The new style barrel nut has one groove, and requires a new style wrench; but otherwise it works the same as the older style.
The stock is an unknown for me, but I would guess it's acceptable, with maybe some question regarding forend flex. It's hard to tell from the internet.
Most of your questions have the same answer, it's a factory standard model 11 with the Accu-Trigger.
Would I buy one? Yes, if I were in the market for a new rifle, and it would be a .223 for me. I think this rifle is quite interesting, and your post has generated some interest in it for me; I think I'd like a modern Savage action with a bolt face suitable for 223.
As a practice/plinker, the scope would be fine, and I have some hunting rifles which could use it as an upgrade if I were to replace it on the 11 with something more suited to target/varmint work.
I generally bed any replacement stock I install, but in a couple of cases, there was no notable difference in performance afterward. These were replacement stocks that already had pillars installed.
In all honesty, I'm not the most excellent kind of shooter who could discern that kind of improvement easily, and I suspect there are a bunch of folks out there with the same questions I have about my less than stellar marksmanship.
If you already like the target Accu-Trigger, the standard Accu-Trigger should be pleasing in all aspects except the pull weight range. I would suggest that trying it before writing it off could prove beneficial. I think that ultra light trigger weights may be getting somewhat oversold. Moreover, I prefer not to base my marksmanship skill on non-standard trigger weights; light triggers have their benefits, but once the rifle comes off the bench those benefits can become drawbacks.
Some folks don't like the safety blade, I'm not one if them.
I suspect that all but the most discerning would be pleased with this factory rifle.
Greg
