First Target Rifle Purchase...Savage???

Sturdyman · February 16, 2011, 12:20 AM

Hello All,

I am new to the forum and have picked up a lot of information while lurking. I would like to purchase a very nice target rifle. I will be joining a club that has access to a rifle range out to 300 yards by the end of the month and need to make a purchase.

I am looking at the Savage 10 FCP HS Precision or the Savage 10 FCP McMillan. I truly can not tell the difference. I was looking at a Sako A7 and the Ruger M77 target and have come across a few areas of concern. I do not have a lot of money to buy a lot of guns so this has to be the one. The Sako has a plastic magazine that turns me off. The Ruger has issues with the trigger and flexing of the receiver. This Savage seems to do the trick. The Savage is also at the top of my price range. I can not go above $1000 to $1500. I still will need ammo and a very good sight.

Please comment on these choices and make recommendations. The rifle will be for target primarily and perhaps hunting from a stand, tower, or blind. I do believe in buying the best that you can with the funds that you have. I am not one to sell after a purchase. What I buy I keep.

Thank you for your time in advance.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 16, 2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

The Ruger has issues with the trigger and flexing of the receiver.

I'm not going to argue about buying a savage.. But where have you heard about issues with the ruger trigger and the reciever flexing??

Sturdyman · February 16, 2011, 12:44 AM

I did a search for reviews on the web and found a site buy Chuck somebody who does reviews. In the end you had to pay to read the extended review so I moved on. The trigger is a two stage trigger and might not be what he reviewer expected I will concede to that.

I am brand new to this type of shooting and know nothing, this is why I have posted for opinions from those who know.

I do not mean to offend. Pardon my ignorance.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 16, 2011, 12:57 AM

You referring to this review?

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_r..._savageM12.htm

If so, I have the model 12 VLP single shot and it's a superbly accurate rifle..

bamaranger · February 16, 2011, 03:42 AM

You will not be disappointed w/ a Savage as intro target rifle. The Savage is used by lots of competitive shooters who go way beyond 300 yds.

The platform (don't ya love buzzwords) is widely used and hot rod parts are plentiful.

You may want to look into a Savage build, if you can locate a beater 110 for the action. If case head sizes are compatible, a heavy barrel and replacement stock could save you additional money if installed locally. Case head issues can be solved also, but for additional cost.

I bought a a beater sporter 110 in .30-06, lucked into a .308 chambered heavy barrel cheap, and had a shooting buddy do the refit. An after market stock had me on a good start for a match/target rifle for a good bit less than $1000.

hootey · February 16, 2011, 04:26 PM

Bought a FV-12 when it first came out years ago. 22-250, put a 36x on it. The rifle is incredible. 300yd shots are no problem, none at all. Have not modified or changed anything. Added the scope and a Caldwell bipod. If I needed another target rifle, I would not hesitate to buy another Savage.

4runnerman · February 16, 2011, 04:57 PM

Savage here all the way. Out of the box accuracy matched by none.

M.O.A. · February 17, 2011, 02:08 AM

another for savage i dont think i well ever buy any other rifle

mc223 · February 17, 2011, 05:27 AM

Why not an AR?

precision_shooter · February 17, 2011, 08:54 AM

Take a look at the 10FCP with Choate Tactical Stock.
Here is mine I bought about 3 weeks ago.

Here is what I spent...

Rifle: Savage 10FCP Choate .308 Win - $649.99
Scope: Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm - $249.99 (on sale at SWFA.com)
Bases: Weaver 1-piece picatinny - $24.99
Rings: Leupold PRW 30mm - $49.99
Bi-Pod: Harris Bench Rest - $49.99
Total = $1,024.95 plus tax. This is well within your $1,500 budget and includes optics and all accessories.

tim s · February 17, 2011, 11:25 AM

The Savage offers much value but it somewhat depends on exactly what "target" means to you. If you're talking informal paper punching with the occaisional club match your good to go. I would also give serious thjought to the Remington 40X, which is in that range for a low milage example and probably the best of the bunch.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 17, 2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Why not an AR?

Not everyone needs an aluminum and plastic toy... We are talking about real rifles here...

mc223 · February 17, 2011, 08:18 PM

Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 17, 2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time.

Results don't lie...

Sturdyman · February 17, 2011, 08:34 PM

First off I would like to thank all of yo for you comments. I do not have many friends with this sort of knowledge and rely heavily on the web for my information. This will change soon as I will join a club by the end of this month.

Precision_Shooter thanks for the picture, this is how I would outfit my Savage 10 FCP once purchased. I have also looked at the 12 VLP DBM for hunting and will most likely have both in the .308 Win by summer.

As for what form of target shooting I will say any event that the Associated Gun Clubs of Maryland range offers. Paper and metal I will assume. They do offer a High Power Rifle clinic that I would like to participate in.

