. As you can.

 

[Kenny474]

I wouldn't suggest the Edge for your purposes. It's more of a hunting rifle and it's really designed as such. It also uses a different action than the other Savage's, and also has a strange recoil lug that sits in the stock rather than a standard style that goes between the barrel nut and receiver. It may be able to be modified to accept a standard lug, but I believe it would require machining of the receiver face.

If you want an entry level rifle that can be modified over time, you may want to have a look at the Steven's 200. It is essentially a pre accutrigger Savage and uses the same parts as the Savage for the most part. There are essentially 2 things that are lacking from the factory. The trigger and the stock. The trigger is easily replaced with several aftermarket units that drop in for the most part. The stock is rather weak and has a tendency to flex if gripped tightly or when used with a bipod. But that too can be replaced rather easily. You can usually find the Steven's for $300 new.

I have a Steven's I built into a .222 bench gun and it's very accurate. Though all that remains is the action at this point.

MarkS has made a very good suggestion as well.

You may want to have a look at what Northland Shooters Supply has in stock. He deals with Savage rifles and also sells take-off barrels, actions, aftermarket barrels, stocked actions, barreled actions, and bare stocks as well. If you talk to Jim Briggs he can probably set you up with a good package deal and mix and match stuff a bit and end up with something a lot closer to what you want than a factory gun for a really good price.

Link to Northland Shooters Supply
http://www.savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php?board=64.0

 

[Nefariousd]

I wouldn't suggest the Edge for your purposes. It's more of a hunting rifle and it's really designed as such. It also uses a different action than the other Savage's, and also has a strange recoil lug that sits in the stock rather than a standard style that goes between the barrel nut and receiver. It may be able to be modified to accept a standard lug, but I believe it would require machining of the receiver face.

If you want an entry level rifle that can be modified over time, you may want to have a look at the Steven's 200. It is essentially a pre accutrigger Savage and uses the same parts as the Savage for the most part. There are essentially 2 things that are lacking from the factory. The trigger and the stock. The trigger is easily replaced with several aftermarket units that drop in for the most part. The stock is rather weak and has a tendency to flex if gripped tightly or when used with a bipod. But that too can be replaced rather easily. You can usually find the Steven's for $300 new.

I have a Steven's I built into a .222 bench gun and it's very accurate. Though all that remains is the action at this point.

MarkS has made a very good suggestion as well.

You may want to have a look at what Northland Shooters Supply has in stock. He deals with Savage rifles and also sells take-off barrels, actions, aftermarket barrels, stocked actions, barreled actions, and bare stocks as well. If you talk to Jim Briggs he can probably set you up with a good package deal and mix and match stuff a bit and end up with something a lot closer to what you want than a factory gun for a really good price.

Link to Northland Shooters Supply
http://www.savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php?board=64.0

+1

The Edge is not a suitable starting point.

You can get ANY savage short action and turn it into exactly what you want. If you want a .243 then try to get one with a .473 bolt face to begin with but even that isn't required they are simple to construct.

Be advised that wait times for most of the popular calibers of good drop-in barrels are 14+ weeks at the moment and Jim is running a few weeks just to ship stuff he has in stock last I spoke to him.

The Savage route is becoming increasingly popular. Probably because any good gunsmith is up to his neck (Good local guy here has a message on his answering machine,yes some people still use those, that says he is 6 months out and isn't taking any calls) and you can do all of the Savage stuff at home (that is if you can get the parts).

Savage also offers Great ready-made rifles that can be had for significantly less than retail (just picked up a dual port 12 BR in .308 for $850 and a 110 BA in .338 for $1499) that shoot very well for your intended purpose.