The beginning of another Savage Journey?

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I have been wanting another bolt action for 500+ yards to accompany me to the 1,000 yard range. Making a trip for over 2 hours one way just to have one rifle to shoot seemed boring. That’s my story and I am sticking to it!

I also wanted to stick with 6.5 Creedmoor. loading would be easier sticking with what i have rather than buying different brass, bullets, dies, etc. In short the KISS method was my plan.


Budget is $2,000. I thought i would do another savage model 12FV but i cant find them in stock. I even wonder if they have been discontinued and not removed from Cabela’s/Bass Pro?!

Northland shooters supply has Savage 10 actions with bottom metal, magazine. And rail for $545. So i thought about that route. But I had no intention of buying the action until i could get a barrel and an optic and a stock/chassis , after all whats the point? So i would have to wait.

I thought ( again) well i could find a temporary shooter that could be built later on. So i headed to an LGS i generally find good deals at. Always fair and friendly plus they have the Gunsmith who can thread a barrel for me, so whats not to like?

So i went to look at the Ruger Hunter heavy barrel and their version of an accu-trigger. I wanted to see if i could manage with the stock and the cheek piece (magpul stock with different cheek pieces ). I get there and look at the rifle and it is definitely a heavy barrel. A short 20” fat bull barrel with a brake and a solid stock. For a little over $700 this was not bad and it would be fine for ringing steel at 500+ easy.

Three rungs down on the rack was a Savage FCP-SR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Red tag hung from the trigger guard which means used or possible bargain. So i said “let me see the Savage”. Looked it over and then checked the price $475! It came with 2 mags and a midwest industries brake. You know i just could not pass up on that. Cheaper than an action and i have a brake plus 2 mags and a doable 20 MOA base.

I already have a scope picked out and decided to order it. I know what the Arken SH-4 gen 2 is like because i have compared it side by side with my Viper HST. Hands down the Arken has my vote of the two. So that is on the way But not for this rifle. Im swapping the Vortex from my precisiin build to this and the long barrel gets the Arken.

Rifle complete minus its future stock. I think i am going with wood and bed the action on this build. I also want a cheek weld and this stock will not make the cut. I like the chassis because they are easy and heavy for a precision build but this one i am going to build lighter so if i want to go hog hunt or Deer hunt or maybe slide out west this winter for some varmint disposal.

So there is one thing i almost forgot to touch on….barrel. Well if it can consistently group sub-MOA ill leave the barrel as is. If not well I will replace it. I will still be well within budget anyway. I know it should be, but not every Savage is a shooter, just most of them.

I range report coming…And maybe a review on the Arken.

PS…..no i do not nor will i ever have a man bun, and no they do not come with a 6.5 creedmoor!

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Correction Arken has 30%off right now. SH-4 gen 2 with rings $370 delivered.!

 

[gotboostvr]

Oh I would have been all over that deal myself and I'm not the biggest Savage fan.

 

[kmw1954]

My most recent Savage with a Boyds stock.

The stock developed a delamination between the mag well and the trigger well. Passes right thru the rear action screw.
So was told by Boyds to destroy the stock, cut it in half, and send them the picture and the would then replace the stock. A real shame because the gun was shooting fantastic.

BTW, this was a barreled receiver I purchased from another member here for a very fair price. Originally had a 243 20" barrel and now has a Model 12 26" Varmint 223 barrel on it. This is also my 4th Savage.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

My most recent Savage with a Boyds stock.View attachment 1078575 View attachment 1078576

The stock developed a delamination between the mag well and the trigger well. Passes right thru the rear action screw.
So was told by Boyds to destroy the stock, cut it in half, and send them the picture and the would then replace the stock. A real shame because the gun was shooting fantastic.

BTW, this was a barreled receiver I purchased from another member here for a very fair price. Originally had a 243 20" barrel and now has a Model 12 26" Varmint 223 barrel on it. This is also my 4th Savage.

Is that the AT1 thumbhole? A lot more colorful that than what i have seen in pics. Was it pillar bedded?

I think of i go Boyd’s I am opting for the pillar bedding and then bed the action as well when i get it.

 

[kmw1954]

Is that the AT1 thumbhole? A lot more colorful that than what i have seen in pics. Was it pillar bedded?

I think of i go Boyd’s I am opting for the pillar bedding and then bed the action as well when i get it.

Yes that is an At-One Thumbhole in Apple Jack. No pillars but was epoxy bedded.
A word of warning about pillars in Savage stocks. There is very little material around the rear action screw because of the trigger sear and the rear action pillar actually needs to be cut out to allow clearance for the sear. So proceed with caution.

 

[David Hoback]

Man Bun, LOL! I like your humor.

I think your plan is incredibly smart! I’m the same way. I’ve been shooting 260 Rem for several years now. Over winter I tore it apart and did a full rebuild! (Actually still dong it) But I kept it as 260. I already have brass, dies, and experience. Why switch??

I also appreciate your liking of Savages. I am a BONAFIDE, Savage LOYALIST! Owned them since I was 18- my first high power rifle. This one is built to an extreme level.

I see the other rifle poking out in the back. I’d like to see that one. What Chassis is that. I’m a Chassis guy. I used to use the MDT TAC21. I’ve now switched to the Mirage URL. And I’m about the only using the Mirage on a Savage I think.

 

[horsemen61]

View attachment 1078545 View attachment 1078545 View attachment 1078546 View attachment 1078547 View attachment 1078548 I have been wanting another bolt action for 500+ yards to accompany me to the 1,000 yard range. Making a trip for over 2 hours one way just to have one rifle to shoot seemed boring. That’s my story and I am sticking to it!

I also wanted to stick with 6.5 Creedmoor. loading would be easier sticking with what i have rather than buying different brass, bullets, dies, etc. In short the KISS method was my plan.


Budget is $2,000. I thought i would do another savage model 12FV but i cant find them in stock. I even wonder if they have been discontinued and not removed from Cabela’s/Bass Pro?!

Northland shooters supply has Savage 10 actions with bottom metal, magazine. And rail for $545. So i thought about that route. But I had no intention of buying the action until i could get a barrel and an optic and a stock/chassis , after all whats the point? So i would have to wait.

I thought ( again) well i could find a temporary shooter that could be built later on. So i headed to an LGS i generally find good deals at. Always fair and friendly plus they have the Gunsmith who can thread a barrel for me, so whats not to like?

So i went to look at the Ruger Hunter heavy barrel and their version of an accu-trigger. I wanted to see if i could manage with the stock and the cheek piece (magpul stock with different cheek pieces ). I get there and look at the rifle and it is definitely a heavy barrel. A short 20” fat bull barrel with a brake and a solid stock. For a little over $700 this was not bad and it would be fine for ringing steel at 500+ easy.

Three rungs down on the rack was a Savage FCP-SR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Red tag hung from the trigger guard which means used or possible bargain. So i said “let me see the Savage”. Looked it over and then checked the price $475! It came with 2 mags and a midwest industries brake. You know i just could not pass up on that. Cheaper than an action and i have a brake plus 2 mags and a doable 20 MOA base.

I already have a scope picked out and decided to order it. I know what the Arken SH-4 gen 2 is like because i have compared it side by side with my Viper HST. Hands down the Arken has my vote of the two. So that is on the way But not for this rifle. Im swapping the Vortex from my precisiin build to this and the long barrel gets the Arken.

Rifle complete minus its future stock. I think i am going with wood and bed the action on this build. I also want a cheek weld and this stock will not make the cut. I like the chassis because they are easy and heavy for a precision build but this one i am going to build lighter so if i want to go hog hunt or Deer hunt or maybe slide out west this winter for some varmint disposal.

So there is one thing i almost forgot to touch on….barrel. Well if it can consistently group sub-MOA ill leave the barrel as is. If not well I will replace it. I will still be well within budget anyway. I know it should be, but not every Savage is a shooter, just most of them.

I range report coming…And maybe a review on the Arken.

PS…..no i do not nor will i ever have a man bun, and no they do not come with a 6.5 creedmoor!

First Off Congratulations on your new rifle I have the exact same model love mine 20 inch barrel it was the gun that got me hooked on shooting as a whole 6.5 Creedmoor no less it’s the last one I’d part with a couple of thoughts though on it

1(A) The 20 MOA rail check and make sure it’s tight and right mine worked lose after a couple of years so I’d make sure it’s torqued down pretty good

1(B) The Factory mags/DBM is Garbage I tried all sorts of things to fix mine but nothing would help it got to the point where it was trying to drop out after every shot I finally said enough and bit the bullet so to speak and bought The Bottom metal and a Mag from Accurate Mag Night and Day difference I have a 5 rounder but I’ve ran a 10 round just as well


2 for $475 that’s a steal of a price! I got mine in 2015 and paid $514 from grabagun like I said that’s a steal of a price even if you replace the barrel you are money ahead of your target price goal!!!!


3. I just put a Thunder Beast Arms Ultra 7 .264 on mine and I love it like I can’t recommend it enough I think everything should have a suppressor on it now

4. I believe yours is just like mine in the fact that it has an Accustock I highly recommend you shoot it first before you change anything out yet


Best group I’ve ever shot was with that rifle and my hand loads that’s 5 @ 100 yards I bet yours will be a real sweet shooter!

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Yes that is an At-One Thumbhole in Apple Jack. No pillars but was epoxy bedded.
A word of warning about pillars in Savage stocks. There is very little material around the rear action screw because of the trigger sear and the rear action pillar actually needs to be cut out to allow clearance for the sear. So proceed with caution.

Dang i knew that and forgot all about it when i was looking at stocks and it had the pillar bedding add on. I am so glad you reminded me.

You know i wanted a wood stock and now I am wondering if it is such a good idea. I can always stick with the Accu-stock as it does have an aluminum bed. Maybe get a Kydex cheek riser and call it done.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Man Bun, LOL! I like your humor.

I think your plan is incredibly smart! I’m the same way. I’ve been shooting 260 Rem for several years now. Over winter I tore it apart and did a full rebuild! (Actually still dong it) But I kept it as 260. I already have brass, dies, and experience. Why switch??

I also appreciate your liking of Savages. I am a BONAFIDE, Savage LOYALIST! Owned them since I was 18- my first high power rifle. This one is built to an extreme level.

I see the other rifle poking out in the back. I’d like to see that one. What Chassis is that. I’m a Chassis guy. I used to use the MDT TAC21. I’ve now switched to the Mirage URL. And I’m about the only using the Mirage on a Savage I think.

That is build that started as a Savage 12FV. It is on the MDT chassis that came off of a Savage Stealth i found online.

The butt stock i found while browsing for a stock on Amazon. It works great but a Pain to move for a cleaning rod. I need some thumb nuts to make it much easier. Lol

The barrel is a Shilen select match 26” varmint profile i believe its called. About .80” at the muzzle with the 111 degree target crown.

It has an EGW 20MOA base,Vortex rings, and a Viper HST 6-24x50 sitting in top.

These are from my last outing. The two groups on tye shoot-n-see splatter targets are from test loads with a different powder and were .3 gr apart. The other loads were from a load i developed. The gun shoots when i do my part. Which is a lot less often than i would like.

On my outing before that one i tested some new loads and brought 10rounds of my developed load for 2 groups and the best one was .8” . Not a good day for me. Some could have been the load but I highly doubt it. Lol

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Technical errors on my phone. Sorry for the multi quotes below.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

First Off Congratulations on your new rifle I have the exact same model love mine 20 inch barrel it was the gun that got me hooked on shooting as a whole 6.5 Creedmoor no less it’s the last one I’d part with a couple of thoughts though on it

1(A) The 20 MOA rail check and make sure it’s tight and right mine worked lose after a couple of years so I’d make sure it’s torqued down pretty good

1(B) The Factory mags/DBM is Garbage I tried all sorts of things to fix mine but nothing would help it got to the point where it was trying to drop out after every shot I finally said enough and bit the bullet so to speak and bought The Bottom metal and a Mag from Accurate Mag Night and Day difference I have a 5 rounder but I’ve ran a 10 round just as well


2 for $475 that’s a steal of a price! I got mine in 2015 and paid $514 from grabagun like I said that’s a steal of a price even if you replace the barrel you are money ahead of your target price goal!!!!


3. I just put a Thunder Beast Arms Ultra 7 .264 on mine and I love it like I can’t recommend it enough I think everything should have a suppressor on it now

4. I believe yours is just like mine in the fact that it has an Accustock I highly recommend you shoot it first before you change anything out yet


View attachment 1078608 Best group I’ve ever shot was with that rifle and my hand loads that’s 5 @ 100 yards I bet yours will be a real sweet shooter!

First Off Congratulations on your new rifle I have the exact same model love mine 20 inch barrel it was the gun that got me hooked on shooting as a whole 6.5 Creedmoor no less it’s the last one I’d part with a couple of thoughts though on it

1(A) The 20 MOA rail check and make sure it’s tight and right mine worked lose after a couple of years so I’d make sure it’s torqued down pretty good

1(B) The Factory mags/DBM is Garbage I tried all sorts of things to fix mine but nothing would help it got to the point where it was trying to drop out after every shot I finally said enough and bit the bullet so to speak and bought The Bottom metal and a Mag from Accurate Mag Night and Day difference I have a 5 rounder but I’ve ran a 10 round just as well


2 for $475 that’s a steal of a price! I got mine in 2015 and paid $514 from grabagun like I said that’s a steal of a price even if you replace the barrel you are money ahead of your target price goal!!!!


3. I just put a Thunder Beast Arms Ultra 7 .264 on mine and I love it like I can’t recommend it enough I think everything should have a suppressor on it now

4. I believe yours is just like mine in the fact that it has an Accustock I highly recommend you shoot it first before you change anything out yet


View attachment 1078608 Best group I’ve ever shot was with that rifle and my hand loads that’s 5 @ 100 yards I bet yours will be a real sweet shooter!

Good point on checking the screws. Yup i checked the base and the action.

It being used I thought i would put some sweets in the bore and check for copper. I got one patch with a little blue on it and that was it. Not near as bad as some barrels i have had or seen.

I will run a bore scope through it sometime this week to see what the throat looks like. My guess is this rifle hasn’t been shot a lot. But I wont know until i take a peek.

I agree on those mags. That is the worst part about that rifle. Spring is one is pretty spongy. I also thought about that aluminum bedding and i agree. I think ill put an adjustable Kydex cheek rest on it and call that done. If I add much more weight to it then it will be heavier than i would like to carry for any substantial distance.

Nice shooting. I don't expect that much accuracy on any regularity but if its anything like yours is shooting I will probably shoot it until it burns out.

 

[David Hoback]

Very cool! Ahh, I see. That is the MDT LSS chassis. I actually use a Shilen 26” barrel as well. Chrome-Moly Match in 260 Rem.

You mentioned thumb screws. What size do you need? I was using these on my last shoulder stock, that I machined myself. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DRMDSQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Used with 1/4-20 carriage bolts.

Here it is showing the Thumbscrew used.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Very cool! Ahh, I see. That is the MDT LSS chassis. I actually use a Shilen 26” barrel as well. Chrome-Moly Match in 260 Rem.

You mentioned thumb screws. What size do you need? I was using these on my last shoulder stock, that I machined myself. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DRMDSQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Used with 1/4-20 carriage bolts.

