The Savage Model 12 Low Profile Advice

[luvall]

Thinking about starting precision shooting. As a starter what are your thoughts about the savage model 12 low profile in 308? $$ is a factor since I don't know if I will do this long-term. Always appreciate the wisdom of INGO members!

 

[throttletony]

I had to look up the 'low profile' version. here for those interested: (12 VLP BDM) Savage Arms

26" barrel, 1:10 twist
Looks like a shooter. Savage model 10's are shooters, I'd expect no less from the model 12. It's nice that is has the accu-trigger and a detachable mag. It might be harder to find a replacement stock for it down the road, if that interests you -- as compared to a model 10 or a Rem 700, for example.

 

[42769vette]

Sounds like a decent start to me bud.

 

[Kentuckyblue]

I agree, sounds like a plan to me. I really like Savages, they are great guns.

 

[luvall]

Another option I am considering is the CZ 550. Any thoughts on this?

 

[luvall]

42769Vette - suggestions on an optic? I shoot at Fall Creek Conservation Club where they currently have a 100 yard and are building a 200 yard range. That is the limits I foresee for this gun and optics combination. The goal is sub MOA, if possible.

 

[Nevernoluck2]

I've owned a handful of Savage rifles/actions/barrels, you will be happy with it, only issue I ever had was ejecting the spent casing but I single fed mine anyhow and preferred it to not flip my brass as I reloaded at that time too. I haven't tried a CZ yet but a 527 varmint is on my list, I've heard lots of good on those guns and need to try it myself.

 

[42769vette]

42769Vette - suggestions on an optic? I shoot at Fall Creek Conservation Club where they currently have a 100 yard and are building a 200 yard range. That is the limits I foresee for this gun and optics combination. The goal is sub MOA, if possible.

What price range are you thinking? any hunting, or is this strictly a range rifle?

 

[throttletony]

42769vette will likely suggest Vortex...
so I'm gonna beat him to the punch. They're about the best glass for the price, plus everyone loves their no questions asked warranty.
the Viper or Viper HS lines are awesome, if you're looking to spend between $300-$500.

Will you push it to further distances on occasion? For only 100-200 yds, almost any decent optic in the 3-9x or 4-12x will work. I have a Viper HS 4-16x44mm and love it. definitely more than enough glass to get you MOA at 200 yds if the gun and ammo are also up to par.

Vortex was clearing out some old models of the viper for about $300, ask around

here it is on a T/C Dimension

with the sunshade:

and this was with a bipod in a field -- not even on a bench. at about 110 yds w/ hornady superformance 223 (53 gr v-max)

 

[42769vette]

Vortex was clearing out some old models of the viper for about $300, ask around

I believe this is what he is talking about.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/optics/344234-price-match.html

And they are still priced at 325. The reason I ask about minimum distance, and hunting is because this is the first scope that came to mind.

 

[luvall]

The application will be target/bench shooting. $300.00 is about where I want to be.

 

[42769vette]

The application will be target/bench shooting. $300.00 is about where I want to be.

Then the Viper 6.5-20x44 for 325 is a absolute no brainer. Im away from the shop right now, and I don't remember If I have both versions in stock as there are only a few left, but either version will work great.

 

[throttletony]

follow-up thoughts:
If you might ever use this gun for coyotes or hunting within 100 yds, 6.5x (the lowest magnification) is already pretty high magnification
If it's a dedicated fun gun/range gun/ long range hunter, then that is a great magnification range.

(obviously not hunting deer with it here in IN.... /grumbleaboutcaliberrestrictions)

 

[luvall]

Thanks for the note, always appreciated. It will be a range only toy.

 

[42769vette]

Thanks for the note, always appreciated. It will be a range only toy.

Let me know when your ready. This deal wont be around for ever as there is only 1 more shipment of these scopes coming in.

 

[flashpuppy]

I'll throw another vote in for Vortex and Alan.

As far as the rifle.... Yes. That's your girl. Does this have the PTA?

 

[teddy12b]

Thanks for the note, always appreciated. It will be a range only toy.

How firm are you on wanting this rifle chambered in 308? The reason I ask, is because I've owned a 12bvss in 223, a 12 FV in 223, a predator in 223, a 10 fp-sr in 223 and all were simply outstanding shooters. As far as I'm concerned any heavy barreled 223 made by savage with the accutrigger is going to be a 1/2" shooter with a minimal amount of effort handloading for it.

If you're happy to punch paper at the range I completely get that and if that's the case you may want to consider saving yourself some $$ on ammo. Well, let me rephrase that because you won't save a dime. You may want to consider a caliber that lets you fire more rounds through your rifle for the same amount of money. The 223 is a great caliber and with the 12bvss I mentioned above I used that at a range where I was making hits on steel at 800 yards using a 69gr matchking. You can use that 223 for the 100 & soon to arrive 200 yard line all day long and you won't heat up your barrel as much. Then at a later day and time you can always stretch it out quite a ways.

I'm not trying to talk you into or out of anything, but I think you'd do yourself a favor to consider the same rifle you're already looking at, but in the 223 caliber.

Do you reload your own or do you plan on using factory ammo?

 

[luvall]

I don't reload. How does the wind affect the 223 round? That was the advice I received and the reason I was thinking about the 308

 

[42769vette]

Any caliber your going to have to learn to read some wind. Its what makes long range shooting interesting. It would be no fun at all if it was 100% cut and dry.

That said you get some 69gr plus factory loads and it and it will do OK in the wind. At the 200yds you mentioned its going to take a real stiff wind for your and good centerfire bullet to notice over a couple inch's.

 

[teddy12b]

I don't reload. How does the wind affect the 223 round? That was the advice I received and the reason I was thinking about the 308

If you don't reload you're going to spend much more $$ on match 308 than you would match 223 ammo. Don't get me wrong if you want to use a 308 for hunting trip or varmints or just because or whatever then there's a valid reason to get one. If you're looking to practice and get really good at punching paper, then I'd go with the 223 myself.

There seems to be an evolution in long range shooting. Everyone wants the "sniper rifle" in 308 at first and then they hardly shoot the thing because it costs so much. Then people get something smaller like a 223 or similar and shoot it to the point that they hardly miss with it and the gun no longer entertains them except for when they get to extended ranges. Usually what I tell people is that if you're going to be shooting at 200 yards or less, get a heavy barreled 22lr like the savage fv-sr. I know it sounds kinda crazy because we're all manly men and we want our big manly men rifles, but the fun is in the challenge and hitting targets at 200 yards is very doable with a 22lr. Anybody can hit targets inside of 500 yards with a high powered rifle. A little training and practice and it's not a big deal. Getting a guy like to hit a target at 300 yards with a 22lr impresses me more than a guy hitting a steel plate at 1,000 with a 308. If your range that you go to is limited, make it harder on yourself and make it a challenge. You'll learn more about wind, ballistics and energy with a 22lr inside of 200 yards than you ever will with a high power rifle at 500 yards or less. Just my two cents.