Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

[Saiga76]

I have been saving money for a while now to purchase a new bolt action rifle. I would like to have something for target shooting and possibly varmint hunting. I have narrowed my search down to these two rifles so far:

Savage Model 10FP .308 or the Savage 10 BAS K .308.

I currently own a Remington 30.06 but I'm not interested in turning it into a sniper/Long range target rifle. I have been reading several articles on this site over the last couple of days and it is by far the best site I've seen. I would like a little feedback from people who have had any experience with either of these rifles before I lay down my $$. Thanks

 

[Snakum]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

I've shot the 10FP blind mag, the 10FP detachable mag, FCP-K, FCP McMillan, and the 110BAS in 300 Win Mag. Myself and a friend even shot the FCP-K and FCP McM side by side with different ammo. Across all the Savage rifles we/I shot the FCP-K was the most accurate as long as the stock was properly torqued. The FCP McMillan was second. And the FP10 models were third.

I haven't shot the .308 10BAT/S or 10BAT-K, but among your choices I'd have to vote for the humble 10FP. I haven't seen one yet that wasn't easily sub MOA all day right out of the box, with factory ammo. And you can find them new for around $650.

 

[Saiga76]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

Thats kind of what I was thinking too. I guess I can always order a better after market barrel and action later on after I learn the ropes and get a feel for the rifle. I appreciate your response!

 

[spts05]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

i purchased a remington sps tac. and it shoots sub moa out of the box. it is light, short, and easy to carry.

 

[jakerz3]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

I think you would be good to find a good action and build from there. Whether it be remington, savage, howa, etc.. In the end, it will be cheaper (buying what you want the first time, instead of replacing what you don't like) and more rewarding as you build a rifle from the ground up.

From the two you listed, I would choose the FP and with the money saved, you can buy a different stock or better glass. Just my .02...

 

[Saiga76]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Proud Noob</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think you would be good to find a good action and build from there. Whether it be remington, savage, howa, etc.. In the end, it will be cheaper (buying what you want the first time, instead of replacing what you don't like) and more rewarding as you build a rifle from the ground up.

From the two you listed, I would choose the FP and with the money saved, you can buy a different stock or better glass. Just my .02... </div></div>

What action would you recommend for the Savage FP? Is the stock, Savage action reputable? I'm a little new to the sniper/Long range target game. Most of my experience lies in Shotguns and pistols. Sorry for all of the questions. Regarding the glass, I was thinking of going with the Bushnell Elite 4200 8x32x40. Seems sufficient for now I think? Thanks for your suggestions

 

[jakerz3]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

The action on any firearm has to do the following:

1. FIRING--pulling the trigger releases the hammer or striker and fires the round in the chamber.

2. UNLOCKING & PRIMARY EXTRACTION--the breech is securely locked closed during firing; after firing, the first operation is to unlock it. Autoloaders do this by means of gas pressure and an operating rod, other actions do this by manual movement of a lever, bolt handle, slide handle, etc. In addition, the brass case left behind after the bullet and powder are gone must be loosened from the chamber walls--this is called primary extraction, and it is accomplished mechanically as the action is unlocked.

3. EXTRACTION--the case is partially or fully removed from the chamber so that it may be either lifted out by the fingers, or thrown out by the ejector.

4. EJECTION--after extraction, the case is thrown from the rifle, or removed by hand.

5. COCKING--The hammer or striker spring is compressed as the hammer/striker is drawn back, and then held back by the sear; it is now cocked.

6. FEEDING--a fresh cartridge is chambered, either by hand, or by the forward travel of the bolt.

7. LOCKING--The breech block is locked closed, and the rifle is ready to fire again.

There are many to choose from, however most choose the Remington 700 action (including the military). The Savage action has came a long way and I believe it to be a very good start. In that sense, you can buy a standard savage action in 308 and build from there. Or like spts05 said, go with a Remington 700 sps for close to $550 and start from there. They shoot pretty well out of the box and is a good foundation to build off of as funds allow. I don't believe they make the Elite 4200 anymore but they can still be found. From what I understand, the 4200 along with the 3200 were replaced by the "elite tactical" series. Anyhow, there there are plenty of great scope options out there. I think 8-32 power is high. I prefer 3-15 or 4-16 power myself. When zoomed in at long distances with high powers, I find mirage becomes unbearable.

 

[SScott]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

Savage is a great route to go, my first .308 was a Savage 10 with Mcmillan stock, and blind mag (I don't know the name for that rifle). It shot pretty good, but after spending more time on the Hide, I can see that it could have been bedded and a few other tweaks to really make it a tack driver. I have since moved on, but it is really hard to beat a rifle that you can switch barrels on at your own home. JMHO.
SScott

 

[Saiga76]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

I like that feature about the Savage also. My Remington Barrel is an absolute beast to remove, actually requires a Gunsmith with the right tools. I'm for sure going with the Savage 10FP. I will use the money I would save by not buying the BAS K and put a little extra cash into optics and an after market stock. I really appreciate all of your guys suggestions and opinions!

 

[calling4life]

Re: Purchasing a new bolt action rifle

With just a little more coin you can look at the vortex pst's, sightron SIII's, and a little higher, the group buy on that swfa ss 5-20hd for $1000.

I bought the savage 10fcp with the choate tactical stock from cabelas for $700, and I love it, you should like the fp. I went the 8-32x56 sightron s3 route for a scope, it is fantastic as well, I use this for f class as well, otherwise, like was stated before, look more into the 6-24, 5-20 range at the high end.
Good luck and happy shooting