Build it or dump it. Savage 111

[RentAChik]

I'm looking to build a 300-500yd tactical rifle. I currently have a Savage 111FCXP3 in 30.06 (No accutrigger or accustock) I know these Savages can be a real shooter, however the aftermarket for them is kinda small compared to the Remy 700s. Especially when you look into the stock options. Thinking about building a Remington SPS Tactical in .308

Both would have Viper Vortex PST 6-24x50 and a harris bipod

If I were to build the Savage:
Manners MCS-T4 stock $700
Shilen barrel $320
Timney trigger $110
CDI bottom metal $280
Total: $1410

Remy 700 SPS .308 tactical $ $650
AICS stock 1.5 $850 -- I freaking love this stock
Total $1500

The Remy has a heavy barrel and a decent adjustable trigger so I figure there really isn't a need for an upgade on these yet. I also really like the detachable mags on the AICS stock. If I build the Remy, I'll still have my Savage... Or I could sell it and make the Remy about $300 cheaper.

With the shilen barrel, I assume the Savage would shoot a bit better, but both are probably better than I am. I'm not a real big fan of the Manners stock. But for LA savages there isn't much out there... Frown.

I have recently started reloading... Mostly for my AR and ACR. Picking up a set of 308 or 30.06 dies and doing that should not be a big deal.

Your thoughts...? I'm looking for a project that is accurate and fun to shoot.

 

[Fremmer]

How well does the savage shoot now?

Sure you'll need the new barrel?

 

[docsleepy]

well, you got more $$ than me. For that money, I'd buy an AR10. And keep the Savage.

I have rebarrelled two Savages and changed out bolt heads, magazines.... not sure I would do it again. It was a hoot to build my own (got my own headspace cartridges, etc) and may change ONE more barrel to a bull barrel....but you could end up with TWO rifles if you buy the Remy. (or an AR10!!)

 

[Txhillbilly]

The aftermarket for Savage is almost just as big as the Rem 700. I can get just about anything I want for a Savage that anyone can get for the 700.

I just don't need a gunsmith's services to completely build a Savage from scratch!

As for custom stock's,you won't find a very big selection of Long action stocks for a 700 either.
Stockade guns will make you a stock for your long action,and they are pretty nice stocks. Kevin can also inlet it for bottom metal/detachable magazine.

http://www.stockadegunstocks.com/3.html

 

[RentAChik]

AR10s are going for a pretty penny right now. ~$2500 That and I already have an AR15.

The savage could probably shoot better if I ran some hand loads through it. I get 1-1.5 groups with Remington Core-Lokt 165gn.

I thought about picking up the optic and a set of reloading dies and start trying to really dial in the Savage. If I don't like it, I can always get the Remy and swap the optic. The only thing I'd be out would be $30 on a set of dies.

 

[Fremmer]

Yeah maybe start there, see if you can dial in a load to the factory barrel and if so, go to the stock next.

 

[RentAChik]

Its tough... There are soo many good looking Remy rigs wearing some wicked stocks. I know the performance of these two rifles are are awesome. As for building a 700 from scratch, I wouldn't mind picking up a short chambered barrel and reaming it to the right size.

I guess if I could pick up a AICS 1.5 or 2.0 for the savage, this would be easy... I just really hate the stock options for the savage.... Frown.

 

[dvdcrr]

Those are fine options just for kicks google ssg 69
http://www.steyrarms.com/products/sporting-rifles/steyr-ssg-69/

 

[C-grunt]

A long barrelled 30-06 can reach near 300 WinMag ballistics. It can get you out to around 1600 yards. The 308 gets you to about 1100 tops.