Savage Model 12 -- problems with laminated stocks?

[Froggy]

Looking at picking up a Savage Model 12 Low Profile Varminter. The two guys I've met FTF who owned one BOTH said their laminated stocks cracked in the wrist area not long after they started shooting them. Not delamination, but a crack across the "grain" of the lamination.

Both stocks have since been replaced with synthetics, so I didn't see for myself. Both shooters also said they had already bedded the stocks before they cracked so didn't go back to Savage on a warranty (thinking their work would have voided any warranty).

Anyone have first- or second-hand knowledge of similar instances with other Model 12s?

 

[itgoesboom]

Not sure if this is the case with the Savage action, but some actions require a slight space behind the tang when bedded - they shoudln't be bedded tight against the stock at the tang area.

Supposedly, on some actions it puts extra strain on the stock when it is bedded tight at the tang, and can crack with usage. I have heard of it being an issue on some Rugers and on Weatherby Vanguard. When I did the bedding on my vanguard, I used two pieces of masking tape on the tang of the reciever to create the needed space.

That might be the issue...but I am not sure.

I.G.B.

 

[Jackal]

The problem seems simple. Don't bed the action. It isn't need anyway, since the rifles are plenty accurate out of the box.

 

[itgoesboom]

The problem seems simple. Don't bed the action. It isn't need anyway, since the rifles are plenty accurate out of the box.

Bedding the recoil lug is still a good idea, but it is probably a good idea to find out if there are any specific issues with your specific rifle type prior to doing any gunsmithing.

I.G.B.

 

[Detritus]

my bet is on both guys having bedded their actions and not done enough background on savage first. b/c itgoesboom pretty much has it right, the tang area on a savage is supposed to be free floated otherwise it does put a strain on the stock. and the pistol grip/wrist of the stock is where that strain is most likely to releive itself.

 

[Froggy]

Thanks for the input, guys. The tang sounds like it was probably the culprit.

 

[Ash]

Yeah, bedding the rear tang effectively disables the recoil lug and makes the rear tang the recoil lug. This will break the wrist (and can happen on Remingtons, Howas, and any other rifle using a pronounced foreward recoil lug).

Ash