[Chris17404]

OK, I've decided that for my first rifle I'm going with a .223 Rem caliber. I've looked at a few different manufacturers, and the Savage with AccuTrigger is really my favorite so far. A nice and very informative gentleman at Gander Mountain today took the time to show me how the AccurTrigger works on the little display model they have, and the trigger pull felt awesome! Sooo much nicer than my 870!

So... the next decision is... what model to get? I will be using it entirely for target shooting. I definitely do not see myself hunting at all. Thus, I'd like a relatively heavy barrel, and standard laminated or synthetic stock. The barrel can be stainless or blued, but I just don't like the stainless with synthetic stock look.

Is the "package series" with the scope included any good (11FXP3)? The man at Gander Mountain seemed to think so. He also specifically mentioned the LE series (the 10FPXP-LE model) as a great package deal (around $600 or so), but unfortunately it doesn't come in .223 Rem. That one even comes with a nice case!

I'm also considering the 12 Varment series (low profile or 12BVSS). What's the difference between those two? I don't see any! Or possibly the 12FV, but that one's 1.25 lbs lighter.

So there ya go... I'd appreciate any input or suggestions you have. Thanks.

Chris

[ocabj]

Get the 12BVSS (or low profile). Stainless steel fluted heavy barrel. Great laminate stock with flat foreend for bench shooting. Can't go wrong.

If you decide to switch stocks, the laminate stock has an aftermarket value of about $125 give or take, depending on the condition. It's actually a really nice stock and have used it on a couple Savage projects. I think it's far better than the B&C Duramaxx (which I have owned), but some people want a black stock to look 'tactical'.

12BVSS vs low profile is a personal preference. You'll have to shoulder both weapons up in your desired shooting positions to get a feel for what's best for you.

[Cueball]

I have a Savage in the 223 cal. I went with the 12FVXP package. It's the varmit blued heavy barrel with synthetic stock and a scope included. Mine shoots great and I am very pleased with it. The trigger is great and the accuracy is right up there with much more expensive options. I got mine for $449 @ Dicks Sporting Goods

[dakotasin]

get whatever one they have w/ a fat barrel, and i'd look for 18-22" on the length - shorter is better.

however, if you are buying a rifle based solely on how its trigger felt in relation to a shotgun trigger, you aren't getting the whole story.

[Chris17404]

Hi dakota,

No, I'm not deciding on a Savage solely on trigger. It was a multitude of things and did research for a while. The AccurTrigger was just the icing on the cake. Thanks for making sure I am doing my homework!

Chris

[plateshooter]

I got the same rifle, from the same place, (only in NE Ohio) for the same price as Cueball. I am very happy with the purchase, and consider it money well spent.

[Chris17404]

Cueball/plateshooter,

I don't see that 12FVXP model anywhere in Savage's 2005 catalog, nor on their website. Perhaps that's a discontinued model? If so, what would be a comperable model that's currently being manufactured?

Chris

[plateshooter]

Chris, the only place I have seen them is at Dick's Sporting Goods. If there is one near by, I would suggest checking there. I would have bought it without the scope, but the package price was too good to pass up. 12FV is the model of the rifle alone.

[R.H. Lee]

I'm following this thread with interest since I'm contemplating the same purchase. The only thing I know for sure is that the synthetic stock is out. I already have an older (pre AccuTrigger) 10FP in .308, and the stock is just too 'whippy'; not a solid platform. So that leaves the following choices:

Model 12 Varminter Low Profile (http://www.savagearms.com/12Varminter.htm). Nice looking laminated stock, but with a 26" barrel; it weighs 10 pounds. Also, I haven't completely warmed up to the idea of SS. Is there any inherent benefit to SS other than some rust resistance? Better/longer wear maybe?

Model 12BVSS (http://www.savagearms.com/12bvss.htm). Also stainless with a 36" bbl and weighing 10 lbs. The stock looks interesting, but what is an 'ambidextrous Wundhammer palm swell'? Is this something for huge hands?

Aha, then there's the Choate stockModel 12VSS Varminter (http://www.savagearms.com/12vss.htm), also stainless with a 26" bbl and weighing 11.25 lbs! The Model 10FP Choate ( http://www.savagearms.com/10fpchoate.htm) is the same, but blued. I don't know how sturdy the synthetic Choate stocks are, but I think these two are out.

Then, there's the Model 11G (http://www.savagearms.com/11g.htm), which looks real good, but doesn't have the heavy barrel.

Chris17404, have you decided yet?

Too many choices............

[SJG26]

"The only thing I know for sure is that the synthetic stock is out"???


Why out?? I'm setting up a target rig - going for the 10FP-LE2A - 223 w/ Choate Elt. Varmint Stock - runs about $570 here in PA.....soon as I save enough pennies for the optics (Bushness 4200 line) I'm good to go..........

