Savage 10 vs 12 vs 11

[Lovesbeer99]

I'm looking at the Savage rifles but I can't seem to find the difference between the models. What I'm mostly looking for is differerences in the reciever, bolt or action. Also if I were looking to build a custom sniper rifle with one of these recievers, which would be best and why?

Thanks in advance.
Lovesbeer99

 

[Ash]

10 is base model. 11 is slightly nicer, fancier (or at least it used to be, I think the 11 is now the most basic model). The 12 is the varmint model, generally with a bull barrel. The 14 is the most deluxe model. Action-wise, there is no difference, except the 14 will have the nicest finish.

Ash

 

[Shawnee]

Nice part about it is they ALL enjoy a great reputation !

 

[TFin04]

My 10fp w/ bull barrel in .223 is nothing short of a joy to shoot...

Prairie dogs beware...spring 2008 will come sooner than you think!!

I really like the Savage guns. My friend has a Rem 700. Nice gun still, but I prefer the Savage.

 

[Detritus]

What I'm mostly looking for is differerences in the reciever, bolt or action.

Beyond "Two digit model number(10,11,12 etc) means short action, Three digit (110, 111,112 etc) means long" and the few stainless models, there is no meaningful difference the action/receiver/bolt of the savage centerfire rifles (the Model 40 isn't counted here it is built on a savage rimfire action).

for your stated goals i'd get a 10FP or 12FV and make sure that it had the "large knob" bolt handle. the differences in features between the FP and the FV (metal finish, barrel length, and the stock types available in the 10FP line) are all of a "whatever YOU preffer" nature.

 

[skinewmexico]

It's all just the finish, and maybe a bolt handle, which you can replace.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Ok, why a large bolt handle as opposed to a butterknife handle?

 

[Detritus]

Ok, why a large bolt handle as opposed to a butterknife handle?

leverage and grip...

a longer bolt handles give more leverage and a large knob on the end gives a better grip on it. this is true of ALL bolt guns to some extent, ie why a large number of "tactical/sniper" rifle afficianados, like to put a Badger Odnance knob on their Remington etc.
but Savage needs one for another reason. savage doesn't put a large (or really ANY) amount of time into correcting the "bolt timing" on their factory guns, and thus the upstroke of the bolt handle that cocks the rifle can be and usually is a little stiff. the oversized bolt handle makes it less noticable. another perceiver advantage is that having a large blob of metal hanging off the side makes it easier to just bring your hand up and find the bolt handle and move it without disturbing any other part of your shooting posture/position.

butterknife handles are for fancy custom rifles, slicked up actions and presentation grade wood that goes all the way to the muzzle.