Savage 12FV + Criterion Barrel

[lazyMlazyK]

This is my 6.5CM build, using a Savage 12FV action, Criterion 26" heavy palma stainless 1:8 twist barrel. I've been working on this rifle for a little while now, and finally got to shoot it last night. All I wanted to do was get my usual break-in done - i.e. shoot one, clean barrel, shoot one, clean barrel, etc. I haven't started load development yet for this rifle, but had some 6.5 CM 143gr ELD-X ammo left over that I had loaded up for my T/C Compass in 6.5CM, so I figured it would be perfect for break-in. These are rounds 5-10 and 15-20 through the rifle, and the squares are 1". Shot at 100 yards, but not bad for not having any load development done yet, and with hunting bullets. I'm looking forward to what this rifle will do with 140 ELD-Ms and Lapua brass. I adjusted the scope slightly between the two groups. The new rifle has a total of 30 rounds down the tube now.

 

[Nealm66]

I put a criterion 22 creedmoor on a 12fv. I put it in an oryx. Crazy accurate and fun to shoot

 

[EOD Rob]

A lot of people turn their noses up at the Savage 12FV action for custom builds. I myself have 6 built on them and they all shoot very well. Playing your cards right, you can get a really good shooting rifle w/o glasses for just over $1000. Call me cheap if you want to, but I'm still shooting bug holes. LOL

 

[6bra1k]

savage is ok for those that accept "good" accuracy.
the magazine cut actions suck, the target/single shot actions are ok, but still not
in the custom action class

 

[lazyMlazyK]

savage is ok for those that accept "good" accuracy.
the magazine cut actions suck, the target/single shot actions are ok, but still not
in the custom action class

I'm just trying to get my feet wet with some competitions this year. If I find that I enjoy it and want to dive deeper into competitions, I might do a more serious build with a custom action. Time will tell! I know alot of folks like to dog on the Savage actions...

 

[Rick300]

savage is ok for those that accept "good" accuracy.
the magazine cut actions suck, the target/single shot actions are ok, but still not
in the custom action class

They aren't in the custom action price range either. I have some Savage's that will shoot right along with the customs, but they certainly aren't as smooth or have as good a trigger. However for varmint shooting they are hard to beat.

 

[gtl1946]

Couldn’t have said it better Rick300 ! They aren’t a piece of garbage nor are they a $1500action that is the START of a custom build and the owner is very happy with their purchase and its performance. They will stay on the heels of a custom.

 

[M-61]

savage is ok for those that accept "good" accuracy.
the magazine cut actions suck, the target/single shot actions are ok, but still not
in the custom action class

I have 3 Savage target actions. All 3 that I have will shoot (with me being the shooter) in the 2's and will shoot in the 1's and have many times. If there is a problem with that it's me. Maybe that falls under your definition of "good" accuracy. Not mine. For me it's great for short BR which I shoot. Those are all of course 5 shot groups.
I'm just a run-of-the-mill shooter with no expert knowledge or ability. I only comment on what I own and have used.
They are all single shot, so I have no knowledge of those with magazines (sucking or not)
If I feel like putting together another one, Savage would be first choice, but since I switch barrels now I've no need for another action.
And I'll add I like their trigger.

 

[6bra1k]

They aren't in the custom action price range either. I have some Savage's that will shoot right along with the customs, but they certainly aren't as smooth or have as good a trigger. However for varmint shooting they are hard to beat.

if you are going to CLAIM you can shoot with the customs... COME ON OUT TO A MATCH AND prove it. i have owned and shot savage rifles both mag and single shot.. i sold all the mag fed but one they are poor bases for a accurate rifle PERIOD. i have 2 single shot savages one an ftr one a lrpv both shoot very well.
my comments are based on facts and targets not hopeful opinion.

 

[M-61]

Doesn't SAVAGE have a team that shoots competitively and does so against any other actions and they do exceptionally well?

 

[ssv1761982]

How did this go from a guy happy with what he’s done to somebody crapping on it? Of course it’s not a real benchrest rifle. What’s the percent of Benchrest competition shooters to the rest of the shooting population?

 

[Rick300]

if you are going to CLAIM you can shoot with the customs... COME ON OUT TO A MATCH AND prove it. i have owned and shot savage rifles both mag and single shot.. i sold all the mag fed but one they are poor bases for a accurate rifle PERIOD. i have 2 single shot savages one an ftr one a lrpv both shoot very well.
my comments are based on facts and targets not hopeful opinion.

