Trying to make a decision and would like some feedback. My son (25 & NRA "Master") occasionally makes the trip to local matches with me and is currently shooting a custom Rem 700 in 223AI. He really would like to move from F-Open to F/TR and have something that is reasonably competitive. So the question is: Would I be better off buying a bolt, buying and chambering a barrel in 308 for the Remington, or go with a second rifle ie. the factory Savage model 12 F/TR version? Right now based on current prices the second rifle would be the same price or slightly cheaper that trying to convert the Remington. Our shooting is currently MR (600 yds) but we also have 1000 available. I'm a little concerned with the 1/12 twist as I would like to try to run the higher BC bullets like the Berger 185 Jugs or maybe even the 200 grainers, and I have never been a fan of pushing the limits similar to the 155 palma loads (not that I would not try if that were a better option). I know the Savage action will never be as smooth as the Rem or my Defiance, but I also know that those guns shoot quite well out of the box. So just looking for some objective opinions and thoughts about those two options, or if anyone has a good custom rig in the same price range they want to part with that is also a consideration, but i doubt my luck on that.
Savage 12 F/TR or Rem 700 Switch Barrel?
- Thread starter JPB4BAMA
- Start date
6.5 forever
Silver $$ Contributor
If you have a REM 700 that shoots well, I would leave it alone. Make whatever move to another rifle.
There is a much much larger after market (custom parts) for the Rem 700 then there is the Savage model 12..or any Savage for that matter. I still haven't found one after market trigger for a Savage, that comes close to a trigger for a Rem.
More gun smiths support Remington also.
The aftermarket support for Savage is way way better then it ever has been ..but we still need some one to make an awesome trigger...
There is alot to be said about the Savage floating bolt head and cartridge alignment that Remington doesn't have...
The Savage will cost you less to own and modify.
The Remington will cost premium for everything parts, barrels,you name it.
But you get more money for them during resale.
I don't believe one platform is any more accurate then the other.. I do how ever think the Savage may be a little stronger ..at least my model 12 seems to deaden recoil better then my Remington..maybe its me maybe it's my set up..maybe its manufacturing..who knows..
I don't think I was any help..hahaha..good luck
Fast14riot
Gold $$ Contributor
Pick up a CBI RemAge barrel from NSS in a 1:7 twist 223 and go shoot FTR midrange with 80gr bullets. Under $400, those barrels shoot great and can get going in a couple hours including loading ammo.
rdb8847
Gold $$ Contributor
JARD makes a pretty nice trigger for the Savage
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
KRG makes the Bravo chassis now.
The JARD trigger imho is the only option for a Savage trigger replacement. It is a complete replacement for all of the savage trigger assembly. It is not a mix of factory and replacement parts.
I won’t compare an off the rack rifle to a full custom, kind of silly to me. Defiance,ARC, Bighorn etc.
Even a 700 that has been massaged and timed ends up over priced compared to several aftermarket actions right out of the box.
I had a bone stock F/TR in 308 for a number of years, boringly accurate and held its own against rigs 2-3 times the price.
The JARD trigger imho is the only option for a Savage trigger replacement. It is a complete replacement for all of the savage trigger assembly. It is not a mix of factory and replacement parts.
I won’t compare an off the rack rifle to a full custom, kind of silly to me. Defiance,ARC, Bighorn etc.
Even a 700 that has been massaged and timed ends up over priced compared to several aftermarket actions right out of the box.
I had a bone stock F/TR in 308 for a number of years, boringly accurate and held its own against rigs 2-3 times the price.
I have a rifle basics trigger in my savage i think? Hahaha it's been so long I stop complaining and just go with it..
I have just about every savage upgrade avalable and I just picked up a MDT XRS chassis ..
I run the fireball cartridges out of my savage with
barrel swapping I have some pac-nor barrels..currently my rifle is sporting a 17fireball barrel..
