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Gunsmithing Savage Gunsmith?

Helidriver

Helidriver

Sergeant
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 6, 2009
370
110
Surprise, AZ
Can anyone recommend a good Savage gunsmith with a good reputation? I've searched google and I found a few but I value the opinions here.

I would like to have some action work done and a new lug installed on my 300WSM while I wait for my T5A to get here. Nothing big but I want good quality.

Also, can the accutrigger be worked and improved on? All three of the accutriggers I have are not bad but they don't feel consistent shot to shot. With minor work I think they could be superb. To my surprise I couldn't find any credible answers out there. Some say yes and some no. A lot of talk but no real answers.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

what all are you wanting don't to the action ?

if you are mechanically inclined enough to change the brakes on your car then you probably have the aptitude to do alot of the work to a savage.

But I know "Wroscoe" here builds on them , I think Mark from short action customers builds on them and I'm sure several other smiths here do to
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

Second that for Kevin at Stockade guns in Chadron, NE
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Handloader</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kevin Rayhill...Stockade guns..................... </div></div>

+1

The "default" Savage guru is Fred Moreo @ Sharp Shooter Supply; most are very happy with his work but the wait is looooooooooooooooooooong, if you can even get them on the phone.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what all are you wanting don't to the action ?</div></div>

He probably wants to fix it so it does not feel like a Savage.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what all are you wanting don't to the action ?</div></div>

He probably wants to fix it so it does not feel like a Savage.
</div></div>

I tip my hat to you, sir. That's some funny shit right there.

I only have one Savage. I trued it the exact same way I do my Remmys. It flat out shoots. I installed a rail for my Atlas on it and freshened up the bedding and took it to the range last Sunday. The first group out of a squeaky clean bore was right at a half inch. The three following groups all measured in the low 2's. Five shot groups, too. I don't do three.

It's a 22-243 built on a target action. 8 twist bartlein flinging 80 grain Berger vld's at 3525.

Other than the bolt lift, I don't understand what kind of specialized Kung Fu a builder needs to have to do a Savage. By all means, set me straight if I'm wrong. I don't mind.

By the way, everyone needs to have atleast one conversation with Kevin Rayhill. I guarantee you'll never forget it.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what all are you wanting don't to the action ?</div></div>

He probably wants to fix it so it does not feel like a Savage.
</div></div>

Hahahahaha
Look who is laghing stevens 6.5 mystic stevens
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: my human host</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what all are you wanting don't to the action ?</div></div>

He probably wants to fix it so it does not feel like a Savage.
</div></div>

I tip my hat to you, sir. That's some funny shit right there.

I only have one Savage. I trued it the exact same way I do my Remmys. It flat out shoots. I installed a rail for my Atlas on it and freshened up the bedding and took it to the range last Sunday. The first group out of a squeaky clean bore was right at a half inch. The three following groups all measured in the low 2's. Five shot groups, too. I don't do three.

It's a 22-243 built on a target action. 8 twist bartlein flinging 80 grain Berger vld's at 3525.

Other than the bolt lift, I don't understand what kind of specialized Kung Fu a builder needs to have to do a Savage. By all means, set me straight if I'm wrong. I don't mind.

By the way, everyone needs to have at least one conversation with Kevin Rayhill. I guarantee you'll never forget it. </div></div>

I agree, my Savages shoot right along side my 700. Do they feel as smooth....nope.....do they look as nice....nope.....do they shoot better out of the box......yep. My 700P had such a long throat on it it took a country mile for the bullet to hit the lands. GAP had to fix it for me. So now I have about $1500 in a Remmy that shots 1/2 MOA if I do my part. Usually I'm just a little over that. I also have 2 Savages one in 308 and one in 300WSM. Total cost for both rifles. $1300. Sounds like simple math and an easy decision to me. Both Savages will hang with that 700 all day long. Why am I going to have some work done to the 300? I really don't know. It's pretty darn good as it sits. Maybe I'm just curious.

I'm happy with both my Savages thanks to Savage. The Remmy too thanks to GAP.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: my human host</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what all are you wanting don't to the action ?</div></div>

He probably wants to fix it so it does not feel like a Savage.
</div></div>

I tip my hat to you, sir. That's some funny shit right there.

