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New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Kelly The Lionfish Hunter

Kelly The Lionfish Hunter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 19, 2010
109
0
Utila, Honduras
www.facebook.com
#1
I'm new to long range shooting and was wanting experienced opinions as to the best rout to take for a new shooter like me; 700 or Savage...or maybe even something else. I don't have much money to start with, around $1700 for the gun and scope, but I do want to be able to start doing some small competitions and learning how to do it right.

I'm looking for fact based opinions without simple minded name brand bias here and maybe a good deal on a good used gun that I can shoot before I buy. I'm in Shreveport, LA, by the way.

Thanks in advance.
 
#5
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Can't go wrong with either... 10fcp is nice especially with the mcm stock.

I personally like the 5r. Shoots great and has plenty of aftermarket options.
 
#6
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Can't go wrong with either. Just pick which one feels right to you. The Savage 10FP comes standard with a 10 twist barrel which I like better.
 
#7
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

1700 bucks =

Rem 700 5r - 1,000
Seekins 20MOA Base/Rings --- 200
Bushnell elite 4200 6-24x50 Tactical --- 500


Or

Rem SPS Tact -- 550
Seekins 20MOA Base/Rings -- 200
Bushnell elite 4200 --- 500
350 worth of Match Ammo


Rem and Savage --- Ford or Chevy

I appears that Remingtons resale value is a little stronger than savage. They'll both shoot.
 
#11
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When talking about the 700 SPS tactical, It makes sense to me that at the longer ranges, the longer barrels of other guns will give me more speed and therefore more accuracy? </div></div>

Incorrect.

And guys are taking the 20" to 1,000 and beyond all the time.

LL is shooting his Gladius in an 18" and it appears to be a hammer.
 
#12
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When talking about the 700 SPS tactical, It makes sense to me that at the longer ranges, the longer barrels of other guns will give me more speed and therefore more accuracy? </div></div>

Incorrect.

And guys are taking the 20" to 1,000 and beyond all the time.

LL is shooting his Gladius in an 18" and it appears to be a hammer. </div></div>

Well that's good news then. I was worried about that.
 
#13
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

I would say go with Savage. I own Remmy's and Savages but have never been disappointed with any of the Savages. Can't say the same about my Rem 700 SPS Tac.

Savages are know for shooting extremely well out of the box. You can change calibers and barrels in the comfort of your home. Their accutrigger is pretty good too!

Keep you eyes open. Their are alot of good deals to be found. Stay away from the cheap tupperware sstocks and look for something with a MCM, HS Precision or laminated stock. Top any of those stocks off with a pillar/skim bedding and I am willing to bet you will have a 1/2 MOA or better rifle with the right ammo.

Jason
 
#14
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

i would personaly go with a savage . both will work , the savage seems to often be more accurate . also a 24-26" barrel will give you more velocity than a 18 or 20, but not more accuracy .
 
#15
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Do you know anyone that has any of these rifles? I will suggest the same thing I suggest when recommending a personal protection sidearm.

Try as many as possible within your budget. Get your hands on many and feel them out. Fortunately, rifles are not like wives...although some guys dont like you handling either...just my .02.

I shoot a savage 10 fcp with HS precision stock. I love it. Shoots sub moa. I did own a Remington SPS, but sold it because it would not shoot. Looking back, it was likely the POS stock that was on it.

Savage 10 FCP with McMillan stock is not bedded at all, not even pillar bedded.

So, I guess my vote goes to Savage, but try out as many as possible.

Glass, budget wise, have a serious look at Nikon and Sightron. Learn your rifle, learn what it likes. Mine likes to be held hard into my shoulder standing, kneeling, prone, sitting, off bags, off bi-pod. It does not however like most factory match ammo. I have tried Black Hills 168 match, 175 match, Federal is OK.

I have a lot to learn yet, but I am getting better day by day.
 
#16
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

It's hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that, at longer distances, the extra velocity from a longer barrel doesn't equate into more accuracy; not inherent accuracy due to the speed but accuracy from being able to buck wind and keep spinning fast further downrange. IDK though, I'm just theorizing; ya'll know from experience.
 
#18
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

+1 on the "Savage vs. Remington = Chevy vs. Ford".

I'm a life-long Remington 700 fan, my best friend is a Savage guy and I shoot his rifles as accurately as I do mine. The biggest issue is what you're comfortable with. Remington seems to have a wider aftermarket following, Savage has the advantage of easier barrel changes (which allows easier caliber changes as well). But like it has been stated previously, it is up to you for the rest. Either one will be easy (not necessarily inexpensive) to make fit you and your needs. Good luck on the decision!
 