Besides the two Savage rifles that I have mentioned are there any other suggestions in the Savage line? At this point I am pretty much sold on Savage. Please give your reason for your suggestions. This will help me make a more informed decision.

4runnerman · February 17, 2011, 10:06 PM

Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time

Say What?????

P-990 · February 17, 2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

As for what form of target shooting I will say any event that the Associated Gun Clubs of Maryland range offers. Paper and metal I will assume. They do offer a High Power Rifle clinic that I would like to participate in.

An introductory to NRA-style Highpower clinic? You'll want to borrow a rifle from them for this, as a scoped, bench-tactical rifle isn't really well suited for this work. Actually, a basic A2-style AR-15 or M-1 Garand would work okay for this. Being able to reload the rifle for quickly and easily is important for sitting and 300 rapid (prone). I like my match AR-15 (Service Rifle) quite a bit for shooting prone at 300 and 600 yards.

Sorry, I get excited sometimes as Highpower is a sport I enjoy immensely.

The Savage should be a good shooting rifle. We have a local gunsmith who builds some long-range competition rifles on Savage actions. I believe he sometimes even uses the stock barrels if they shoot well and are of suitable contour. Add a bit of stock adjustment and some good aperture sights and they're ready to go.

.300 Weatherby Mag · February 18, 2011, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Why not an AR?

I guess sarcasm does not compute in Wisconson???

For one thing, the rifles we are talking about are far less $$$ than a comparably accurate AR.. Especially if we are talking about a .308 AR-10..

Quote:

Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time.

I really do hope you're joking...

4runnerman · February 18, 2011, 06:05 AM

Quote:
Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time.

I really do hope you're joking Guess im not sure what your referring too.

As you guess,Im not a fan of AR's.

Jim243 · February 18, 2011, 09:40 AM

4runnerman

I guess you and I are going to disagree on this Savage thing.

Actually a 0.28 MOA at 100 yards.

Yes there are a lot of good rifle manufacturers out there, but Savage is one of them on their top of the line and middle of the road rifles.

Jim

Sorry, I guess we do agree, miss read your post.

4runnerman · February 18, 2011, 10:28 AM

Awesome gun Jim.. I am a die hard Savage fan. Nothing comes close.

Im looking at a 6MMBR right now in Savage. Can't find to many if any one who has one though to get some first hand info on it.

I looked at getting a custom stock for mine too,but went with a custom barrel first and stock will be next

M.O.A. · February 18, 2011, 11:56 AM

just order it from savage at savage.com

4runnerman · February 18, 2011, 01:17 PM

The stock im looking at is part # 202-sv140 from eabco.com

Jim243 · February 18, 2011, 10:34 PM

That stock looks vaguely familiar. (LOL)

4runnerman · February 18, 2011, 10:50 PM

Sorry to the OP for stealing his post.So one last question for Jim, is that were you got your stock from?.

February 16, 2011, 12:20 AM	#1
Sturdyman Junior Member Join Date: February 15, 2011 Location: Baltimore, Maryland: The land of pleasant living..... Posts: 14	First Target Rifle Purchase...Savage??? Hello All, I am new to the forum and have picked up a lot of information while lurking. I would like to purchase a very nice target rifle. I will be joining a club that has access to a rifle range out to 300 yards by the end of the month and need to make a purchase. I am looking at the Savage 10 FCP HS Precision or the Savage 10 FCP McMillan. I truly can not tell the difference. I was looking at a Sako A7 and the Ruger M77 target and have come across a few areas of concern. I do not have a lot of money to buy a lot of guns so this has to be the one. The Sako has a plastic magazine that turns me off. The Ruger has issues with the trigger and flexing of the receiver. This Savage seems to do the trick. The Savage is also at the top of my price range. I can not go above $1000 to $1500. I still will need ammo and a very good sight. Please comment on these choices and make recommendations. The rifle will be for target primarily and perhaps hunting from a stand, tower, or blind. I do believe in buying the best that you can with the funds that you have. I am not one to sell after a purchase. What I buy I keep. Thank you for your time in advance.

February 16, 2011, 03:42 AM	#5
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,312	good choice You will not be disappointed w/ a Savage as intro target rifle. The Savage is used by lots of competitive shooters who go way beyond 300 yds. The platform (don't ya love buzzwords) is widely used and hot rod parts are plentiful. You may want to look into a Savage build, if you can locate a beater 110 for the action. If case head sizes are compatible, a heavy barrel and replacement stock could save you additional money if installed locally. Case head issues can be solved also, but for additional cost. I bought a a beater sporter 110 in .30-06, lucked into a .308 chambered heavy barrel cheap, and had a shooting buddy do the refit. An after market stock had me on a good start for a match/target rifle for a good bit less than $1000.

February 16, 2011, 04:26 PM	#6
hootey Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: Greater Northwest Posts: 244	Target rifle Bought a FV-12 when it first came out years ago. 22-250, put a 36x on it. The rifle is incredible. 300yd shots are no problem, none at all. Have not modified or changed anything. Added the scope and a Caldwell bipod. If I needed another target rifle, I would not hesitate to buy another Savage.

