Howdy folks...gotta tell you, I love this message board. I have been reading on it for about a week. Figured it's time to register as user. So, here I am.
Just bought me a new rifle, too. Opinions will be split on this one, just because of that dreaded name on the receiver. Yes, it's a Savage. However, I have absolutely no complaints about looks, fit, or quality of workmanship. I have the new Varminter 12VSS in 22-250, and it does appear to be one of Savage's higher-end products. I handled the 12FVSS and was disgusted by the stock. I am happy I bought the 12VSS, cuz it's a dandy to shoot. Accurate to the boot, too. Anyhow, I don't wannna keep on bragging. And bring Big Stick's attention on me...shudder.
Just gotta get rid of that crappy Bushnell Banner Walmart scope and get me a Leuppi VX2 or a Nikon Monarch, or possibly a Grand Slam or V24...gotta save my pennies, save my dimes.
Point is, I don't see anything asthetically unpleasing about my savage. Don't even mind the barrel nut. And it is very functional. Big Stick, I commend you for recognizing the Savage potential.

Welcome to the campfire. Everyone has different opinions on what looks good and what doesn't. Point is, the only person you need to make happy is yourself. Sounds like you got a sweet rifle. If you decide to buy a Leupold give our webmaster a call. He'll give you a great price on a Leupi.

Welcome to the fire!

Sounds like a great rifle..I like the looks of their top of the line wood stocked rifle, I don't remember the designation for it.

Mike

Welcome!

I have a BSA you can have for cheap! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

What do you plan to hunt/shoot with the rifle? Do you reload? What type of bullets do you favor?

Thanks. Well, I'd LIKE to hunt/shoot varmint with it. I live in South East Washington, so there's sage rat, coyote, and rock chucks (MAYBE- havent seen one yet). Also, crows, magpies, sparrows, starlings, etc.
I think I'll let you keep your treasured BSA...don't wanna rip you off or anything. HA!
And yes, I do reload. Love it just as much as the shooting itself. I mass-load 9mm for Handgun, and I load small quantities of high quality 223 stuff for my NEF Handi Rifle Ultra.
I haven't got dies for the 22/250 yet. Still deciding what to get. I haven't been real impressed with Lee. I got a Redding Competition seating die for 223 and really like it. I want to get that for the 250 as well, but it is spendy. I was thinking about getting Forster benchrests, they run only about 50 bucks (Set). Any advice?
Love V-Max bullets. Also like Win FMJs in bulk, but only because they were pretty accurate in the NEF.
Tried Barnes VLCs, but they acted very strange in my NEF. They would group 3 inches left at 100 yds. Not high or low, but LEFT. Very consistent, too, with nice tight groups. Just 3 inches left from the V-Maxes.
Any advice on scopes? I don't want to spend more than 500 dollars, that's why I am leaning towards Nikon or Weaver, but...can somebody set me straight, please?
I wish I was reloading for my Savage already, but I gotta save my money for dies and such. Plus, I should probably wait til the end of the fiscal year (I am a Government contractor-sucking your tax dollars!) to see if I have a job or not.

Hot damn! You come smokin' outta the gate and done already hurt my feelings(grin)

Hope the new rifle tickles you pink. Brag on her,after you get it up to speed...................

The cutting edge on varminting may be the laser rangefinder and then clicking off the elevation and maybe windage or mil dots. Keep in mind that the VX11's don't have clicks. Of course a 22-250 shoots really flat so you can hold off.

I am using a new Leu VX 11 6-18 on my Swift and I just hold off after consulting with the laser. It's faster and I am used to it. Even then the best price on that scope is $370 and a VX111 6.5 -20 is $466. Thats big bucks but the really nice scopes may last a lifetime and some guns come and go.

Maybe someone will suggest some other scopes for the 22-250. Other brands are out there to and I ordered a Sightron just for rifle testing. It's just a whim but their 6-24 X 42mm goes for about $350. If it's comparable to the others time will tell. The Sightron has click adjustments and smaller target knobs. The tactical or target knobs on the Leu's put Pamela Anderson to shame but just don't turn me on.

Why, I had no idea you had feelings, Big Stick...(Bigger Grin)
Seriously, of all the posters here, I just LOVE reading your posts. And you are definetely the most memorable. That's why I brought you up. And of course, you are on of them Savage opponents Maybe not quite...haven't sorted that out yet. See, I read one of your earlier posts (like two years ago) where you said you've owned them, and they were accurate.
Anyhow, it is definetely accurate. And speaking of being hurtful, you did done already hurt my feelers! Just what exactly did you mean by "bringing it up to speed"? Sure hope you's talkin bout the scope. But then again, you might think it's a match made in heaven, eh?
Sorry about all this sarcasm. I have a buddy JUST like you here in town. He swears by high dollar guns that I can't afford and thinks whatever I buy is trash. Then I outshoot the crap out of him, and he finds something else he doesn't like, like that ugly barrel nut.
Anyways...don't take me too seriously. Always gotta tell my wife that one.

I wear my heart on my sleeve and bruise easily. So tread lightly,so as to leave no telltale markings.

Savage isn't my favorite flavor,but that has zero bearing on how much you like your's and how well your's will shoot for you.

By "bringing it up to speed",I meant getting her tuned/tweaked,so as to deliver all the hidden performance. Regardless of Manufacturer,my hopes aren't sky high until the trigger is tuned,action is bedded and some tailored handloads are whistled down the pipe. Those are easy variables to hone in on and nip in the buds.

I'm not of the high dollar or bust ilk,but can't truthfully expect the best results with the least funds. There is lotsa middle ground there and that is where I'm happiest. Just because somethin' costs the mostest,don't mean it's gonna shoot the bestest.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and "looks" actually interest me much less than the mechanics of a rugged platform. Though happiness is a hell for stout rifle that shoots bugholes and is snazzy looking to boot.

I seldom take me seriously,so won't fret you..........................(grin)

Big Stick...thanks! I knew you are a good guy. I don't care what all the others say.
I get you about tuning the gun. I can't wait to work up some hand loads.
The trigger on that Savage is their new Accutrigger. I don't think I want to mess with that one. I adjusted it down to about one pound, and there is zero take up, no creep, no overtravel. All the take up is in that "Glock style" safety, inside the trigger. I don't know how much I like anything resembling a Glock component on my guns, but hey! Works like a charm. So me thinks the trigger is fine.
About the bedding: Here I have a question for the knowledgable. The gun has the Choate Varminter stock. The barrel is free-floated. The action is sitting on an aluminum v-block. It really does seem quite solid. Is there any room for improvements here?
From what I understand, this whole v-block deal is supposed to make the action rock-solid. But...it is still factory, so there must be room for better things, right?
I gotta get me some dies. I am dying to load for this caliber, this gun.
Everybody: Thanks for welcoming me here, for taking me in, and for making such good (and entertaining) conversation.

Don,



You're incorrect. The VX-II scopes DO have click adjustments. The old Vari-X II scope did not. Their is a difference.