Why I continue to love Savage Rifles

[ONE-TEN]

When I was 18, I purchased my first Savage rifle. I had been shooting actively since I was 12yo and when I turned 18, I started buying my own rifles. That’s when I walked into my local Kmart, went to sporting goods section & purchased the Savage 111 with Simmons 3-9x40 scope combo, I had looking at for months prior. This was my first high power rifle. I had previously fired another 30-06 when I first started shooting at 12yo. Firing that 30-06 the first time, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how powerful it felt. From then on, I knew I would have one. And so, I did. I started going to an outdoor range immediately. Me and a friend would wake up early many Saturday mornings during the winter, months and head out (about an hour drive). Usually we’d be the only ones there. Shooting in freezing temperatures, we’d enjoy coffee from a thermos we bring every time. And on the way home there was an old school diner car we’d hit for a late breakfast.

I always looked forward to those outings. The quiet middle of woods setting. The brisk cold and drinking hot black coffee in between shooting stents. All while sharing comradery with a good friend. A few years later, I purchased my first pistol at 21yo, and really poured myself into pistols, completely. Then I got into AKMs & AR’s for many years, and started building both. 2005 was the start of building. I had a bolt action rifles during all this, however, they were my hunting rifles. It wouldn’t be until a decade later that I first had the idea of building a bolt action. In 2014 I was disabled in an horrible accident, which drastically slowed my shooting speed. So, no more pistol or 2-gun competition. Holding an AR off hand became problematic. And everything became bench shooting. I finally resolved myself to build a bolt action at this point. I first toyed with the idea of a Tikka T3 or a Howa 1500. (Never had an interest to build a Rem. 700.) But, in the end, I came back to Savage. My fondness & loyalty for the 110 just wouldn’t stay silent.

My early years with Savage, coupled with the last almost 12 years, has only strengthened my fondness for the 10/110. What are some of your stories with choosing Savage?

 

[KMW1954]

Lost my virginity to a Savage Axis in 223. That was soon after I started working as an RO at a local outdoor range, when the bug hit. Before that I had always been a pistolero.

The gun was a used model found locally on Armslist, in like new condition with a very low round count. Think I paid $300.00 for it. It shot very well and got me started. A few months later I found a Model 10 223 which I still have.

 

[CFJunkie]

I was sort of a late comer to Savage.
Bought my first 0.308 10 FP law enforcement model in 2008 and found it to be accurate.
Proceeded to buy another .308 10 FCP-K, a 11 VT in .22-250, a 12 LRP 6.5mm CM, a 10 T-SR 6.5mm CM, and then a 12 FV .223 and 12 FV 6.5mm CM in 2018.
All of them were accurate out of the box, and I learned to shoot even more accurately over the years using those Savages and finding their preferences and the reasons for my shooter induced variations.

After 9,030 rounds for the .223 that averaged 0.271 for all my 5-round groups at 100 yards and 5,000 rounds with the 6.5mm CM that averaged 0.313 for all 5-round groups at 100 yards, I replaced the barrels on the 12 FVs with Shilen Select Match 416R SS bull barrels.
My 12 FV .223 is now averaging well under 1/4 MOA at 0.216 with everything I have tried.
The 12 FV 6.5mm CM is now averaging under 0.262 for everything I have tried.

 

[ONE-TEN]

I was sort of a late comer to Savage.
Bought my first 0.308 10 FP law enforcement model in 2008 and found it to be accurate.
Proceeded to buy another .308 10 FCP-K, a 11 VT in .22-250, a 12 LRP 6.5mm CM, a 10 T-SR 6.5mm CM, and then a 12 FV .223 and 12 FV 6.5mm CM in 2018.
All of them were accurate out of the box, and I learned to shoot even more accurately over the years using those Savages and finding their preferences and the reasons for my shooter induced variations.

After 9,030 rounds for the .223 that averaged 0.271 for all my 5-round groups at 100 yards and 5,000 rounds with the 6.5mm CM that averaged 0.313 for all 5-round groups at 100 yards, I replaced the barrels on the 12 FVs with Shilen Select Match 416R SS bull barrels.
My 12 FV .223 is now averaging well under 1/4 MOA at 0.216 with everything I have tried.
The 12 FV 6.5mm CM is now averaging under 0.262 for everything I have tried.

LOL! I wouldn’t exactly say 18yrs of Savage ownership makes a person A Newcomer, my friend. But that’s one fine shooter you have there!

 

[SevenFan]

After 9,030 rounds for the .223 that averaged 0.271 for all my 5-round groups at 100 yards and 5,000 rounds with the 6.5mm CM that averaged 0.313 for all 5-round groups at 100 yards, I replaced the barrels on the 12 FVs with Shilen Select Match 416R SS bull barrels.
My 12 FV .223 is now averaging well under 1/4 MOA at 0.216 with everything I have tried.
The 12 FV 6.5mm CM is now averaging under 0.262 for everything I have tried.

