Savage bolt action rifle questions

[warhawk77]

I'm thinking about picking up a savage rifle but not sure which model. So hoping you guys can help me out. I'm want the rifle to do some long range plinking and using the rifle for hunting when I go back to NC to visit family. I know I can't hunt deer here in Indiana but it's legal there.

I know I want a bolt action, 308, and 2-3 round mag. The stock doesn't matter but I'm leaning toward the black so I can paint it if I ever wanted to and it would resist water damage.


Looks like they make a "Axis" model for $350, model 10 for $500 and another for $1000 plus others but what is the difference in the models?

i know I will need to put a nice scope if I want to hit 500-600 yards and that will be another topic once I get the rifle.

 

[Pughead]

A model 10 precision carbine or the Hog Hunter would be the best bet for a all around rifle.

 

[red_zr24x4]

While mine is in .223 I really like my 10 FP.
But the model 10's are a heavy barrel so I don't know if I'd want to lug it around hunting. Mine works great for prairie dogs though

 

[kludge]

For about $500 bucks + or - you can find a Model 11 with a tapered barrel; for hunting that's what I would recommend. Is the basic Model 11 worth the extra $100-$200 over an Axis? I think so. You'll have to handle them and decide. If you want to upgrade later things later, it will be much easier to upgrade Model 10 or Model 11.

I have both a Model 110 FP in .308 (heavy barrel) and a Model 11 FCNS in 7mm WSM that I used to build a 358 WSSM.

As mentioned the Model 10 is too heavy for hunting, IMO.

If you want to hunt in both Indiana and NC, then you can get a .358 Hoosier barrel made for whichever rifle you choose, and with a few tools, swap the barrels to hunt either state...

But with that said, a .358 Hoosier will hunt just as well in NC as it does in Indiana.

 

[Pughead]

The Hog Hunter would be the best option..........buuuuuut....... The Presicion Carbine is NOT that heavy.

 

[The Drifter]

I have a model 10 Precision Carbine ,and I love it , but it would be a very heavy rifle to carry around . With it,s 20 inch barrel it has a bit more kick to. if you got to go 308 might look at the Axis 11 xp , it,s lighter ,comes with a scope , and less stress on your pocket book.

 

[warhawk77]

Thanks for the feed back everyone. I like the hog hunter a lot, but it would mean waiting a bit long while I save up the extra cash. Not a big deal I'm not in a hurry.

I have started to question the 308 a little. It's a great round but wondering if another would be almost as good but save a little cash. I don't think so guessing the 308 being surplus means I could find some rounds cheaper just won't be match grade stuff.

 

[DougBarnes101]

Funny how this topic came up just now. I just bought a Model 12 BVSS. It was used but was in great shape. Beautiful wood and the barrel was in fine shape. Got it for $550.00. One heck of a deal

 

[6mm Shoot]

I have the model 11 in 243 with the removable mag, the accustock and the adjustable trigger. I think it is well worth the extra money.

I shoot mostly 100 gr Sierras out of it and they are deadly accurate.

As one of the above posters stated getting a 358 Hoosier barrel for the savage of your choice would allow you to hunt any place In the USA and never be under gunned. The 358 Hoosier has taken elk, deer and other game out West. I have always been a fan of the 358 Winchester and the 358 Hoosier is very close to it. Some claim that it will better the 358 Winchester. I don't know about that, but I get 2450 FPS out of a 19.5" barrel giving me a 236 yard point blank range using a 6" kill zone and 200 gr bullets. Hold over 12" at 300 yards and you will be on target. It is a very good round with a lot of power. You have over 2000 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards and over 1100 F.P.E. at 300 yards.

 

[warhawk77]

Doing more research I think I need to change my goal a little. I think I was wanting to much out of one rifle.

i think I would be better off to get a 223 bolt action rifle to do basic hunting to 150-200 yard and shoot paper out to 500 yards. This will also me to learn the basic skills and when I'm ready I could buy another rifle in a big caliber to go farther.

 

[avboiler11]

i think I would be better off to get a 223 bolt action rifle to do basic hunting to 150-200 yard and shoot paper out to 500 yards. This will also me to learn the basic skills and when I'm ready I could buy another rifle in a big caliber to go farther.

That is an excellent idea.

The 12FV and 11 Hog Hunter are good choices, and Savage 1:9 barrels work very well with 77gr bullets.

 

[whoknows]

I have a model 11 vt in .223 that I bought from dicks sporting goods and I like it a lot. It has a 24 inch heavy barrel and accutriger. The stock could be better but it really doesn't bother me that much. The last time I went to dicks sporting goods they had it on sale for $549.99. Oh it also comes with a cheap bushnell scope.

 

[billt]

These are a pair of Savage .308's I have. A Model 10-FP, and a Model 12FT-R. Both are boringly accurate out to 600 yards. Especially the 12FT-R with it's 30" bull barrel. At over 10 pounds, it's strictly a target rifle. Beyond 600 yards I go with a .300 Win. Mag and heavy bullets.