Questions about my first Savage

[pburton]

I picked up a Savage 111 FCNS .300 win mag today at a pawn shop for $250. I felt like I could not pass up this deal. Now this is an older model without the accutrigger. But I felt like I could not go wrong for this price. This is the first Savage bolt action that I have ever owned and I don't know much about Savages. So I have a few questions. I have decided to build a long range rifle off of this platform. I started looking around at new stocks, triggers, barrels etc. When looking at stocks there is a center feed and non center feed. What does this mean? This is a blind magazine and when loading the ammo it does load from the center. But once in there it staggers each round. So is this center feed or non center feed? Also I see that there are a few barrel makers that have prefit barrels. Pac-Nor, Shilen, and McGowen specifically. Anyone using McGowen barrels? Are they worth using? I have never heard of them. And then triggers. I have used Timney triggers in the past with OK results. But I also have been seeing Rifle Basix triggers. A little cheaper. Any reviews or opinions on these? Am I just getting cheap? I really do not have a set end budget on this build, but, I am going to have to do thie piece at a time. Any help with this project would be greatly appreciated.

 

[farout]

Lots of good Savage answers from these guys:
Savage Shooters - Home

I have a McGowen barrel on a Savage Model 12 in 300 WSM and think it is great.

 

[JackinSD]

Lots of good Savage answers from these guys:
Savage Shooters - Home

I have a McGowen barrel on a Savage Model 12 in 300 WSM and think it is great.

+1 These guys have the answers for all your questions concerning a Savage.

 

[pburton]

Thanks for the reply. I will look into that site. You have had good accuracy with the McGowen barrels?

 

[geargrinder]

Savage shooters is a good place for a ton of information about anything Savage or Stevens. I hang out there quite a bit.

McGowan is a solid barrel maker. I've had a couple and they've shot very well for me. I wouldn't call them a premier barrel maker, but much better than a factory barrel. Great value for the cost.

Rifle Basix makes the best aftermarket trigger for the Savage. It is the Sav-2. The only other trigger I would use is the SSS Competition trigger. Works well, I just don't like the feel. The Basix Sav-1, Timney, and Jard are basically just well made copies of the factory 3-screw. Not worth the money.

Look at Stockade for stocks. Best built-to-order stocks made for Savage.

Center feed and Stagger feed is in reference to the top round. Stagger feeds alternate from side to side on the top round. The top round is only held in by one feed lip. Center feed, the top round is held in the center by two feed lips. Stagger feed magazines are affixed to the action. Center feed magazines stay with the stock.

 

[pburton]

Thank you for the detailed reply. That answers a lot of my questions.

 

[squirrelduster]

I have a McGowen in 6.5 x .284 and it really shoots. Clay pigeons at 600 are pretty easy once you get the wind figures.
+1 on the rifle Basix trigger. Not on par with a Jewell but pretty smooth.
What caliber are you looking at?
I recently had a stock made by Manners Composite stocks for my Savage. It was an awesome piece of work. Very very light and very stiff.
I had a Stockade stock and it was way cheaper but pretty heavy.

 

[pburton]

Squirrelduster-
The barrel will be in .300 win mag. Thanks for the info on the trigger. I am hearing very good things. I grew up just very short distance from where you are. Good to see someone from so close to home.

 

[Dr. Vette]

Savage rifles have a reputation for uncanny accuracy even with the factory barrels. If I were you, I think I'd bed the rifle into the stock of your choosing (read up on it; Savages have a few tricks to them), swap the trigger for the Rifle Basix SAV-2, and shoot it. I think it will do quite well, and you may save yourself a fair amount of $ in the process.

The worst it would do is convince you that you need a different barrel, but on the other hand it may prove itself and give you more time to upgrade as funds become available.

 

[shifty06]

I have a rifle basix trigger on my Winchester model 70, And I absolutely love it. I will be purchasing one for my Savage Model 10 when the time comes. (that will be after my stock.)

Shifty

 

[pburton]

Sounds like Rifle Basix triggers are the way to go. But there are three models for this rifle. The Sav-1, Sav-2, and I think I saw a 3. The Sav-2 being more expensive but the descriptions of the 1 and 2 sound the same. Anyone have any insight into this. Also, after a couple of days looking for stocks I am finding that there are very few mid price ranged stock. There are cheap stocks for 80-100 that don't look like they will be much better than the factory stock and there are what I consider expensive stocks $500+. What stocks are you Savage guys using?

 

[shifty06]

Im at the same cross road, and have just decided to wait and save for the stock I really want instead of just settling for something. I am going to buy a adjustable comb off this site for my stock, for better fitment while I save my pennies and buy the Manners I want.

 

[pburton]

That is probably what I should do. I am just one of these people that are very impatient. I am really not in a rush for this rifle. Although I would love to have it done before October for my Elk hunting. Guess I better start saving.

 

[shifty06]

That is probably what I should do. I am just one of these people that are very impatient.

HAHA im the same way I started my project this past spring/summer. and was wanting it for this years coyote season. don't think its goin to happen. I still have yet to break in barrel. and do load development. gun)