Re: New Savage 338 Lapua
I finally got to shoot one of the new whiz-bang 110 model Savages this week at my cousin's property in the mountains, but it was the .300 WM rather than the .338. Topped with one of my Bushnell 3200 10Xs. He had just picked it up and we shot it right out of the box after a quick cleaning, torquing everything down, and mounting one of my Bushys on it - he hadn't even bought a scope yet. We cleaned it after zeroing at 100 paces (my 100 yard pace is almost exactly 100 yards) and fired the cheap - but good - factory ammo he had in five shot groups at 100 and 150. It was easily sub MOA with Federal PowerShoks, and was way under on a couple of the groups. I haven't shot much in the last few months due to work and school so I wasn't expecting miracles, especially considering the quickie setup and cleaning and the lower end ammo. I'd imaging it would easily shoot .5 or better when properly setup, with good ammo, and with more practice. Quick observations:
1. Not as heavy as I expected. Didn't have the kind of heft it looked like it would (nothing near a Badger M2000 with a 20" no-taper pipe
)
2. Was able to shoot unsupported fairly well, decent balance, surprisingly enough.
3. Will be a very, very accurate rifle once broken in and set up properly with a bipod (we had to use <span style="font-style: italic">real </span>sandbags).
4. Trigger was awesome, of course. Typical AccuTrigger ... very clean, light break with almost no noticeable over-travel - hope it doesn't keep uncocking like mine.
5. Recoil was quite tolerable. Having gotten rid of my M70 .300WM cuz it was a beast, I can safely say the brake works very well.
6. It is ugly as hell. I mean seriously hideous.
7. The side rails would be useless weight for most people. Strange thing to put on a precision rifle, imho. Others will disagree, I'm sure.
8. Action was smooth like all the heavy tactical Savage actions I've worked, with no grit or grind.
9. Did I mention it was ugly?
I may get to shoot it again once deer season opens up, and if so I'll make sure I bring the guy a range finder, some high end HPBTs, and I'll get pics.