Want to trick-out my .338LM Savage

[TheHorta]

I have an all-stock Savage 110 .338LM that I picked up about 5-6 years ago. The day I bought it, I slapped a SB 3-27x56 PMII “High Power” in a Spuhr 20MOA mount on it and sighted it in with about 10 rounds. Those are the only rounds that have ever been put through it since that day. The following day, I ordered 200 rounds of 300gr OTM ammo, which sits dormant in the original shipping box as well.

Since then, I’ve acquired a few NV gadgets that I’d like to use and air this bad boy out at a 1km LR course that includes a night shooting component. The original Plastic Fantastic chassis isn’t up to the challenge, so I would like to give her the Bionic Woman treatment and hook her up with a Smokin’ new outfit.

What is the absolute-best way to go? Assuming cost is of relatively modest concern (assuming it’s less than $5K to reskin a Savage).

 

[dimar1492]

If you are willing to spend up to $5k to "reskin" the savage, upgrade to a better rifle.

 

[b6graham]

If you are willing to spend up to $5k to "reskin" the savage, upgrade to a better rifle.

this.

sell the savage and get a real 338

 

[ken4570tc in WY]

You don't really want to put makeup and high heals on a pig, do you?

 

[Cheyenne Bodie]

Savage has great barrels but everything else on them ranges from "Decent" to "Why did I waste my money on this piece of shit?", so I'll throw another vote in for building a 5k$ rifle— even less you could still build a pretty beast 338.

 

[TxWelder35]

I’m confused. Wants to use 10s of thousands of NV equipment and is also asking about dolling up his savage. I don’t think go be poor somewhere else applies here. Hmmm. Will get back to you.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Where’s the bolt release located? Its not one of those trigger guard ones by any chance is it?

 

[wpeach1912]

I have a Savage 300wm I have tried to spruce up with aftermarket stuff and it still leaves me wanting more. I’d recommend looking into something like the Stiller tac 338 and building the gun you want from the ground up.

 

[hafejd30]

This is my Savage 110 300 WM in MDT ESS. To date still one of my favorite chassis.

FYI I had a Savage 338 Lapua and had to rebarrel it because it would throw the first 1-2 rounds when shooting.

I second the above tho. If you have 5K to dump into a savage you’d probably find a nice 338 in the PX at some point. Use the savage to eat some of that cost up. Giving you probably over 6k worth of upgrade on an already better rifle

 

[TheHorta]

Is the Accuracy International stuff any good? Worth the money?

Are there any good .338LM gas guns? I'd love to get away from bolt-action if possible.

 

[TxWelder35]

Okay I figured out your solution on how to doll up that savage and make it usable.

1- take savage and throw it in the hole that swallowed your SXS as a sacrifice to the lord of darkness to guide you through his realm

2- buy this

AX-MC .338 LM Rifle System: 27" Folding w/ Standard Muzzle (M18x1.5 Threading)

Distributor/Dealer of Precision Shooting Gear: Accuracy International, Spuhr, Thunder Beast, Nightforce, TAB Gear, RRS, and more.

www.milehighshooting.com

3- slap a Savage sticker on the side of if as a token of appreciation for your sacrificial lamb to guide you through the darkness.

edit damn it horta you posted that while I was typing this out and getting a link

 

[TheBoctor]

Is the Accuracy International stuff any good? Worth the money?

Are there any good .338LM gas guns? I'd love to get away from bolt-action if possible.

Absolutely yes. My AXMC throws 250's @ 2920fps and i can spot my own trace at 400 yds. It is by far and away the best ergonomics in any of the rifles I own. Easier and more comfortable to shoot than my 22lb 7 SAUM.

If you can swing it, I'd recommend the AI.

 

[hafejd30]

AI
Sako TRG 42

Both would be good factory choices. Both are better than the savage by a long stretch.

I will say (owning and loving both savage and AI) the savage is the bargain gun and the AI is the overbuilt tank type of gun. Everything about the AI stomps a savage but the price reflects this. It’s pretty clear when you handle and shoot both

But depending on your use either may work. For me I have no issues with my savage and my AI is a luxury. I’m not trusting my life to either rifle currently but if I did it be the AI hands down

In complete honesty the only place the AI doesn’t stomp the savage shown above is in the accuracy department. That savage has held its own since day 1. Honest 1/2 MOA rifle.

I would never spend 5K on upgrading my Savage.

