Has anyone actually handled one of these? They are brand new, and we haven't seen any here in Canuckia yet.

On a couple of other boards I've been chastised for criticizing Rem, Win and Ruger, favouring the European rifles. I said that the only gunmaker in the US that's paying any attention is Savage, and that they are doing what Rem did years ago - vaulting forward by giving people what they wanted. The gun world is changing again. Keep a close eye on Savage. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

A few things have hurt their popularity over the years - an ugly profile, crappy triggers, funny stocks and no aftermarket interest from manufacturers.

Well, they got a new CEO.
Then they fixed the triggers
Aftermarket accessories are increasing.

Now they've got what appears to be an improved stock. It's laminated, with a wider, beavertail fore-end. It's not as thick through as with their previous bench rifles. The barrel nut is still there, but inside the new stock, the rig looks slick. I'm assuming that it's pillar bedded too.

They used the larger bolt and the 26 inch barrel and action are SS. Unfortunately they are only available in 223 and 22-250 right now, but you know that this will change next year! The rifle weighs 10 lb. without a scope, but this is not a bush or mountain rifle. Magazine capacity is 4 rounds.

Suggested retail is $752. About the price of a Rem VLS but with a better trigger and barrel.

The only thing that held me back from buying another Savage was I had no desire to spend extra money on a decent looking, performance stock. Oh, oh! Next year I will buy a Model 12 Varminter Low Profile in 308, 'cause you now that it's comin'. Maybe we'll get lucky and see one before the end of 2004.

Savage's Board of Directors have got a game plan and intend to kick some butt. It's exciting to watch.

Have any editors asked for reviews yet?

Safe Shooting! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Steve Redgwell
303british.com

I haven't seen one yet, but judging from past experience with Savage rifles, it will indeed kick butt.

I just read about it on their website. It looks real interesting. I have noticed at the range, on more than one occasion, that Savage rifles shoot very well! I have never owned one, but I am tempted.

They do shoot well. I have the 12VSS in 22-250. I may have said it before ( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />), but here goes:

It does shoot pretty good (and has a nice trigger), but feeding and extraction leave much to be desired.

I can relate to that! My 300 Win shot very well from the start, but I was not the least bit happy with it until I got the feeding and extraction problems fixed ( It is not a Savage ). I have hunted with rifles that would not meet the accuracy standards of many, but that has never caused me to miss or wound game. On the other hand, I will not tolerate a rifle with feeding and extraction problems. My 300 is now accurate, feeds, and extracts. That's the way I like it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The WSMs utilize CRPF and standing ejector. Works excellent from magazine or as single shot. I wish all rifles came this way.

AH Savage. Shooting a Savage is like riding a moped. Its all good and fun until your friends see you on one!

Savages shoot like a housefire.

I can't wait for the reviews to start coming. For me, the Savage story is not so much about the innovations as it is the board room scrums. It would be fascinating to peek into their secret files and read the company's long range plan.

It has been debated at length, but I don't believe the majority of firearms receive the aftermarket treatments necessary to make them shoot better. I think that most people just want to buy and shoot them without a lot of extra expense.

Wouldn't it be interesting to know accurate stats on factory firearms that have been modified? Scopes aside of course. I am thinking primarily about trigger jobs and stock work done when new (or almost new).

Safe Shooting! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Steve Redgwell
303british.com