Not trying to get in a pissing match, I'm agreeing with the OP that a Savage with a Criterion barrel will indeed shoot VERY good. And, I never said anything about shooting a match with one. I do shoot long range BR and before I got my Alex Wheeler custom, I shot the Savage and did ok. At our local matches Savages do very well and those who dismiss them soon learn to regret that. I understand it's fashionable to bash Savages, but see them for what they are and I think they can be a very good choice.
OP - I built a Savage FV with an Oryx chassis myself in 20 Practical. I removed the ejector and put a single shot sled in it. It's stupid accurate for the price

 

[TheCZKid]

Not trying to get in a pissing match, I'm agreeing with the OP that a Savage with a Criterion barrel will indeed shoot VERY good.

I've been thinking of building my own first bolt action rifle myself, and 20 Practical is the possible caliber. I'm not going to use it as a match rifle, just shooting sage rats and perhaps a coyote or two. In my own case, money is an issue, as I don't have a lot of it!

Plus, I want to build it myself, including installing the barrel, bedding the stock, everything. So I'm looking at a Savage short action, and would be excited to have it be very accurate when I'm done. I'd hope to share the achievement of building my first rifle on here, and show the accuracy, and not have it bashed because it's built on a Savage action.

Seems there's a pretty large variance of shooters on this site, both for what they will use the gun for (varmint shooting vs benchrest competition, or long range, etc.) and a HUGE difference in what people can afford to invest into a rifle!

lazyMlazyK I appreciate your sharing your excitement about the successful build, and that it's looking to be a very accurate rifle when you do loads for it! Great job, thanks for the share!

 

[spudgun]

Savage Model 12, 6.5 CM, Brux barrel, Vortex GE and Boyds stock.

1000 YD target.

LazyMlazyk, They will shoot...

​

 

[mauser284]

I've been thinking of building my own first bolt action rifle myself, and 20 Practical is the possible caliber. I'm not going to use it as a match rifle, just shooting sage rats and perhaps a coyote or two. In my own case, money is an issue, as I don't have a lot of it!

Plus, I want to build it myself, including installing the barrel, bedding the stock, everything. So I'm looking at a Savage short action, and would be excited to have it be very accurate when I'm done. I'd hope to share the achievement of building my first rifle on here, and show the accuracy, and not have it bashed because it's built on a Savage action.

Seems there's a pretty large variance of shooters on this site, both for what they will use the gun for (varmint shooting vs benchrest competition, or long range, etc.) and a HUGE difference in what people can afford to invest into a rifle!

lazyMlazyK I appreciate your sharing your excitement about the successful build, and that it's looking to be a very accurate rifle when you do loads for it! Great job, thanks for the share!

Everyone should do at least 1 semi-custom build at least once. Nothing makes it easier and more approachable than a Savage be it 110, 10, 11, 12 etc...

 

[DLT]

if you are going to CLAIM you can shoot with the customs... COME ON OUT TO A MATCH AND prove it. i have owned and shot savage rifles both mag and single shot.. i sold all the mag fed but one they are poor bases for a accurate rifle PERIOD. i have 2 single shot savages one an ftr one a lrpv both shoot very well.
my comments are based on facts and targets not hopeful opinion.

Rule no.1 Don’t be a d!ck, you have beeped in twice bashing a man’s built rifle. Not everyone wants, needs, or can pay for a full blown custom. Go brag elsewhere.

+++EDIT+++. I went on a rant over a pecker neck on a old thread who hasn’t been seen since sept. My fault lol

 

[Cfshooter]

I have a few 12FV’s and they shoot great! They still have factory barrels and do well in 300 and 600 yard FTR.

 

[dusterdave173]

498 yards with off the shelf Savage 223
Sometimes we forget why we shoot--if you just want tiny groups --yes a custom will usually out shoot a store bought--but if you want to have Fun --most any will do
Have fun guys!
I LIKE my Savage

 

[jpx2rk]

Congrats to OP.

I have swapped barrels on a couple/three FV12 actions with a couple FV12's still holding the original barrels. All shoot "good enough" for me and bustin' varmints. I've enjoyed the process of learning how to swap barrels, set the headspace, and do load development. It all depends on what your intended purpose/use is for. Enjoy.

 

[jpx2rk]

498 yards with off the shelf Savage 223
Sometimes we forget why we shoot--if you just want tiny groups --yes a custom will usually out shoot a store bought--but if you want to have Fun --most any will do
Have fun guys!
I LIKE my Savage

My longest is 520 yds back in '18 on a pdog in SD. FV12 223, all OEM. It's still OEM except for the stock, and is loaded in the back of the truck as I type this, leaving to hopefully ruin the day on several sage rats. LOL