#19
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

you can get a savage 5R too. you can get a threaded one too. they make one in an HS stock, in an A5 stock. they are really coming out with alot of stuff. look at mine, its below in my sig line. i kinda look at it this way. they are pretty much equal. but, with savage you can put a better barrel on yourself, no smith needed. but look at bud's guns. they listed all the new savages. the threaded, the 5R and a few more. the savage 5R is $1000
 
#20
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

I like the Savage factory trigger better than an unworked 700 trigger. And the price tag of course. But if a custom stick is in your future, it doesn't matter what you start with. The aftermarket is practically unlimited for both rifles.
 
#21
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Another +1 for Savage. If your going to buy a gun and keep the factory barrel on it then it is the way to go. The real reason the Savages are more commonly accurate than Remingtons is the head spacing tolerances are better on the Savages from the factory. You won't see a Savage that doesn't shoot, you can't say the same for Remington. I own both, and while my Remington is a great gun and it will shoot, I still love my Savage and not to mention the accu trigger is better than the Remington triggers IMO.
 
#22
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The real reason the Savages are more commonly accurate than Remingtons is the head spacing tolerances are better on the Savages from the factory. You won't see a Savage that doesn't shoot, you can't say the same for Remington</div></div>

Sweet. This is the stuff I've been looking for. Factual reasons to back up arguments. Thanks, man.

I've been talking to a bunch of different folks about this and I'm getting a ton of support for the Savage and even though I began this hunt with a bias for the 700s I'm leaning real hard towards the Savage R5. I get a gun that probably has better tolerances and more consistent tolerances, which equate to less time at the smith and more money into my scope, to get the same quality engineering, with a good stock that I can probably trade straight up for another one to try on if I wanted to....if that makes sense, lol.
 
#25
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you can get a savage 5R too. you can get a threaded one too. they make one in an HS stock, in an A5 stock. they are really coming out with alot of stuff. look at mine, its below in my sig line. i kinda look at it this way. they are pretty much equal. but, with savage you can put a better barrel on yourself, no smith needed. but look at bud's guns. they listed all the new savages. the threaded, the 5R and a few more. the savage 5R is $1000 </div></div>

Can you direct me to one of these for sale at that price? I can't find one to save my life.
 
#26
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you can get a savage 5R too. you can get a threaded one too. they make one in an HS stock, in an A5 stock. they are really coming out with alot of stuff. look at mine, its below in my sig line. i kinda look at it this way. they are pretty much equal. but, with savage you can put a better barrel on yourself, no smith needed. but look at bud's guns. they listed all the new savages. the threaded, the 5R and a few more. the savage 5R is $1000 </div></div>

Can you direct me to one of these for sale at that price? I can't find one to save my life. </div></div>

Hahaha, I ust saw the Buds Guns thing and found it. Thanks!
 
#27
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

I've always been a Remington fan but I think the Savage w/ McM stock is the best deal you can get. If you can't do it yourself get it pillar bedded or minimally skim bedded. You can't swing a dead cat by the tail without hitting a 700 in a McMillan stock on this site. What mag system do Remington guys use? Something that takes AICS mags. CDI does that for Savages. Do Remington guys usually keep the factory trigger? No. You can get a Basix trigger for the Savage if you don't like the accutrigger which is very good for a factory trigger. You can get a base with MOA built in, etc. The only thing keeping the amount of aftermarket stuff for Savage from popping up IS Savage as they've changed their actions.

A good starter scope used to be the 10X Super Sniper or 10X Bushnell 3200. You can buy the 3200s for about $160 now. Or you can spend a hair more than your current budget and just get the 3X9 Super Sniper. Use the Google Sniper's Hide search engine for more questions.
 
#30
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, my next question is about caliber. I was going to go with a .308 but after learning a little bit, I'm thinking I might go with a 6.5 variety but I'm not sure which one would be the most competitive at 1000 yards and taking game up to Elk size at around 400-500 yards eventually. </div></div>

If you want a 6.5 caliber, Savage is introducing the 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington chamberings for next year. I love my 6.5 Creedmoor. It's great out to 1000yd and the 140 grain bullets have with much higher .BC's than most of the 308 bullets. The only way to beat a 6.5 with a 308 IMO is with the 208 AMAX's.
 
