New Rifle, shockingly outstanding results

[stargeezer]

This week I purchased a new rifle, a Savage 10 FCP-k. I've been looking at these for a while and just had not pulled the trigger on one. Yes, I know it's not a Ruger, (I'm a Ruger fan) but not every gun HAS to be a Ruger, does it?

I mounted a Millet 6-25x56 Scope on it, that 35mm tube sure is big! With the high price of rings, I was very glad that the Millet comes with a nice set of steel rings. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate a steel, one piece mount locally, so it is sitting one two piece aluminum mounts until the 20MOA mount I have on order comes in.

I'm also waiting on a Harris bipod that will be arriving with my scope mount in a few more days. In the meantime I hung a Blackhawk bipod under the stock for support.

The absolute worse part of this rifle is the stock. Again, I say. I'm not a fan of the Monte Carlo style stock. If I change any Savage component on this rifle it will be the stock.

If you've ever wondered what these were like and picked one up, you immediately notice how nose heavy this rifle is. One reason I think I'd passed it up was this horrid out-of-balance feel it has. Last week I discovered that the butt stock is completely hollow. Surprise! The first thing I did was to unscrew the butt pad and filled the butt up with Plumbers Putty. About 4lbs of the stuff. It totally changed the dynamic of the rifle. The balance point moved back to where it should be and it ceased being awkward.

This did not make the rifle lighter. It is NOT a rifle you are going to hump four miles out into the wilderness. If you do, you just might be tempted to leave it It's a chunk of a firearm. For those who want a 308 for that chore, get a GSR.

So here it is;



Next you might wonder how it shoots - I'm still trying to get the smile off my face. I also can't wait to vist a friend has a farmer and has 800yds to shoot on.

Here's the 200yd target;



The two rounds at 8 o'clock were the sight-in shots. After a few clicks on the scope, the others in the center measure 1.35" wide and .45" tall. I can live with what amounts to 1/2MOA. But then I moved on to the 300yd target, where I held the aim point one line over the zero mark. Here's what happened;



That group is 1.1" @ 300yds!!! If it weren't for that last shot flyer (I got shook up after the first three ) it would be under a inch! OK, I can admit it, I'm not THAT good of a shot and I doubt I'll ever repeat this, but one time is enough for this old man to crow about.

This just may get framed! And the rifle might just get hung over the mantel with the target over it.

 

[tuj]

looks like a shooter! what ammo did you use?

 

[stargeezer]

That Atomic 308 Match. The match reloads that CMP store sells.

 

[Big Nugget]

Yep, looks like its a shooter for sure!
-Big Nugget (aka talldrink from Rugerforum )

 

[Dave P]

Very Nice! But pls don't think ruger is the rifle to beat all - expand your horizons.

 

[stargeezer]

Tongue firmly planted in cheek Dave - don't worry.

 

[AABEN]

I have Savages in 223 243 & 25.06 that will do the same. They are very good out of the box gun's. I do all of my own reloading! I like the Accra trigger It is very easy to Adj. In my oldest 243 i have a Timney trigger This makes for one sweet trigger.

 

[Cosmoline]

Those are consistent sleepers. I wonder why they don't get more love. Sometimes I think we have a perverse desire to love rifles that don't quite work perfectly. Some odd tick or problem that makes them more endearing.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Looks good!

... But you still may need new rings. That scope looks way too dang high to get a good and repeatable cheek weld. Or you could look into an adjustable cheek rest like the Karsten.

 

[stargeezer]

Since I shoot from a wheelchair, my cheek weld is a bit different, but yes, the stock will go one of these days soon. I've got to do a bit of research on that. Sharpshooters has a stock I like that will fit and that has an adjustable cheek rest. After the other goodies arrive next week, I'll be looking into it. Right now, I'm just VERY happy that it shoots like this.

 

[thump_rrr]

I have the Savage 10BA which is essentially the same rifle in the aluminum chassis.

The rifle shoots lights out with handloads.
Do yourself a favor and measure how far off the lands you are with the bullet of your choice.

With 180gr SMK's I'm in the lands at 2.8055.
With 168gr SMK's I'm in the lands at 2.8105
This target was at 105yds. I pulled the last shot on the lower left target otherwise the group was 1/4moa after 4 rounds.

 

[stargeezer]

I really like the BA model, but the upcharge was just too steep for me. I'll be doing some shopping this weekend and if I can find a stock like that, I just might have to buy one. You never know.