[Chris17404]

R.H. Lee,

I am considering those same models you are, including the 12FV since I don't mind the synthetic stock. I haven't made up my mind yet. I see a 12FV at my local Bass Pro Shops for $459 and I was looking at a few Leupold scopes for about $250. I was very tempted, but I'm still considering my options.

Chris

[adaman04]

I like the laminate/stainless model 12, but I just got a 10FP with the synthetic stock, oversized bolt handle, etc. It shoots great. Going to be may target/varmint rifle. It's a keeper!

[Q-Lock]

As it seems, I'm in the same boat as a couple others here. I have almost certainly decided on the 10fp model but my problem is the darn caliber. Can't figure out if I want .223 or .308....I want it mainly for target shooting but who know's maybe it'll turn into a deer hunting rifle for me in the future as my father and I are taking up hunting next year together. I know the .308 is the suitable caliber of the two for hunting deer, yet I also know that it might be a bit expensive to shoot at the range...so I'm stuck at which to go with.

Don't mean to change the topic of the thread, no disrespect intended.

Quinten

[Jim Watson]

What kind of target shooting?

I recently bought a .308 laminated stock 12BVSS-S (I fear they have dropped this single shot version, a friend is having a devil of a time getting one like it.) and will campaign it in F-class out to 1000 yards.

If I was set on a .223, I'd get the Low Profile, Savage production model plastic stocks aren't great.

[mrrev]

Got one a few months ago, and it's been a nice one...
the fluted heavy barrel - 24" for long shots - free-floating - oversized bolt - flat forehand for bench shooting - Accutriggger - a clean crisp look, what else would you want. This is what sold me. It's 1-2 pounds heavier than I would like, but if it's going to be used primarily for targetshooting you can't go wrong.

[FPrice]

I purchased a Savage Model 10FP a few months ago and it seems to shoot better than I am capable of. I did not have time to get it really sighted in before bad weather hit so I still have some shooting to do.

In addition I have a Savage Model 16, a SS bolt action .223 with a 22" barrel and a synthetic stock which is extremely accurate. Savage rifles just seem to be very well made.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/FPrice/SavageModel10FP.jpg

[jake smith]

I was wondering if anyone knows if a Savage Model 10FP law enforcement series chambered for the .223 would be a good rifle for varmits such as groundhogs, prarie dogs, coyotes for sure etc. thanks for all input!!!!!:)

[steelhead]

It would do fine with all of those. Only downside is weight and that is only a problem if you plan to walk a lot.

[YodaVader]

I'm also considering the 12 Varment series (low profile or 12BVSS). What's the difference between those two? I don't see any!

Same rifle , different stocks. The 12BVSS has an almost verticle pistol grip with a large palm swell. The fore end is different as well. The VLP stock has a beaver tail design fore end where the 12BVSS is more square shaped. Just depends , like mentioned above , which fits you better. The VLP is usually priced higer than the 12BVSS. The VLP can be bought as a single shot , the single shot 12BVSS was discountinued.

I bought a 12BVSS repeater in .223 a few months back , was $599. See them online for less. Still , a great shooter and very good out of the box trigger - mine was a very crisp 2.25lbs. The laminated stock is more rigid than the plastic stock of the base varminter models and looks much better to me. Even though I already owned a 700 in .223 the Savage was still a welcome addition.

[rangerruck]

id go varmint , or get a 11 model and order it with a 26 in bbl, or get the new one, that is single shot, with the left side eject.

[jake smith]

I live in ohio where there is not a whole lot of walking but yes there is some, and i was wondering how hard anyone would think it would be for me (15 yrs old) and my dad (43yrs old) to walk across fields to set up for coyotes with a .204 and a .223 with heavy barrels. lol kinda a dum question but hey im a weird kid!!! lol:D

[jeepmor]

I was coyote hunting in Eastern Oregon over Thanksgiving holiday. I have a Ruger 223 with HB and laminated benchshooter stock with a mono 6-24x50 scope on it. Never seemed to notice it as heavy until my nephew at age 10 was whining about his rifles weight. To which I offered to swap for a few dog calling rounds, he declined.

I like the heavy rifle for stability when taking long precise shots. Not that I got many on that trip, but I have before. Plus, packing that heavy thing around varmint hunting makes you feel spoiled when you grab your lighter hunting rifle come deer and elk season around here.

jeepmor

[robctwo]

I recently bought the 10FP in both .223 and .308. Replaced the stock with the Dura-Max from Midway. Nice guns. .223:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/robctwo/IMG_2636.jpg

.308:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/robctwo/PICT2099.jpg

I went with the 20" barrel on the .308

[stormspotter]

While I have a Savage 10FP and Stevens 200 in 223 Rem. you might also look into a CZ 527 Varmint. I have the CZ 527 Kevlar and it is nowhere near as heavy as my 10FP and shoots sub 1" groups. The laminated version has a 1 in 12" twist better suited for lighter bullets.

[Essex County]

Even a sporter weight Savage in .223 will amaze You. I'd say handle as many models as possible. Go with quality scope and mounts. Have fun..Essex