#31
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did do a search but didn't see any opinions on Savages. I guess I didn't look far enough back. I'll keep looking though.

KSP446, why do you like the 1 in 10 twist and what do the other models normally come with? </div></div>

I like the 10 twist because it will stabalize heavier bullets better. After reading Montana Marine's thread about the 208 Amax in the .308, I'm sold on heavy bullets. Factory Remingtons come with a 12 twist. Several guys have had success stabalizing the heavier bullets in a 12 twist but it is a safe bet that the 10 twist will stabalize them.
 
#32
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Do a search for floating bolt (Savage) and read up on its advantages. Secondly search and you will find many more people griping about a quality control issue with their Remmy than Savages (far more than the ratio of Remingtons to Savages in circulation). Those points being made it will come down to personal preferences so shoot everything that you can get your hands on and buy what you like.
 
#33
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carbinero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the 700 safety and widest range of aftermarket stuff, for example http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/products/boltlift.php </div></div>

Yes but the Savage comes standard with a large bolt and so doesn't need this kind of bling. Not dissing the 700, is an excellent rifle.
 
#35
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

+1 for Savage, esp. with reloads I/the rifle am doing far better than several remingtons of same caliber owned by friends. To be fair remington does have more selection for aftermarket upgrades but savage is catching up and quality out of the box is better.
 
#36
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

The only bad thing about a savage is the company's affinity for changing the design. Try finding a mid-grade stock for a center-feed long action savage if you want to see what I mean.

If you go straight to the top-end custom gear it's not a big issue though, and they are definitely good rifles. I shoot both Rem and Savage and I have to honestly say the savages are more accurate out of the box, but my most accurate rifle is currently a remington.

Savage gets you a floating bolt head, a good trigger, and a decent button-rifled barrel right out of the box, and those are all crucial areas for accuracy. Remington you better plan to lap the bolt lugs and tweak on the trigger, and maybe change out the barrel too. The rem barrels are hit-and-miss in my experience thus far, expecially on the lower end models (SPS).

Check the classifieds, you can usually find pretty sweet deals there on used rifles. I have a 308 Rem up for sale right now that might be of interest to you if you decide to go that route.
 
#38
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Snipedogg If you want a 6.5 caliber said:
I'll try the Amax's first when I start building a load. I'm a fan of heavier bullets also and I love Hornady these days. I'll get another barrel later on in the year if I like the .260's and 6.5's that I shoot until then since I have plenty of time for learning those 2 rounds.
Click to expand...
 
#39
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Another +1 for Savage. Get the new 10FP-SR, decent glass, EGW 20moa base, your choice of rings and a harris bipod. Spend what's leftover on handloading supplies and learn that aspect also. When you get to the point where you are better than your 10FP you should have enough money saved for further upgrades! I would not get to crazy and blow all 1700 on the rifle if your just getting started. You would be much better off and save quite a bit of money in the long run! My $.02.
 
#40
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSP446</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did do a search but didn't see any opinions on Savages. I guess I didn't look far enough back. I'll keep looking though.

KSP446, why do you like the 1 in 10 twist and what do the other models normally come with? </div></div>

I like the 10 twist because it will stabalize heavier bullets better. After reading Montana Marine's thread about the 208 Amax in the .308, I'm sold on heavy bullets. Factory Remingtons come with a 12 twist. Several guys have had success stabalizing the heavier bullets in a 12 twist but it is a safe bet that the 10 twist will stabalize them. </div></div>

I'll see if I can find that story, it sounds like a good read. The Savage I want has a 1:10 twist so that works out well.

I'm getting excited about this rifle. I can't wait to shoot it.
 
#41
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BrettSass844</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another +1 for Savage. Get the new 10FP-SR, decent glass, EGW 20moa base, your choice of rings and a harris bipod. Spend what's leftover on handloading supplies and learn that aspect also. When you get to the point where you are better than your 10FP you should have enough money saved for further upgrades! I would not get to crazy and blow all 1700 on the rifle if your just getting started. You would be much better off and save quite a bit of money in the long run! My $.02. </div></div>

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FCPHS

Thanks for the advice. It's pretty much the same thinking I've had with it. This is the rifle I want and I'm still working out what glass I want for it in the end. For now I have a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14 to zero it with. I would keep it on the rifle but it only has a simple duplex reticle with no mil dots or hash marks of any kind and I wouldn't think it would be any good beyond maybe, 400-500 meters. I also have another cheap but reliable 3-9x that would work until I decided on the scope.

