- Location
- Sudbury, On
As I'm sure I haven't shut up about my sole rifle, I finally got to take it out for a good evening's worth of shooting tonight. I shot CCI Maxi-Mag and Winchester Dynapoint Magnum. I quickly learned that my "shakes" make me shoot-for-#### unsupported. 
Shooting - This is where things get odd. I only got a single FTF on the cheap Dynapoint (out of a box of fifty), covered with lead dust nontheless. The Maxi-Mag, although not "match grade", costs me nearly double, yet I had two FTFs with it, and another which was related to the mag issue (scroll down).
Speaking of the mags, they were my biggest issue. I had the stock one, and a secondary purchased a short while ago. The stock one is troublesome: I had all my rounds spew out over a dozen times, and releasing more then one round (thus jamming up the action). I will have to fix it. Keep in mind, other then a single shot I did a while back to make sure the rifle actually fired, this entire system (including the mag) has sat unused, with only the mags being seperate and loaded. I guess I've learned I can't keep Savage mags loaded.
The mag catch is a very simple mechanical part, and this was the most disappointing part. It failed to catch the mag 100% of the time, even though it is extremely stiff and difficult to insert the mag (even if you smack it in). Holding the mag release while inserting a mag is nearly required, but it shouldn't be necessary.
The bolt had zero extraction problems, so it is nice to see one of the current issues plaguing a few centerfire rifles has not crossed over to their rimfire line-up. It was, however, occasionally hard to chamber the next round. We will see if use eases up this tension, as well as a good lubrication, but it's mostly the stiff mags preventing silky-smooth operation of the bolt.
The stock felt just right, and the irons were extremely comfortable, even with no whiz-bang glow-in-the-dark substance at the tips. My scope, a cheapo 3-9x32 Bushnell, was adequate, although the cheap rings actually slipped off the rifle, but that's what you get for using cheap chinese rings.
The trigger is so fantastic. I am in love with the design, perfectly smooth. I can't praise it enough. If you haven't tried one yet, do so!
Final word: This is a rifle that will require a bit of attention to detail to get it to perform flawlessly, however, there were no major issues warranting a return to Savage for repairs. All-in-all, a great value for the moneys.
Pros:
Trigger is GOLD!
Solid stock
Solid, basic irons
Zero extraction issues
Cons:
Stiff bolt
Terrible magazine system
Mags CANNOT be left loaded
Shooting - This is where things get odd. I only got a single FTF on the cheap Dynapoint (out of a box of fifty), covered with lead dust nontheless. The Maxi-Mag, although not "match grade", costs me nearly double, yet I had two FTFs with it, and another which was related to the mag issue (scroll down).
Speaking of the mags, they were my biggest issue. I had the stock one, and a secondary purchased a short while ago. The stock one is troublesome: I had all my rounds spew out over a dozen times, and releasing more then one round (thus jamming up the action). I will have to fix it. Keep in mind, other then a single shot I did a while back to make sure the rifle actually fired, this entire system (including the mag) has sat unused, with only the mags being seperate and loaded. I guess I've learned I can't keep Savage mags loaded.
The mag catch is a very simple mechanical part, and this was the most disappointing part. It failed to catch the mag 100% of the time, even though it is extremely stiff and difficult to insert the mag (even if you smack it in). Holding the mag release while inserting a mag is nearly required, but it shouldn't be necessary.
The bolt had zero extraction problems, so it is nice to see one of the current issues plaguing a few centerfire rifles has not crossed over to their rimfire line-up. It was, however, occasionally hard to chamber the next round. We will see if use eases up this tension, as well as a good lubrication, but it's mostly the stiff mags preventing silky-smooth operation of the bolt.
The stock felt just right, and the irons were extremely comfortable, even with no whiz-bang glow-in-the-dark substance at the tips. My scope, a cheapo 3-9x32 Bushnell, was adequate, although the cheap rings actually slipped off the rifle, but that's what you get for using cheap chinese rings.
The trigger is so fantastic. I am in love with the design, perfectly smooth. I can't praise it enough. If you haven't tried one yet, do so!
Final word: This is a rifle that will require a bit of attention to detail to get it to perform flawlessly, however, there were no major issues warranting a return to Savage for repairs. All-in-all, a great value for the moneys.
Pros:
Trigger is GOLD!
Solid stock
Solid, basic irons
Zero extraction issues
Cons:
Stiff bolt
Terrible magazine system
Mags CANNOT be left loaded
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