Guys I am a newbie here, but have been lurking around quite some time. I wanted to get you guys thoughts on using a Savage Target Action for a 800 yard benchrest build. Do you guys think you could get the same accuracy with the Savage as some of the other customs such as Stiller or Defiance. What would be some of the Pros versus Cons of using the Savage if everything else was equal? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Savage Target Actions??
- Thread starter Jonathan Wright
- Start date
Re: Savage Target Actions??
They are excellent actions forsure. And about half the price and ready available compared to Stiller/Defiance. While not the quality of those top end aftermarket actions they can be incredibly accurate. If you are serious about benchrest then it would need to go to sharp shooter supply for an Evolution trigger/T&T or at minimum a rifle basix-sav 2. I can't think of many cons besides having less of a selection of triggers. An advantage to the mentioned aftermarket actions would be the easily swapped barrels and bolt faces.
They are excellent actions forsure. And about half the price and ready available compared to Stiller/Defiance. While not the quality of those top end aftermarket actions they can be incredibly accurate. If you are serious about benchrest then it would need to go to sharp shooter supply for an Evolution trigger/T&T or at minimum a rifle basix-sav 2. I can't think of many cons besides having less of a selection of triggers. An advantage to the mentioned aftermarket actions would be the easily swapped barrels and bolt faces.
Re: Savage Target Actions??
Here is a thread on that subject on Savage Shooters http://www.savageshooters.com/archive/index.php/t-5136.html
You might also find more information pertaining to Bench Rest competition and Savages on Benchrest Central http://benchrest.com/archive/index.php/t-84901.html
For the type of shooting we do at steel plates they are extremely accurate and easy to build. When you can win or lose by thousandths of an inch then it's another ballgame. They are creeping more into the Bench Rest circuit but until some big name competitor wins with one a few times the unbelievers won't give them a try.
Good luck with your build.
Topstrap
Here is a thread on that subject on Savage Shooters http://www.savageshooters.com/archive/index.php/t-5136.html
You might also find more information pertaining to Bench Rest competition and Savages on Benchrest Central http://benchrest.com/archive/index.php/t-84901.html
For the type of shooting we do at steel plates they are extremely accurate and easy to build. When you can win or lose by thousandths of an inch then it's another ballgame. They are creeping more into the Bench Rest circuit but until some big name competitor wins with one a few times the unbelievers won't give them a try.
Good luck with your build.
Topstrap
Re: Savage Target Actions??
when you say benchrest are you referring to rifle A or rifle B
A- (you'll spend a lot of money just on a rest- not to mention reloading supplies) As mentioned, a few thousandths separate 1-10 place.
http://www.rbgc.org/benchrest/benchrest.htm
http://www.bordenrifles.com/benchrest.html
B Tactical class type rifle
http://www.mcmillanusa.com/mcmillan-rifles-tactical-tac-308.php
Both are fun to shoot but benchrest is a entirely different species of shooter. These guys get crazy with their reloading- do a little research on benchrest reloading- truly an art form.
If I was on a budget and wanted an "A" choice, I'd find a used rifle but if it were a tactical build or hunter class type rifle- absolutely I'd get the savage action. Sure would be nice to have a practice barrel and a competition barrel that is simple to change
when you say benchrest are you referring to rifle A or rifle B
A- (you'll spend a lot of money just on a rest- not to mention reloading supplies) As mentioned, a few thousandths separate 1-10 place.
http://www.rbgc.org/benchrest/benchrest.htm
http://www.bordenrifles.com/benchrest.html
B Tactical class type rifle
http://www.mcmillanusa.com/mcmillan-rifles-tactical-tac-308.php
Both are fun to shoot but benchrest is a entirely different species of shooter. These guys get crazy with their reloading- do a little research on benchrest reloading- truly an art form.
If I was on a budget and wanted an "A" choice, I'd find a used rifle but if it were a tactical build or hunter class type rifle- absolutely I'd get the savage action. Sure would be nice to have a practice barrel and a competition barrel that is simple to change
Re: Savage Target Actions??
Thanks for the comments. I would be just shooting local shoots no big shoots. Sound like the Savage would be a good platform to start with. I already own a 7WSM Borden action that was built as a light weight hunting rifle.
