Long Range Accuracy of Savage 10FP

Larz

New member
I am seriously considering buying a Savage 10fp tactical in 308. It seems like it has the potential to hold 3/4 MOA at 100yds and even 200yds. Those of you who own the 10fp..... How does it do at ranges out closer to 500-700 range? I like the price tag on the rifle as well as its accuracy potential. Nobody has discussed the long range performance of this gun though. Also any other comments on the 10fp. Also I was looking at the Competition version of this rifle I believe its the 112BT in 308. Does anyone own this gun and how do you like it? Thanks, Larz
 
Any rifle which shoots tight groups at 100 or 200 yards can shoot well at longer ranges. Whatever problems arise have to do with the ammo and the bullet's stability or velocity "way out there".

FWIW, Art
 
Art True True.. I have seen groups from my friends 40x in 308 that were REALLY REALLY nice at 300 yards, go to 600 yards and cant hit the paper!!! He then loaded up HOTTER rounds and he was right back in the middle of the black.

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Dead [Black Ops]
 
Larz, I recently purchase a Savage model 10 FP in .308 and I could'nt be happier...I had a really crappy scope on it and was able to shoot 2" groups at 300 yards with it..since then I have put a Springfield armory scope on it and the other day I shot about 1.5" groups @300 yds. and since I have installed a Timney trigger , but I haven't been able to get to the range and try it yet...I hope to get sub inch @ 300 with it...my range only has a max of 300 yds and I am new to bolt action rifles so I think this is pretty good...especially for what I paid for this rifle..$399..so I could afford to put more into the scope..
 
Hey, I didn't realize that Timney made a trigger for the Savage. I thought only Sharpshooter Supply did. Good news.

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Mike
 
Larz, Mike---

I was just about to spend good money on the Sharpshooter trigger for my Savage 10 Scout, and mentioned it to my gunsmith. He gave me to understand that the Savage is one of the few currently produced, reasonably priced rifles that can truly benefit from some judicious 'smithing on the trigger. He warned me he wouldn't take it down to OUNCES pull weight and I assured him I just wanted a good, crisp field trigger.

Thirty-five bucks and a couple of weeks later, I had EXACTLY what I wanted. I measured it but don't really recall-- Pound and a half, I think, and like snapping a fresh Frito chip. I've tried everything short of a sledge hammer to jar it off, on safety and ready. It just sets there, ready to go.

This weight might not be light enough for the bench rest byes, but it'll do for me.

I've been very happy with my rifle. Best of luck.
Johnny

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---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
 
Mine consistently shoots 3/4" groups at 100 yards using PMC cartridges topped with Sierra's 168-gr HPBT bullet.

Shot a 3" group at 200 yards in a 15-20 mph swirling breeze on Tuesday, and that was the first time I had been out with it in almost six months.

In my opinion, you cannot get a better rifle in the same price range. I have about $650 total in my rifle (10FP, Tasco World Class 3-9x50, Harris bipod), and I have shot one ragged hole at 100 yards with it before.

The trigger will NOT be what you want coming out of the box. I had mine stoned to smooth it up, and it breaks at about 3 lbs. right now. I think I am going to lighten it up a little before my next trip out to the berm.

I fully expect to pour three rounds into the same hole consistently at 100 yards, and to shoot 1/2"-3/4" at 200. The range maxes out there, so I'll have to wait until I get moved to Colorado in a few weeks to try longer shots. I already have a spot waiting, though, so I'll make sure to report back on how it does at 600 yards. I believe I'll be able to hit gallon milk jugs at that distance consistently, based on what the rifle will do at 100 and 200 yards.

Buy the rifle. You won't regret it.

By the way, are you looking at the 20" or 24" barrel?
 
I have shot mainly handguns and shotguns for the past several years. I recently decided that an accurate rifle would be a good investment. Our store had a Savage 10FP (24") on sale for $400.00, so I did some research. Two complaints: Ugly stock, and heavy trigger. Other than that, there was nothing but good things from people about this rifle, so I bought it.

After investing in a Tasco SS10x42 scope, I took it to the range for the first time. After some initial zeroing, I settled down to shoot the first group. After the second shot, I had one hole that was slightly larger than .308 caliber! Of course, I got excited and proceeded to pull the remaining rounds, but those first two were eye-opening!

In addition, there was a plate out on a hill at around 400 yards, and I found that by placing the second mil-dot down from the crosshair directly on the plate, I could make consistent hits. That was fun!

I am by no means a good rifleman. In fact, I bought that gun as a learning tool, figuring I could always upgrade later. Regardless of it's price, I am completely satisfied with the rifle (Well, I do see a Timney trigger in my future). Buy the rifle and you will not be dissapointed with the accuracy and performance.
 
Johnny Guest - I have already gone the Sharpshooter route and it's currently set for the same 1.5 lbs. What a difference! Cost was in the low $70's with ffl discount from Brownells, IIRC. Took about 1 hour to install (read ALL instructions first). First couple of trips to the range were with the trigger right out of the bag, which in itself was a major improvement.

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Mike
 
I am looking at the 20" barell. But now that I think of it. I should probably loook at the 24" They both seem to be very accurate up close but I would assume the 24" will be better for long range because of the little bit of extra velocity. Am I wrong in thinking this? Thanks for the input so far, Larz
 
No, you aren't wrong.

The tradeoff will be in weight. After I hung that Harris bipod under mine, it got a tad bit heavy on the end and isn't very good for shooting offhand. I can't anticipate doing that sort of shooting very often but I know it would be a serious pain if I ever needed to.

If you're going to shoot supported or from sandbags or a bipod, then I'd get the longer barrel.
 
GENERALLY, a rifle which is a tad muzzle-heavy is steadier for offhand shooting. A "tad" is not a "whole bunch"! A shorter barrel makes for quicker handling to get on target at short ranges. The longer barrel will be a bit steadier to hold on target.

My walking-hunting gun has a 26" barrel. Fully dressed, it's 9-1/2 pounds. I ain't about to add a bipod! As is, however, I do quite well with offhand shots--but I'll use whatever rest is available, if I have time and there is indeed a rest available.

As far as muzzle velocity: Add 50 to 70 ft/sec/inch, going from 20" to 24". Most tables have data from 26" barrels; subtract 50 to 70 ft/sec/inch under 26"...But only your chronograph knows the Truth.

:), Art
 
mbott--
Thanks for the input on the Sharpshooter trigger. I'm still getting used to the rig and it is very close to what I want, just the way it is. I may get a wild hair and replace the trigger, though. Much depends on the next few months' work with it. I'm having a lot of fun with it, and that's the name of the game, huh?

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---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---

[This message has been edited by Johnny Guest (edited September 26, 2000).]
 
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