Question from a first time Savage buyer

[Nimrodmar10]

After dozens of Remingtons over the years, I've bought my first Savage. I've bought Model 111 LRH in 6.5-284. I bought it because Remington doesn't chamber that round and I wanted to give one a try. The only other Savage I ever owned was a Model 24 I think. It had a 22 on top and a 410 on bottom. That was in the early 70s so I know nothing about the Savage rifles. Please answer me a few questions if you please.

I keep hearing large shank/small shank. What's the difference and which one is the M111? When I read that you could change bolt faces I took the bolt apart (which is a little tricky with the cock indicator pin stuck in the middle of the Allen wrench hole) to see how it was built. The model I have has the small bolt handle. Can I just buy any replacement large bolt handle and put it on or are there different bolt sizes? The 111 comes with the Accustock with the alluminum bedding block. It has the Accutrigger also. Along with those two it has a very odd bolt release mechanism where you have to pull the trigger and push back a button in the trigger guard. All this brings on several questions. Does anyone make a replacement stock? Can I put a detachable magazine in the factory stock? Can I replace the trigger without replacing the stock? Can I remove the factory switchable muzzle break to put on an aftermarket break or suppressor? What's up with the stock peeling like it's sunburned? How much trouble is it to change barrels?

Sorry for so many questions and thanks for the help.
Martin

 

[farout]

I'll tackle the large shank/small shank question for you. In the photo below, (from Sharp Shooter Supply - The Savage Specialists a great site for any Savage owner) the shank on the right is the large shank. You can see that there is about a 1/8" shoulder that rises from the barrel just before the threads start. On the left is the small shank. Usually the large shank is on barrels chambered for WSM cartridges. I have a Model 12 VLP in 300 WSM and it has the large shank. I have a Model 116 in 25-06 and it has the small shank.

There are lots of knowledgeable Savage folks on here. Especially some knowledgeable in the Model 111 LRH in 6.5-284.

I'm sure the will chime in at some point.

 

[kermodie]

That's a good reference picture. But keep in mind if it's a large shank - heavy barrel, it can look like the one on the left. Best to measure thread diameter to be sure.
just a thought

 

[Nimrodmar10]

Is that it guys? I thought we had some Savage shooters on here. I sure could use the info.

 

[Dr. Vette]

Is that it guys? I thought we had some Savage shooters on here. I see could use the info.

Look here for all your answers:
Savage Shooters

Search the forums and you'll find plenty of answers.
And, it's well worth the $10/year to be a member.

 

[geargrinder]

Is that it guys? I thought we had some Savage shooters on here. I see could use the info.

Dr. Vette pointed you in a good direction.

The yearly is up to $15 now but all that gives you access to is technical articles and classifieds. You can participate in the forum for free.

Stockade would be a good place to look for a stock that is compatible with the new triggerguard bolt release.

The owner, Kevin, really know Savages inside and out.

Just be warned, you'll probably need to set aside an hour or two to talk to him.

 

[Dr. Vette]

$10, $15.... it's worth it for the classifieds alone.

I also find that being a "paid member" gets you more respect from other members when asking a question.

 

[geargrinder]

$10, $15.... it's worth it for the classifieds alone.

I also find that being a "paid member" gets you more respect from other members when asking a question.

True. It's worth it.

Not in the section I moderate.

 

[coyotesweetness]

oh man nice job on the new rifle. i also have that exact gun. shoots great. the peeling of the stock is bogus i sent mine back for replacement and the new one still was peeling so i rubbed it all off. other then that its been great. so just go and see how it shoots before dumping a lot money into an already awesome rifle

 

[johnnyk]

Martin,
It does matter which bolt handle you purchase. The older Savage receiver had a round front and flat rear, the newer Savage receiver is round front and rear.

I just looked at my two Savages and there is a difference. The newer Savage handle appears to be thicker and much bigger.

JohnnyK.