I only have one Savage. I trued it the exact same way I do my Remmys. It flat out shoots. I installed a rail for my Atlas on it and freshened up the bedding and took it to the range last Sunday. The first group out of a squeaky clean bore was right at a half inch. The three following groups all measured in the low 2's. Five shot groups, too. I don't do three.

It's a 22-243 built on a target action. 8 twist bartlein flinging 80 grain Berger vld's at 3525.

Other than the bolt lift, I don't understand what kind of specialized Kung Fu a builder needs to have to do a Savage. By all means, set me straight if I'm wrong. I don't mind.

By the way, everyone needs to have atleast one conversation with Kevin Rayhill. I guarantee you'll never forget it. </div></div>

3525?! What is your load info?

I am trying to build one on a gain twist Bartlein to push 90gr Bergers to 3400....
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

48 grains of H1000 in necked down Lapua brass. Winchester brass loses 50fps or so, but shoots just as well. CCI 200 primer. Bullets jammed around ten thou.

The Lapua brass has 7 or 8 firings on it now. I think I've tossed 2 out of the 100 because of loosening primer pockets.

H1000 is amazingly consistent in my 22-243's. Most of the hardcore 22 cal guys will tell you to run RL22. I can't say I've ever tried it.

Please keep me in the loop on how yours works out. I'd like to hear how it goes. PM me if you like.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Handloader</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kevin Rayhill...Stockade guns..................... </div></div>

+1

The "default" Savage guru is Fred Moreo @ Sharp Shooter Supply; most are very happy with his work but the wait is looooooooooooooooooooong, if you can even get them on the phone. </div></div>

Fred's the man IMNSHO (and worth the wait).
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

I really don't dig Sharp Shooter Supply's business model or ethics. When I am a paying customer, I don't like being treated as if I'm a burden, or the company is doing me a favor. Also, I require being able to get ahold of a company I'm doing business with from time to time - just a little quirk of mine I guess.

I would never do business with SSS again.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> if u want to smoth up the action some, may i sugest this..

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/717058/ptg-bolt-body-savage-10-short-action-spiral-fluted

</div></div>

You've got me thinking......have you used one? If I make this a DIY project what's involved with installing a new lug myself? Before I bed the new T5A I want to install a new one.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

Get the AGI Gunsmithing video for Savage Rifles. It will show you how easy it is to work on them. It's a worthy investment.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

Dark Eagle Custom

I have a 10 round mag from him that uses the AR style spring and the aluminum follower. They put the SSS mags to shame. Since I was part of the beta testers back when he switched the the AR style spring and aluminum follower my first one had some issues. After chatting on the phone this guy knows Savages. Might be worth looking into as well. Dan's name on here is deadeye but I suggest calling him.

I like so many others have had issues with SSS to the point where I would never give them money again and certainly not put my rifle in their hands to sit on forever.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really don't dig Sharp Shooter Supply's business model or ethics. When I am a paying customer, I don't like being treated as if I'm a burden, or the company is doing me a favor. Also, I require being able to get ahold of a company I'm doing business with from time to time - just a little quirk of mine I guess.

I would never do business with SSS again. </div></div>

QFT! Don't tell me something is in stock and will go out in a "day or so". I completely forgot about my order till the credit card bill came in and I had not received the parts I ordered, but I had been charged for them. Called SSS and it took 2-3 days of calling to get through. I was told, "Fred just finished a batch" yours should go out in a day or so. I asked why they hadn't been shipped out when my credit card was charged. I just got some lame ass excuse about clerical errors.

They got all my money they will ever get!
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

Short version of how SSS does things...

Ordered a mag, they charged for it at the time of the order (was ordered via phone and was never told they werent even in stock). So after 2 weeks I emailed them and they said

"It has not been shipped. All orders for the 9rnd high caps are on back order. I am anticipating starting the production run of them @ the end of the month."

Repeat line above for 7+ months

I asked for a refund on my mag that I ordered 7+ months prior and I had to request that they refund daily for almost a week before I got the refund. So sitting on my funds for 7+ months for a product doesn't fly for me. Was it a ton of money no but for my very limited shooting budget it was.

