Gunsmithing Savage finally finished and ready for the range

[Bryschopper]

I just wanted to post some pictures of my build. I looking towards the weekend to get some range time in.

This was how she looked stock, she's a Savage 12 FVSS in 308 win.

You know I could wait to shoot her, 375 yards was as long as I could shoot on my buddy's property. I was putting holes clean through steel plates with some 175 gr ammo, a big change from the ARs that I used to shooting.

Now the fun starts, stock is fine for some, but I find it boring.

Here are my homemade tools.

First I cut the barrel down to 20 inches and threaded it 5/8 24

Then came the muzzle brake machined out of some 304 stainless.

I then wrote a program to flute the barrel.

I know a lot of people use a 1/4 ball endmill, but I have used this set up many times and it works great for me.
[img:center]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/katie123bryan/IMG_2572.jpg[/img]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/katie123bryan/IMG_2598.jpg
I got around to finishing the muzzle brake, I think it came out very cool.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/katie123bryan/IMG_2596.jpg
I ordered a Bell and Carlson Stock, I'm very happy with the fit and finish, I believe that this is the best bang for your buck on the market, It has a nice Alum bedding block the fit was perfect. I also installed a CDI bottom metal, and ACI mags.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/katie123bryan/IMG_26101.jpg

 

[geargrinder]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

But that's a button rifled barrel. Everybody know that you can't flute button rifled barrels. The bullets will come out upside down or something.

Nice job. Looks fantastic.

 

[Bryschopper]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

I've heard all the hype about fluting barrels, I've never had any bad experiences in the pass, not to say that I won't in the future. I've always taking the safe approach to fluting in my eyes, I only flute a .1875 wide and never exceed .075 depth, which equates to a very shallow groove. With this depth the wall at the front of this barrel at is smallest point is still over .200 thick and at the receiver end is .287 thick. I don't believe that I'll have any problems, also when the money comes around I had planned on a Broughton Rifle Barrel so if there are any issues I have to scrape up the cash sooner. Anyways looking forward to shooting this weekend, I have a 600 yard range calling my name. I got to finish loading my Sierra 175 HPBT match with 43 gr of Varget. I post my results.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Looks good, I like the design of the brake, fluting looks good as well. I'd like to know what type of accuracy you notice before and after by changing the barrel length and installing the brake (changing barrel harmonics).


Kirk R

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

nice stuff, looks like good work. i wish i could make my own wrench. that one looks extra beefy

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Nice...
Let's see some pics of the groups it shoots.

 

[Luvman]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Sweet!! I set my 10FP up for AI AW mags. they're 10rds, about half as long as 10rd AICS mags, and allow a longer COAL than the AICS mags. you can also top load them in the gun if you want.

all it takes it a little milling on the action.

 

[Bigbrotheretter]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Lets see some pictures of it completed! (fluted, brake)

 

[Bryschopper]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Well I got to the range today and did a little testing. Overall I'm very pleased with the results, I had to fight the wind somewhat. I played around with bullet seating depth and I think I've found the best depth for accuracy.

She looks good on the rest.

I loaded 3 rounds in .002 increments from my max bullet length I watched my groups tighten up and then loosen back up. This was when things started to come together.

The best of the day and now I going to reload all my bullets to this seating depth.
I must admit this is something I've wanted to do for a long time, the problem was that I only shot ARs and couldn't take advantage of bullet seating. Now having a bolt gun I really enjoy the art of finding the perfect load. I know I have a ways to go, I think I'm headed in the right direction. Next time at the range I will be setting up my dope card.

 

[hue001t]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

congrats looks great!

 

[LongArm]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

I love Savages. So much fun to build and even more fun to shoot.

 

[Bigbrotheretter]

Re: Savage finally finished and ready for the range

Your rifle looks sick! Nice job!