Ok, you Savages!

3

358 BLR

Regular
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Location
North of Edmonton
Howdy folks:
I've hunting around the various rifle manufacturers looking for something in .243 Win that comes with iron sights. Needless to say there is not a whole lot
to choose from these days. But Lo and Behold, in my endless wanderings, I come across the Savage Model 14 Euro Classic and it appears to be exactly
what I'm looking for. Now I've read a lot of the hype from the "Eggspurt Columnists", but I don't put a lot of stock in what they have to say. So I was
hoping that some of you guys and gals who have actual real life experience with the Savage, can verify all the hype about accuracy, quality and function.
Especially if you own, or have owned the Model 14 Euro Classic. Feel free to point out any flaws as well -- although around here that's pretty much a given.

Thanks in advance. Rob
 
Buddy of mine has one in .308 and about the only flaw is that you really have to slam home the mag to get it to sit properly. With hand-loads or winchester silver tips it has no problem grouping them under an inch at 100. He scoped his right away so I cant speak as to how well the irons work, but he's been packing it hunting and to the range for three years now and it still works beautifully.
 
I have a savage in a model 10, but my Dad has the 14 Classic in a 325 WSM. I am pretty sure that is what it is. Anyways, it has a very nice fit and finish. The mag worked great, but then again I have noticed a difference in their mags from a couple years ago to the ones that they make now. From what I have tried, newer is better as far as mags go. As for field applications, haven't had any trouble with feeding, ejecting or accuracy.
 
They are a good rifle. I don't have the Euro classic but I do have the american classic.

The magazine must be put in by the rear part first, then snap the front up and in. The bolt's on savages are a little harder to open compared to other rifles. This is because the action must be reset for the next shot. It is harder than a rem 700, browning abolt, tikka t3 etc...

Accuracy is excellent. 1.5 MOA from a bipod prone. A more solid rest/bench could yield better results with handloads.

Bolt is a little sloppy on the slide but it's not known for its slick action either. I've never had any feeding issues.

Safety is 3 position. Safe and bolt locked down, safe and bolt not locked down, and fire and bolt not locked down.
 
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate the help.
I'm going to try out a Marlin XS7 for now (at $390 who wouldn't), it looks to be
something of a Savage clone anyway and I've got a scope that I can drop right
on it. If I like the system, I'll probably upgrade to the Model 14 at a later date,
or maybe I'll get it in .308, it's still a helluva nice looking gun.:D

Thanks again, Rob
 
ducdiver said:
Buddy of mine has one in .308 and about the only flaw is that you really have to slam home the mag to get it to sit properly. With hand-loads or winchester silver tips it has no problem grouping them under an inch at 100. He scoped his right away so I cant speak as to how well the irons work, but he's been packing it hunting and to the range for three years now and it still works beautifully.
Click to expand...

I have a Model 14 Euro Classic in 308 and am very happy with the gun. it shoots consistent 1" 3shot groups with the better ammo (win silver tips, and it's all time favourite - Federal fusion 165 gr.). I stress 3 shot groups as all my 5 shot groups expand like crazy on shot #4 & 5. the barrel is light and heats up quick. I like the iron sights, but mine came with the rear sight mounted off center and it had to be adjusted almost all the way to the right to bring it to center for 100 yds. it works fine, it just bugs me that it should have come so out of alignment.
There is no need to "slam" the mag home, just make sure the rear goes in first and press the front firmly in.
I found break in to be critical. for example this gun would not group 180 gr. bullets AT ALL to begin with and i was distressed. I posted the problem and the majority of advice was to shoot the rifle with ammo it like and then go back to 180 gr. After a couple of hundred rounds and meticulous cleaning during the break in part i went back to handloaded 180 gr. and walla! good groups.
I find the rifle does a lot better with bullets of a high B.C such as hornady SST or sieara matchkings/ gamekings.
I have owned rugers, win M70's, parker hales, carl gustafs, brno's and i must say for the price i am pickled tink with this savage. fit and finish are good, the wood is way better than i expected (rifle bought sight unseen), the acutrigger is a marvel, the bolt just works better and better with use, and the monte carlo stock is a good fit for me.
what can i say? go get one, they are worth every penny.
Oh, i have taken one good bull moose and a deer with it, so it has been used afield and unfortunately bashed around a bit. but it still looks cool
 
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