'80's Savage 110 CL good to build from?

[bowslngr]

I have an opportunity to buy an old, shot-out 110CL from a guy for a pretty good price. Would be looking to build a really nice shooting varmit rig off of it. Was wondering what thoughts some of you might have on this.

Are these old Savage actions capable of really fine accuracy if put together with other decent componennts?

What limitations on triggers and/or stocks do I need to be aware of?

If I went the rouute of one of the aftermarket drop-in Savage barrels (Shilen, etc), do these work in the older Savage actions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: '80's Savage 110 CL good to build from?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bowslngr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">]Are these old Savage actions capable of really fine accuracy if put together with other decent componennts?</div></div>

Yes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What limitations on triggers and/or stocks do I need to be aware of?</div></div>

There aren't many widely available aftermarket tactical stocks for Savage long actions; Choate and the B&C Duramaxx are about it. Not sure if any of the above are offered for left-hand actions. But you can order a Manners, McMillian, Stockade, XLR, etc.

As for triggers, the 3-screw factory trigger can be tuned & lightened pretty nicely, or you can replace it with a SSS, Timney, or Basix trigger.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I went the route of one of the aftermarket drop-in Savage barrels (Shilen, etc), do these work in the older Savage actions?</div></div>

Yes.

Shilen makes a good barrel, but the best Savage prefit value on the market IMO is the Criterion (basically a button-rifled Krieger) available from Northland Shooters Supply. I have a Criterion .260 on a 10FP action, previously on an old flat-back 110 action, and it shoots great.

Barrel nut wrench, go-gage, scotch tape, a bench vise and some notched hardwood blocks are all you need to replace the barrel yourself...although an action vise and no-go gage will make the job easier.

 

[bowslngr]

Re: '80's Savage 110 CL good to build from?

Thanks for the help. Sounds promising.

Would you expect the factory bolt to be GTG, or was there something different about them 30 years ago that would lead you to want to replace that key component?

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: '80's Savage 110 CL good to build from?

Factory bolt should be fine, although you *might* have to change the bolt face and/or magazine & follower depending on what caliber the gun was and what you want to convert it to (223, 308/30-06, magnum, etc).

You might prefer a larger bolt knob than the original; replacing it is a <5 minute DIY job with a large flat screwdriver.

Before you drop cash, I'd measure the action screws just to make sure they are a fuzz over 5" apart.