Re: 7.62x39 bolt guns - whatch'ya got?
I have the Savage 7.62x39 10FCM Scout. I bought it as a fun rifle, a woodland deer rifle, a handloading project rifle to find accuracy in the cartridge with a rifle of sound and basically accurate construction, and a match trainer for my Grandkids. So far, nothing about the rifle has led me to consider that purchase to be a mistake.
With basic Tulmmo steelcase fodder and PMC Boxer primed FMJ, it runs at right around 1MOA-1 1/2MOA beyond 100yd, and gets consistent hits on a 10" gong at 250yd, which would be the max distance I'd want to be shooting it at for reasonable terminal effect. 110gr V-Max handloads are still a work in progress, but they shoot flatter, and look to be quite promising. For deer/hogs, the SRA 125gr Pro-Hunter Softpoint (designed for smaller cases like the .30-30) is probably just the ticket.
I removed the peep and Scout sight base, replacing it with Weaver conventional bases and rings and a Tasco 2.5-10x42 MilDot. The rifle showed enough reach and accuracy that I replaced this scope with a Tasco 6-24x42 MilDot for the longer distances, and it turned out to be a good combination for training the Grandkids about range estimation and longer shots.
For the kids, it's like a Cricket that grew up. For grownups, it a danged neat truck gun and probably a reliable hogbuster.
After putting a lot of time into 1Kyd shooting, my currently reachable faciliies are more modest, and I kinda think the LR cartridges are a bit of overkill at a maximum of 250yd. My match chambering is now .30BR, and my plinker/trainer is either .22lr or this Savage. They appear to fit this venue well.
I'm not going to try and pass this Scout off as a precision rifle. But for moderately less critical accuracy applicatons, and for reliable service with an economical eating habit; it's a keeper.
It's also a very nice compact rifle. The only thing a compensator would add is unneeded length; leave it off.
Greg
