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Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 12:06 pm
by MartinS
Hi all

I've just sold my trusty old Musgrave TR and was wondering what to purchase as a replacement.
What's the Savage like for accuracy? It's still got a 30" barrel which the old Mus had so I expect probably very good.
I've all ready got the Vortex scope to come of the other and still a very nice Shooting Shed Bipod to hopefully fit as well.
I forgot to say that I shoot 300 to 1000yds and it has got to be .308. My other .308 is a Tikka T3 Super V which is a real tack driver once I've got me eye in, but don't really want something similar.
Any older Tikka rifles to look out for?? I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 12:34 pm
by waterford103
Tikka M65 supersport .308 but on a long action so you can sit the bullets way out and still fit the 5 round detachable mag , adjustable stock with an accessory rail built in , extremely good trigger . I bought mine on here and re-barreled it with an Armalon 26" hammer forged carbon steel barrel -- tack driving accuracy !

:wales: :flag6: :shakeshout:

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:11 pm
by The Gun Pimp
The Savage FTR rifle is one of the only factory rifles that is truly competitive right out of the box.

If you are seriously looking for one, Osprey Rifles have a very nice s/h one for sale.

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 9:03 pm
by Mr_Logic
It's a good gun. I have two, one which was factory default in 223, and another in 308 which is just a Savage action. They work.

But...

If I had my time again I'd get a Dolphin at 2,500, because it's 800 over what I paid for the Savage, but they don't come any better - you can't argue with a Barnard / Nesika action and a Bartlein barrel, where the Savage is good without being exceptional.

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 10:04 pm
by MartinS
Thanks for the info so far guys. So far good things said about the Savage! I haven't got the money for the Dolphin even though I did look at them.
The Tikka M65 looks like it could do the job. At the end of the day I am a tight arse and I've got to set myself a realistic budget on a rifle which will suit my needs. Personally I really need a long heavy barrelled target rifle.
Still lots to think about!!!

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:56 am
by Mr_Logic
Do you want to shoot seriously or just enjoy some informal long range shooting?

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:09 am
by MartinS
Mr_Logic wrote:Do you want to shoot seriously or just enjoy some informal long range shooting?
Informal shooting works for me. I haven't really got the time or money to compete at the mo.
To be honest I love shooting my service rifles but when it comes to 600,900,1000 I have to resort to the Tikka T3.
The T3 can do 1000yds but I must stress I don't reload, so I use factory 155gn. I know if I did I could get better results on paper but don't even have time for that.

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:47 am
by 1066
I have a couple of 12F Savages but not the F/TR in 308. I have a 12F in 6.5x284 and another in 6mmBr made up out of odd bits. Savages have a reputation for accuracy and I'm very pleased with the way mine shoot. I'm sure the floating bolthead is a significant aid to accuracy and I also like the idea of a screw on barrel held on with a locknut.

The Savage "accutrigger" is a little different but works quite well and my 6mmbr is fitted with a RB SAV-2 trigger.

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:52 am
by Maggot
MartinS wrote:
Mr_Logic wrote:Do you want to shoot seriously or just enjoy some informal long range shooting?
Informal shooting works for me. I haven't really got the time or money to compete at the mo.
To be honest I love shooting my service rifles but when it comes to 600,900,1000 I have to resort to the Tikka T3.
The T3 can do 1000yds but I must stress I don't reload, so I use factory 155gn. I know if I did I could get better results on paper but don't even have time for that.
Mate, enjoy it for what it is. If Factory is what you shoot then do that to the best of your ability and enjoy it.

I have been shooting all sorts over my lifetime both operationally and instructional and I now shoot F/TR etc.

I can honestly say I have never heard so many blame the equipment more. Where more often than not its lack of ability/range time/mistakes or just pure bad luck. Not the rifle or the ammo.

That said I have just had the back end of mine re built so it stays aligned and rigid and it has made a huge difference to its ability to hold groups and elevations.

One of the best there is uses what is essentially a no frills set up, but is consistent, talented and can actually read the wind.

Re: Savage 12 FTR any good??

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:12 am
by MartinS
1066 wrote:I have a couple of 12F Savages but not the F/TR in 308. I have a 12F in 6.5x284 and another in 6mmBr made up out of odd bits. Savages have a reputation for accuracy and I'm very pleased with the way mine shoot. I'm sure the floating bolthead is a significant aid to accuracy and I also like the idea of a screw on barrel held on with a locknut.

The Savage "accutrigger" is a little different but works quite well and my 6mmbr is fitted with a RB SAV-2 trigger.
I like what yer saying! You sound very happy with the results these rifles produce!

:goodjob: