First Rifle

[Funguns5]

I remove the butt plate and fill the 'Tupperware' stocks with NON expanding foam...( very important,expanding foam can distort the stock)

Course,I admit I like the old bolt action mossbergs...and in a new rifle the best value is a Norinco JW15 ( CZ knockoff)

This is a not bad idea with the foam I'll have to look more into doing this and at the Norinco. Those just don't seem to be in any stores I've looked at.

 

[Ron AKA]

This is a not bad idea with the foam I'll have to look more into doing this and at the Norinco. Those just don't seem to be in any stores I've looked at.

I see the Savage Mark II FV is in stock at the north Cabelas in Edmonton for $300. One option would be to go for the FV and upgrade the stock down the road. You may be able to pick up a stock used if you watch long enough. Some may pull the stock off a BV and will want to sell it. Or you could try the foam and bedding of the plastic stock. It will have no sights other than scope bases, so you would have to look for a scope too.

Mark II FV

 

[ratherbefishin]

I don't know why the synthetic stocks don't come from the factory filled with foam,it stiffens them up and they don't have that 'hollow' sound.A tube of industrial non expanding foam costs about $3 ,cheap fix.

 

[easyrider604]

I agree. I'm looking for just one that'll be on that level for a long time with going back to school and only being able to make a couple gun buys for the next 3 years or so.

Without scope:

On a $300-$500 budget, go for a Savage MKII of your desired persuasion. I prefer lighter rifles so MKIIFor G. Accuracy is very close to bull barrels. MY F can shoot as well as my CZ452 Varmint.

On $600+ budget, get a CZ452/453, new or previously loved. I'd prefer a light barelled American over a Varmint in walnut, although I dont have one. If you like the bright metal look with black synthetic, look for the rare 452 Style. I love mine.

In terms of accuracy up to 100 meters, my Style, Varmint(both wearing older Bushnell Banner 4-12 x 40 AO, and MKIIF with 3-9 x 32 AO Bushnell Sportview, all shoot similar 1 inch 5-shot groups, (on a calm day), with cheap Winchester Dynapoints.

Both brands would be durable enough for lifeime service, but IMHO, CZ is at least a couple of notches higher on the build quality scale. Well worth the price difference. In looks, I prefer looking at and just holding my CZs. I also have a CZ452 Scout which is becoming a favorite because of its lightness, compactness and similar accuracy.

Norinco made a copy of the CZ. Inexpensive if you can find them "used", and I do love my Norkie 1911s, but for some reason I can't explain, I can't bring myself to buy a Norc CZ clone.

 

[RabidM4U5]

I don't know why the synthetic stocks don't come from the factory filled with foam,it stiffens them up and they don't have that 'hollow' sound.A tube of industrial non expanding foam costs about $3 ,cheap fix.

100 stocks x $3 = $300, that's a round of golf for the CEO

For the Boyds stocks, applies to all rifles wearing them not just Savages, it's also a good idea to reinforce the fore-end especially if you shoot with a bi-pod. One look at how much wood they remove just to install two sling studs makes you wanna face palm...

A little 3/8 threaded rod just long enough to press in snug, some 5-minute epoxy and she'll be stiffer than yer... um... nevermind!



Sand 'er back down to the channel profile

 

[ratherbefishin]

I've got BOTH the CZ and the Norinco clone(JW 15)...while the Norinco is NOT as finely finished,it SHOOTS just as well.It will never be a 'collector' ,but if you just want a 'shooter' it will do the job,you just have to forgo the bragging rights

 

[Funguns5]

Well I went to Cabella's the other day and after looking at their rifles I decided on the Marlin XT-22 with the wood stock. I didn't like the fell of the cheap plastic and an the lack of iron sights on most of the other Savage and Marlin models. This one is bedded seems solid and lines up great for me off the bat. Better balance too just holding them. I think I'll be happy with this one, just be careful I don't get it too marked up. Who knows maybe the girl with get into it with me and I'll get her the savage so I can play with both!

Thanks for all the help and advise from everyone!

 

[dugasgunner]

Well I went to Cabella's the other day and after looking at their rifles I decided on the Marlin XT-22 with the wood stock. I didn't like the fell of the cheap plastic and an the lack of iron sights on most of the other Savage and Marlin models. This one is bedded seems solid and lines up great for me off the bat. Better balance too just holding them. I think I'll be happy with this one, just be careful I don't get it too marked up. Who knows maybe the girl with get into it with me and I'll get her the savage so I can play with both!

Thanks for all the help and advise from everyone!

I am sure you will be happy with your marlin! Good choice IMHO.