Savage

[jeffll45]

Let me say I'm Savage illiterate first of all. Do not know much about them. A buddy has a model 10 that is a shooter. I do know that. My question is what are the difference between model 10 model 12 or better yet a Savage run down. Also what about the Axis? Heard some say Accu trigger will work on these others say no trigger will work on them. Are the Axis accurate, large or small shank, barrel nut and are actions smooth?

 

[DennisH]

Jeff,

You might have better luck with your question at savageshooters.com

 

[fredhorace77]

The differences in models can be researched by simply visiting savages website.

 

[Justin1098]

A complete answer would be very long. Here is a short one.
12 is varmint/target type rifles
10/11 is standard hunting and some tactical models
axis is cheap entry level hunting type

there isn't much difference between 10/11/12 except the 12 models with single shot precision target actions and very light triggers.

 

[jonbearman]

I own 10's,12 and the target action which is large shank.There are some magnum models which are also large shank.I would stay away from the axis as it is a watered down rifle for beginners. If you are going to build ,get a small shank as barrels are easier to come by .Jim Briggs at northland shooters supply can answer all your questions as he is extremely knowledgable. His number is 1-763-682-4296.

 

[rjtfroggy]

There are basicly no difference in the actions except for the finish, be it blue matte or stainless. The target action is a little different with lighter triggers and some with dual port.
All two digit models 10-16 are short action and all three digit models 110-116 are long action.
The Axis are an entry level gun with a very limited supply of aftermarket parts.The accu trigger does not fit and the barrels are small shank that come right off the savage line, so no difference in quality there. I don't own one so I can't give much info.

 

[jhelmuth]

A complete answer would be very long. Here is a short one.
12 is varmint/target type rifles
10/11 is standard hunting and some tactical models
axis is cheap entry level hunting type

there isn't much difference between 10/11/12 except the 12 models with single shot precision target actions and very light triggers.

There are basicly no difference in the actions except for the finish, be it blue matte or stainless. The target action is a little different with lighter triggers and some with dual port.
All two digit models 10-16 are short action and all three digit models 110-116 are long action.
The Axis are an entry level gun with a very limited supply of aftermarket parts.The accu trigger does not fit and the barrels are small shank that come right off the savage line, so no difference in quality there. I don't own one so I can't give much info.

Justin and froggy give a pretty decent run-down on the Savage line. I can only "add" that there are 3 groups of Accu-trigger (PTA - Precision Target Action [lightest and "best"] - Varmit (and non-hunting) [pull weights down to 1.5 #] - and the std. Accu-trigger [pull weights down to 2.5 #]

The model 12's are considered to be the top line, but there are a couple of model 10's which use the PTA as well (tactical models). Axis are to be avoided as there are no real upgrade/build paths for that line (look to the Stevens models for a low-cost entry model to build on). Model 12 actions also seem to be more carefully produced and are less prone to having things like base mounting holes drilled off-line of the bore axis. PTA actions are rarely problematic in production.

Barrels are not considered to be different, but this is NOT the reality. While they do have the same mfg. model, the higher end target models have speciffically longer barrels which get the best craftsmen in production (straightening, etc.) and you can tell the difference at the range (those target barrels are almost equal to many aftermarket barrels in accuracy - but still are sub-par quality in terms of copper fouling, etc.)

Other than the HS Precission, McMillen, and laminated stocks, the factory Savage (plastic) stocks are throw-aways. The laminated stocks are OK, but many need some TLC in the action area to really bring the Savage legendary accuracy to fruition (most folks will skim bed them as they are ALL pillar bedded to begin with).

In general, most folks know that a model 12 will be a shooter out of the box (more-often-than-not) and/or can be tweaked easily to be an accruate shooter.

The "best" thing about Savages are that you don't need to be a gun smith to tweak them and make even a entry level (Stevens) a real shooter. Between the floating bolt-head and barrel-nut (adjustable headspacing), you can easily tweeak a savage with a little bit of knowledge and skill.


PS - froggy was a little incorrect in that the PTA actions are not at all like the other model 10/11/12 actions. ALL PTA actions are a more solid design with ports. They are also Large Shank only.

 

[nhm16]

Like others said, I would stay away from the Axis line. There is very little aftermarket support for the Axis, except maybe for barrels. The prior budget line, the Stevens 200, is a much better base to build on, it's basically a blued Savage long or short action with a pre-AccuTrigger trigger. I got mine for $187 from my local Academy, and even though the scope base holes are off centered, I built a fine shooting budget tactical style rifle on one using a Manners MCS-T stock that I got a good price on. a new trigger, recoil lug, and factory DBM bottom metal from Sharpshooter Supply, and a McGowen .260 Rem. barrel I had retired from F-Class competition and chopped down to 24". I fixed the off-centered problem by using the Burris Signature Zee rings and the offset inserts.

 

[jeffll45]

Thanks for the info fellas. Probably going to look at the Stevens 200. So where are some good places to look for stocks n barrels? Can the factory trigger be tuned? Looking to build a new toy and not really break the bank either. Probably going for 24" barrel and a sporter style stock and make a new walk around gun.

 

[placek59]

For stocks, depending on what you want, Boyd's gunstocks have worked pretty good for me. I have a couple of their laminate thumbhome varmint stocks. You will need to bed them, but mine are really good for the money spent (about 125 tyd).

For barrels, look to Jim Briggs at Northlander. He sells lots of savage parts and you can find him on savageshooters.com . He sells Criterion (Krieger's buttoned barrels) and Shilen prefits, and a few factory take-offs. I'm not sure what he usually has on hand for sporter barrels...
Also, keep an eye on the classifieds here as there are often parts available especially sporter barrels since many folks build varmint/target rifles with the actions. Many factory barrels are pretty accurate for hunting guns

The factory trigger can be tuned a little bit to make them serviceable for a hunting rifle, but probably not much better than 3# or so.... ymmv There are some good aftermarkets in the 100-150 range. Such as the SSS comp and the Rifle Basix Sav2.

I would just shoot the rifle first. It may surprise you!

 

[gotcha]

A short action will give you more choices in stocks. Stockade stocks, Stocky's stocks. Long action will facilitate a wider selection of cartridges now or upon re-barrel. Check out tacticalworks.com parts. Go to savage shooters forum for many more suppliers. Northland shooters supply (763) 682-4296 Jim Briggs An honest, knowledgeable Savage expert. Be aware Savage/Stevens actions vary widley in smoothness of bolt operation. Particularly bolt lift on ejection. Personally I wouldn't buy one unless I had the oppourtunity to operate the action. I & friends bought 3 Stevens actions recently & bolt smoothness varied widely among the 3. I enjoy my Savages & got great satisfaction building them. But be aware of potential issues w/ bolt lift & smoothness. Don't learn the hard way If you're a "hands on" kinda guy you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience. Good luck!