My Dark Eagle Mag including wait time for improvements and swap out for a second mag with even better improvements took less than a month and a half total. So he went from beta created/first run sold/improvements/swap outs and came in 6 months under SSS.

I do also hear that Kevin is one of the best Savages guys in the business and I haven't been fortunate enough to chat with him yet.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

Savages -people either love em or hate on here.
cock on lift takes some by suprise...
well worth it to me for the accuracy that comes with it
easy to fix if its an issue -to some its not..
buy or make an exstended bolt handle
gease cocking ramp shoot & repeat
if you want even more- without shooting it a little
take the bolt apart & clean it -
black the cocking ramp with a sharpie
reassemble & work it a few times
now you can see the high spots - smooth these out
as for the accu triggers
move the blade spring to the rear position
-bend tip up to fit in receiver-
& replaced the blade spring with an ink pen spring
usually about a 1 lb trigger at this point
bump test it ....
if you have a LE or Target version accutrigger
this mod is not needed - its allready there

IMHO Savage is the most accurate rifle design at any price
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Willoughby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Savages -people either love em or hate on here.
cock on lift takes some by suprise...</div></div>

All modern bolt actions (700's included) are cock-on-lift designs.
The difference with the savage is where they put the cocking piece and the amount of travel it has with the same 90 degree bolt lift.
That's why the ramp is steeper and the bolt lift harder.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really don't dig Sharp Shooter Supply's business model or ethics. When I am a paying customer, I don't like being treated as if I'm a burden, or the company is doing me a favor. Also, I require being able to get ahold of a company I'm doing business with from time to time - just a little quirk of mine I guess.

I would never do business with SSS again. </div></div>

QFT! Don't tell me something is in stock and will go out in a "day or so". I completely forgot about my order till the credit card bill came in and I had not received the parts I ordered, but I had been charged for them. Called SSS and it took 2-3 days of calling to get through. I was told, "Fred just finished a batch" yours should go out in a day or so. I asked why they hadn't been shipped out when my credit card was charged. I just got some lame ass excuse about clerical errors.

They got all my money they will ever get! </div></div>

I purchase a magnum bolt head and magazine from SSS at the end of May. I'm still waiting for parts to arrive. I have to agree with some of the members here about bad communication with SSS. I received same email response as above, must be a standard response they use. I was warned about them, but decide to try them out. For future savage parts, I will buy from someone else.
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

All modern bolt actions (700's included) are cock-on-lift designs
are you sure about that ?
to me looks like the firing pin spring gets compressed as the bolt goes foward on a 700
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Helidriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> if u want to smoth up the action some, may i sugest this..

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/717058/ptg-bolt-body-savage-10-short-action-spiral-fluted

</div></div>

You've got me thinking......have you used one? If I make this a DIY project what's involved with installing a new lug myself? Before I bed the new T5A I want to install a new one.</div></div>

yup..

to install the lug, you remove the barrel nut and replace....
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Willoughby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All modern bolt actions (700's included) are cock-on-lift designs
are you sure about that ?
to me looks like the firing pin spring gets compressed as the bolt goes foward on a 700 </div></div>

NOPE , the cocking piece climbs the ramp jst like the Savage when the bolt is opened

the way you mentioned it would cause the bolt to be hard to close , on rem and savages the bolt will slide front and back , open and close easly one the bolt has been cocked
 
Re: Savage Gunsmith?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Willoughby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">are you sure about that ?
to me looks like the firing pin spring gets compressed as the bolt goes foward on a 700 </div></div>

The VAST majority of the 700's cocking happens when you open the bolt.
The helix in the back of the bolt pulls the striker back.
When you push the bolt forward in the action and rotate it down to locked, the striker hands-off from the rear of the bolt to the sear.
At THAT time, the bolt cams the striker back another 0.020" or so as the lugs are pulling the bolt forward just before lockup, but the first 0.200" or so of striker travel happens during opening.

I'm VERY sure of this.

Now, some guns have fitting problems where the hand-off is not timed correctly.
In THOSE guns, you will see almost 0.050" of travel in the striker while closing the action.
That's a specific fitting problem with the parts, not part of the design...
 
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