[fish2xs]

If I had a gunshop in the area that stocked a decent selection of Savage rifles, I'd be able to answer this myself. Sadly, this is just part of the price I pay for being pro-gun in the People's Republic of MA. Luckily, ME & NH are not that far away....

With much help from this forum (thanks), I'm narrowing down my choices on a .223 target rifle. However, looking at the pics on Savage's web site has left me a bit confused. Here's my dilemna. I would like a bolt action with a more 'pistol-like' grip, a wide palm and a wide fore-stock (if that's the correct term). Can anyone tell me if the following picures from the Savage site fit this bill?


http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fp.htm

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fple.htm
(is the pic shown on the site above the standard stock?)

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/varmint/12bvss.htm

I wish Savage had more pics of their rifles online, or as stated earlier, there were more in stock locally that I could check out. Does anyone out there have a Choate stock? What do you think of them?

Thanks for the pointers!
-Phil

[GW45]

From the pics it would seem that the LE2 has alittle wider forearm, and more of a pistol grip, but is probably made of the same material as the standard stock and it sucks. It's cheap plastic and I replaced mine the day I got it.

Savage is a good choice, so get the heavy barrel in the length you want - 20" LE or the LE2 - 26" and go buy a new stock.

There's Bell and Carlson (like mine), McMillian, Choate - which makes a nice Ultimate Varmint model - was told to stay away from the Ultimate Sniper model.

Hopes this helps....

GW45

[Quack]

This is the McMillan Stock
http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fple.htm


the Standard stock is like the 10FP
http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fp.htm

and the Choate stocks are the Varmit model.
http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fpxp.htm

i'm thinking about the Varmit model. Brownells has it about $135 w/ trade discount and free shipping for my until 4/1 (promo code 01A :D )

[Ebbtide]

The 112bvss has an oversized stock as you described. It is one heavy mother as it is a laminate, it is stable and absorbs a ton of recoil.

[RTownsend]

To get a pistol grip with a factory Savage you will have to get either the Choate (http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/varmint/12vss.htm), Laminate (http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/varmint/12bvss.htm), or McMillan (http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fple.htm).

The main reason I bought a SSS (http://www.varminthunters.com/sshooter/) stock for my 10FP was because of the grip angle when shooting prone. The factory 10FP stock has a more sporter style grip that I just couldn't get comfortable with when prone.

I've been temped to price the LE2B at the local shop but I'm scared it might be too temping. Does anyone recognize if that is an A3 stock?

fish2xs If I had to rank the three rifles above they would go

1. McMillan
2. Laminate
3. Choate

The last two will be the best bang for the buck. I've heard you could find the 12BVSS for $499 local with the new Accu Trigger. As I've heard said before "The McMillan is everything a stock should be". I'm also sure it is priced accordingly.

My next rifle if factory built will be a 12BVSS in .308 Win.

[RTownsend]

Sorry - Double Tap

[Quack]

the McMillan stock from savage looks like it is a A3 w/o the adjustable cheek peice.

http://www.mcmfamily.com/mfsinc_n/tac.html

http://www.mcmfamily.com/mfsinc_n/images/A-3%20ADJ1.gif

[enichols]

GW45:
was told to stay away from the Ultimate Sniper model.

Why is that? I've got one on my 110 and I haven't found anything wrong with it.

[Sactown]

I have the 12bvss stock. It has a large palm swell and pistol grip. The forend is plenty wide. The rifle is heavy and absorbs recoil well.

[Dr.Rob]

Yeah that 112 stock is solid and the palm swells make shooting it a dream.. but its NOT something you'd want to lug around in the field all day. Great for bench rest or prarie dogs though.

I've never been impressed with a full pistol grip on a bolt rifle, though a stiffer stock is something I'd like to see on a Savage.

[enichols]

GW45,
Yeah, I was just wondering what negative things you'd heard about it. Almost nothing worse than buying something and THEN finding out that there's something you should've known about it... ;)

-Nic

[yzguy]

GW45,
I was about to ask the same thing....(about the sniper stock) I have one on the way for my new 10FP in .308!!