February 16, 2011, 04:57 PM	#7
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Savage here all the way. Out of the box accuracy matched by none. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

February 17, 2011, 08:54 AM	#10
precision_shooter Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 2,475	Take a look at the 10FCP with Choate Tactical Stock. Here is mine I bought about 3 weeks ago. Here is what I spent... Rifle: Savage 10FCP Choate .308 Win - $649.99 Scope: Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm - $249.99 (on sale at SWFA.com) Bases: Weaver 1-piece picatinny - $24.99 Rings: Leupold PRW 30mm - $49.99 Bi-Pod: Harris Bench Rest - $49.99 Total = $1,024.95 plus tax. This is well within your $1,500 budget and includes optics and all accessories. __________________ "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms...disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes...Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." - Thomas Jefferson, 1776

February 16, 2011, 12:44 AM	#3
Sturdyman Junior Member Join Date: February 15, 2011 Location: Baltimore, Maryland: The land of pleasant living..... Posts: 14	I did a search for reviews on the web and found a site buy Chuck somebody who does reviews. In the end you had to pay to read the extended review so I moved on. The trigger is a two stage trigger and might not be what he reviewer expected I will concede to that. I am brand new to this type of shooting and know nothing, this is why I have posted for opinions from those who know. I do not mean to offend. Pardon my ignorance.

February 16, 2011, 12:57 AM	#4
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	You referring to this review? http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_r..._savageM12.htm If so, I have the model 12 VLP single shot and it's a superbly accurate rifle..

February 17, 2011, 02:08 AM	#8
M.O.A. Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2011 Location: south indiana Posts: 555	another for savage i dont think i well ever buy any other rifle

February 17, 2011, 05:27 AM	#9
mc223 Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: n/w Wisconsin Posts: 365	Why not an AR?

February 17, 2011, 11:25 AM	#11
tim s Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2011 Posts: 223	The Savage offers much value but it somewhat depends on exactly what "target" means to you. If you're talking informal paper punching with the occaisional club match your good to go. I would also give serious thjought to the Remington 40X, which is in that range for a low milage example and probably the best of the bunch.

February 17, 2011, 08:18 PM	#13
mc223 Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: n/w Wisconsin Posts: 365	Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time.

February 17, 2011, 08:34 PM	#15
Sturdyman Junior Member Join Date: February 15, 2011 Location: Baltimore, Maryland: The land of pleasant living..... Posts: 14	First off I would like to thank all of yo for you comments. I do not have many friends with this sort of knowledge and rely heavily on the web for my information. This will change soon as I will join a club by the end of this month. Precision_Shooter thanks for the picture, this is how I would outfit my Savage 10 FCP once purchased. I have also looked at the 12 VLP DBM for hunting and will most likely have both in the .308 Win by summer. As for what form of target shooting I will say any event that the Associated Gun Clubs of Maryland range offers. Paper and metal I will assume. They do offer a High Power Rifle clinic that I would like to participate in. Besides the two Savage rifles that I have mentioned are there any other suggestions in the Savage line? At this point I am pretty much sold on Savage. Please give your reason for your suggestions. This will help me make a more informed decision. Last edited by Sturdyman; February 17, 2011 at 08:42 PM.

February 17, 2011, 10:06 PM	#16
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time Say What????? __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

February 18, 2011, 06:05 AM	#19
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Quote: Can't be talking real rifles and Savage at the same time. I really do hope you're joking Guess im not sure what your referring too. As you guess,Im not a fan of AR's. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

February 18, 2011, 09:40 AM	#20
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	4runnerman I guess you and I are going to disagree on this Savage thing. Actually a 0.28 MOA at 100 yards. Yes there are a lot of good rifle manufacturers out there, but Savage is one of them on their top of the line and middle of the road rifles. Jim Sorry, I guess we do agree, miss read your post. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum Last edited by Jim243; February 18, 2011 at 09:50 AM.

February 18, 2011, 10:28 AM	#21
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Awesome gun Jim.. I am a die hard Savage fan. Nothing comes close. Im looking at a 6MMBR right now in Savage. Can't find to many if any one who has one though to get some first hand info on it. I looked at getting a custom stock for mine too,but went with a custom barrel first and stock will be next __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

February 18, 2011, 11:56 AM	#22
M.O.A. Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2011 Location: south indiana Posts: 555	just order it from savage at savage.com

February 18, 2011, 01:17 PM	#23
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	The stock im looking at is part # 202-sv140 from eabco.com __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

February 18, 2011, 10:34 PM	#24
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	That stock looks vaguely familiar. (LOL) __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

February 18, 2011, 10:50 PM	#25
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Sorry to the OP for stealing his post.So one last question for Jim, is that were you got your stock from?. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional