Trade for new rifle?

[bullzeye8]

So I currently have a Savage 11 that is a special dicks model with a varmint thickness barrel in .308 and a dbm . I have added a Boyd's thumb hole stock and a rifle basixs sag-1 trigger. It is a bottom bolt release model. It's a decent rifle and with its favorite handload I've gotten around 3/4 moa with it at 75 yards. However even the upgraded trigger isn't incredible, the magazine isn't very good and doesn't feed great, the bolt rubs on the magazine making it not as smooth, and being bottom bolt release there are even fewer upgrades possible.


Knowing all of that would trading it in for like a Remington 700 or maybe a bergara (700 pattern) be a good choice? I like quality not just cheap feeling and accurate and the Remington 700 would give almost endless options to upgrade but would it overall feel higher quality? The main reason I haven't done this is because I currently can only shoot 75 yards and living in PA there's not many places to shoot much farther although I would like to. Because of that I'm not sure if it's quite worth it but if I would get an all around better rifle it might be worth it just to make my shooting more enjoyable.

 

[badkarmamib]

First, and I am in the minority here: if a rifle doesn't satisfy you, then trading it for a rifle that does, is the way to go.

But, if you are limited to 75 yards, the replacements you listed are, IMHO, overkill. A good old-fashioned lever gun in .30-30 would suit you fine. Or, even settling with what you already have, and trading for something later, depending on your situation at that time. But, I would consider all of this in light of my first statement.

 

[Hanzo581]

If you aren't pleased with it I'd certainly trade for something else. I'm having the same predicament with my 10FCP-SR, I just can't decide if I'm willing to overlook issues as long as it shoots well for the price.

 

[beeenbag]

I agree with the posts above.

This hobby is about enjoying your equipment, whether it be the giddiness from a new purchase or the pleasure of handling a fine relic. If your firearm doesn't completely do it for you, find something that does. Chasing that special firearm is part of the fun for me.

 

[LoonWulf]

As the others said, not happy swap it out.

 

[.308 Norma]

First, and I am in the minority here: if a rifle doesn't satisfy you, then trading it for a rifle that does, is the way to go.

I don't think you're "in the minority here," badkarmamib. At least I agree with you.
I've bought, and later sold/traded off a lot of guns in my 69 years that for one reason or another didn't satisfy me. Providing for one's family, and owning up other financial obligations come before buying more, or other guns of course. But after those responsibilities are met, my view is - this life's too short to not have the guns I want.

 

[jmr40]

But, if you are limited to 75 yards, the replacements you listed are, IMHO, overkill. A good old-fashioned lever gun in .30-30 would suit you fine.

If the goal is to hit a deer size animal at 75 yards a 30-30 is adequate. But I get the feeling he is looking for a lot more accuracy than a 30-30 can provide. If you're looking for a range gun for target shooting you will probably get a lot more use out of a target grade 22 with good ammo. I've been pushing the envelope lately with 22's shooting them at 200 yards. At 50 yards most groups are completely covered with a dime. If you want centerfire for range use buy an accurate 223. Ammo costs are a lot less and it is plenty accurate out to 300-500 yards.

If you might use it for big game hunting a 308 is a very good option and you already have ammo. But unless game bigger than deer is an option I'd look hard at 6.5 Creedmoor.

I don't see a trade for a 700 as an upgrade. At best it is a lateral move and maybe a step down. Bergara's are a bit of an unknown. I've handled one and liked what I saw. Reports I've read on accuracy are good, just not any better than many other options. If pure accuracy for the dollar is your goal look at Tikka. The Ruger American Predators are proving to be quite accurate too. The rifle you have is regarded as one of the most accurate you can buy. But like you, I just don't care much for Savage rifles. If you don't like it, get rid of it though.