This was an expensive Frankinrifle. But I love it now its perfectly comfortable, and completely tailored to my goofy body shape..short, and round..hahaha even my stubby T-rex arms dont need to stretch, or crane my neck any more...I would suggest picking on a chassis system for your savage to anyone..even if its a 17hmr or 22lr ..they are a good investment and you will get most of your money out of it during resale..if that day comes...
I tend to get bord once they are shooting and sell them off for a new headache and challenge
I have just about every savage upgrade avalable and I just picked up a MDT XRS chassis ..
I run the fireball cartridges out of my savage with
barrel swapping I have some pac-nor barrels..currently my rifle is sporting a 17fireball barrel..
This was an expensive Frankinrifle. But I love it now its perfectly comfortable, and completely tailored to my goofy body shape..short, and round..hahaha even my stubby T-rex arms dont need to stretch, or crane my neck any more...I would suggest picking on a chassis system for your savage to anyone..even if its a 17hmr or 22lr ..they are a good investment and you will get most of your money out of it during resale..if that day comes...
I tend to get bord once they are shooting and sell them off for a new headache and challenge
I love shooting the heavy bullets in 223...I think those bullets allow you to do crazy things out at 300yrds and beyond
D-4297
Gold $$ Contributor
If you are serious about going full-time to TR , and shooting at 1,000 also . Then the "real" answer to your question is to Build , or buy a rifle a rifle capable of shooting at 1,000 yards to begin with .
I have gone through this with my shooting "Bud" with both a Savage factory FTR Rifle , and a Rem 700 .
For the Savage ; He shot it until the Barrel wore out , and we put a 1-10 Criterion on , chambered to the 2013 TR Reamer . Had to re-work the trigger with available after-market parts to make it acceptable to the lighter and smoother trigger pull most TR shooters require . Had to re-work the Bolt ramps , to reduce the Cocking pressure , to where it would open and close with only very light two-finger pressure . We also had to Dremel the stock out to accept more weight , as in J/B Weld and Lead Buckshot in the fore-arm and re-did the Pillars and Bedding . Then ; It shot like a good TR Rifle .
The Rem 700 came with a 1-10 twist barrel , as it was a "Built-for" TR Rifle , and only some minor Mods were necessary , as it had to be Re-bedded due to a very poor bedding & Pillar job . A Jewell trigger was added , and then it was just a matter of polishing this , or filing that , to get the smooth operation required . Both rifles shot very good , when all the things were done to them , and both are still being shot in competition some four years later .
Personally ; I would go with the Rem 700 , if you can locate a "GOOD" action , and have access to a knowledgeable Gunsmith in your area , or are capable of doing much of the minor work yourself .
I have gone through this with my shooting "Bud" with both a Savage factory FTR Rifle , and a Rem 700 .
For the Savage ; He shot it until the Barrel wore out , and we put a 1-10 Criterion on , chambered to the 2013 TR Reamer . Had to re-work the trigger with available after-market parts to make it acceptable to the lighter and smoother trigger pull most TR shooters require . Had to re-work the Bolt ramps , to reduce the Cocking pressure , to where it would open and close with only very light two-finger pressure . We also had to Dremel the stock out to accept more weight , as in J/B Weld and Lead Buckshot in the fore-arm and re-did the Pillars and Bedding . Then ; It shot like a good TR Rifle .
The Rem 700 came with a 1-10 twist barrel , as it was a "Built-for" TR Rifle , and only some minor Mods were necessary , as it had to be Re-bedded due to a very poor bedding & Pillar job . A Jewell trigger was added , and then it was just a matter of polishing this , or filing that , to get the smooth operation required . Both rifles shot very good , when all the things were done to them , and both are still being shot in competition some four years later .
Personally ; I would go with the Rem 700 , if you can locate a "GOOD" action , and have access to a knowledgeable Gunsmith in your area , or are capable of doing much of the minor work yourself .
NZ_Fclass
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a Savage in the XRS too. 6mmSLR. Bag rider at the rear is a little large, I may have to get a wider bag than my normal 5/8' Just working up loads, but initial tests at 600 are very promising. Timney trigger and Tru Flite barrel on mine.
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