Savage or CZ

[Old Dude]

I am looking at the possibility of buying a bolt action in .223. I thought of a Savage 12FV because I want as much accuracy as I can have at a reasonable price.

I e-mailed my local gun shop about the availability and price, and got a prompt answer. (They know The Old Dude there!) The person who e-mailed me suggested that I consider a CZ 527 American, which they sell for a bit more.

I have written asking what advantage the CZ would have over the Savage other than less weight--which won't be an issue for me as I don't plan on hauling this thing miles through the woods.

Can anybody here enlighten me as to why one (either one) would be superior to the other?

 

[nipprdog]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=156144

 

[Old Dude]

Interesting thread there, but only marginally helpful.

I suppose I'm looking to be talked into, or being talked out of, one or the other.

OK, the Savage runs about 8.25 pounds (if I recall) and the CZ is about 6.5 ounds. The Savage has a 24 in. barrel; the CZ's barrel is 21.9 in. The CZ has a single set trigger (which someone in the linked thread said has the potential for more accuracy than the Savage Accu-Trigger--probably in hands far younger and steadier than mine).

Now, I'm certainly not looking for objective comments because one person's objective is objectionable to another. I want prejudices--why everyone thinks one trigger is better than another, whether the Savage can maintain accuracy under sustained fire better than the CZ--whatever. What I want to know is what you think the good and bad points are of either--and I'll decide how important your needs and experiences are to me.

Thanks to all...

 

[Cacique500]

I'm looking at the same two models...tough choice.

I'm leaning towards the CZ...the 'Varmint' model has a 24" heavy barrel with a kevlar stock. I think it's a little more expensive than the savage due to the stock.

You may want to pop over to the CZ Forum - everybody over there love's em!

 

[Old Dude]

Yeah, I've dropped in now and then, and they do love their CZs. Kinda wish there was a corresponding Savage forum...

 

[nipprdog]

Kinda wish there was a corresponding Savage forum...

actually, there is. sort of.

http://www.savageshooters.net

however; "Due to recent events, we had to move this site to a new hosting service, and in the process all data from the old forum was lost."

the forums are in the rebuilding stages now.

I'm partial to Savage, obviously, since I own 3.

first, the 12FV has a 26" barrrel, not 24", like my 10FP.

one of the nice things about Savages is the 1/9 twist which means good results with a variety of bullet weights, from 45 to 70gr.

most, if not all, Savage 223s are sub MOA with match grade ammo. this pic is my nephew with a 5shot, 5/8" group shot with Black hills 68gr, blue box.(remanufactuered)


this was his second group, from the first time he had ever done benchrest shooting from a scoped rifle.

a rifle that I bought in LN condition for $280 and added a $150 scope.

and its a non-accu model that I adjusted to 3lbs.

 

[Old Dude]

Nipprdog, thanks for the correction. It's been a long week and we're taking off for two weeks in Ireland tomorrow, so I won't be making many decisions until we get back--other than what pub gets our business on a particular evening.

That was one nifty group by your nephew.

At my level of expertise (low) and my age (considerable), I am sure either would make me smile. A lot.

Again, thanks for the input!

 

[efmoto]

Savage!!!!

I just picked up my savage 12FV in .223 last week. I shot a .68" group with hornady (55gr.) and a .72" group with winchester white-box (55gr).
This is a sweet shoot'n rod.
Ed

 

[Atticus]

Can anybody here enlighten me as to why one (either one) would be superior to the other?

Probably not - both are excellent. Pick the one that feels and looks right to you. My CZ makes me, and everyone else who shoots it, go "DAMN!!" every time. It's far more accurate than it should be.

 

[Kurt]

This is an easy one for me. It has to be CZ.

Whenever I see "Savage" mentioned, all good thoughts about price and accuracy immediately get pushed aside by a very seldom mentioned, potential problem with their bolt guns.

Six years ago my brother-in-law had the barrel nut loosen up on his Savage. It was a blued 30-06, but I don't know the proper model number. It wasn't something he was able to correct without a trip to the gunsmith. Since then, I can't place these guns into my serious, or even hunting use category.

 

[browningguy]

I'm completely unbiased because I don't own either one. But I shoot with a few people who have both. I think the CZ would be a better walking around rifle because of weight and barrel length. But since you are after ultimate accuracy I'd go with the Savage.

The CZ is a good design and accurate for a factory rifle in its price range. The Savage is just accurate. I guess you could find a lemon Savage but I sure haven't seen one, they just seem to shoot better than any factory rifle should, and the accu-trigger is very good.

 

[Cueball]

Actually I have both of the rifles you are considering. I can safely say that you won't go wrong with either of them. They are both very accurate shooters. In order to make a real apples to apples comparison, I would compare the 12FV to the CZ Varmit model, both are the heavy barrel guns. If I were to only get one of the two rifles, I would probably go with the Savage, primarily due to the fact that you can pick it up a bit cheaper than the CZ. Either way, I'm sure you will be a happy shooter.

 

[steve4102]

My CZ makes me, and everyone else who shoots it, go "DAMN!!" every time. It's far more accurate than it should be

Ditto, My CZ 550 Am in 9.3x62 will shoot one holers all day long. I like it so well I am going to purchase a new CZ in 6.5x55 for my 11 year old son this fall.

 

[Essex County]

Got one of each in .223.......

The CZ is a sporter and shoots very well. I put a fixed 4X with the intention of using it to call yotes..........My Savage is a 112BVSS and is simply amazing. Mine was pre Accura trigger so I installed a SSS trigger. I like both rifles. I guess my question is how much are you going to lug it around?..... Essex

 

[Old Dude]

Thank you, one and all, for the answers. Keep those cards and letters coming, folks!

In a little bit, my Lovely Bride and I are flying out of town. I will check back, perhaps Tuesday, from Dingle, Ireland.

Again, a sincere thanks to all.

 

[cracked butt]

CZ- life's too short to settle for an ugly gun

 

[Ivy Mike]

Whichever one feels better for you is the one you should get.

Both are excellent rifles and you'll be well served by either.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Either is a great choice.

As a long time Savage shooter (116fsak & 110b), both in 30-06 I can assure you a Savage will stand up to a lifetime of shooting. The heavy fluted stainless barrel of the Savage gets HOT fast, but this also means it cools faster than the CZ.

The 12BVSS has built in ambidextrous Wundhammer palm swells, dual pillar bedding and a FAT fore-end which is great in a bench rifle but awful in one you'd carry around. The laminate stock is TOUGH and the barrel is free-floated at the factory... I can get 3 shot groups you can cover with a dime all day with my 116... and truthfully my 116 has a stock that's too soft... that 112 should be a tack driver.

The CZ looks like a slightly more practical 'walking around' varminter. The laminated stiock version has a high monte carlo comb, something you don't have as an option on teh Savage. Also you get a detachable magazine with the CZ... not a must-have in varminter but a nice was to instantly unload the weapon. The fore-end looks flared on all laminated and kevlar versions, bit not on the wooden stocked one.

 

[Tropical Z]

Get a Savage.