Savage mk2 upgrades?
- Thread starter Kyle5003
- Start date
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
The aftermarket is relatively limited for the Mark II. You can get an Apachee trigger kit or a Rifle Basix trigger, DIP bottom metal and/or trigger guard, if your barrel is threaded DIP makes a comp or you could get a fake suppressor (most I've seen are for ARs and won't fit over the barrel).
You could also upgrade the stock or put it in an MDT chassis, though personally I think the LSS 22 is ugly and hope they make an ESS 22 eventually.
You could also upgrade the stock or put it in an MDT chassis, though personally I think the LSS 22 is ugly and hope they make an ESS 22 eventually.
The only thing I've done with mine is to open it up and clip ONE turn of the fat side of the Accu-Trigger adjustment spring to allow me to set the trigger a little lighter. I found that even at the lightest adjustment it was heavier than I wanted for a delicate bit of bench shooting. Clipping the one turn off reduced the setting range enough that now I'm in the middle of the adjustment range to get the roughly 2lb pull that I wanted. With the ONE turn off it'll go even lighter. But it gets spotty for consistency once the pull drops to under roughly 1 lb. If I were doing it over I'd likely cut off only 3/4 of a turn. A little goes a long way on this trick.
There's not a lot of optional stuff for the Mk II because really what could you want? The bull barrels on the target models are already darn nice for accuracy and once broken in with a bit of use the bolts cycle really smoothly. The ONLY real weak point that I've seen on a buddy's Mk II is that the mag well snapped the spot welds and spread open from lots of use by his and other kids at our Jr .22 program. This use of sheet metal for a good portion of the action on the lower side of the receiver is the only weak point I can see on the Savage. But that's part of the reason why it's a less expensive option. I suppose the "upgrade" would be to move up to a CZ or something like that.
There's always changing the stock I guess. But if you buy the right model up front you really don't need to do even that. The stocks on the cheaper models tend to have too low of a comb height if the rifle will be used with a scope. Which is the reason I opted for the BTV version which starts out with a good high comb so it works well with the higher sight line of a scope. I suspect that most of the reason for switching stocks would be to correct this one shortcoming. Although for bench rest shooting I'm finding that the less I touch the rifle the better I can shoot. So in THAT case there is some advantage to a low comb. But for free style standing the higher comb of the BTV style stock works well for me.
There's not a lot of optional stuff for the Mk II because really what could you want? The bull barrels on the target models are already darn nice for accuracy and once broken in with a bit of use the bolts cycle really smoothly. The ONLY real weak point that I've seen on a buddy's Mk II is that the mag well snapped the spot welds and spread open from lots of use by his and other kids at our Jr .22 program. This use of sheet metal for a good portion of the action on the lower side of the receiver is the only weak point I can see on the Savage. But that's part of the reason why it's a less expensive option. I suppose the "upgrade" would be to move up to a CZ or something like that.
There's always changing the stock I guess. But if you buy the right model up front you really don't need to do even that. The stocks on the cheaper models tend to have too low of a comb height if the rifle will be used with a scope. Which is the reason I opted for the BTV version which starts out with a good high comb so it works well with the higher sight line of a scope. I suspect that most of the reason for switching stocks would be to correct this one shortcoming. Although for bench rest shooting I'm finding that the less I touch the rifle the better I can shoot. So in THAT case there is some advantage to a low comb. But for free style standing the higher comb of the BTV style stock works well for me.
I have the precursor to the savage mk2, the lakefield MKII:
https://flic.kr/p/WGNnMN
IMG_7085_zps3jygebcr by cody chatfield, on Flickr
(just figuring out how to move pics from photobucket to flickr now)
The boyds SS evolution is a nice upgrade, I also had some fun with some carbon fiber to make a barrel sleeve on mine (cosmetic mostly), I made a forward located bipod attachment for something to do, and put a leupold knock off scope on it. I wanted to get the DIP parts but basically just cut some aluminum up for my own lower plate and trigger guard to match the savage, as the lakefield is a bit different.
In the background is a 17WSM Bmag in an AICS airsoft chassis, this swap has been done many times with the savage .22 as well, though is not a simple bolt on modification, but there are a few projects documenting what needs to be done if it interests you.
https://flic.kr/p/WGNnMN
IMG_7085_zps3jygebcr by cody chatfield, on Flickr(just figuring out how to move pics from photobucket to flickr now)
The boyds SS evolution is a nice upgrade, I also had some fun with some carbon fiber to make a barrel sleeve on mine (cosmetic mostly), I made a forward located bipod attachment for something to do, and put a leupold knock off scope on it. I wanted to get the DIP parts but basically just cut some aluminum up for my own lower plate and trigger guard to match the savage, as the lakefield is a bit different.
