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A Great Hunting Rifle
#8048954
11/13/20 02:56 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403
Reverendbiker
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403 |
As a hobby mechanic and woodworker I've learned to appreciate the value of a good tool. A couple of hours ago I killed my buck for this year and as I cleaned up my rifle it occurred to me that the old Savage 11FC is just one heckuva fine tool. I bought it used years ago intending to carry it around on my UTV and use it for shooting hogs. I whipped up a big batch of .308 reloads with Sierra Pro Hunter bullets and they worked so well on the piggies that I just started using the old Savage for all my hunting. The rifle is nothing special--the synthetic stock is banged up a little and is topped with a mid-grade older 3X9 scope. Not fancy, but like any other good tool it just works. I've killed somewhere north of 100 hogs with it, and it's dropped a buck every year for the past couple of decades. Almost every kill is a DRT event, and the excceptions didn't run far. Is it a MOA shooter? Don't know, but I do know it's more accurate than I am. So please pardon the windy post--just wanted to throw a little love toward a darned fine firearm.
jack <><
reverendbiker.com
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8048966
11/13/20 03:09 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031 |
Yes Sir. I own a decent amount of different rifles but my go-to is still an old Savage 110 in 243 that I bought used from an old man 25 years ago. It’s old, ugly, has plenty of dings & scratches, but it’s a great tool that’s killed hundreds of deer/pigs/varmints/& a few exotics. I feel like I’m cheating on that rifle every time I grab a different one lol.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: skinnerback]
#8048988
11/13/20 03:28 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403
Reverendbiker
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403 |
I feel like I’m cheating on that rifle every time I grab a different one lol. That one made me laugh, but I feel the same way ;-)
jack <><
reverendbiker.com
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049021
11/13/20 03:57 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952 |
I have seen ( and actually owned one for a short time ) some fairly attractive Savage rifles. Most however are butt-ugly.
But i've never seen one that wouldn't shoot great. Even the cheap combo rifles with stocks that looked like they were fashioned by a junior high shop class shot great.
All other things aside, being able to place a bullet in the vitals of a game animals is the tale of the tape......how it gets there is not as important in the grand scheme of things. Lots to be said about a good workhorse rifle
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: txtrophy85]
#8049074
11/13/20 04:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,253
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,253 |
I have seen ( and actually owned one for a short time ) some fairly attractive Savage rifles. That’s BS, they’ve never made one. But i've never seen one that wouldn't shoot great. Even the cheap combo rifles with stocks that looked like they were fashioned by a junior high shop class shot great That hurts to say but you’re right. If you can get used to the trigger. I’ve got a rifle Skinner that I’m starting to feel the same way about.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049157
11/13/20 11:37 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 43,923
Stub
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 43,923 |
Although I have never owned a Savage rifle I remember seeing a 270 on sale for great prices like $299.00 or $349.00 with a 3X9 scope, for the dollar they seem hard to beat! Knew I guy that bought one he could not hit the broadside of a barn at 20 yards, not the guns fault
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049208
11/13/20 01:14 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,335
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,335 |
To the OP, no apology necessary. This is a hunting forum, right? I've never owned a Savage, but I've never heard anyone have anything negative to say about their ability to take down a animal.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049271
11/13/20 02:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549 |
I do love my savage. I guess ill be an outlier, it was a pretty gun to me a model 14 American Classic Stainless. To me it looks every bit as good as a Rem 700 BDL etc. Problem was it wouldnt shoot for crud. A little work into the stock and bedding and it shot well, and now i have ditched the pretty wood in favor of synthetic, but its still a good looking gun to me.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049294
11/13/20 02:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645 |
I hate the bladed trigger, and it's not a pretty gun, but I'll be damned if I don't pick up a Hog Hunter in a store anytime I see one. For some reason I really want one.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049346
11/13/20 03:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 451
cullbuck
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 451 |
Howdy Jack, I have a couple of those savage "tools" as well that shoot better than some of my other rifles that cost much more. Just as you said, nothing fancy to look at, but with some reloads I have 100% confidence they will do their job if I do mine right.
Congrat's on the buck!