That's why my PTA sports a Select Match.

 

[Paddyd]

When I was 18, I purchased my first Savage rifle. I had been shooting actively since I was 12yo and when I turned 18, I started buying my own rifles. That’s when I walked into my local Kmart, went to sporting goods section & purchased the Savage 111 with Simmons 3-9x40 scope combo, I had looking at for months prior. This was my first high power rifle. I had previously fired another 30-06 when I first started shooting at 12yo. Firing that 30-06 the first time, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how powerful it felt. From then on, I knew I would have one. And so, I did. I started going to an outdoor range immediately. Me and a friend would wake up early many Saturday mornings during the winter, months and head out (about an hour drive). Usually we’d be the only ones there. Shooting in freezing temperatures, we’d enjoy coffee from a thermos we bring every time. And on the way home there was an old school diner car we’d hit for a late breakfast.

I always looked forward to those outings. The quiet middle of woods setting. The brisk cold and drinking hot black coffee in between shooting stents. All while sharing comradery with a good friend. A few years later, I purchased my first pistol at 21yo, and really poured myself into pistols, completely. Then I got into AKMs & AR’s for many years, and started building both. 2005 was the start of building. I had a bolt action rifles during all this, however, they were my hunting rifles. It wouldn’t be until a decade later that I first had the idea of building a bolt action. In 2014 I was disabled in an horrible accident, which drastically slowed my shooting speed. So, no more pistol or 2-gun competition. Holding an AR off hand became problematic. And everything became bench shooting. I finally resolved myself to build a bolt action at this point. I first toyed with the idea of a Tikka T3 or a Howa 1500. (Never had an interest to build a Rem. 700.) But, in the end, I came back to Savage. My fondness & loyalty for the 110 just wouldn’t stay silent.

My early years with Savage, coupled with the last almost 12 years, has only strengthened my fondness for the 10/110. What are some of your stories with choosing Savage?

I

When I was 18, I purchased my first Savage rifle. I had been shooting actively since I was 12yo and when I turned 18, I started buying my own rifles. That’s when I walked into my local Kmart, went to sporting goods section & purchased the Savage 111 with Simmons 3-9x40 scope combo, I had looking at for months prior. This was my first high power rifle. I had previously fired another 30-06 when I first started shooting at 12yo. Firing that 30-06 the first time, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how powerful it felt. From then on, I knew I would have one. And so, I did. I started going to an outdoor range immediately. Me and a friend would wake up early many Saturday mornings during the winter, months and head out (about an hour drive). Usually we’d be the only ones there. Shooting in freezing temperatures, we’d enjoy coffee from a thermos we bring every time. And on the way home there was an old school diner car we’d hit for a late breakfast.

I always looked forward to those outings. The quiet middle of woods setting. The brisk cold and drinking hot black coffee in between shooting stents. All while sharing comradery with a good friend. A few years later, I purchased my first pistol at 21yo, and really poured myself into pistols, completely. Then I got into AKMs & AR’s for many years, and started building both. 2005 was the start of building. I had a bolt action rifles during all this, however, they were my hunting rifles. It wouldn’t be until a decade later that I first had the idea of building a bolt action. In 2014 I was disabled in an horrible accident, which drastically slowed my shooting speed. So, no more pistol or 2-gun competition. Holding an AR off hand became problematic. And everything became bench shooting. I finally resolved myself to build a bolt action at this point. I first toyed with the idea of a Tikka T3 or a Howa 1500. (Never had an interest to build a Rem. 700.) But, in the end, I came back to Savage. My fondness & loyalty for the 110 just wouldn’t stay silent.

My early years with Savage, coupled with the last almost 12 years, has only strengthened my fondness for the 10/110. What are some of your stories with choosing Savage?

I own a Savage M12 LRPV left port single shot and an old 110FP. WHY? The main reason is they're modular. The bolt is adaptable to just about any size case head and the barrel nut system means I can rebarrel with a better barrel and change up caliber in 10 or 15 minutes down in my basement. Other than that, there really is no reason. My M70 has a better trigger than my Savage and came with a far better stock than my 110, but unless I pay big money to a Smith, Im stuck with the tube e Winchester screwed on it. Personally, I just see it as a better more easy design. I do wish the firing pins on my Savages weren't made up of so many pieces though. I love the way the bolt on my M70 disassembled better, but a benefit of the Savage bolt is that tiny bit of movement in the bolt head helps with more even locking lug contact in the receiver.

