Anyone with extensive experience building on savage actions?

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MartyK2500

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I wish to either order a receiver or a full rifle that will be a donor (or even either use a spare 10TR sleeping here), so to start a short action 6.5 build slowly.
As my short action .308 build is up and running and got no complaints with it.

Here goes my question, how important is it, or how much does it affect accuracy, to use a target magfed action rather than a tactical magfed action.
Target actions use large shank thread instead of regular shank, so theoretically more meat around the chamber.
Target actions are also fully enclosed with a small ejection port, vs having the whole top receiver cut off.
A target action rifle costs 2000$+ (think stealth BA evolution), and parting the parts out will likely still make it a 800$+ action.
Tactical action, when the sales are right you can get a 10TR for 550$ all in, when parting barrel/rail/stock/trigger, action and bolt come to about 100$.

If it makes any difference, absolute max range is 900M.
Here are examples of the 2 action types.

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Jerry doesn't sell savage actions as far as I know, but yes we chat quite regularly through the internets!
I know his Stevens FTR 308 (which is regularly posted here so it's no secret) is the open type, never got around asking him his opinion on it vs an enclosed type action with a large shank.
 
Never noticed that one, I had a pre-conceived idea that savage 12s we're mostly single feeds.
Will have to research to see if rail and action screw spacing is the same as the 10 series.
In the 10 series I also noticed the ashburry edition that uses that action.

When we did chat in the past about me changing action type, I did stick with my 10TR action after all, feels so simpler to get running right without any gunsmith intervention.
 
I believe the action spacing is the same size because they use the same detachable mags as the 10's do. To be very honest, I think you'd have a tough time outbuilding that rifle. The barrel is as wide as a 12 gauge shotgun. My only criticism of them is that they use Savage mags instead of AICS.
 
My interest will be in the action only to be honest.
I love my first build, I wouldn't change a thing about it except have a 2nd caliber handy.
Savage action, in ESS chassis, and IBI M40 profile x 26'' barrel,

If i'd end up with that 12 ,the stock and factory barrel would fly off to the EE
 
Start by deciding what your end goals and end use will be... then work backwards to the action.

Savage has been changing their SA family on the fly and over the last 5 to 7yrs, there are several variants all with the same letter and numbering.... DUMB. It is no longer just an easy "look for this or that"... you actually have to measure up the action and take apart the bolt to know what you are getting.

If you want to use this for F class/single shot, get an older action starting around the early 2000's when the Stevens 200 was manf... and there are 2 versions of these.

Same with the Savage target actions... there are 2 to 3 action bolt spacings now. I have no idea if they have mucked about with the bolt internals. Get the oldest ones if possible.

So decide what you want to build, then figure out which action will do the job.. don't just go by a description name and/or number.. doesn't mean much anymore.

If you want a mag fed repeater to run AICS mags, buy a Rem 783.

Jerry
 
Ganderite, it needs to be a repeater, going into a chassis with a few 10 round mags.

Jerry, I really love what the rem783 has got going for.
I believe Ryan @ IBI could make a prefit, I now think timney has got a trigger for it?, there must be a 20moa steel rail available for it by now, it's the chassis that i'm stuck.
That ESS has grew on me bad, each time I try other peoples rifles, it's never like my ESS ergonomics.
Has a lot to do with the skeleton buttstock with multiple adjustments, pistol grip, and thumb shelf.

If you would have to chose between 2 actions in OP, how much of a benefit would you see going with a fully enclosed action with a large shank? vs the other...


Edit : This is the link that shows that rem 783 is not worth the effort to manufacture for MDT
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1507313-ESS-Chassis/page19
 
MartyK2500 said:
Ganderite, it needs to be a repeater, going into a chassis with a few 10 round mags.

Jerry, I really love what the rem783 has got going for.
I believe Ryan @ IBI could make a prefit, I now think timney has got a trigger for it?, there must be a 20moa steel rail available for it by now, it's the chassis that i'm stuck.
That ESS has grew on me bad, each time I try other peoples rifles, it's never like my ESS ergonomics.
Has a lot to do with the skeleton buttstock with multiple adjustments, pistol grip, and thumb shelf.

If you would have to chose between 2 actions in OP, how much of a benefit would you see going with a fully enclosed action with a large shank? vs the other...


Edit : This is the link that shows that rem 783 is not worth the effort to manufacture for MDT
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1507313-ESS-Chassis/page19
Click to expand...

New manf is coming on line shortly... called ORYX. I suspect they draw heavily from the MDT family of goodies.

oryx-chassis-full-shot_1.jpg

Pricing is very enticing.

Prefits for the Rem 783 are no problem.. can supply IBI or McGowen.

Timney is developing a trigger due to their Facebook survey which placed the Rem 783 as the most popular "next" trigger.

There are no steel rails for now... I am running EGW alloy rails and they have been working fine.

Large shank vs Small shank... have not seen a benefit wrt to accuracy either way.

Open top vs close top receiver... for the mid weight contours and length typically chosen for repeater builds, it just doesn't matter.

IMG_1303.jpg

FYI, Stevens 200, Farrell steel rail.... supporting a 30" #7 or 17HV contoured SS barrel. Barrel is free floated. Have had a number of podiums with this rifle over the years.

Jerry
 

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Thanks for the reply,
Seems like my spare model 10 receiver I got here, will do just fine if I go that route, no need to spend more.

