11 XP vs 10/110 Predator Hunter

[1TallTx'n]

I didn't want to jack the other thread.

I have a friend in a similar position. I talked him into letting me build him one. I started with the Savage 11 XP Trophy Hunter Package in left hand. Got it locally for $550. Sold the Nikon Prostaff scope and rings for $120. I replaced the 22" light hunting barrel with a 20" Criterion for $300 and got $90 for the stock barrel. B&C tactical stock $240, DNZ 1 peice scope mount $60 and a Vortex Viper PST 6-24 $900, Harris Bipod $110 and Atlas Monopod $80. About 2k total for a kickass rifle that shoots lights out. I'm a diehard Savage Junkie!

Excuse my ignorance. I'm here to get educated before I jump in so, I have to ask, why the package deal? Was it the convenience of being available locally or just to get the Savage action? Wouldn't the 10/110 Predator Hunter Max 1 have been a better starting point?

I already have the glass I'm going to use and I'm looking for the rifle to put it on, preferably left handed.

 

[BARichardson]

I have a 6.5 predator and its shoots 3/4'' at 200 yards (what its zeroed at) its a great hunt/varmint gun!

 

[Hawk45]

You have to look as there are a few different Predator options. There is one w/ detachable bottom metal and accustock and one without either of those.
The PH is a ready to shoot package with a medium weight barrel for about $750. Though it shoots well I'm not a fan of the stock.
The XP Hunter has a cheaper detachable magazine (plastic tab vs. metal release) but is a hunter ready package. It's not a precision purpose built rifle. It's about $400. You'd have to plan on upgrading the stock and barrel to get a decent platform. This you would use to build up if the factory guns weren't to your required specs.

So it just depends if you want to pull it out of the box and shoot or build up over time and deal with ordering specific options the factory guns don't have (barrel length, taper, twist, stock, bottom metal, etc).

Third option would be to grab a LRP that has heavy barrel, good stock and nice bottom metal. Then you have nothing to upgrade. That will cost you more up front, but you are done.. @ $900

 

[Danco411]

Well for me it getting the best left handed deal with the parts I wanted not what Savage thinks I want. The Savage packages are nice for the money but the scopes and stocks are for the most part throw aways or sell cheaps. As mentioned the sporter barrels are good for hunting accuracy but hardly match. This was his goal but he wanted thumb hole stock. Good a base as any.

 

[1TallTx'n]

I tend to agree with you about package deals and thats why I ask the question. If everything is going to be stripped off and replaced, why not start with what seems to me to be a better rifle to begin with. Or is the action the only thing you wanted?