Should I use my Savage 111 for my first precision build?

[Schmidty223]

Hello all, first time posting here but am a frequent visitor.

I bought a cheapo used Savage 111 (30-06) a while ago just for grins. Recently, I've decided that I want to get into precision shooting. I was wondering if the Savage was a good platform to start a build. The main alternative in my mind is not wasting the time or money on the Savage, but buying a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .308 and following the Budget Precision Build posted by LoneWolfUSMC. I will probably end up getting that rifle anyway. Frankly, I just don't feel like spending the money on a whole new gun and upgrades right now.

For the Savage, all I'm really thinking about is mounting a picatinny rail (already have a scope on Larue QD mount), and a new stock. Any other recommendations would be well received.

I am starting to get into reloading. But for now, I only have components for .223, brass only for 9mm. It seems to me .308 is hard to come by, even if just looking for components.

This will be a range/training gun. I want to get into competing, but that likely won't happen until next year, as I still need to learn how to shoot long range and reload. The max range in area seems to be 300 yards.

Pros and cons of the Savage, as I see them.

Pros:
-30-06 seems to be readily accessible. It's fully stocked at my Bass Pro Shop and has remained that way through all the craziness.
-Much lower up front cost.
-30-06 has marginally better performance than .308, though from what I've read this is pretty negligible.

Cons:
-Probably not the best building blocks for a precision rifle (just an assumption, I'm relying on you guys to fill this in).
-It has a light, hunting style barrel. I expect see vertical stringing when the barrel heats up. This is probably unacceptable for competition, but may adequate for training.
-The action doesn't feel as tight or smooth as the Remington I fondled at the store.

To summarize, is the Savage 111 a reasonable starter for a precision rifle build, or should I not even waste my time? My current thinking is to just use the Savage to get some trigger time and when ammo and/or components become readily accessible for .308, make the switch (Typing all of this out may have just helped me answer my own question, lol).

Thanks all

 

[coldboremiracle]

There is nothing wrong with a savage, or a 30-06 either. If it were me, I'd start with reloading, and seeing if better tuned ammo will give better results. Then see if the gun will shoot accurately (sub MOA) and at that point decide what the next step is. I would go for a new stock, then screw on a new barrel if needed at that point, maybe a trigger, and then scope. But until you have confirmed what kind of shooter you have, those are still decisions waiting to be made.

 

[PAGhillie]

Doing the same thing Lol. Just bought a savage 110 30-06 CHEAP I COULDN'T PASS IT BY. Going to buy a stock yet and waiting on rings.

 

[Mike_Honcho]

The Savage WILL shoot. However, if you put a lot of money in it and then go to sell it, it will not command the same $ as a Remmy with the same level of work done to it. If you plan on keeping it, by all means.



Good luck

 

[Hawk45]

Nothing wrong with their factory barrels and good actions. Get a better stock (and bed it), base, rings and go shoot. As mentioned, get into reloading as a properly tuned load can shrink groups. Having a long action and that bolt head you can spin on about any caliber (except magnum or short mag and .223 - those will need a bolt head swap) in about 10 mins with a few tools. I've built a hand full of Savages off of Stevens and 10/110 actions. CDI makes long action bottom metal if you want to move to a external magazine system.

 

[Schmidty223]

Cool, thanks for info everyone.

 

[medium rare]

I really like my savages. They shoot well factory but the barrel nut system allows for custom barrels put on without gunsmiths.