Savage Target Action Selection

[SierraCJ5]

Gents,

I've been shooting F Class for a year or so and feel it may be time to move towards a dedicated build. I've been using a Savage sporter action with fair success and feel the Savage target action offers reasonable value and performance for my level of shooting. My question is this, I'm not sure if any one configuration offers significant benefit over another. I'm used to the right bolt-right port configuration but wonder if I would benefit from either a right bolt-left port or right bolt-dual port arrangement.

I do like the idea of ejecting to the right and loading from the left. Is the dual port worth it?

I also understand there are a few bolt spacing options available. Do either offer any benefit over the other in terms of stock availability/options or easier tuning?

Thanks for the input,
Jeff

 

[Phil3]

I am pretty sure the dual port action has 3.440" screw spacing, which limits you on stocks (from my brief research). You can get more info at www.sharpshootersupply.com or www.savageshooters.com.

I have long considered the right bolt, left port action, but realize now that one's shooting style should be considered. You need your left hand to load, and if your hand is on the rear bag, that hand needs to move from under the stock to the port and back. I don't know enough about how BR shooters hang onto the "controls" of the gun, but if was using a squeeze bag, I am not sure I would want to keep moving my left hand back and forth. Maybe BR shooters have their left hand fairly free (i.e., to operate a co-axial rest). The dual port has the same issue (load from left).

I would like to hear what you decide on and why.

Phil

 

[normmatzen]

I just bought a Savage twin port PTA. And, it does have a bastard bolt spacing, but I also bought a new stock and Whidden chassis for it.

That said, SSS claims the twin port actions are not as stiff as the single port ones and he will (as I'm sure any competent accuracy gunsmith can) cut a second port in it.

 

[broncman]

I shoot FTR and use a firm hold, breaking position with one hand is bad enough.....darn sure I do not want to break position with both. Bench shooting might be different.

 

[SierraCJ5]

Sounds like a conventional right port/eject action would be best for F class and my style. I do squeeze the bag with my left hand and prefer as little position disruption as possible; so yes, I agree that feeding from the left would complicate this. I've never had a problem with the conventional right port arrangement thus far and it seems best suited for me. The appeal of the dual port is probably part novelty and the ability to crank the bolt while feeding from the left which has a place in bench rest but not F class with the slow pace of fire.

Am I correct in assuming the 4.4 spacing is more common?

 

[BoydAllen]

Actually, since your left arm will not be in a sling, but only squeezing the bag, a non target Left bolt left port would give the least disruption of your position...I think. I know, very unconventional, but think it for a while before pushing the reject button. Think your way through the movements, or better yet, borrow a rifle, get into position and do some dry firing.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I shoot right bolt, right port in F/TR. I run the rifle without breaking position, just bought a RB,RP Savage Target Action that will be used for a heavy benchrifle. I pondered the thought of a RB,LP, but like the way I run my other RB, RP, actions on the bench, so just could not change. Maybe 1 day. ;D

 

[Nomad47]

I only shoot from a bench and I really like my RB LP Savage PTA. But I don't need to shoot rapid fire or squeeze a bag for my type of shooting.
When hunting groundhogs and after the barrel is warm from a couple fired rounds, I lay the next loaded round in front of the bolt but I don't chamber it until I see the next groundhog. Being a right handed shooter and having a left port lets me see if a loaded round is sitting in front of the bolt. Picking an empty case out (no ejector spring) is also easier from the left side.

 

[rvn1968]

I have always been right/right but I am considering the concept of never moving my trigger hand.I think that I can teach my left hand to operate a bolt and feed a round.If I have the rifle built DBM then the choice is equal. FWIW Tom.

 

[DMC]

I'd agree with Boyd,
I'm a left handed shooter but i shoot a right port/right bolt Savage action ( non target action ) 6mm Dasher off the bench, seems strange to other shooters but i have no trouble using my right hand on the bolt , left hand stays on the grip, right hand loads and uses front rest, i sort of prefer it it that way now, the benefit with a right port action for a left hand shooter or visa versa, is you have a clean view of the port/ chamber which shooting from the bench makes loading a breeze,

Safe Shooting

DMC

 

[SierraCJ5]

Excellent input and good things to consider. The LB LP option for a right handed shooter does make sense. Might give that option more consideration.

 

[BoydAllen]

You guys are well above average. (Talk about damning with faint praise ;-)Most shooters reject the idea without giving it any real thought. Carrying it a bit farther, since virtually all heavy barrel varmint rifles are intended to be shot off of a rest of some sort (Who uses a heavy .22-250 to shoot off hand at rimfire distances?) the same setup would apply for right handed varmint shooters shooting from bench or bipod. If one is doing a build based on something like a Remington short action, a LH action would be handier than a RH. OK your thinking outside of the box lesson is over....for now.

 

[mao0720]

If you go with the dual port, you could try both ways and stick with whichever you prefer without having to switch out a receiver. I dont think youd give up that much rigidity since the action is still solid on top. Just a though.

 

[M-61]

Gents,

I've been shooting F Class for a year or so and feel it may be time to move towards a dedicated build. I've been using a Savage sporter action with fair success and feel the Savage target action offers reasonable value and performance for my level of shooting. My question is this, I'm not sure if any one configuration offers significant benefit over another. I'm used to the right bolt-right port configuration but wonder if I would benefit from either a right bolt-left port or right bolt-dual port arrangement.

I do like the idea of ejecting to the right and loading from the left. Is the dual port worth it?

I also understand there are a few bolt spacing options available. Do either offer any benefit over the other in terms of stock availability/options or easier tuning?

Thanks for the input,
Jeff

In response to your 3rd paragraph: The action screw spacing is a bit confusing. ( At least to me).
SSS does not list the 3.44 spacing.(see post from Phil3) It surely exists. I have two. However from what I can figure out if you order just the action from Savage you will get the 4.400. If you have a Savage 12 or an LRPV the spacing is 3.44....The serial number alone will not tell you what you actually might get. From what I have read there seems to be no way of figuring this short of having the action and a ruler in front of you. There is probably a change date but it has alluded me. I was told by SSS that the 3.44 was a Palma action. I have no idea what they actually meant.
I am referring to Savage 'short' actions. And I know there are FOUR possibles in the short actions from what I can figure out, although only two are real possibilities when looking at recent manufacture.

 

[MQ1]

Like DMC, I'm a lefty in a right handed world.

That said, I now have a rifle ready for F-Class that is left hand.

I also have a left handed bolt action hunting rifle.

Having shot right handed rifles like DMC, I agree with him that there is no appreciable disadvantage in shooting off the bench or a rest with a right handed rifle (being shot left handed), and like DMC, I found I can work a bolt and keep very stable shooting that way.

Too bad the Savage does not come in a left bolt, left port configuration for you to try out.

I cannot say the same for a shoulder fired hunting rifle, however


MQ1

 

[kyreloader]

I'd agree with Boyd,
I'm a left handed shooter but i shoot a right port/right bolt Savage action ( non target action ) 6mm Dasher off the bench, seems strange to other shooters but i have no trouble using my right hand on the bolt , left hand stays on the grip, right hand loads and uses front rest, i sort of prefer it it that way now, the benefit with a right port action for a left hand shooter or visa versa, is you have a clean view of the port/ chamber which shooting from the bench makes loading a breeze,

Safe Shooting

DMC

I do exactly the same thing. I shoot left handed, but I am right handed. I find I can keep my left hand on the rifle and manipulate the bolt/joystick rest with my right/dominate hand. I shoot a right bolt/right port.

Works very well for me as I don't come off the gun during my string.