Hello, I'm a long range rifle cherry and I'm looking to buy a new .308 Varmint/Target Rifle. I like the fact that the CZ has a Mauser type action, but I hear Savage factory barrels are superior to CZ's hammer forged ones. Any suggestions or know of any other rifles that have both Mauser actions and button rifled barrels as factory standard, and are around $750? Thanks for any help you can give - JD
CZ action or Savage Barrel?
- Thread starter SWTEXAS
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
ol mike
Well-Known Member
I have two cz's and have seen other cz's -all shoot exceptional for factory rifle.
Savage is a also excellent ,lots of options w/a savage build it into whatever you want.
AND they are american made -we need to spend our money in our country more than ever!
Savage is a also excellent ,lots of options w/a savage build it into whatever you want.
AND they are american made -we need to spend our money in our country more than ever!
I've been reading posts at this forum for awhile, and just trying to figure out if I should go with the rifle that appeals to me at first, then make mods as necessary. I just don't want to make a mistake in spending too much for an initial investment as a newcomer to the sport. Also, is >308 a good starting point for this sport, or should I try something smaller in caliber? Thanks - JD
johnnyk
Well-Known Member
SW,
I have no personal experience with CZ rifles. I have only heard good about them though. Most of the people who mention them on this forum, say they are exceptionally accurate. They may be made here in the U.S.?(CZ of America) Not sure. If so, do the royalties stay in America? Too much for most folks to worry about.
Savage I have experience with. I have owned three; two were 110FP's (7mmRM & .223) and both of them produced sub 1/2" groups with handloads. I now own a 112BVSS in .300WinMag and couldn't be happier. I'm getting .3" groups from it regularly with handloaded 180gn Ballistic Tips, right at 3100fps.
Also, with the Savage, it is possible to change calibers within a few minutes. Sharp Shooters Supplies (Sharp Shooter Supply - The Savage Specialists) sells barrels, barrel wrenches, stocks, bolts, bolt parts (heads, handles, etc.). Pretty much everything you need to change calibers. Check it out.
I won't suggest you get one or the other. I'm not because both are good rifles, each with their own qualities. Both capable or terrific accuracy with the right loads, good glass and the right "nut" behind the trigger.
I tell ya what I'd do....buy one each! JohnnyK.
I have no personal experience with CZ rifles. I have only heard good about them though. Most of the people who mention them on this forum, say they are exceptionally accurate. They may be made here in the U.S.?(CZ of America) Not sure. If so, do the royalties stay in America? Too much for most folks to worry about.
Savage I have experience with. I have owned three; two were 110FP's (7mmRM & .223) and both of them produced sub 1/2" groups with handloads. I now own a 112BVSS in .300WinMag and couldn't be happier. I'm getting .3" groups from it regularly with handloaded 180gn Ballistic Tips, right at 3100fps.
Also, with the Savage, it is possible to change calibers within a few minutes. Sharp Shooters Supplies (Sharp Shooter Supply - The Savage Specialists) sells barrels, barrel wrenches, stocks, bolts, bolt parts (heads, handles, etc.). Pretty much everything you need to change calibers. Check it out.
I won't suggest you get one or the other. I'm not because both are good rifles, each with their own qualities. Both capable or terrific accuracy with the right loads, good glass and the right "nut" behind the trigger.
I tell ya what I'd do....buy one each! JohnnyK.
ol mike
Well-Known Member
308 is an excellent cartridge to start with -you might very well end with it !
You'll get to choose from the best components for handloading or great factory ammo -handloading is the only way to go -imo-.
Personally i'd go with a top end rifle right out of the gate -get a laminated stock or hs precision - maybe a nice stainless model .
Instead of trying to build and piece together something later just get a gun that comes with top end stuff from the factory -and put that ''building'' energy towards bedding it ,tuning the trigger and load developement.
A fine tuned 308win in a savage or cz or remington whatever -will amaze a beginner to this sport.
I have a little cz 221 fireball that i use to practice with -i can ring an 8" steel plate at 400-450 most every shot ,sometimes the shots hit a few so close together on the steel it will put a smile on your face.
A 308 will last you a looong time -3ooo maybe 4ooo rounds -> that's a lot of shooting practice and we all know practice makes perfect...
You'll get to choose from the best components for handloading or great factory ammo -handloading is the only way to go -imo-.
Personally i'd go with a top end rifle right out of the gate -get a laminated stock or hs precision - maybe a nice stainless model .
Instead of trying to build and piece together something later just get a gun that comes with top end stuff from the factory -and put that ''building'' energy towards bedding it ,tuning the trigger and load developement.
A fine tuned 308win in a savage or cz or remington whatever -will amaze a beginner to this sport.
I have a little cz 221 fireball that i use to practice with -i can ring an 8" steel plate at 400-450 most every shot ,sometimes the shots hit a few so close together on the steel it will put a smile on your face.
A 308 will last you a looong time -3ooo maybe 4ooo rounds -> that's a lot of shooting practice and we all know practice makes perfect...
Thanks for the info Mike and Johnny, I'm working a deal now for a CZ 550 Varmint in .308, and can't wait to get out to the range. I plan to get a bipod for the rifle, and will be shooting mostly from the prone position. What brand and length of bipod do ya'll recommend. I've seen Harris bipods on ebay in all kinds of sizes, any opinions? Also, I don't have a reloader yet, what ammo do ya'll recommend for someone starting out and on a budget? Thanks for any help ya'll can give - JD
ol mike
Well-Known Member
A 9-13" w/ swivel has been perfect for me also add a pod-lock.
Look at green mountain tactical -goood prices..
Black hills ammo is supposedly good stuff.
Give the barrel a thorough cleaning before shooting it ,and clean it between shots on the first several shots then go to two-then three shots between cleanings.It's a lot of work -and time consuming but worth it.
Adjust the trigger -there should be instructions in the owners manual ,it's simple -don't let stuff like that intimidate you -it'll help you get to know the rifle.
Good luck -Mike
Look at green mountain tactical -goood prices..
Black hills ammo is supposedly good stuff.
Give the barrel a thorough cleaning before shooting it ,and clean it between shots on the first several shots then go to two-then three shots between cleanings.It's a lot of work -and time consuming but worth it.
Adjust the trigger -there should be instructions in the owners manual ,it's simple -don't let stuff like that intimidate you -it'll help you get to know the rifle.
Good luck -Mike
Mike,
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. I looked at a few scopes, and am considering a Super Sniper 16X42, they seem well made, and are in my budget. Do you have any experience with this brand, or have you heard anything good or bad? Thanks again - JD
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. I looked at a few scopes, and am considering a Super Sniper 16X42, they seem well made, and are in my budget. Do you have any experience with this brand, or have you heard anything good or bad? Thanks again - JD
Well, I made my decision, and got the CZ 550 Varmint .308 and also ordered a Savage Model 12 Low Profile in .22-250 (1 in 9 twist). I'm setting both up with Harris locking leg, swiveling bipods and a 16X42 Super Sniper for the .308 and a 10X42 SS for the .22-250, both with sunshades and flip ups. I dug around on ebay, and I think I did alright pricewise. I think I'll be able to get my wife and I both started in the sport for less than $2,800 (the .22-250 is mainly for her, if Momma aint happy.. aint nobody happy). Thanks for all ya'lls help, and hopefully I'll have some good news from my first day at the range. Ya'll take care - JD
