Older Savage 111

[Southmountain]

I picked up a Savage 111 recently - serial is F2xxxxx, so from the early 1990’s. Picture attached.

1: It’s chambered in 7mm-08 but has a 24 inch barrel. The rifle is as long as a standard grade 30-06 pre-war Model 70 and weighs 7.3 lbs. Was it normal for Savages of this era to put 24 inch barrels on short action calibers like 7mm-08? Seems to defeat the point.

Would you shorten it to 22 or 20 if you wanted an eastern backwoods deer / black bear rifle in 7mm-08?

2: Any idea what the difference is between a Savage 111 and 110, during this era? I’ve yet to find a clear answer on this.

3: It came with a busted Tasco Golden Antler 3-9x40 scope. What are some other typical (probably cheaper budget?) scopes that these older Savages were paired with?

4: What sling would you use? 1-inch strap, cobra style, or military style?

 

[horsey300]

Cut it to 20", put this on it: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Bighorn-Rubber-Sling-Swivels/dp/B073CWF4TD (not period correct, but comfortable and doesn't slide around) and factory scopes are rarely that awesome, for cheap? Grab a fullfield, banner, or droptine. No point in trying to keep this that factory original for your intended use.
11/10 used to be something about the bluing or stock iirc. 16 is SS been awhile since I had to know the answer to that question, 12 was a target style action. And that's all I got.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have a 7x57 111. Supposedly a limited release. it has a Leupold 4-12 scope. 24 inch barrel and weighs 8.7 pounds. I would think you would save some weight going down to 20 inches. I like a padded sling for carry. A 3x9 would serve you well. There are some good choices out there that won’t break the bank. Funny, I had it out today for a good cleaning.

 

[adcoch1]

I'd shoot it first, but if the length bothers you 20" is about right balance wise for that rifle. Had a 110 30-06 with a 20" barrel that was quite handy. But shoot that 7mm-08, it might be so accurate you don't want to mess with it. Mine sure was...

 

[LoonWulf]

111/110s no real difference, I THINK the old the 111s were package guns...mine was a 7mag.....that dosent strike me as exactly right now that i think about it tho....

I would not shorten it.

A Simmons Blazer 3-9 was what mine came with.

I use whatever sling I find cheapest, but its simply a carry strap for me.

 

[Peakbagger46]

You could shorten the tube but a good 24” not only gets you a little more speed but also helps the rifle hold on target better and keeps the blast away from your ears. That being said, the wife’s little 20” 7mm-08 does fine with Accubonds.

Probably splitting hairs, but the little 7 has higher muzzle velocity and more makes a bigger hole than the 6.5 Creed.

 

[troy fairweather]

I would ream of out to 7x57 or 290/280ai and leave the barrel, tho the 7-08 is a great cartridge and does well with shorter barrels. If still not cut it, I've seen savage barrels not like being cut, may have something to do on how they straighten the.

For a sling most good leather slings will do, I've been liking Montana style slings recently.