Thanks for the comments. I would be just shooting local shoots no big shoots. Sound like the Savage would be a good platform to start with. I already own a 7WSM Borden action that was built as a light weight hunting rifle.
Re: Savage Target Actions??
The Savage target actioned rifles I've seen (OK... both of the two I've seen) shot great.
I can't compare them to the cutoms you mentioend, not having either of 'em...
But I can mention ONE item for the "pro" column; You'll have $900 more dollars in your ammo fund after buying the Savage than after buying a Stiller or Defiance.
I will now step aside for the Stiller/Defiance fans to take the soapbox and tell you how wrong it would be to expect the Savage action to hold a candle to the actions costing three times that amount. Mind you, I'm not going to dispute them... but I'm also not ready to throw in with 'em yet.
The Savage target actioned rifles I've seen (OK... both of the two I've seen) shot great.
I can't compare them to the cutoms you mentioend, not having either of 'em...
But I can mention ONE item for the "pro" column; You'll have $900 more dollars in your ammo fund after buying the Savage than after buying a Stiller or Defiance.
I will now step aside for the Stiller/Defiance fans to take the soapbox and tell you how wrong it would be to expect the Savage action to hold a candle to the actions costing three times that amount. Mind you, I'm not going to dispute them... but I'm also not ready to throw in with 'em yet.
Re: Savage Target Actions??
You should seriously consider "belly benchrest" aka Fclass comps. You need an accurate rifle, but you do not have to be OCD like the true benchrest people. You get a lot of shooting and there is no doubt you would be competitive with a built savage. Or a factory one for the matter. One of my buddies uses a stock R700 and does well. The other was using a factory savage. He did well but now turned it into a full on F-open 6mm Dasher , 3 inch forearm, etc.
You should seriously consider "belly benchrest" aka Fclass comps. You need an accurate rifle, but you do not have to be OCD like the true benchrest people. You get a lot of shooting and there is no doubt you would be competitive with a built savage. Or a factory one for the matter. One of my buddies uses a stock R700 and does well. The other was using a factory savage. He did well but now turned it into a full on F-open 6mm Dasher , 3 inch forearm, etc.
Re: Savage Target Actions??
I have a target action that I just slapped a 6mmbr criterion barrel on last year and it hammers with 75 and 105 hornadys. Makes squirrels go poof. My only problem with it is slamming the bolt home and the sear occasionally hangs up, I still have the accutrigger on it. The only thing I did to it besides the barrel was bed it. Savages aren't the prettiest but they sure do shoot. I installed the barrel myself in about 5 minutes.
Check out 6mmbr.com there's more info over there than you could care to know about br. The guys are super helpful, I have never had a question go unanswered no matter how simple or seemingly stupid.
Good luck,
John
I have a target action that I just slapped a 6mmbr criterion barrel on last year and it hammers with 75 and 105 hornadys. Makes squirrels go poof. My only problem with it is slamming the bolt home and the sear occasionally hangs up, I still have the accutrigger on it. The only thing I did to it besides the barrel was bed it. Savages aren't the prettiest but they sure do shoot. I installed the barrel myself in about 5 minutes.
Check out 6mmbr.com there's more info over there than you could care to know about br. The guys are super helpful, I have never had a question go unanswered no matter how simple or seemingly stupid.
Good luck,
John
Re: Savage Target Actions??
They are great. I have two. One is a right port bight bolt that I use for F T/R and the other is a Rt bolt left port in 6BR that I use for F open. One thing you may want to look into is the new PTG bolt head. When my gunsmith gets back from Afgahnatsan I'm going to pick up one.
http://shop.pacifictoolandgauge.com/news/index.php?/archives/18-NEW!-Savage-Bolt-Heads-at-PTG.html
They are great. I have two. One is a right port bight bolt that I use for F T/R and the other is a Rt bolt left port in 6BR that I use for F open. One thing you may want to look into is the new PTG bolt head. When my gunsmith gets back from Afgahnatsan I'm going to pick up one.
http://shop.pacifictoolandgauge.com/news/index.php?/archives/18-NEW!-Savage-Bolt-Heads-at-PTG.html
