Savage Model 25

[findlay13]

I posted this on the varmint/hunting forum but I will ask here too.Has anyone got any experience/information on the Savage .223 model 25?I'm thinking of buying one so I thought I'd find out what I can here first.
I had a 10fp in .223 and have a MK11BV.22 and have no problems with the accuracy and quality of either but I have heard conflicting info regarding accuracy/quality of the model 25
Thanks.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I "had" my eye on a Model 40 in the 22 Hornet. Then the Model 25 came along. The only problem is the barrel can't be changed like the 110 Series Savage rifles.
When I saw the Model 25, it reminded me of my old Stevens single shot .410 shotgun.
The barrels are staked and can't be removed without going through a "major" project to get it done.
I can't see any reason why the Model 25 wouldn't be a good shooter. Just the fact that you would limit yourself to "that" caliber, keeps me from owning one. HTH. Mike.

 

[findlay13]

Thanks for the reply.I haven't seen the gun yet,only photos.I was just looking for some impressions of folks that have.One of the things that attracted me to it was that the action is scaled for the .223/.204,plus IMO it looks sweet.

 

[MrFurious]

Now Mike, I think just maybe you've become spoiled by the barrel nut arrangement. The M25 barrels can be changed, it's just not a DIY job like it is on the 110's.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Me, spoiled by the barrel nut arrangment?? You bet! :thumb:
Takes all of 10 minutes to change calibers and another 5 to switch bolt heads.
But you have to admit, the Model 25 and the Model 40 are "real" nice looking rigs. If they are as accurate as they are at looking good, they will be winners! They just need a barrel nut.

 

[1SHOT1KILL1]

I got one about a month ago, the thumbhole model in .204 Ruger. I topped it off with a Nikon 6-18x40 SF Buckmaster, I had on the shelf waiting on completion my .20BR build, set in Warne rings. I've made 3 range trips so far. 1 trip just to break in the barrel, then 2 trips to check loads with BLC2 and another with Benchmark, with 32gr V-Maxs. Nothing like bedding or adjusting the trigger,set at 2lbs 2oz out of the box) has been done to it.

It was easy to see which loads it didn't like, as they were in the 2"+ range. The loads it did seem to like, would put the first 3 shots into either a nice bughole or tiny clover leaf groups, at around 1/4",in the mid .2s) to just under 1/2",in the high .4s). I noticed that, as the barrel heated up, the 4th & 5th shot would open the groups,vertical stringing) to 3/4" or right at 1". Got a couple of more range trips to do, some different bullet test with Sierra 32gr BK and Nosler 32gr BT. Also I think I will shot 3 shots let it cool about 15-20 minutes and shoot the remaining 2 shots, to se if that helps.

I will say that I really like the looks and the feel of this rifle. It is an awesome rifle to shoot, such a mild if any recoil, LOP is perfect for me, and the T-hole is a perfect fit as well.

The only negative thing I can say is, that with my lower end test loads, the bolt felt a little sticky or hard when opening it on the fired case, but didn't do it on the high end loads.