In the background is a 17WSM Bmag in an AICS airsoft chassis, this swap has been done many times with the savage .22 as well, though is not a simple bolt on modification, but there are a few projects documenting what needs to be done if it interests you.
I have the MK II FV in a similar Boyd's stock as cody c, it is a big big improvement in the over all fit and feel of the gun. It actually feels more like a gun now, not a plastic toy. The action dropped right in, no fitting required. I may look at pillar bedding down the road.
I suggest getting a good stable rest to shoot from. I have a Cadwell Lead Sled that I use for bench shooting all my scoped weapons (rifles, shotguns & crossbows). I load it right up with 50+ lbs of weight during load development with my 300 Win Mag. no recoil, shoot all day
. Best single grouping with my MK II FV before the stock change was just under 3/8" > 25 lb on the lead sled + about 10 lbs of #5 lead shot draped over the butt of the plastic stock, have not had much range time since the stock change last week.
My Savage MK II FV c/w Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 x 40 AO, Boyd's Evolution style stock in Royal Jacaranda Laminate.
FYI! ATM this stock is still available from Boyd's in their 'Rapid Fire Closeout' section. ATM the 'Evolution' style stock is not available to order in their list of available styles for the MK II.
because I'm now out shooting them using much cheaper rifles 
I suggest getting a good stable rest to shoot from. I have a Cadwell Lead Sled that I use for bench shooting all my scoped weapons (rifles, shotguns & crossbows). I load it right up with 50+ lbs of weight during load development with my 300 Win Mag. no recoil, shoot all day
. Best single grouping with my MK II FV before the stock change was just under 3/8" > 25 lb on the lead sled + about 10 lbs of #5 lead shot draped over the butt of the plastic stock, have not had much range time since the stock change last week.My Savage MK II FV c/w Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 x 40 AO, Boyd's Evolution style stock in Royal Jacaranda Laminate.
FYI! ATM this stock is still available from Boyd's in their 'Rapid Fire Closeout' section. ATM the 'Evolution' style stock is not available to order in their list of available styles for the MK II.
Practice . . practice . . practice using my MK II c/w Accu Trigger has greatly improved my shooting with my other Savage rifles, I have a much better trigger sense now when I pick up my 25-06 Rem or 300 Win Mag., this is making a couple people
because I'm now out shooting them using much cheaper rifles 
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
To the OP, what model Savage do you have?
The only upgrade my basic F, G and GY Savages needed were a half decent scope. The 10 Rd magazine is not an upgrade for me as it sticks out where my support hand needs to be
Beyond the scope, and the spring mod of BCRider, not worth the coin, IMO.
I love my cheap savages for what they are. Once you consider higher end MkIIs, you're getting into CZ price range and then you'll see the logic of going CZ. Preferably a 452. Even a previously loved 452.
The only upgrade my basic F, G and GY Savages needed were a half decent scope. The 10 Rd magazine is not an upgrade for me as it sticks out where my support hand needs to be
Beyond the scope, and the spring mod of BCRider, not worth the coin, IMO.
I love my cheap savages for what they are. Once you consider higher end MkIIs, you're getting into CZ price range and then you'll see the logic of going CZ. Preferably a 452. Even a previously loved 452.
What everyone else says. Love it, or leave it. Upgrade to a CZ (or downgrade to a 10/22
I have MKII BV, only thing I've done is add a scope and shoot it. The Boyd's stock really makes it look sharp, and has a nice high comb. Adding a Boyd's stock is the only alteration I would make if I didn't already have one. I don't think I can shoot a bolt action 22 fast enough to heat up this hulk of a barrel.
I have MKII BV, only thing I've done is add a scope and shoot it. The Boyd's stock really makes it look sharp, and has a nice high comb. Adding a Boyd's stock is the only alteration I would make if I didn't already have one. I don't think I can shoot a bolt action 22 fast enough to heat up this hulk of a barrel.
Instead of upgrades, other than perhaps a stock which suits you better, spend any "upgrade money" on good ammo to feed the beast. Mine does really well with CCI SV, Eley Practice and that Lapua Standard Plus. The Eley and Lapua used to be way higher in price. But these days a buck more or so per box compared to more mainstream ammo seems to be the case. And at that much more it makes it less of a jump to buy this better ammo.
