Ruger or Savage

[Shootingman]

Iam looking at .308 deer stalking rifles,can't decide between Ruger or Savage, the Ruger is 6mths old, rifle-mounts-threaded:-£350. The savage is 3yrs old, rifle-6x42 scope-threaded:-£300. The scope is a cheapy, so I am not really concerned about it, as I would replace it in the near future. It's the better rifle I am looking for. I have a Ruger 22-250, & found it great, never had a Savage. Any advise would be gratefully received.

 

[killzone]

I think Savage makes far superior barrels and action than Ruger - Not to mantion the coolest accu-trigger.

The only Ruger I have had experiance with was the M77 ( I think) which had a composite stock and it handled nice with the rubber moldings (it might not be standard).

I would go with the Savage at any time.

 

[Essex County]

It all boils down to this...........

Do You want pretty or do you want accurate.....Essex

 

[cmidkiff]

Do You want pretty or do you want accurate.....Essex

Which is which? Are you saying that Savage rifles are ugly? I disagree...

I don't own one that would fit your criteria... a .308 deer rifle isn't my sort of thing... but I own 2 Savage rifles, a model 12 in .223, and the Model 93 pictured above in .17hmr. Both are very nice looking, highly accurate rifles. I highly recommend Savage rifles.

The new ones with the Accutrigger system are well worth the difference in price. An older Savage may very well need some trigger work, they were sometimes quite poor. I have an older model 12 that pre-dates the accutrigger. It's a very nice rifle, but the trigger doesn't compare to the new ones.

 

[Shootingman]

Wat do u mean pretty or accurate, I want accurate, so which is the accurate. When was the accutrigger born,as the savage is 3yrs old would it have the accutrigger fitted, thanks.

 

[ECVMatt]

I would strongly recomment the Ruger...

I have several and they all shoot into a quarter or about 1" groups all day long. The comments about Ruger accuarcy seem to me like internet wives tales. The Ruger is much more durable than a Savage and can take abuse like no other. I have seen several Savages break while being used in the field. I will admit that we use our rifles very hard, but they shouldn't break. The last one I saw broken had a problem with the accu-trigger. It would not fire. Ruger triggers are not the greatest, but can easily be fixed with a Timney Trigger.

There is no disputing the accuracy of a savage, but if it doesn't go bang what's the point?

Matt

 

[Zullo74]

The only problem with the Savage Accu-trigger is that folks try and set them too light for the spring set they have. Then they are not "broken", but doing what they were intended to do, prevent AD's!

 

[Sniper4Life]

The comments about Ruger accuarcy seem to me like internet wives tales. The Ruger is much more durable than a Savage and can take abuse like no other. I have seen several Savages break while being used in the field. I will admit that we use our rifles very hard, but they shouldn't break.

Shees man, me and a couple friends won a savage 12fvss 22-250 in a local gun raffle. We all had guns so we decided to put it through a tourtue test. We took it out threw it in the mud,dirt,sand,and even cow crud. We checked to make sure the barrel was clear then fired away, it was it still grouped 1/2 MOA. We also tried beatin on it with hammers and stuff while it was loaded and cocked,( It was pointed away and in a vise) it wouldnt go off. We loaded a water trough with sand + water and threw it in there. Pulled it out, bolt cycled a little hard but it shot. To clean we just broke out the water hose. The only thing that was treated gently on that gun was a cheap .22 scope. We put it through hell and back, and I would take it with me anywhere. Sorry I dont have pics or you could see what we did to it.

 

[Schleprok62]

Well, from my own experiences, the Ruger, although a nice rifle, does not generally have a full float barrel (from the factory) whereas the Savage does... That's why I own a Savage 110.

 

[rangerruck]

also remember on the savage, if you ever shoot it out, or want a diff cal, just change out the bbl. get one of their bbl change tools an you can do it yourself, easy, just make sure if you do change out the bbl, you go with the same type long action, or short action calibre.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Sniper4life's abusive "testing" aside I'd recommend a Savage because they cost less and work great. The Ruger's certainly have a following but they're not often match winners. The worst offense against nature was their Zytel stock which thankfully they've stopped inflicting upon the masses. I've yet to incur a more violent and recoil enhancing experience at the helm of ANY rifle. Add to that the safeties are loud, triggers are gritty (until replaced), and I've never heard of one (model 77) with a detachable magazine. Perhaps now that nobody named "Ruger" is currently running the company they'll decide that accuracy and versatility will be selling points worthy of manufacture. I for one hope so.

 

[ECVMatt]

The trigger I was referring to..

was replaced by Savage and the owner was told it was defective by Savage. Savage paid the freight both ways so good on them! My buddy was a bit mad becuase he didn't have his rifle for a month or so while it was getting repaired, but it worked out for him in the end.

