Should I buy the Savage F-Class TR or Just the Action

[lee1000]

I will be getting into F-Class and I'm not sure which way to go. Basically I want a Savage but I want a nicer stock. All of my guns a black guns and I just want something that is drop dead gorgeous.

Would it be cheaper to buy the whole rifle and then replace the stock but keep the action and barrel? I would sell the stock, is there a demand for non-bedded Savage F-Class TR stocks? Would it be worth $250?

Or, would it be better to buy the action and then put a Krieger 5R barrel on it? The Action is about $500 and barrel would be about $550, I would also have to pay for installation. I’m thinking that I should use the Savage factory barrel for load development and practice. Once I shootout the barrel I can replace it with an aftermarket one.

I’m fairly new to this so please let me know if I’m missing something.
The best option I think would be to get a Savage barreled action but that might not be possible. If it is possible please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Lee

 

[wvuredneck09]

You can't do load development with a different barrel as each barrel will be different, look into criterion drop in barrels for the action though, they are the button rifled krieger counterparts and come pre-chambered, just get a head space gauge and screw it onto your action, add stock and your done.

 

[Va Jim]

Lee

I started with the factory Savage FTR. Shot it and learned the game then once it was shot out got a new barrel. You can get a stock anytime. Ray Bowman makes a nice one, Precision Rifle and Tool.
Va Jim

 

[lee1000]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Josh11]

Your krieger barrel should run around 550 chambered. If that is what you meant. I think you could pick up a used action cheaper. My advice is to get exactly what you want. dont settle. I did and now I am paying the price. I bought a Savage f class in 6br and loved it. But now I own a BAT 6brx with a Bartline barrel and Shurley stock. I guess the bottom line is "buy what you can afford." Even if you have to wait a little longer and save a little more. It will be worth it in the end. It will save you a lot of time and eventually a lot of money. If you are bound and determind to get a Savage, buy the action, get a stock and get a custom barrel on it. Such as Kreiger, Bartline, Shilen or any other fine maker.

 

[lee1000]

@Josh11

What didn't you like about the Savage target action?

Unfortunately I don't reload yet so I still have to have a lot of money to spend on that. For right now I'm thinking the Savage will be more accurate than I am.

Thanks for the advice

 

[drybean]

for the ease of changing barrels & bolt heads
savage is the way to go,most of it is up to the driver &
the barrel
drybean

 

[Josh11]

Nothing wrong with them. I like the guns. Mine shot great. If you are not planning on reloading, I would go with the 308. 6br ammo is too expensive to buy in bulk.

 

[littlerascal56]

Buy the complete rifle...shoot it...and sell the barrell if you decide to go with a custom barrell. I sold the barrell off my Savage 12 BR (.308) for $260, and just had a custom McGowen 6BR built...28" Stainless...Savage BULL contour...1:8 throated for 105 AMAX bullets for $309.

You can sell that stock for $225 if you just cannot stand it, but it will shoot as is...just ask any of the guys on "Team Savage". If you got lots of cash to burn, go with a custom action/barrell/stock. You can always sell it later and get the Savage T/R, as it seems like the guys shooting those are whipping up on the custom rigs.

 

[boltfluter]

Buy the best you can afford the first time around and build from there. Paul.

Pro-precision-rifles.com

 

[Larryh128]

I don't think that you got any bad advice, but mine is to buy the factory rifle to start with and take the $ that you saved and invest in a reloading set up. That's the direction that you need to go. You'll never get to where you're going with factory ammo. Too expensive to start with & can't begin to compete with quality handloads.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Ditto on what Larry said, learn the game, learn to roll your own ammo. As you progress in your ability, you will know when it is time to upgrade in equipment. There is nothing wrong with starting in the basment so to speak, you have to start somewhere. But right now, buy the Savage, it will teach you good trigger control and execution. The extra money will help you get started with reloading. Don't waste your money on a kit, just do a lot reading and searching on the site, you should be able to formulate a good list of equipment that will get in the right direction. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are some very good ppl on here with a wealth of info to steer you in the right way.

 

[rain164845]

I don't think that you got any bad advice, but mine is to buy the factory rifle to start with and take the $ that you saved and invest in a reloading set up. That's the direction that you need to go. You'll never get to where you're going with factory ammo. Too expensive to start with & can't begin to compete with quality handloads.

This is what I would do if I were starting from scratch.