Nice Bolt-Action (Savage Arms)?

Question

I'm looking for a nice bolt-action. I went to Scheel's Sports last night and found a nice Stevens/Savage Arms .30-06 for around $350 and a couple smaller calibers for around the same price. All of them come with a package and all they really need is a final sight-in.

Is this a good deal? What should I consider for a first bolt-action and what kind of other informations?

DJ: I called it Stevens/Savage because they merged in Central Minnesota for quite some time in the 60's and have a processing plant somewhere around here. Everyone around my area calls it Stevens/Savage, but I noticed everywhere outside Central Minnesota they're two entirely different weapon brands.

DJ: I just read online that Savage bought out Stevens in 1920, so that could also be where the connotation of Stevens/Savage comes from.

Answer 1

A Savage Bolt-action is a good choice but I'd go with a 308 or 270 and a nice scope from, Nikon, Simmons or Leupold in a 3x9x40 which by the way won't brake the bank.
Mount the scope as low as possible to your receiver (not a see through mount) and have your shop bore sight it. When you make it to the range for sight in, start off at a close range .. 25 yards, then 50 and so on. Try and stick with the same brand of bullets & weight as what you'd use in the field.

Answer 2

Savage Arms makes good quality bolt action rifles. A .30-06 for $350, is a steal. Being that low in price.......You can get a real nice scope to mount on it. Like a Leupold or something like that. Stay away from the cheap scopes.

I have a Savage Model 12FLV .22-250, that I mainly use for Coyote Hunting. I paid $571 for this rifle. I was pleased with the quality and accuracy of the gun, when I bought it new. However I do not recommend reloading ammo for this gun. One reloaded casing was all it took, It blew in the ejector in the bolt. I had to send the gun back for repair. I got the gun back within 2 months. I never reload for this gun now. So far, it has held up, since being repaired.

Other brand rifles I would consider is the Remington 700. They are said to be better than the Savage Arms. I would also look into Ruger, they are well known for making good quality rifles too. But the price of a Remington 700 and a Ruger, are gonna run higher than $350. Well worth the look though.

Answer 3

For a Savage Combination Pack with Scope that is a good price. You didn't mention what model number you are referring to but for the money these rifle scope combinations are a meat and potatoes set up, that can be easily afforded. They will get the job done. The only thing I would suggest is you look into the 308 Win caliber in place of the 30-06 if it is offered. The 308 caliber will give you a lot more options for factory cartridge loads and bullet types than 30-06 factory ammunition offers. 308 Win caliber will do anything that 30-06 will as far as target shooting or hunting. 95% of all competition target rifles are 308 caliber today. You really need to consider how much your ammunition is going to cost you before you buy your rifle, unless you reload your own cartridges...It can get quite expensive, and you want to get the most versatile rifle and ammunition for your money if you can.Good Luck with whatever you choose!

Answer 4

I bought a brand new Savage 111 30-06 bolt action this year. I'm very satisfied with it. It came with a synthetic stock, Simmons scope, strap and lock for $550. CAN I was going to buy a used one and spend about $450 for something made 25 years ago, but then I realized I could buy a new one for 100 more. The scope is great for hunting and the rifle is light, accurate and sexy!

Answer 5

Which model is it? New?

What's in the package? (what brand, model scope)

Savage makes some good rifles, but I'm curious that you called it a "Stevens/Savage Arms", which is why I asked to clarify the model.

Also, see if you can upgrade the scope. A cheap scope on a good rifle is not a good deal. Moving up from a $50 scope to a $150 scope is a very good investment IMO.

.30-06 is a fine caliber for a first and only bolt action rifle. You can find ammo anywhere, in a vast selection of loads for various purposes. Plus, you can still find cheap surplus ammo for just shooting.

Answer 6

I bought the Savage 30-06 with accu trigger and synthetic stock.... with simmons scope... the rifle is great... accurate and very smooth action.... the scope I dont like at all, it must be the cheapest simmons scope made.... im going to replace it with anything else.... even a Tasco will be better than the scope it came with.... but other than that great rifle, all for $380

Answer 7

Savage are average quality rifles but for an extra $100 or so you could get a Ruger M77. A much higher quality firearm in my opinion. Probably the best of the inexpensive rifles.

Answer 8

I loved my Savage. Only a few calibers will do though. 270, 30-06, 308, or 300 mag. Pick any of these and you'll never need another rifle, although the 300 is an over kill for most!

Answer 9

You can't go wrong; this is a working man's (woman's) rifle that gets the job done. It doesn't have whitewall tires and racing stripes; it just gets the job done and always will. I get tired of all the plastic window dressing that gets hung on stuff so we think we are really getting something.

Answer 10

Remington or Savage are great choices.* When you have a 30-06 you don't need any other rifle.*