I am really trying to change my opinion of the 110 type rifles, because I really think it had many strong points, but everytime I get close to buying one I run across one with a problem. Maybe I am Savaged Jinxed? Maybe I should just pony up and buy one and start with fresh mind.

Matt

 

[pdh]

Get which rifle feels the best for you. You are wanting it for deer hunting? You do not need a rifle to deer hunt that shoots one hole groups at 100yds anyway. I do have the older series m77 that has the tang safety in the 30-06. Sighting in this year for deer hunting at 100yds...it printed a 3 shot 3/4" group using Federal 150 Power-Shok ammunition....

But you can not go wrong with either rifle.......

 

[redneck2]

might want to check out http://www.egpworld.com.

Guy's a big fan of Rugers and thinks they're way under-rated. Besides, the site it really fun if you're into varmint hunting.

I've had 2 Savage rifles and one Ruger. My experience with Savage centerfires was less than stellar, but there are a lot of guys here that like them. I suspect it's more personal preference than anything and either would work fine. In a game rifle, I like the idea of the Ruger basically being a modern day Mauser with the claw extractor.

 

[Hank Hunter]

I've had 3 rugers and none of them shot accurate. I've had 3 savages and all shot accurate.

 

[CZ223]

Well I've owned several of each

I now own 6 Savage model 12 BVSS type rifles. All have stainless fluted barrels and the wood laminate stocks. Four of them have the old style trigger and 2 of them the new accu-trigger. ALL OF THEM will shoot 1/2 MOA or better. While my Rugers were good shooters my Savages qualify as great shooters. I will also have to agree that I don't find Savage rifles ugly at least not anymore. Get one with the laminated wood stock. Yes, I sold all my Rugers. Sniper, you should be ashamed.

 

[highlander 5]

I've said this on previous threads and I will repeat it Savage rifles in most instances will shoot rings around their more expensive brethren PERIOD. Here in th states you can get a Savage rifle with scope mounted for less than a Ruger or similar rifle with no scope. Granted the scopes they have are low end but if you can save a couple hundred bucks who cares,upgrade later

 

[ECVMatt]

Here is someone who had a similar experience...

For the big bears we simply do not want to discuss anything under the .338 Mag. with 250 grain premium bullets. Note, we consider this the minimum caliber suitable for use in any of our bear camps! I carry a Brno (CZ model 602) in .458 Lott, and we highly recommend .375 H&H's on up into the big .40's. Rifles used for the big bears should not be new, unused rifles, rather they should be rifles that the clients have put through some testing, and individuals should be sure they will operate in the worst of conditions. My first rifle as a professional guide was one of the highly praised Savage Safari Express, model 116 in .458 Win. Mag., and this rifle failed in every possible manner that one could imagine during a mere 45 days in the bush. From rounds porpoising out of the magazine when the action was cycled, to firing pin seizure, the rifle proved to be totally worthless. I personally recommend leaving your rifle outside in the rain for a week, (at least) then testing it, perhaps the more appropriate test is to do this with a couple of dips in the bathtub, just for good measure. Remember, we don't hunt from warm cabins, and your rifle is likely to be wet 90% of the time. Stainless is great, but internal parts are often blued, (as was the Savage), so don't expect it to be a cure-all. Synthetic stocks are great, but the greatest thing is a well tested rifle, that you know will perform under all conditions. My Brno is not stainless, and the stock is walnut. My best advice, once again, is to ignore the arm chair gun writers and go with proven hardware.


Here's the link:

http://www.alaskahunts.net/alaska/gear.htm

Not bashing, but I am not alone..

Matt

 

[.38 Special]

I've had several of both. The Savages were marginally more accurate, on average, although not all my Savages were more accurate than all my Rugers.

Savages definitely look like economy rifles up close. The bluing is matte and machining marks are evident. Rugers tend to have a very nice finish with deep bluing.

Savage plastic stocks are typically pretty bad. The old Ruger plastic stocks were very ugly and fit no one, but were still not as bad as the incredibly flimsy "tupperware" plastic stocks still put out by Savage. Yes, there are aftermarket composite stocks available for most Savages, but Savages stop being quite such a bargain when you figure in another $150 for a replacement stock.

Yes, most Savages are free floated, but most Rugers are "pressure bedded" which is a more difficult process and arguably superior. (Okay, very arguably.)

Both, in my experience, are quite reliable and quite tough. One may hold up better than another if abused, but I don't know because I don't abuse rifles. Both, essentially, do what rifles are supposed to do. You just have to decide whether better workmanship and appearance are worth the extra $$$ to you.

 

[steelhead]

If you like the idea of being able to swap barrels and have more calibers to shoot, for less cost, then get the Savage. If that doesn't float your boat - then go for the better deal. In this case, it would still be the Savage by £50.

 

[moody22]

I would definateley go with the Ruger. They are one of the best rifles there is.

 

[Shootingman]

Thanks 4 all ur advise guys, really appreciate it & decided 2 go 4 the savage