I want to play some with mine at 200 and 300. I understand that at these distances it's good practice for things like .308Win at 500 and 800 yards. There's a LOT Of drop though at these distances. So when you set up a scope it would be a good idea to find some 20 or even 30 MOA rings or shim the mount up during installation.
I want to play some with mine at 200 and 300. I understand that at these distances it's good practice for things like .308Win at 500 and 800 yards. There's a LOT Of drop though at these distances. So when you set up a scope it would be a good idea to find some 20 or even 30 MOA rings or shim the mount up during installation.
Travis Bickle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Upper Lower Middle Alberta
I put a Tech Sight rear sight and precision front post on mine.
Other than that there is little to improve on.
It's easily one of the most accurate bolt .22 LR's I've ever shot and it cost me $180 off the EE shipped to my door.
The $70 Tech sight set upgrade shrank my groups by about 50% and now I can explode pop cans at 70 meters with it laying prone off a bag shooting bulk Winchester 555 pack ammo. It's scary accurate.
I doubt any "upgrades" other than that would make the rifle any better than it already is. That's my 2 cents anyhow.
Other than that there is little to improve on.
It's easily one of the most accurate bolt .22 LR's I've ever shot and it cost me $180 off the EE shipped to my door.
The $70 Tech sight set upgrade shrank my groups by about 50% and now I can explode pop cans at 70 meters with it laying prone off a bag shooting bulk Winchester 555 pack ammo. It's scary accurate.
I doubt any "upgrades" other than that would make the rifle any better than it already is. That's my 2 cents anyhow.
thenerdboy
Regular
- Location
- NB, Canada
I really like my TacPro cheek riser installed on the factory synthetic stock. Vastly improved cheekweld for optics. The Apachee trigger kit is also a night and day difference plus you don't have to risk permanently modifying your trigger spring. I've read that Savage will not send you a replacement trigger spring.
Otherwise, a nice scope and decent ammunition go a long way.
Otherwise, a nice scope and decent ammunition go a long way.
These are really great little guns, especially for the $$$.
Just got home from the range 5mins ago and we have 2 of them which will pretty consistently put 5 rounds
into 1 large hole @ 50M.
We've found after testing about 5 different ammo types so far, that CCI Subsonic is unbeatable at 50M.
One thing that many people simply don't understand is how dramatically different a given gun can shoot without
the best ammo......by best, I mean best for that particular gun, not always relative to cost either.
Today we tried some CCI Stingers, which are rated at 1640fps vs the Subs at 1050fps......the groups were garbage
at 50M in comparison. When we tried at 100M, they shot much flatter, but to the left at both distances consistently
and still not as tight.
Just got home from the range 5mins ago and we have 2 of them which will pretty consistently put 5 rounds
into 1 large hole @ 50M.
We've found after testing about 5 different ammo types so far, that CCI Subsonic is unbeatable at 50M.
One thing that many people simply don't understand is how dramatically different a given gun can shoot without
the best ammo......by best, I mean best for that particular gun, not always relative to cost either.
Today we tried some CCI Stingers, which are rated at 1640fps vs the Subs at 1050fps......the groups were garbage
at 50M in comparison. When we tried at 100M, they shot much flatter, but to the left at both distances consistently
and still not as tight.
I have the MK II FV in a similar Boyd's stock as cody c, it is a big big improvement in the over all fit and feel of the gun. It actually feels more like a gun now, not a plastic toy. The action dropped right in, no fitting required. I may look at pillar bedding down the road.
I suggest getting a good stable rest to shoot from. I have a Cadwell Lead Sled that I use for bench shooting all my scoped weapons (rifles, shotguns & crossbows). I load it right up with 50+ lbs of weight during load development with my 300 Win Mag. no recoil, shoot all day
My Savage MK II FV c/w Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 x 40 AO, Boyd's Evolution style stock in Royal Jacaranda Laminate.
FYI! ATM this stock is still available from Boyd's in their 'Rapid Fire Closeout' section. ATM the 'Evolution' style stock is not available to order in their list of available styles for the MK II.
Practice . . practice . . practice using my MK II c/w Accu Trigger has greatly improved my shooting with my other Savage rifles, I have a much better trigger sense now when I pick up my 25-06 Rem or 300 Win Mag., this is making a couple people
Bought the jacaranda ss evo for my mk2
waiting for it to come
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