I have the itch for a new rifle, and I really like the savage model 12 VLP DBM 300WSM. I am set on a 300 WSM or a 300 WM. Am I better off to just buy a model 12 VLP DBM or build something from an older savage gun? At this point I don't have a donor action or any other parts to start the build. Just curious as to what direction I should go. I also considered building a 300wsm on a long action but have noticed that stocks for long action savages seem to be a little harder to find.
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Buy or Build?
- Thread starter AP218
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Mikecr
Well-Known Member
I would just buy it. Get the accutrigger..
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
I can't help you on your rifle brand, as I am not a fan of Savage...
However, I can tell you that buying is not as satisfying as building, because building you will get exactly what you want. And for me, I'm really into the Ackley chamberings, so, you're not really gonna find many of those sitting on a shelf. And if you do, you don't know who built them, or how competent the smith was. Therefore I prefer to build. Especially since my smith lives 15 mins from my house.
However, I can tell you that buying is not as satisfying as building, because building you will get exactly what you want. And for me, I'm really into the Ackley chamberings, so, you're not really gonna find many of those sitting on a shelf. And if you do, you don't know who built them, or how competent the smith was. Therefore I prefer to build. Especially since my smith lives 15 mins from my house.
Outlaw6.0
Well-Known Member
Keep in mind, if you intend to build a mag fed 300WSM from an older action, it needs to be a WSM action to feed properly. There's nothing wrong with a DYI on a Savage, if you have a barrel vise, you can do it in your garage. I believe there are 5 Savages in my safe right now, they're good to go. The Rifle Basix triggers offer a great pull weight & break very well for a relatively inexpensive trigger, no need for the accu-trigger if you build your own.
The VLP is a great rifle, i'm sure you'd be happy with it. If you want to rock a 300win mag look at the LRH.
t
I have looked at the LRH, however a good friend of mine bought one and it shoots fair for about 4 shots. After 4-5 shots it heats up quickly even giving 3-4 minutes between shots. I am not really set on a savage but I thought it would be the least costly to build.
Can you tell me more about needing a wsm action? What if I build it with an internal blind magazine?
Outlaw6.0
Well-Known Member
If you intend to go with a short action, you will need the Magnum bolt face & if it was originally intended for a standard SA cartridge i.e. 308, 243 etc The Magazine feed rails may have to be modified adding additional Gunsmith fees. I say "MAY" have to be modified as I have not done this with a Savage, I have with a Rem700 & the action had to be modified. The mag will have to be changed to a WSM mag as well, I've heard there were issues with the older mags thus the move to the center feed.
t
Hunter2678
Well-Known Member
Without a doubt build if you can swing it and tolerate the wait time...It'll be worth it in the long term. FWIW Ive been able to build my last 2 customs in 3 months or less.
FearNoWind
Well-Known Member
Having just finished building a new tactical rifle I can tell you that I certainly endorse the statement that building a rifle provides greater satisfaction than buying one off the shelf.
HOWEVER, building a rifle takes patience. My build, from action to barrel, stock, scope, and accessories took nearly a year to complete. I began in April of 2013 with an action and barrel order and finally got the package together last week for it's virgin visit to the range. The action order was delayed, the stock order was delayed, and I looked at a barrel (delivered on time) for a long time with nothing to mate with it. Yesterday, I was in the local gun shop and saw a brand new finished ready to go rifle of comparable character (and slightly lower price than my build) sitting on the counter. Conclusion: if you want to shoot today, go to the gun shop - if you can wait a year start your build today.
HOWEVER, building a rifle takes patience. My build, from action to barrel, stock, scope, and accessories took nearly a year to complete. I began in April of 2013 with an action and barrel order and finally got the package together last week for it's virgin visit to the range. The action order was delayed, the stock order was delayed, and I looked at a barrel (delivered on time) for a long time with nothing to mate with it. Yesterday, I was in the local gun shop and saw a brand new finished ready to go rifle of comparable character (and slightly lower price than my build) sitting on the counter. Conclusion: if you want to shoot today, go to the gun shop - if you can wait a year start your build today.
Mikecr
Well-Known Member
There is a vital factor in 'building' guns that most overlook: proper design.
Savage builds guns the way they do because they know how to design guns, and they do a lot of R&D.
How many of us have really studied to understanding the design of successful guns?
How many of us merely purchase shiny components and screw them together(or have a 'smith' do this)?
There is a difference.
There are valid reasons for each unique attribute of a WSM Savage.
So before you think you can build a better gun, you might at least consider that this will not be as easy as screwing shiny parts together.
Ask yourself why does Savage;
Use tighter thread pitch and a barrel nut and floating bolt heads
use larger barrel tennon for WSM guns
Use controlled round push feed, and standing blade ejection with WSM guns
If you think its to save money, then you'll never understand why Savages shoot so well.
Savage builds guns the way they do because they know how to design guns, and they do a lot of R&D.
How many of us have really studied to understanding the design of successful guns?
How many of us merely purchase shiny components and screw them together(or have a 'smith' do this)?
There is a difference.
There are valid reasons for each unique attribute of a WSM Savage.
So before you think you can build a better gun, you might at least consider that this will not be as easy as screwing shiny parts together.
Ask yourself why does Savage;
Use tighter thread pitch and a barrel nut and floating bolt heads
use larger barrel tennon for WSM guns
Use controlled round push feed, and standing blade ejection with WSM guns
If you think its to save money, then you'll never understand why Savages shoot so well.
I never claimed I could do it better than Savage. I simply thought IF I was going to build a gun my best option would be a savage. I did not know that there were so many differences in the wsm guns. I would be just as happy with a 300 win mag. The problem with that is the stocks that I'm interested in (B&C varmint medalist, or HS pro series Varmint) do not come in a savage long action.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
If you want one of those stocks, you'd be better off going with a trued-up Rem 700 action.
Which is my personal favorite, and my #1 choice.
D
Deleted member 46119
Guest
Build. When it is successful you get so much cred and satisfaction.
If it has problems, you know the gun and have no one to blame.
If those are the stocks you want, start watching for deals and forsales. Then get the action to go with.
I am a Weatherby preferrer but have a few R700's. Friends have Savages. You makes you choice and you pays you money.
If it has problems, you know the gun and have no one to blame.
If those are the stocks you want, start watching for deals and forsales. Then get the action to go with.
I am a Weatherby preferrer but have a few R700's. Friends have Savages. You makes you choice and you pays you money.
