Entry level .223 Reminton or Savage

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KO

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Hi everybody. I just wanted to get some more info and opinions. I have just started looking into purchasing an entry level .223. I just want something reliable that I can have fun with. I won't be getting into competitive shooting, yet anyway, but would still like something fairly accurate. So far, I have been able to come up with two models within my budget, the Remington 700 SPS, or the Savage model 11F. I have owned a model 700 Remington before, in 7mm Mag, loved it but sold it.I have read lots of good things about Savage, but have no personal experience with them. Any input as to pros and cons between the two would be appreciated. Also, it would be great if someone could tell me the difference between the Savage and the Stevens if they are both manufactured by Savage.
Thanks again for your input,
K.O.
 
The Savage 12fv has the Accutrigger which is the best factory trigger out there and is adjustable the plastic stock is the only short coming on the rifle but this can be modified great shooters the Stevens models do not have the Accutrigger in them .The 12FV cost me $569.00 from Wholesale sports
 
So, is the heavy barrel the only major diffirence between the savage 12FV and the 11F? Is there anything wrong with the regular barrel, and is the heavy barrel going to be a huge asset to a guy like me? I see what you mean now about the Stevens, for the money it's probably worth the extra for the accu-trigger.

One more question. I see that savage also offers package deals, scope included. I know that the scope probably is not real good, but in the case of the 11F, is it worth the extra $30 to get the package, or is the scope bad enough that it would have to be replaced anyway?
As allways, your help is appreciated.
K.O.
 
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One thing that you should consider is what type of magazine you want, removable or internal blind. I've had a few situations that I'd really have preferred to have a removable mag for quicker loading and unloading. That may affect your choice of rifle. I'd definitely suggest one of the savage models.

I went with the stevens and find the standard barrel is plenty accurate, sub MOA with most factory loads. I replaced the trigger though, so an accu-trigger model would be a good thing to consider. Next year we'll see what it can do with some load development.

The heavy barreled 12fv is lot's of fun to shoot off the bench, but is way to heavy to lug around the bush. After comparing and shooting both I'm very happy I went with the standard barrel. The rifle is light and manageable and deadly accurate. It shoots better than I do.
 
I have no doubt that either of these makes of rifle will shoot better than me. I also wondered about the hinged floor plate. I had it on my 7mm mag. It worked great for quick unloads. I guess that was one thing that brought me to look at the Remington again. Has anyone had any experiance with the model 700 Rem. ? If the Savage already has a decent trigger, and excelent accuracy, it may be the one I end up leaning towards. Thanks for the input on the heavy barrel, I hadn't thought of that.
Thanks again,
K.o.
 
This year I turn 2 rifles from off the self rifles into entry level target rifles.
The first one was a stainless steel Savage with a heavy barrel and laminated stock in .223. The second was a heavy barreled .223 Remington 700 in a laminated stock.
Between the two, the Savage was easier to work on and had a better/heavier
stock.
If I was to buy either one of these rifles for target shooting/plinking, I would go with the Savage.
The 1 in 9" twist on the Savage may even shoot 80 gr bullets. Something to think about if you ever want to shoot long range.
 
The Savages with the detachable mag are a pretty slick setup. They might be worth looking at.
In a 223 bolt gun I'm not sure if there's a real need to change out types of ammo quickly.
And the Savage trigger is the real reason to get a Savage. Or maybe the second reason, just behind the fact that they shoot pretty damned well out of the box.
 
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I really dont care for the BBQ paint finish on the SPS...:(

The stainless SPS's are good, but not chambered in 223

if I were you I'd pick up a Stevens 200 in 223 and spend a bit extra on scope mounts and optics.
 
Just to add one more to the mix, I have also been doing a little research on the Weatherby Vanguard. Anyone had anything to do with them? I see that they have the same twist as the Remmington, so it still may be best to go with the Stevens or the Savage. Would a trigger up grade on the Stevens be required a.s.a.p. ? How much would that cost? I am struggling with the decesion to spend more on the rifle now, then, more on the scope later, or vise versa.
Decisions, decisions!
Thanks
K.O.
 