I was under the impression it was everything the Varmint model was but heavier and a different style fore end.

(my factory stock for a new 10FP is terrible, there is 3X the gap between the right side of the stock and the barrel at the front then on the left side, but it does not touch.)

[GW45]

Forgot who told me to stay away from it, I wanted one, and was was ready to send the money for it and the guy said it wasn't worth the money.

Now that you two have one - and you like them - makes me think I should get rid of the Bell and Carlson (or buy the Savage LE1 (20" .223 and put the B&C stock on it.... :D )

Will have to re-think this now......:scrutiny:

[Quack]

is there some sort of funky badging on the left side of the ultimate sniper stock? and it's green right???

[enichols]

Quack:
is there some sort of funky badging on the left side of the ultimate sniper stock? and it's green right???
Ah hah! You have unveiled the one and only thing I despise about the stock. There is a logo on the side that reads "The Ultimate Sniper, designed by Major John Plaster". Now, if the logo were printed/etched/engraved on the inside of the stock, all would be well. In its current position, however, like a billboard on the side of the stock, it looks a bit silly. A layer of epoxy or something would make it an easy fix, but it's no less of a pain. Otherwise, the OD green color is OK, although I had planned on painting the stock when I get some time.

[enichols]

GW45,
I suggest that you buy the Choate stock and replace your B&C with it. A perfect excuse to buy a new gun!
"Why did you buy ANOTHER Savage?"
"Well, I replaced the stock on the other one, and had this perfectly good stock without a rifle to go with it..." :D

[GW45]

In my life - I don't have to have a reason to buy another gun....

I see what I like and normally buy it or it goes on lay-a-way for 6 months or there abouts.....

Besides - I have 4 .308s and only 3 .223s....gotta keep it even.:D

[yzguy]

I just got my stock in the mail yesterday!!! :)

So far I like it (just from installation and holding it), but have not shot it just yet. A range trip will be coming some time this week... :)

My first impressions are:
the grip is a lot wider than anything else I have, the checkering (if that is what you call the little mountains of plastic) is very tall and sharp, and their is more adjustability than I thought it would have (between the different cheek pieces, cheek piece positions, stock length, recoil pad height). It is heavy!! but this is what I wanted, as I don't plan on carrying it around in the field (also why I got the heavy barrel).

[fish2xs]

yzguy,

are you referring to the Choate stock? varmint or sniper?

thanks!
Phil

[enichols]

GW45:
In my life - I don't have to have a reason to buy another gun....

I see what I like and normally buy it or it goes on lay-a-way for 6 months or there abouts.....

You're lucky. Me, I'm a poor college student... so my purchases have to generally have some rhyme or reason other than "I liked it". :D

Yeah, good idea to keep those calibers even. Wouldn't want the .223s to start feeling lonely.

[GW45]

I'm in the Marines, with no wife, and few bills.

Besides I work at the Marine Corps Exchange - THAT paycheck goes to the new gun or accessory that I want.

Just got the target thumb hole stock for my Ruger 10/22T a few minutes ago - it's NICE.....:D

Fish2xs, have you decided on what stock you're going to get?

After reading the posts here - I am seriously contempatling the Ulitmate Sniper from Choate.....:evil:

[Onslaught]

I've been trying to post this for days, but the site I wanted to tell you about has been down the whole time.

Kurts Kustom Firearms (http://www.kurtskustomfirearms.citymax.com/) carries a REALLY nice looking stock for the Savage rifles...

I don't remember the name, or the price, and like I said, the site's down... but they look a LOT better than the Choate stocks. IIRC, they are nearly exactly what fish2xs said he wanted. They have a nice pistol grip, and a good, meaty forend, and are available in camo finishes....

Hopefully, Kurt's site will be back up and you guys can see what I'm talking about.