Here it is showing the Thumbscrew used.
View attachment 1078708

Nice job on the shoulder stock!

Those thumbscrews are exactly what i am looking for. If they don’t come with the Kydex cheek riser at least I know where I can get them. Thanks for the link.

 

[horsemen61]

Good point on checking the screws. Yup i checked the base and the action.

It being used I thought i would put some sweets in the bore and check for copper. I got one patch with a little blue on it and that was it. Not near as bad as some barrels i have had or seen.

I will run a bore scope through it sometime this week to see what the throat looks like. My guess is this rifle hasn’t been shot a lot. But I wont know until i take a peek.

I agree on those mags. That is the worst part about that rifle. Spring is one is pretty spongy. I also thought about that aluminum bedding and i agree. I think ill put an adjustable Kydex cheek rest on it and call that done. If I add much more weight to it then it will be heavier than i would like to carry for any substantial distance.

Nice shooting. I don't expect that much accuracy on any regularity but if its anything like yours is shooting I will probably shoot it until it burns out.

I hope it’s a like new barrel for you and the indicators seem to line up with that fingers crossed!!! As far as that group I shot sometimes I get lucky the last thing I am planning on doing to mine is getting the stock painted the whole black on black on black is bugging me I’d like to do a forest camo theme like the M40a1’s roughly I may try to do it or send it out not sure yet best of luck with yours!

 

[David Hoback]

Nice job on the shoulder stock!

Those thumbscrews are exactly what i am looking for. If they don’t come with the Kydex cheek riser at least I know where I can get them. Thanks for the link.

Thanks. That shoulder stock I made was on my last setup, with the MDT TAC-21 Chassis.

This is my new Chassis. The Mirage URL, minus the Handguard in this pic. I still need to do the Tactical Gray Cerakote. I just sprayed 14 small parts for the build yesterday. Accessories parts in black. And need to bake them tomorrow. Then I’ll spray the Chassis at some point.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I hope it’s a like new barrel for you and the indicators seem to line up with that fingers crossed!!! As far as that group I shot sometimes I get lucky the last thing I am planning on doing to mine is getting the stock painted the whole black on black on black is bugging me I’d like to do a forest camo theme like the M40a1’s roughly I may try to do it or send it out not sure yet best of luck with yours!

I hope so too. If you do some camo don’t forget to oost some pics!

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Thanks. That shoulder stock I made was on my last setup, with the MDT TAC-21 Chassis.

This is my new Chassis. The Mirage URL, minus the Handguard in this pic. I still need to do the Tactical Gray Cerakote. I just sprayed 14 small parts for the build yesterday. Accessories parts in black. And need to bake them tomorrow. Then I’ll spray the Chassis at some point.
View attachment 1078821

Grey has been real popular lately. Nice looking chassis. Looking forward to pics when its done!

 

[David Hoback]

Grey has been real popular lately. Nice looking chassis. Looking forward to pics when its done!

Thank you. I’ve wanted to do a Metallic Grey Chassis for many years now. I’ve only started doing my own Cerakote the past year. I’ve already done the barrel, Action, bolt & such in Armor Black & they came out very nice.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Thank you. I’ve wanted to do a Metallic Grey Chassis for many years now. I’ve only started doing my own Cerakote the past year. I’ve already done the barrel, Action, bolt & such in Armor Black & they came out very nice.
View attachment 1078910

The black looks good.

 

[David Hoback]

It’s a good black. Deep & very “matt” without looking powder… if that makes sense? Ya know how some matt black finishes are I don’t know, ashy I guess I’d the correct word.. This Cerakote black doesn’t do that. This is the
H-190 Armor Black. It’s H-series so it does need oven cured. I built my entire curing oven as well. If you are thinking about Cerakote.. DO IT! I wish I’d jumped into it years ago.

Old shelving unit cut down & riveted back together. With a heating element bent long ways to accommodate the space & some furnace insulating ceramic wool. Works perfect!