That Oryx sure looks interesting.
I wouldn't object a rem 783 build, especially off a new shorty.
I would definitely need to see this chassis in person before committing to it, in the past I have adopted some gear a bit early, just to find out it doesn't work like i'd like.
But still am, very interested.

Edit : just been on Oryx site.
Seems like they are Canadian, and they use MDTs pistol grip and mags, chassis also has some similar cuts.
I would bet this is MDT owned and used for the budget market.
 
Sure looks nice for a basic chassis to put a hunting rifle in. I was stuck on the $1100 bill for the full MDT deal. Saving $700 and getting something basic and not crappy would be right up my alley.
 
The more i look at the Oryx closely the less i feel like going with something inferior.
That rem 783 build could just not materialise without an ESS working for it.

Jerry, never noticed your Stevens was a small shank open top receiver.
Seems like my current savage 10 receiver in my safe will do just fine, it's bottom bolt release but at least MDT took care of making the bolt release effortless.

I got months ahead before ordering barrel and getting equipped for that new caliber.
Now that action choice is out of the way.

Will read in on the popular debate : 6.5CM vs 260rem vs 6.5x47 lapua
Last i have heard, barrel life and ballistics ressembled each other pretty much.
6.5CM had an advantage finding factory ammo (moot point for me), and 6.5x47 was the easiest to load develop of the 3.
Just stuff i read on forums here, nothing confirmed.
 
savage target actions in canada were floating around $750, ellwood epps lists them....
savage or stevens actions can be had for around 4-450 bucks, rifle basix ships to canada if you need a 2 ounce trigger, brings the price close to the target action but solid bottom single shot versus repeater action
model 12 target action right bolt right port, 4.4 inch action screw spacing, model 12 left port right eject, 3.5 inch action screw spacing
savage 16 stainless 7mm wsm, 300 wsm rifles used large shank barrels, both short actions with 4.24 action screw spacings, detachable mags

large shank versus small shank......no difference wrt accuracy or stability, just limits your market to used barrels when you go one way or the other

steel base versus aluminum base, no advantage or disadvantage unless your restricted to rifle weight in competition, they both hold zero and they both stand up very well to years of abuse, steel weaver bases and burris xtr signature rings make more sense then a rail over the loading port

a properly bedded repeater action is just as accurate as a single shot, that floating bolt head is the key, go cheap on everything except the barrel and you'll be in the winners circle, if you don't believe me go watch those guys shooting savage axis rifles with those shillen select match rifles screwed on them
 
yodave said:
savage target actions in canada were floating around $750, ellwood epps lists them....
savage or stevens actions can be had for around 4-450 bucks, rifle basix ships to canada if you need a 2 ounce trigger, brings the price close to the target action but solid bottom single shot versus repeater action
model 12 target action right bolt right port, 4.4 inch action screw spacing, model 12 left port right eject, 3.5 inch action screw spacing
savage 16 stainless 7mm wsm, 300 wsm rifles used large shank barrels, both short actions with 4.24 action screw spacings, detachable mags

large shank versus small shank......no difference wrt accuracy or stability, just limits your market to used barrels when you go one way or the other

steel base versus aluminum base, no advantage or disadvantage unless your restricted to rifle weight in competition, they both hold zero and they both stand up very well to years of abuse, steel weaver bases and burris xtr signature rings make more sense then a rail over the loading port

a properly bedded repeater action is just as accurate as a single shot, that floating bolt head is the key, go cheap on everything except the barrel and you'll be in the winners circle, if you don't believe me go watch those guys shooting savage axis rifles with those shillen select match rifles screwed on them
Click to expand...

Thanks for specifications.
Yes I am one of the few that believes a Savage action can perform given a proper barrel.
Just achieved 10 consecutive shots @ 300M under 3-4 minutes at 3/4moa, being a novice shooter I am sure my abused brass and my lack of practice had something to do with not doing even better.
 
MartyK2500 said:
The more i look at the Oryx closely the less i feel like going with something inferior.
That rem 783 build could just not materialise without an ESS working for it.

Jerry, never noticed your Stevens was a small shank open top receiver.
Seems like my current savage 10 receiver in my safe will do just fine, it's bottom bolt release but at least MDT took care of making the bolt release effortless.

I got months ahead before ordering barrel and getting equipped for that new caliber.
Now that action choice is out of the way.

Will read in on the popular debate : 6.5CM vs 260rem vs 6.5x47 lapua
Last i have heard, barrel life and ballistics ressembled each other pretty much.
6.5CM had an advantage finding factory ammo (moot point for me), and 6.5x47 was the easiest to load develop of the 3.
Just stuff i read on forums here, nothing confirmed.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, my action and your action have very different firing pin set ups. As long as you are getting consistent ignition, then go for it. I am very leery about weak firing pin springs causing all sorts of problems on target and if you plan to shoot alot, springs can wear out. I am unsure who makes a replacement for your style.

One of the biggest flaw of the Axis was the "dumbing" down of the firing pin system. I guess it saved enough cause it has spread to some double digit actions. Not something I would choose in my rigs.

Something to keep an eye on.

For the mid case 6.5's, all very similar in outcome. I am very happy with my 6.5 Creedmoor choice. Components continue to drop in price and rise in quality and options. For the amount I shoot, that makes a big difference in the budget.

But both the 6.5-47L and 260Rem have been used to excellent effect in F class and the Lapua continues to be very popular in PRS circles. A bit of eenie meenie here.

Jerry
 
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