Savage Mark II models

T

theplague42

New member
Slight change of plans. I've been planning on getting my first centerfire (.223) over the summer, but I'm going to put that off until Christmas or later. Instead, I want to get a mid-tier (~$300?) .22 for some semi-serious target shooting. I've been looking around, and I think I'm set on one of the Savage Mark II's. Which models (variations?) have you had any experience with and which one would you suggest? I'd like one that is easy to put a bipod and sling on. Also, should I get a drilled/tapped barrel or one with rails?
 
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I have the Savage Mark II BV model, and i love it. It is extremely accurate out of the box and was drilled and tapped for mounts. I put a mediocre Weaver rimfire scope on it, and couldn't be happier. I actually enjoy shooting this gun more than any AR, AK, etc. that I have...
 
I have a mark 2 g i love. Trigger is great, 3 pounds 2 ounces out of the box, and adjustable to something else if you want to (i found it perfect.)

Takes a weaver 24 mount for scoping.
 
Mark II stainless

I bought a little used Mark II stainless with a synthetic stock to use for snakes and snapping turtles while on my ponds in my little john boat. I figure I might have to put a red dot on it for me to hit anything with my bad eyes but that little dude is a real shooter. I carry the thing everywhere now. It is light, seems indestructable, and handy as a pocket on a shirt.
 
MK-II BTVS

I have owned a MK-II btvs for about a year and it's a tack driver. Has two studs on the forend but really only need one. Both studs go all the way, into the barrel channel and are very secure and clear the barrel. I don't use a bi-pod on the bench but if you want one, the work is already done, as well as the scope bases. The Accutrigger or trigger safety as I refer to it, is super, out of the box. Eventually I'll do some additional trigger work on it.

In short, noting but good things to say about them and great choice out of many. .... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
Before I bought my CZ 452, I was going to buy a Mark II BV. I already had a 110 and 12 and am a fan of Savage rifles. I went to the store with every intention of buying the BV but when I got to the store, they were out. I figured while I was there I might as well look at what they had just because. I asked to see the Remington model 5 and quickly handed it back. Then I saw the CZ sitting there and since I had heard so many good things about them I asked to see it as well. I was imediately sold on it. Imo, there really isn't much comparison between the two. The CZ is much nicer and definitely worth the difference, imo. Also, it doesn't just look and feel nice, it flat out shoots. A while back, a friend of mine was shooting his 7 mag at the 100 yard bench. I began using his bullet holes as bullseyes and was hitting them consistently at 100 yards. That rifle easily shoots sub moa at 100 yards with several types of normally priced ammo. For not much over your ~$300 price point, you could get a 452. As for the accutrigger, a $20 bill will get you lunch and a trigger job on the CZ. It is actually pretty good out of the box but it is extremely easy to take out the creep and lighten it as light as you want to go.

I am not trying to talk you out of the Savage as I believe it is a very good gun but I think you owe it to yourself to check out the CZ before you spend your money. I am glad I did.
 
What about durability on the CZs? I'll be target shooting almost exclusively but I still don't want a really "delicate" gun as I'm not very handy; I can clean a gun but that's it. I've heard that the Mark IIs do pretty well without a ton of maintenance.

Edit: I did a little bit more looking on the CZs, and wow they're a lot more. If I can find a good used one, I may get it, but otherwise I'm still looking mainly at the Mark IIs.
 
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The best way I can describe the difference is that when I pick up the Savage, I feel like I am picking up a 22. When I pick up the CZ, I feel like I am picking up a rifle. It definitely has a more solid and refined feel to it. I have only had mine a few years but I don't expect longevity and durability to be an issue.

Depending on which model you are considering, the Savage can definitely be bought for considerably less. That is a big part of why I was initially going to purchase the Savage. Until I actually got my hands on one, I didn't think the CZ would be worth the extra money. Obviously, I have since changed my mind. I really don't think you can go wrong either way though. If I hadn't bought the CZ, I would probably be recommending the Savage right now. The general consensus seems to be that the CZ is more accurate but that both shoot very well. Ultimately it comes down to a personal choice of whether or not it is worth it to you to spend the extra money if your budget allows.
 
CZ's are good !!

The worst thing, I can say about the 452 CZ family, is the cheap trigger guard. New safeties can be a bit stiff. They are good rifles and great shooters at that. They do have adjustable triggers, to a point. .... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
Which models (variations?) have you had any experience with and which one would you suggest?
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Two years ago I got a MkII BV, the model with the heavy barrel and laminated wood stock. I mounted a Weaver RV-7 rimfire scope and it's just about the perfect set-up. Love the Accutrigger.

I also have a CZ452 in 22magnum. As other have mentioned, the CZs are very nice rifles. The woodwork and metal work is finely done.

But for the money, I think I'd give the nod to Savage. If money isn't a real concern, then go for the CZ.
 
Money is definitely a concern. I think I'm going to skip the CZs to get a scope, a bipod, and a sling for the price difference.

I had a thought today. What about a Marlin? I'm intrigued by a tube-fed. How would one of those work accuracy-wise? Is loading the tube inconvenient for bench shooting?

Edit: Following the same tangent, what about a single-shot bolt-action? I know break-opens are less accurate because of the two-piece stock, but what about bolt-actions? Something to do with the lack of a magazine well?
 
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Mark II TR

I've got a post going on a recently purchased TR that is a great shooter.

You pay for the tacti-cool look, but a mark II w/ a std stock and heavy barrel less fluting, and the accutrigger should be just as good a shooter.

Goofy mag problem, is my only criticism. The accu trigger is worth the extra bucks.
 
You pay for the tacti-cool look, but a mark II w/ a std stock and heavy barrel less fluting, and the accutrigger should be just as good a shooter.
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This is true, my heavy barrel Mark II BWVTS even has a slight edge over my Mark II TR. I chalk that up to individual rifle differences rather than model differences though, since the action is the same and the barrel nearly so (different length and lacks fluting, but still a heavy barrel made the same way with the same rifling).

The BWVTS was $329 and the TR was about a hundred more if I recall correctly. I bought the TR as a trainer for a centerfire rifle that shares a similar stock and oversized bolt handle, and the other one was just for fun.

BWVTS
SavageMarkIIBWVTSltside.jpg


TR
SavageMarkIITRltside.jpg


SavageMarkIITRrtside2.jpg
 
Ok yet another change of plans. Turns out the $300 or so I had set aside will have to be spent on some car repairs. Gave myself a nice fist-sized dent on the door by way of mailbox (yes, I dented the side of the car with a mailbox; don't ask how). I think instead I'm just going to stick a bipod and sling on my little Mossberg 802 Plinkster. Cheap gun, I know, but I wanted to make sure that I liked rifles (I've been a handgun guy until recently) before going all-in. It's still more accurate than me, but I'm working on changing that this summer.
 
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