question on Savage Actions.

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Wanting to start precision shooting, and looking at doing as much of the build as I can. thinking of going with a savage action as I hear they are quite good. also, from what I understand the barrels can be changed much easier then a remington 700 for example.

anyways, I understand the action that is best is the action used in the Model 10 series. This is a different action then used on the axis correct? What other rifles use this action? I am probably going to try and find an affordable used rifle, but don't know what rifles to look at.

Also, im looking at doing it in 6.5x55. I understand their are 2 different action lengths?

a general explanation of the savage action would be awesome if someone wants to take the time what would I need for tools?

Thanks.
 
I am no expert.
Do NOT get an axis action, they are different.
The 10/110 are the ones you want. The 10 being short action the 110 being long action. 11/111 12/112 same things essentially. Some of them are stainless (114/116?? maybe)
Also the stevens 200 models are the same action, cheaper stock.
There were/are a few models that have a larger barrel shank, they are more rare generally speaking, some the magnum calibers used them, but not all.

I have swapped 4 savage barrels in my basement, it is very easy to do. Find someone to order a savage barrel wrench from. I don't remember who I ordered mine from. I built a quick action vice from some 1/2" thich steel and a couple blocks of hardwood. I haven't had a real problem yet. I have had the action spin a bit while taking a few stubborn barrels off but I tightened the vice down some more. Problem solved.

There are some cons to using a savage action, the aftermarket support isn't quite there like the Remingtons, and the bolt is a bit more sloppy in the raceways compared to a Remington. The bolt body can be swapped out with a PTG bolt body to tighten that up if desired.

I like them and will be looking for a savage long action rifle in the future for the action to build off of.
 
Savage makes three different actions. The standard 10/110 and it's variants (listed below), the target action (variation of the standard with large shank barrel), and the Axis.

Standard Action
Two digit models are short action ie 10, 11, 12, 14, 16
Three digit models are long action ie 110, 111, 112, 114, 116
10/110, 11/111, Stevens 200 are blued in synthetic or hardwood stocks.
12/112 are heavy barrel models (stainless and blued), synthetic and laminate.
14/114 are the classic series with high luster bluing and walnut stocks.
16/116 are the stainless models. Synthetic stock or walnut stock (classic).

Available with or without standard accutrigger. Short, long, and magnum action lengths (338 lapua). Hinged floor plate, dbm (two styles), blind mag, single shot options.
Other designations:
F - synthetic
B - laminate
G - hardwood stock
Classic - walnut
C - dbm
L - left hand
V - heavy barrel
X - package series

Target Action
Model 12 with HS Precision or laminate stock. Target trigger, single action in right or left port with a repeater model. All short action and uses same stock as standard action although has a third action screw in single shot. Takes large shank barrels.

Axis is a different action. There is a Stevens 200 which is similar to the 10/110 series.
 
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from what I can see there is absolutely nothing wrong with a axis action .... in fact it very well maybe a stiffer action than some of the "regular " savage long actions .

right now the disadvantage of the axis is lack of aftermarket parts , with that said the barrels swap across between the 2 styles of actions ( assuming the barrel shanks are the same diameter ) .

the axis only comes in one action length ( ie 30-06 length ) . to run 308 length cases they swap out the trigger guard and magazine ( it also appears the bolt head may be turned 180 degree's ) .
 
Savage make excellent rifles. I have a Model 10 FCP-K. Deadly accurate straight out of the box. Cabelas will have the Model 10 SR in .308 available in April. $849.99. It's available wit a 20" or 24" barrel............a great buy!
 
If you're wanting to build a 6.5x55, you're going to likely want a long action with a standard bolt face. Don't buy a magnum, finding a savage bolt face in canada is next to impossible.
 
Savage makes three different actions. The standard 10/110 and it's variants (listed below), the target action (variation of the standard with large shank barrel), and the Axis.

Standard Action
Two digit models are short action ie 10, 11, 12, 14, 16
Three digit models are long action ie 110, 111, 112, 114, 116
10/110, 11/111, Stevens 200 are blued in synthetic or hardwood stocks.
12/112 are heavy barrel models (stainless and blued), synthetic and laminate.
14/114 are the classic series with high luster bluing and walnut stocks.
16/116 are the stainless models. Synthetic stock or walnut stock (classic).

Available with or without standard accutrigger. Short, long, and magnum action lengths (338 lapua). Hinged floor plate, dbm (two styles), blind mag, single shot options.
Other designations:
F - synthetic
B - laminate
G - hardwood stock
Classic - walnut
C - dbm
L - left hand
V - heavy barrel
X - package series

Target Action
Model 12 with HS Precision or laminate stock. Target trigger, single action in right or left port with a repeater model. All short action and uses same stock as standard action although has a third action screw in single shot. Takes large shank barrels.

