New Savage vs. used Model 70?

[prestpat]

I've been looking for a bolt action 223 and I'm torn between two. The local Cabela's has some scoped Savages on sale for about $400. I'll have to double-check, but I think they're 111s with Nikon scopes. They also have a very nice used Winchester Model 70 varmint with a Burris scope for something like $675.

The price difference isn't quite as much as it seems. I'd want to re-stock the Savage as I have a very strong dislike of synthetic stocks, and based on Boyd's website, the true price of the Savage would end up between $500 and $575. The M70 is a rifle I know and love, and at the same price, that's what I'd buy, no question. But, I could save a little money and have something brand new, so maybe that's a better way to go. Any opinions here?

 

[jmr40]

Buy the Wnchester. You'll be glad you spent a little extra down the road.

 

[hardluk1]

Theres is a third option. Mossberg MVP- 55.6 chamber so 223 will work and uses AR mags.

 

[BBQLS1]

If nothing else, Savage makes a pretty accurate out of the box rifle. They tend to be consistent in build too. If you decide on this one, get one with the Accutrigger. They may very well be the best bang for the buck in bolt action rifles.

I bought a 111 FCNS in .30-06 a couple of seasons ago. I really need to start loading for it, but using hunting ammo (Federal 150 grain) to shoot right at 1" over 3 rounds at 100 yards. I don't think it would take much to get everything tighter. I'm not a serious accuracy shooter or anything, but it impressed me that it could make me shoot that well.

I have two complaints about the rifle, that aren't Savage's fault.

1. I wish I had gotten wood instead of a synthetic stock. I just like wood better.
2. I thought I wanted a box magazine, but now wish I had gotten a trap door version. This way, you never worry about leaving the magazine somewhere else.

Buying the Winchester may or may not get you the accuracy as my understanding is that they aren't all made the same (besides the design changes made over the years like the 64 extractor). It will likely hold it's value better though. It's also a classic rifle which is cool too.

 

[BBQLS1]

Oh, looking at your post more closely..... you should just buy a rifle with a wood stock. It doesn't make much sense to buy a new rifle and change the stock. The price for a new Savage with wood will be around $550..... by the time you add a scope (Burris FF2 used), you will be in the same price range as the M70.

 

[Robert]

Depends on how old the Winchester is. If it is one of the new FN Winchesters then I'd go with that.

 

[prestpat]

The Savage is already scoped, so the total price with a new stock is still less than the Winchester. The M70 is a post-64, pre-FN model, but it still seems like a much higher quality gun. The finishes are smoother, the roll stamping is more even, things like that. Whether it would shoot any better, I don't know.

 

[Edarnold]

You always need to ask just WHY that used gun is sitting in the rack. Might be the owner wanted something else, might be because the gun was unreliable or terminally inaccurate. How you know before buying, and what do you do if it's a lemon? Read all the posts here where dissatisfied owners are advised to:"just sell it and get something else".
New guns have warranties, used guns don't, unless the seller is willing to give you a money-back guarantee.
IMHO

 

[shootniron]

I would buy the Winchester...99% of used guns are sold for reasons other than problems with the gun.

 

[One_Jackal]

if it's a pre 1964 Winchester I would jump all over it. I would look at a Howa or Weatherby before falling in love with a Savage. Yes, they have Houge or Houge type stocks on them. The stock trigger is crisp and light. The Weatherby's with high quality wood stocks are usually Vanguard Sporters.

 

[prestpat]

I picked up the Winchester last night! The silky smooth bolt and light, crisp trigger sealed the deal. I'm no sharpshooter, but if this thing is even vaguely accurate I'm going to be a very happy clam.

 

[sage5907]

I think you made the smart buy. The Winchester has a flat bottom receiver, a 3 position safety that also locks the bolt, and a great trigger. You already know it looks and feels good. If it shoots good you got a winner! BW

 

[murf]

yes, the good deal was the burris scope. essentially, you bought a 400$ rifle.

nice deal!

murf