I am thinking of picking up a NEW Savage 111 Long Range Hunter when it comes out next year. I am pretty sure this is rifle is going to have accustock, accutrigger and heavy barrel. Supposed to be chambered in .25-06, .308, 6.5x.284, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win mag.
How do Savage's button rifled barrels stack up against other factory barrels or custom barrels?
Or am I better off getting a rifle built from scratch?
I am not out to win any competitions....just want a accurate rifle capable of 500-600 yard shots under ideal hunting conditions.
Don't want to spend more than $1,500 on rifle and about $1500 on Optics(including bases&rings).
My personal LR/cut block hunting rifle was a Savage package rifle in 7RM. Bedded and the stock modified, it works just fine. Changed to better rings and bases. Swapped a new trigger and put on a muzzle brake. Sub MOA at 900yds for about $700 without scope.
I have not shot a factory Savage/Stevens barrel that wouldn't go sub MOA at 200yds with handloads. Many have hovered in the 1/2 min range. A few in the 1/3 min range. This makes them a very good factory barrel and the equal of any domestic products.
However, they are no where near as good or as consistent as a quality aftermarket barrel like those offered by Shilen or McGowen. I would expect these to shoot in the 1/4 to 1/3 min range.
I have never judged a barrel by what the bore looks like. Only where the bullets in the target show up. Some barrels that foul so much they are green, have been my most consistent and repeatable pipes.
Only the Tikkas have shown better out of the box accuracy and some have shot spectacularly.
For a big game hunting rifle, I have not considered a HB a necessity. I don't intend to be shooting that much at my target. If 4 shots don't get the job done, I am in real trouble. A reg. sporter barrel is on my rig. Keeps it light, balances better, easier to pack.
I am not sure what this new savage will cost but building your own is pretty darn inexpensive. No problem putting a rig together for well below your $3000 budget. I would estimate that you can have an entire rig WITH great optics for around $1500, maybe a bit more depending on bells and whistles.
I use a 7RM and would recommend it for the distances you intend to hunt. The 300WM is no slouch but I am a recoil wuss and the 30cal heavies are more fun then my shoulder wants to deal with.
http://www.mysticprecision.com/htm/rifle.php
You should find these articles helpful.
Jerry