Which Savage for target shooting?

[Glockdaddy]

I have become hooked on shooting my heavy bolt action 22 from a rest at 50-60yds. Now I want to look at a rifle for the same activity....but at 100 yds. The .223 seems like a sensible round for this and I don't want to get into reloading. I have found a 10FP/Choat Stock in .223 at a dealer nearby. Another dealer has a 12BVSS which has caught my eye as well. The 10FP is only $40 more.

So, between these two what recommendations might you have for me? Which one and why?

Keep in mind that I am going to be shooting from a rest and bag on a concrete bench at my club.....just punching paper from a longer range.

(Then, of course, I will want to try my luck at 200yds! )

Thanks for your insight guys!

 

[Jim Gross]

12BVSS

Well my vote goes for the 12BVSS I got one in June and it shoots great right out of the box. Its way accurate more so than I am but I was able to get a couple of 3 shot groups that were under an inch with factory ammo. It rides the bench well and has very little recoil. I put a Weaver scope on mine and never looked back. So enjoy what ever you pick but shoot the heck out of it.

 

[rbernie]

Betwen the two, I'd pick the stainless version as being a mite easier to care for. I also vastly prefer the BVSS's stock over the FP Choate.

Other than that, they're pretty comparable rifles.

 

[DnPRK]

Here's another vote for the BVSS. The laminated stock is far superior to the injection molded plastic stock.



<------------------The post number is a good omen for a .223 BVSS!

 

[rockstar.esq]

If the FP is a LE model the trigger adjusts one pound lighter. I own a 10FP- LE2 in .308 Winchester. I bought one with the plain jane plastic stock which although functional isn't as cool as the Choate or drumroll please...the McMillan A5. That being said, mine has (best ever) grouped .19 center to center at 100 with 5 shots. Personally I'd vote for the FP but I really can't say I've any experience with the 12.

 

[Cueball]

I have a Model 12 myself in .223 and I love it. I do a lot of target shooting with mine too. Go for it, you will be pleased with the results.

 

[ocabj]

Get the 12BVSS or any of the new 12 Varminter series.

If it were me, I'd get the single shot:

http://www.savagearms.com/12VarminterSS.htm

My next Savage project will be built on one of the Savage 12 single shot actions.

I have a 10FP in a McMillan A-5 and it's a great gun.

 

[YodaVader]

I bought my 12BVSS in .223 a few months ago and it is an excellent bench rifle. It has given me great accuracy with various loads. It is my first stainless centerfire rifle and I really like the look with the laminated stock. It is a keeper!

 

[CZ223]

I agree

Go with the 12BVSS or the new VLP series. The VLP is just a lower profile version of the same stock and, in addition, the bolt handle is bigger. My only caveat would be to make sure that the gun fits you properly. if you are of a very small stature then the one with the choate stock might fit you better.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have a 12BVSS-S that suits me pretty well. The Low Profile version looks good, too.

But if setting up another, I'd buy a cheap Stevens and strip it for the action. Maybe the barrelled action if it shot very well.

I'd pick a stock that fit me and install a Rifle Basix or SSS trigger. Three of us here bought Accutrigger guns about the same time. One is great, no improvement needed unless for pure benchrest.
One was kind of heavy with no adjustment left. OK for hunting but not target. Replaced with R.B.
Mine was ok to start but soon got to where it would not always sear up when the bolt closed, that as delivered, no adjustment applied. Replaced with R.B.

 

[Red Tornado]

From the Savage site, it looks like the 12 is about 1.5 pounds heavier, so that might help from the bench. I like more weight on a bench gun. Otherwise, they should both be absolute tack drivers. I've got a Model 12 so I'm also biased that way, but the difference for you should come down to fit and which one calls to you.

I also agree with Rbernie in that I like stainless; but on a bench rifle, I don't know if that will make any difference or not.

Get some 68 or 69 grain ammo and either one will shoot lights out.
RT

 

[SJG26]

My rig

10FP-LE2A ( 26-in barrel in 223)
Choate Ult. Varmint stock
Bushnell Elite 4200 6x24-40 Scope
Harris Bipod - BRMS-9 (cant recall exact model--benchrest 6-9 in swivel with notches)
Leupold 2 piece base and rings.

It's much better than me-----but held to <0.25" (3-shots) at 100 yds with my breathing and or shakes even - Federal AE 55 gr FMJ's.

Still working on a good sighting in - just got a box o' ammo from Georgia Arms to try several flavors of their 223 loadings - will post results here later.

PS.
The Choate is a heavy sucker - just so you know!

 

[Lone_Gunman]

If the FP is a LE model the trigger adjusts one pound lighter.

That is not true according to the Savage website.

The 10 FP and 12 BVSS can both be adjusted down to a 1.5 pound trigger pull.

 

[cmidkiff]

I've got a 12V in .223 as well, great rifle, but I might suggest something else...

I also have a 93V with a laminated thumb-hole stock in .17hmr. For 100 yard paper punching, and no reloading, it'd be hard to go wrong with the .17! Ammo's cheaper than match quality .223, no recoil, and way fun to shoot.

 

[Glockdaddy]

Thanks for all the opinions....but about HMR....

I considered the HMR round as an alternative....fast, flat and obviously cheaper than .223. But what about the wind?

At 100yds is it a factor? I know that 200yds is.....

If HMR is in the mix, that new stainless Savage 93 with thumbhole stock....well, that's just too nice for the price!!