I would spend 1k and run for a while until I saved up for the better rifle. Which would also give you time to decide if you really want to invest that much in the 338 lm platform. I sold my 338 because the 300 above was more accurate, could shoot the max distance I needed and could run my TBAC ultra 9. Eventually I became unattached to the 338 and let go to fund something else.

But your funds at the current time are enough that if you really want to run 338 LM you don’t have to wait and it wouldn’t make sense to dump the funds into a rifle that you wouldn’t recoup the $$ back. Just my $.02

 

[Crabcore]

Is everyone aware that you can buy a Savage 338 in an MDT ACC chassis for less than 2 grand? This seems like the cheapest and easiest route to go. Not to mention leaving 3k left over for ammo.

 

[dimar1492]

Is everyone aware that you can buy a Savage 338 in an MDT ACC chassis for less than 2 grand? This seems like the cheapest and easiest route to go. Not to mention leaving 3k left over for ammo.

Are you aware that the OP is apparently willing to spend up to $5k just to dress up the Savage he already has?

Are you also aware that if he took the $5k he might be willing to dump into the Savage plus sold the current rifle that nearly any high end .338 would be within the budget?

The OP didn't ask "what's the cheapest way to get into a .338 with a chassis?"

I can understand maybe not wanting to deal with building a custom rig. But...AI, Sako Trg, and Desert Tech are the easiest ways to solve this equation.

 

[roamin]

Toss it in a dumpster and buy an AXMC

 

[hafejd30]

Is everyone aware that you can buy a Savage 338 in an MDT ACC chassis for less than 2 grand? This seems like the cheapest and easiest route to go. Not to mention leaving 3k left over for ammo.

He already has a savage 338 so buying a second one when he just wants to dress up the one he currently has wouldn’t make much sense.

When you have the money and are interested in ELR sometimes the cheapest and easiest route doesn’t end up being the cheapest and easiest

If he has the same issues I had with my 338 barrel he’d be looking at a chassis and barrel upgrade

If the op said I have 1k to spend help me dress up my savage I would suggest the MDT chassis. But what he wants to spend it just doesn’t make sense to take the chance dumping it into that gun. If I had kept my savage 338 a mdt chassis would have been the next route I would have taken

Essentially turning $1700 savage 110 BA into a $3500 savage with the rebarrel and ESS chassis. For 1k more I could have bought the Sako and had a better rifle with better resale value.

 

[lash]

AI
Sako TRG 42

Both would be good factory choices. Both are better than the savage by a long stretch.

I will say (owning and loving both savage and AI) the savage is the bargain gun and the AI is the overbuilt tank type of gun. Everything about the AI stomps a savage but the price reflects this. It’s pretty clear when you handle and shoot both

But depending on your use either may work. For me I have no issues with my savage and my AI is a luxury. I’m not trusting my life to either rifle currently but if I did it be the AI hands down

In complete honesty the only place the AI doesn’t stomp the savage shown above is in the accuracy department. That savage has held its own since day 1. Honest 1/2 MOA rifle.

I would never spend 5K on upgrading my Savage.

I would spend 1k and run for a while until I saved up for the better rifle. Which would also give you time to decide if you really want to invest that much in the 338 lm platform. I sold my 338 because the 300 above was more accurate, could shoot the max distance I needed and could run my TBAC ultra 9. Eventually I became unattached to the 338 and let go to fund something else.

But your funds at the current time are enough that if you really want to run 338 LM you don’t have to wait and it wouldn’t make sense to dump the funds into a rifle that you wouldn’t recoup the $$ back. Just my $.02

This is my vote for most complete and accurate answer.

I say that while owning and enjoying my Savage 110 FCP in .338 LM. I did minimal updates to it that matched its budget status. If I wanted a premium .338, I’d either build a custom or just buy an AIAX and be done. What you do in the end should be determined more by what you plan on using it for and how often you will get to use it, realistically thinking. If you expect that you really are going to use it a lot and enjoy shooting it, then buy what you can afford and pass the 110 on to someone who has a lower budget.

For those that are interested, here’s what I did with mine: I kept the HP Precision stock, but modified it myself. First, I did a careful bedding job, which turned it from a 2+ moa to a ragged one-hole rifle. Then I purchased adjustable KMW cheekpiece hardware, cut out a cheekpiece and epoxied it in. While I had the buttstock open, I added 2-3lbs of lead in epoxy to the butt to balance the rifle. I replaced the sling studs up front with a nice Atlas rail to mount the bipod and did a cheap flip flop 1” length of pull mod for fit. To finish it off, I did a paint job.

Mine shoots great and I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to shoot past 1 mile here in Florida. I also use a S&B PMII in 5-25 on mine.