Axis is a different action. There is a Stevens 200 which is similar to the 10/110 series.

Great post. Thanks for unmystifying the Savage actions. I have a Model 12 - shoots great. Can't wait to shoot out the barrel and swap on a Shilen pre-fit.
 
How does the 12 BTC SS compare in the Savage lineup?

Not sure exactly what you are asking, but it's stainless, fluted heavy barrel, short action with a laminate thumbhole stock, detachable mag. The fit and finish is much nicer than some of the entry level 10/110 series, it has a jewelled bolt body, etc. I quite like mine in .223. It shoots like a dream.
 
Not sure exactly what you are asking, but it's stainless, fluted heavy barrel, short action with a laminate thumbhole stock, detachable mag. The fit and finish is much nicer than some of the entry level 10/110 series, it has a jewelled bolt body, etc. I quite like mine in .223. It shoots like a dream.

Thanks that's what I was looking for..
 
Thats solid info their. so I would want to keep an eye out for a long action then. will the 6.5x55 work in the standard bolt without modification?

Savage makes three different actions. The standard 10/110 and it's variants (listed below), the target action (variation of the standard with large shank barrel), and the Axis.

Standard Action
Two digit models are short action ie 10, 11, 12, 14, 16
Three digit models are long action ie 110, 111, 112, 114, 116
10/110, 11/111, Stevens 200 are blued in synthetic or hardwood stocks.
12/112 are heavy barrel models (stainless and blued), synthetic and laminate.
14/114 are the classic series with high luster bluing and walnut stocks.
16/116 are the stainless models. Synthetic stock or walnut stock (classic).

Available with or without standard accutrigger. Short, long, and magnum action lengths (338 lapua). Hinged floor plate, dbm (two styles), blind mag, single shot options.
Other designations:
F - synthetic
B - laminate
G - hardwood stock
Classic - walnut
C - dbm
L - left hand
V - heavy barrel
X - package series

Target Action
Model 12 with HS Precision or laminate stock. Target trigger, single action in right or left port with a repeater model. All short action and uses same stock as standard action although has a third action screw in single shot. Takes large shank barrels.

Axis is a different action. There is a Stevens 200 which is similar to the 10/110 series.
 
Long action would be ideal so you can run the heavier bullets and seat them further out of the case. And yes a standard bolt face is what you're after.
 
You need a long action for a 6.5 x 55. It is referred to as an intermediate action as it is a short round when compared to other long action cartridges. Think about the 308 being a 7.62 x 51 and doesn't have the same long 6.5 mm bullets. Having the room to seat those bullets out long will be an advantage.

The rim on a 6.5 x 55 is slightly different that the standard bolt face. Remington brass for the 6.5 x 55 uses the standard bolt face specifications so I'd imagine it would be fine.

The 6.5 x 55 is an amazing cartridge and I kick myself everyday for ditching mine. Keep in mind that you will get similar performance from a 260 Rem/6.5 Creedmoor, and better from a 6.5 x 284 which are all standard calibers for Savage. But for the cool factor? I'm with you on the swede.

Thats solid info their. so I would want to keep an eye out for a long action then. will the 6.5x55 work in the standard bolt without modification?
 
You may also want to check the EE for partial builds. Everyone seems to have one. I have a Savage 114 American Classic (walnut stock) with a Criterion 7mm Rem Mag barrel installed just collecting dust in my cabinet. I don't shoot it, and I'm too damn lazy to sell it. You could always put a wanted ad in the EE and someone (like myself) may have something sitting around that they wouldn't mind parting with.

Welcome to the brotherhood of the barrel nut.
 
would I need for tools?

A small pin punch to remove the extractor to set headspace, a small punch to stake the pin back in when your done, go/no-go gauges are handy but I've used a new piece of brass and scotch tape, sturdy vise and some good rags to protect the finish, I've used a 1-1/8" wrench with 2x 3/32" welding rods to remove the barrel nut, lock-tite blue for the barrel threads and barrel nut if you so choose....

Takes a few hours to do the first one, be meticulous setting the headspace and disassemble/reassemble the bolt very carefully and stake that pin in very well, you don't want it falling out... If your going to a stainless tube I always like to cap the job off with a stainless barrel nut as well.
 
honest question for you.

if you want the most potential for accuracy, then wouldn't the single shot savages, with the single port or left and right port, with no internal mag and an enclosed "top" of the receiver be the better choice?
 
You would think this to be true. Look at Mystic. He has competed for years witha Stevens action. I'm sure it helps but I'm not sure if it can be defined.

honest question for you.

if you want the most potential for accuracy, then wouldn't the single shot savages, with the single port or left and right port, with no internal mag and an enclosed "top" of the receiver be the better choice?
 
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