I have had trouble with the Savage bolt freezing in cold weather in southern Alberta during the winter (below -15C) but it was a different model of savage. The firing pin wouldnt hit the primer hard enough in cold weather to set it off. The rifle came new with way too much graese in the bolt and in the cold weather it made my gun missfire a lot. Just something to think about. I got sick of that and bought a Remington 700ADL in a 22-250 and it was amazing.
 
Interesting, I'll test out the cold weather function of my stevens as soon as the cold weather arrives. I really doubt it will be an issue though.

I'm very happy with my stevens. The stock trigger can be lightened for weight of pull with a screw on it, so you could probably shoot it that way for a while if you choose to buy the stevens instead of an accutrigger model. I ordered the replacement trigger when I ordered the gun and had it waiting when the rifle arrived, so I can't give you an opinion on how the stock trigger works after adjustment.
 
KO said:
Just to add one more to the mix, I have also been doing a little research on the Weatherby Vanguard. Anyone had anything to do with them? I see that they have the same twist as the Remmington, so it still may be best to go with the Stevens or the Savage. Would a trigger up grade on the Stevens be required a.s.a.p. ? How much would that cost? I am struggling with the decesion to spend more on the rifle now, then, more on the scope later, or vise versa.
Decisions, decisions!
Thanks
K.O.
Click to expand...

I have to of the vanguards...I like them,they both shoot really well,the triggers are very easily adjusted...mine are the blued synthetic versions,they are a bit on the heavy side I find,but overall,fit and finish are pretty decent for amount of $$$'s they run....Have a Stevens 200 in 243 as well,seems to be a nice little rig as well,great shooting,no frills package..all ya ever need,and accurate too
 
I am struggling with the decesion to spend more on the rifle now, then, more on the scope later, or vise versa.

OK, you want to spend a little more, buy a Tikka T3 in .223.
Heavy barrel, 1 in 9" twist. A few bucks more than the Savage, Stevens or Remington, but you get what you pay for.
 
I too have been looking for a cheaper .223 for our Open Sniper class, this class requires a 5 shot mag cap. Because of this , I have narrowed it down to the Rem 700 SPS or the Weatherby Vangaurd, both have hinged floor plates & 5 rnd cap. I also take into consideration the configuration of the stock, some rifles in the same calibers have different felt recoil levels (not being a real big deal in a .223) I haven't shot the 700 SPS so I don't know how the stock is, the Vangaurd has a great stock & recoil is light in the .308. I had a Savage in .300 Win Mag & found recoil to be okay. Could shoot 20 rnds in a row no prob. I know have a Winchester M70 in .338 & find it beats the hell out of me, my buddies Ruger is also punishing. This fall I bought my son a Vangaurd in .308 for hunting, he's 12 & can handle the recoil no prob. downed a mule deer & a moose this fall with it.
 
My Rem. model 700 7mm mag had a healthy kick to it, but I never felt that it beat me up too bad at all if that helps any. So far, for the .223, the only choices I have seen with the 5 shot mag that seemed to be affordable for me was the 700 SPS and the Vanguard. I have yet to take a look at a Vanguard, and it may still be a possibility, but all the research I have done suggests that the Savage would be a solid buy. I am not sure, but unfortunatly, I don't believe I've seen a Savage .223 with a 5 shot mag. I could easily be wrong though. That's awsome for your son Jeep! I would imagine that he's proud as can be with his game this fall.
K.O.
 
Man, I am way over thinking this next purchase. I hate to throw something completly diffirent into this, but I could use some more advice. I was looking around today and come across this Savage, I can't recall the model, but it does not come in .223, only .22-250 and up. I quite liked the riffle, but have had even less experience with .22-250 than .223. I know that there is some price diffirence in ammo, but some of the brands I looked at were close, and I'll most likely start reloading again anyway. Any input on the .22-250 would be greatly appriciated.
K.O.
 
What twist does the 22-.250 have? If is a slow 1-12 or 1-14 you are limited to 55gr bullets.
If the manufacturers would brighten up and start producing 22-.250's with a 1-9 twist or faster that would shoot 69-80 gr bullets, they would find a whole new market for people that want to shoot long range.

You may find that the 22-.250 is a barrel burner compared to the .223.
Get yourself a Savage or Tikka T3 in heavy stainless. If the extra weight is an issue, but a Gym membership:)
 
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