Another lengthy ramble from North Texas- - - -
I've been working up my Savage Scout rifle to have it the way I want it. I am quite satisfied so far.
I paid just over $400 plus tax for the rifle.
The Leupold Scout Scope from Midway for about $220.
Rings were maybe $35. Mount came with rifle.
I really didn't like the factory sling setup. I got another stud and loop for maybe $10. Installed it myself, giving a true three-point mounting system. Then modified factory black web sling into "Ching Sling" configuration for about four bucks worth of hardware and an hour's handwork. Much better, quicker, and out of the way.
Trigger was only fair, so I paid gunsmith Scott Mays at Nix's in Lewisville, Texas, $40 to set it right. He did a beautiful job.
Last touch--elastic butt cuff to hold ten rounds for $9.00
Total investment, some $725, plus tax. Obviously, it would have been EASIER and less time consuming to have paid the $2,700 for a Steyr Scout. For that I would have gotten the pride of ownership, plus sexy gray color scheme, the retractable bipod and ammo storage in the buttstock.
The Savage stock is not really ugly, but it IS somewhat - - - Plain. I do not plan to fit a bipod--This is a light field rifle and I don't feel the need of a bipod. (Okay, my birthday's coming soon, and if anyone wants to make me a GIFT of a Clifton stock with retractable bipod, . . . No? I didn't think so.) The Savage action is a lot smoother than I expected. This and the large bolt knob makes the action QUICK with a little practice.
My son can put three rounds of Winchester 168 gr. Match ammo into an inch at 100 yards. My eyes are going bad, and I haven't gotten under an inch and a half. The low power scope and my aging eyes have something to do with this, but what the heck? I can still hit a paper plate from 200 yards with this rifle. It is quick, light, handy, and the .308 is adequately powerful. It is what I set out to have.
I spent a lot of time and effort breaking in the barrel in the manner of the bench rest shooters. I can't honestly say if it was worthwhile, but at least I've given the rifle every chance to do well. I'm still experimenting with loads. Between now and next deer season, I may well go to the 165 bullet, or even the 180, since this is essentially a short range proposition. Playing and experimenting is half the fun for me.
Oh, yeah--The iron sight setup may be the best I've seen on a non-military rifle. Williams aperture on the receiver bridge and a gold bead at end of the barrel. VERY quick and handy. I did a lot of barrel break in with iron sights while awaiting scope delivery.
Cautionary note--Take off the forward scope mount, carefully degrease, and replace snugly, using Loktite.
For somewhere between my $725 Savage, and the $2,700 Steyr, you could build up something very nice from a Remington or Ruger lightweight rifle. You'd need to add the forward scope mount and suitable iron sights. Unless you have a decent shop and talent, you'd also spend good money on gunsmithing. You pay your money and make your choices. I hope you enjoy your project as much as I have mine, thus far.
Best regards,
RR
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---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---