All that said, if I had more and cheaper access to land where I could regularly shoot ELR, I’d likely build something custom.

 

[Rocketmandb]

This is my vote for most complete and accurate answer.

I say that while owning and enjoying my Savage 110 FCP in .338 LM. I did minimal updates to it that matched its budget status. If I wanted a premium .338, I’d either build a custom or just buy an AIAX and be done. What you do in the end should be determined more by what you plan on using it for and how often you will get to use it, realistically thinking. If you expect that you really are going to use it a lot and enjoy shooting it, then buy what you can afford and pass the 110 on to someone who has a lower budget.

For those that are interested, here’s what I did with mine: I kept the HP Precision stock, but modified it myself. First, I did a careful bedding job, which turned it from a 2+ moa to a ragged one-hole rifle. Then I purchased adjustable KMW cheekpiece hardware, cut out a cheekpiece and epoxied it in. While I had the buttstock open, I added 2-3lbs of lead in epoxy to the butt to balance the rifle. I replaced the sling studs up front with a nice Atlas rail to mount the bipod and did a cheap flip flop 1” length of pull mod for fit. To finish it off, I did a paint job.

Mine shoots great and I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to shoot past 1 mile here in Florida. I also use a S&B PMII in 5-25 on mine.

All that said, if I had more and cheaper access to land where I could regularly shoot ELR, I’d likely build something custom.

I did something similar on my Savage 110 FCP (only mine was in 300 WM). I put in the KMW Loggerhead as well, swapped out the trigger to a Timney, and finally rebarreled to 300 PRC using a Bartlein 28".

Now this rifle shoots just under 1/2 MOA at 500 yards and slightly over 1/2 at 1000. I routinely have taken this out to ~mile-ish distances and it performs. However, the rifle has its limitations. While the Timney trigger is okay, it's not "great" or even "good." It's as far as I can go there. The action is, well, a Savage - not much I can do there. The stock and cheek riser have a good feel now, no complaints. Even with the upgrades I did, while it is a solid shooting rifle, it's not where I want it to be, and will never get there.

I just got my new 300 PRC custom, and I'm currently breaking it in and getting the load tuned. This relegates the Savage to the safe until I decide to rechamber and play with another caliber, which may be a while.

To the OP, if you want to upgrade your current rifle, don't spend anywhere close to $5k. For that amount, you can get a good custom. The maximum I would do is:

- Get a new stock or chassis like the one of the MDTs, though I would go for one of the mid or low-priced options.
- Get a Timney trigger replacement

Those should cost you well under $1k, depending on the chassis.

If I were in your shoes, though, I'd put the $$ toward a custom or high-quality production rifle.

 

[lash]

I did something similar on my Savage 110 FCP (only mine was in 300 WM). I put in the KMW Loggerhead as well, swapped out the trigger to a Timney, and finally rebarreled to 300 PRC using a Bartlein 28".

Now this rifle shoots just under 1/2 MOA at 500 yards and slightly over 1/2 at 1000. I routinely have taken this out to ~mile-ish distances and it performs. However, the rifle has its limitations. While the Timney trigger is okay, it's not "great" or even "good." It's as far as I can go there. The action is, well, a Savage - not much I can do there. The stock and cheek riser have a good feel now, no complaints. Even with the upgrades I did, while it is a solid shooting rifle, it's not where I want it to be, and will never get there.

I just got my new 300 PRC custom, and I'm currently breaking it in and getting the load tuned. This relegates the Savage to the safe until I decide to rechamber and play with another caliber, which may be a while.

To the OP, if you want to upgrade your current rifle, don't spend anywhere close to $5k. For that amount, you can get a good custom. The maximum I would do is:

- Get a new stock or chassis like the one of the MDTs, though I would go for one of the mid or low-priced options.
- Get a Timney trigger replacement

Those should cost you well under $1k, depending on the chassis.

If I were in your shoes, though, I'd put the $$ toward a custom or high-quality production rifle.

I agree, altogether I spent somewhere around $200, including paint and epoxy. For occasional belly shooting at ELR distances, mine works fine. I don’t plan on putting more money into it though.

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

I did this to my Savage 10 FCP-SR in 6.5 CM - I have roughly $2000 invested. MDT LSS-XL Gen2 chassis, XLR Extreme Buttstock, Atlas Bipod, Vortex rings, Athlon Argos BTR 10-40X56 glass, Area 419 muzzle brake, MDT rails and magazine and vertical grip. You could do similar if not the same with yer .338 Savage 110.