[fish2xs]

GW45,

>> I'm in the Marines, with no wife, and few bills.

...and don't forget those wonderful toys you get to play with :)

>>Fish2xs, have you decided on what stock you're going to get?

Not yet. It looks like Savage is my best choice of rifle without dropping some huge coin. The stock dilemna does have me in a bit of a bind though...

I could just say F-it and get a 12bvss with the laminate stock. This would spare me the pain and possibly a few bucks of going with an aftermarket stock. However, I wanted the 10fp heavy black barrel (expect a future post from me on the 20" vs 26" barrel :). My biggest problem is that I want to see these stocks in the flesh before I spend any money on them, and I'm finding that to be a more difficult proposal than it sounds.

I have no idea how hard it is to switch to an aftermarket stock either. I don't want the costs to start creeping out of control on me. I may just go with the Choate - but I prefer the looks of a McMillan-type stock (just not the McMillan-type price!) There's a decent sized gun shop about an hour away from me in Maine. I may make a trip up there this weekend...

Thanks to all for the collective insight. It is appreciated.
-Phil

[GW45]

Depends on what application you want:

26" bbl is accurate at alot further out, adds weight to "lighten" felt recoil. Pain to carry for long distances.

20" is good because you can throw it up faster and it's not as bad carrying around the woods - but you lose accuracy out past I'd say 300yds. Lighter so more "felt recoil"

I know about ordering something and not sure if you'll like it.

Have you tried going out to the range and see if anybody has anything you're interested in?

I have the Ruger M77 MKII with the medium 26" barrel, and wood target stock and I love it as well.

Look at this way - buy the Savage LE - while it's still not an ungodly amount, shop for the stock as you get time and cash.

The stock isn't "that" bad to shoot on. It is cheap and doesn't look or feel as good as a McMillian - but hey - you can make the best of it while you look around, and you might be able to run across a used McMillian or other stock cheaper.

Try Sniper's Paradise - they have a place on their site for people to sell gun accessories....

Also there's Sniper country.....

Hope this helps.....

GW45

[yzguy]

fish2xs,
Choate Ultimate Sniper.
It was a simple unbolt the old one and bolt in the new one, no big deal to install. I have the 24" heavy barrel.

[Quack]

just ordered a Choate Varmint stock last night, should have it friday :)

[Quack]

got my Choate :)

[yzguy]

me too!! :)

http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03422.gif (http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03422.jpg)
(click to enlarge)

[Prof]

Quack and yzguy: Are those the same stock? The cheek rest and butt-part on yzguy's are black and on Quack's they appear gray. Are they both the Ultra Varmint model? Thanks!

[Quack]

i have the Varmint (black) and YZguy has the Sniper (green).
all my parts are black, will take a better picture tomorrow.

[Prof]

Thanks, Quack!

[yzguy]

yeah, the hand guard area on mine is a bit different, and the bipod is on a sliding rail. Other than that I think they are about the same (and I think mine is a bit heavier and the grip area might be bigger).

I want to get a better pic in the sun tomorrow to.... (and maybe a new group photo, now that their is a new member :) )

[Quack]

the forend on the sniper is longer and shaped differently, and it weights about 1.5# heavier than the Varmint.

the Varmint bi-pod is on the anschutz type rail too..

i took the rail off because the bi-pod wasn't too stable. i used one of the sling swivels from the old stock and used it on the Choate so that the bi-pod is resting on the forend. it's alot better and stable.

[yzguy]

I was not sure if the Varmit model had the rail or not... When everything is tightened down on mine it seems sturdy enough (maybe they are different??) ...

well so far I realy like it, went to the range Friday, and it did realy well...

and some slightly better pics:
http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03427.gif (http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03427.jpg)
http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03437.gif (http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03437.jpg)
http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03438.gif (http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03438.jpg)
http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03439.gif (http://www.1bad69.com/gallery/GunStuff/savage/dcp03439.jpg)
(click to enlarge)