 

[ONE-TEN]

I

I own a Savage M12 LRPV left port single shot and an old 110FP. WHY? The main reason is they're modular. The bolt is adaptable to just about any size case head and the barrel nut system means I can rebarrel with a better barrel and change up caliber in 10 or 15 minutes down in my basement. Other than that, there really is no reason. My M70 has a better trigger than my Savage and came with a far better stock than my 110, but unless I pay big money to a Smith, Im stuck with the tube e Winchester screwed on it. Personally, I just see it as a better more easy design. I do wish the firing pins on my Savages weren't made up of so many pieces though. I love the way the bolt on my M70 disassembled better, but a benefit of the Savage bolt is that tiny bit of movement in the bolt head helps with more even locking lug contact in the receiver.

Yes, a floating bolt head is a great design. Several Custom Actions have taken the hint & done the same.

Honestly, I’m fond of the adjustable style striker pin assembly. Although, I’ve overhauled mine for optimum performance. I like that pin protrusion can be set.

 

[Paddyd]

Yes, a floating bolt head is a great design. Several Custom Actions have taken the hint & done the same.

Honestly, I’m fond of the adjustable style striker pin assembly. Although, I’ve overhauled mine for optimum performance. I like that pin protrusion can be set.

My issue is how theres so many pieces. I agree that being able to dial in a near perfect amount of protrusion is a plus. I wish I had a tool for easily holding the spring compressed while turning the adjuster. The indexing washers are fragile too. I had one break into 3 pieces.

 

[ONE-TEN]

My issue is how theres so many pieces. I agree that being able to dial in a near perfect amount of protrusion is a plus. I wish I had a tool for easily holding the spring compressed while turning the adjuster. The indexing washers are fragile too. I had one break into 3 pieces.

Yeah, that’s a bit of a pain. I made my own special tools. Just takes a bit of practice & they become easy. I mean, if I can take it apart & put it back together with the one hand I got, anyone can learn it.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I like how easy it is to set my firing pin on my Mosin.

 

[Frontiersman]

My first was a Springfield-Stevens model 87A I bought when I was 16 with my hay baling money. 110s and 112s have come and gone. The 99 stays with me along with a variety of 22s.

 

[pdog06]

My first was back in 2005. I bought an old 112 “J” action single shot in 22-250. It had the wood stock with the Stipled grip and came with a 12x Leupold. It was a good shooter and I used it on a prarie dog hunt the next summer.
After that hunt I was hooked on it and dove from the deep end into savage customizing. I bought a Richards unfinished stock, a 308 Mcgowen barrel, and all the tools and supplies to go with it. That was an outstanding shooting gun but is now long gone.
Since then I bet I have owned, built, tore apart, and sold all of or parts of about 60 or more Savages! lol it may be more!

Here’s just a few

O

 

[Alan]

When I was 18, I purchased my first Savage rifle. I had been shooting actively since I was 12yo and when I turned 18, I started buying my own rifles. That’s when I walked into my local Kmart, went to sporting goods section & purchased the Savage 111 with Simmons 3-9x40 scope combo, I had looking at for months prior. This was my first high power rifle. I had previously fired another 30-06 when I first started shooting at 12yo. Firing that 30-06 the first time, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how powerful it felt. From then on, I knew I would have one. And so, I did. I started going to an outdoor range immediately. Me and a friend would wake up early many Saturday mornings during the winter, months and head out (about an hour drive). Usually we’d be the only ones there. Shooting in freezing temperatures, we’d enjoy coffee from a thermos we bring every time. And on the way home there was an old school diner car we’d hit for a late breakfast.

I always looked forward to those outings. The quiet middle of woods setting. The brisk cold and drinking hot black coffee in between shooting stents. All while sharing comradery with a good friend. A few years later, I purchased my first pistol at 21yo, and really poured myself into pistols, completely. Then I got into AKMs & AR’s for many years, and started building both. 2005 was the start of building. I had a bolt action rifles during all this, however, they were my hunting rifles. It wouldn’t be until a decade later that I first had the idea of building a bolt action. In 2014 I was disabled in an horrible accident, which drastically slowed my shooting speed. So, no more pistol or 2-gun competition. Holding an AR off hand became problematic. And everything became bench shooting. I finally resolved myself to build a bolt action at this point. I first toyed with the idea of a Tikka T3 or a Howa 1500. (Never had an interest to build a Rem. 700.) But, in the end, I came back to Savage. My fondness & loyalty for the 110 just wouldn’t stay silent.

My early years with Savage, coupled with the last almost 12 years, has only strengthened my fondness for the 10/110. What are some of your stories with choosing Savage?

Great story and so much love and memory with Savage. When was the last time you had outing?

 

[Frontiersman]

Nice collection.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Great story and so much love and memory with Savage. When was the last time you had outing?

Thanks. It’s been quite awhile. I can’t drive because of my conditions. And there have been major events in the last year and a half, and huge changes are coming that I’m not ready for, nor want.

Also, punching paper at 100yds isn’t appealing to me anymore. But just need to trust The Lord and see what’s next. Hopefully it will come back around for me to get out again.