Shoots like this with hand loads:

I have maybe 800 round thru it and I'll rebarrel it when it gets there. I like my Savage and won't sell it...might buy another actually. Nice guns for the money and literal bug hole guns right out of the box.

VooDoo

 

[goosed]

Polishing a Savage, huh...

$1100 MDT ACC
$300 MDT external weights
$150 MDT internal weights
$50 MDT buttstock weight
$150 MDT folding buttstock adapter
$150 MDT mirage shield (doubles as a NV bridge which is an absolute requirement, right?)
$200 MDT metal magazine(x2)
$750 Elite Iron bipod
$550 Bartlein 400MODBB blank
$450 Chamber/thread barrel**
$100 Bugnut & wrench
$200 NEAR scope base
$50 CGA bolt lift kit
$50 Glades bolt handle
$150 LRI firing pin bushing
$150 Time bolt/action
$150 Elf trigger
$4700 plus shipping*

I could have easily spent your entire $5k budget, but I left just enough wiggle room in the budget for some accessories


* Not an exact total as some rounding was done for easy math (yeah, I'm lazy)
**Chamber/threading is just a guesstimate on long life steel barrels

 

[TxWelder35]

Polishing a Savage, huh...

$1100 MDT ACC
$300 MDT external weights
$150 MDT internal weights
$50 MDT buttstock weight
$150 MDT folding buttstock adapter
$150 MDT mirage shield (doubles as a NV bridge which is an absolute requirement, right?)
$200 MDT metal magazine(x2)
$750 Elite Iron bipod
$550 Bartlein 400MODBB blank
$450 Chamber/thread barrel**
$100 Bugnut & wrench
$200 NEAR scope base
$50 CGA bolt lift kit
$50 Glades bolt handle
$150 LRI firing pin bushing
$150 Time bolt/action
$150 Elf trigger
$4700 plus shipping*

I could have easily spent your entire $5k budget, but I left just enough wiggle room in the budget for some accessories


* Not an exact total as some rounding was done for easy math (yeah, I'm lazy)
**Chamber/threading is just a guesstimate on long life steel barrels

You forgot the PTG bolt head and body.

 

[goosed]

You forgot the PTG bolt head and body.

I didn't go for a full action truing either just timing... OP only gave us so much budget to work with

 

[TxWelder35]

I didn't go for a full action truing either just timing... OP only gave us so much budget to work with

Poors nowadays...

 

[MCHOG]

Is the Accuracy International stuff any good? Worth the money?

Are there any good .338LM gas guns? I'd love to get away from bolt-action if possible.

Did you get hacked? A long-time active member of the hide asks if AIs are any good? But yes, they are. My 100% serious advice: buy an AXMC or ASR with whatever bolts(s) and barrel(s) you need for the calibers you shoot, put your best scope on it, and sell all your other shit that doesn't have sentimental value.

 

[lash]

Here, found a 6 year-old picture of the Savage update that I described above. This was before I put the S&B on it.

 

[TheHorta]

I have a line on this:

Firearms - WTT AI AXSR 338 Lapua Package. TT 525, Spuhr mount, Cadex Falcon.

Theres no other way to put it, I need really awesome thermal more than I need an AI AX 338. So here it is. You want it, lets talk. This is my First sale on here but have been selling on gunbroker for well over a decade under the name TacticalSavannah. So its my AXSR in the FDE variety chambered...

www.snipershide.com

Worth it?

 

[MCHOG]

I have a line on this:

Firearms - WTT AI AXSR 338 Lapua Package. TT 525, Spuhr mount, Cadex Falcon.

Theres no other way to put it, I need really awesome thermal more than I need an AI AX 338. So here it is. You want it, lets talk. This is my First sale on here but have been selling on gunbroker for well over a decade under the name TacticalSavannah. So its my AXSR in the FDE variety chambered...

www.snipershide.com

Worth it?

If I had cash to burn, that would be the easy button. I'm guessing from your other posts that you've got an optic already that is up to AI standards. If it were me (and it was, because I did exactly this), I'd get an AXMC (which is effectively the same as an AXSR, minus a few upgrades) but in the $5,000 range and then add on to it whatever barrels, bolts, and magazines (308 or 300 bolt face format) you'd want aside from the 338. The guys at Mile High can probably get you set up. Also, EuroOptic has had some unbelievable sales on "demo" models. I put "demo" in quotes because I bought one and couldn't tell it had ever been touched outside of the factory. I think you could get in an AXMC for about half of the AXSR price going that route.