I also have a Benelli R1 in .300 Win Mag that I could sell if I really wanted to but that's my night hunting rifle right now since I can only get 2" groups out of factory ammo with it and I don't want to reload for it. It's certainly more valuable to me to be able to hit what I'm aiming at 500-600 yards off rather than being able to hammer the snot out of hogs 50 yards away at night with 4 fairly fast rounds. I have other guns for that already anyway
smile.gif
 
#42
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

check my sig for a pretty decent starting idea. I am new to LR shooting as well, but I have read many reviews and think that it will be a good place to start

edit:
rifle is ~1000
scope is 465
rings, base and bipod are 177 combined.

Total of 1642, within your $1700 budget
 
#43
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dtkutchu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">check my sig for a pretty decent starting idea. I am new to LR shooting as well, but I have read many reviews and think that it will be a good place to start

edit:
rifle is ~1000
scope is 465
rings, base and bipod are 177 combined.

Total of 1642, within your $1700 budget </div></div>

That sounds like a great combo. What kind of scope were you thinking of? Nevermind, I saw it.
 
#45
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyTrain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check this thing out. I love the capacity but sure as hell wouldn't want to lug that around the woods if I didn't have to.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/57403 </div></div>

I'm sure that's a nice rifle, but given your budget I think it would not be a smart purchase. IMO they are overpriced due to the "tacticool" look. I guarantee guys on this forum have rifles built off of Savage 10 and Stevens action that shoot better than that for less money!!! I think a portion of your budget would serve you better in the long run put towards handloading. Not only save on money but to get the full potential out of your rifle. If you like that style of precision rifle you could always add a stock from XLR Industries to your 10FP later. They are a hell of a stock from what I hear. Plus they come with bottom metal which by far makes up the difference in price!!!
 
#46
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

If I had $1,700, I would get:

$350: Savage Stevens Short Action
$550: Stockade Stock with Options
$400: 260Rem Barrel
$300: Super Sniper 16x
$50 : EGW Base
$50 : Burris XTR Rings

& upgrade scope ASAP.
upgrade to bottom metal when funds allow.
 
#47
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quickdraw40</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I had $1,700, I would get:

$350: Savage Stevens Short Action
$550: Stockade Stock with Options
$400: 260Rem Barrel
$300: Super Sniper 16x
$50 : EGW Base
$50 : Burris XTR Rings

& upgrade scope ASAP.
upgrade to bottom metal when funds allow. </div></div>

I generally agree, but would change a bit.

I've had good luck with McGowen barrels, they are about $250 shipped as a pre-fit for a savage. I'd also think about doing something with the Stevens 200 trigger as it's not so great. And the SS is a good pick, I'd go for a 10x though, I own both the 10 and the 16 and the 10x is far more versatile IMO.
 
#48
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

Savage 10FP - $565
B&C Medalist - $210
SWFA SS 10x - $250 off sample list or $300 new
EGW 20moa base - $40
Weaver tactical 30mm rings - $25
Harris bipod - $65

That would leave you around $500 for a press kit, dies, brass, powder, primers and projectiles. As soon as you can upgrade the optics and get some bottom metal and a DBM setup. But most likely a rifle setup like this will be able to exceed your abilities for quite a while (no offense). Ask any Savage owner. With this setup and loading your own ammo you will be busy and happy while your saving for additional upgrades! And when your ready to upgrade the stock and scope will sell rather fast around here if you so choose! Good luck.
 
#49
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

When I decided to buy my rifle I wanted a rifle that would shoot great out of the box. Everyone put's in the plus category that their are alot of Remington aftermarket parts, I could care less. I wanted a gun to shoot, not "build". My own personal setup is right around 1700
Savage 10pc with 5r barrel and threaded barrel - 750
SWFA SS 3-9 Scope - 540
Badger Rings, Base and Harris bipod - 330
 
#50
Re: New off the shelf 700 or Savage?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tip2oo3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I decided to buy my rifle I wanted a rifle that would shoot great out of the box. Everyone put's in the plus category that their are alot of Remington aftermarket parts, I could care less. I wanted a gun to shoot, not "build". My own personal setup is right around 1700
Savage 10pc with 5r barrel and threaded barrel - 750
SWFA SS 3-9 Scope - 540
Badger Rings, Base and Harris bipod - 330
</div></div>

+1 on the Savage 10pc 5R. Great deal out there right now if you can find them.
 
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