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049360
11/13/20 03:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 807
Russ79
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 807 |
I have been shooting a Savage 110 in .30-06 for over 40 years- my stepdad, when he had a little country store in the east Texas woods, would pick up a gun every now and then because someone would leave one as collateral for a case of beer and would never come back for them. He gave me that 110 one year for Christmas I think. You can believe this or not- back when I used to hand load I put three rounds thru the same hole at 100 yards with it in a gun vise. Couldn't really believe it but the one hole was a little bigger than what one round would make, a little ragged around the edges, and to verify shot a fourth round and aimed two inches lower and put a hole in the target two inches below the other. Great little gun.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks]
#8049370
11/13/20 03:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549 |
I hate the bladed trigger, and it's not a pretty gun, but I'll be damned if I don't pick up a Hog Hunter in a store anytime I see one. For some reason I really want one. I guess its not for everyone, but I really like the accutriger in mine. When I pulled it apart and put the new barrel on and put it in the new stock I got out the supplied little tool, and cranked the weight down as low as it would go and found it to have a very nice triger. Maybe some are better than others.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8049415
11/13/20 04:15 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 292
Longhorn74
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 292 |
I have never owned one of the Savage's, but I came across the Mossberg Patriot a few years back and bought one in a 308. The dang thing shot light's out, I was surprised by a less than $500 dollar rifle. Since that time I have picked up two more in a 270 and 243. All three are dead on.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Longhorn74]
#8049477
11/13/20 05:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 40
JethroODB
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 40 |
I love my Savages. I shoot left handed, so for the money, I can't find a rifle that shoots as well in the left handed setup. .223 Bull Barrel and .308. 308 has an Accutrigger. Both shoot lights out.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Russ79]
#8049613
11/13/20 07:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952 |
I have been shooting a Savage 110 in .30-06 for over 40 years- my stepdad, when he had a little country store in the east Texas woods, would pick up a gun every now and then because someone would leave one as collateral for a case of beer and would never come back for them. He gave me that 110 one year for Christmas I think. You can believe this or not- back when I used to hand load I put three rounds thru the same hole at 100 yards with it in a gun vise. Couldn't really believe it but the one hole was a little bigger than what one round would make, a little ragged around the edges, and to verify shot a fourth round and aimed two inches lower and put a hole in the target two inches below the other. Great little gun. I inherited a Savage in .30-06 that was made in the 60’s or 70’s Had great wood on it and at a glance looked a lot like a model 70.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: skinnerback]
#8049676
11/13/20 07:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,275
Biscuit
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,275 |
Yes Sir. I own a decent amount of different rifles but my go-to is still an old Savage 110 in 243 that I bought used from an old man 25 years ago. It’s old, ugly, has plenty of dings & scratches, but it’s a great tool that’s killed hundreds of deer/pigs/varmints/& a few exotics. I feel like I’m cheating on that rifle every time I grab a different one lol. agreed
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8050343
11/14/20 01:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 376
allterrain
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 376 |
I have 2 beautiful 243s that sit in the safe, an older Remington wood stock bdl and a ruger 243 but my favorite gun is my composite stock Remy 243 that I bought in the late 90s. After I bought and started using this gun my confidence and accuracy soared, it is the gun that I am not afraid if it gets a little wear and tear on but dang it is a good gun. I would be a bit nervous to switch guns.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8050682
11/14/20 07:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
GusWayne
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658 |
Reminds of my Remington 788
Plains Jane, barebones, absolutely nothing fancy rifle
But it works really well
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8050910
11/15/20 12:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,952
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,952 |
If your confident in it shoot it. Plain Jane no frills guns have killed lots of game.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8051290
11/15/20 03:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,607
Revoman
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,607 |
I have two bolt 223’s. One is a custom build built by the late Harold Broughton. It has a 22” barrel and is one of my go to calling rifles. The other is a Savage LE1 with 20” barrel I got to carry around in the PU and UTV’s. The Broughton is a tack driver but the ugly Savage will out shoot it. Bugged a yotes eyes 3 days ago with the Savage.
Call'm an Kill'm
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8051300
11/15/20 03:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
LeonCarr
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640 |
I have seen stock Savages and stock Remington 788s out shoot custom rifles many times.
At a local range once upon a time I saw a bone stock non-accutrigger heavy barrel Savage .308 consistently out shoot a Robar SR-90. The Robar owner was really really mad lol.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8051422
11/15/20 05:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
Life's just too short to hunt with an ugly rifle.
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: snake oil]
#8051423
11/15/20 05:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,933
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,933 |
Life's just too short to hunt with an ugly rifle. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8051455
11/15/20 06:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,510
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,510 |
Don't you know that you measure a hunting rifle by the number of $ you spent, and not the game you actually shot with it? Cheap, reliable and effective? Who the heck would want that?
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: A Great Hunting Rifle
[Re: Reverendbiker]
#8051512
11/15/20 07:51 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,221
Grizz
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,221 |
Savages are one of the most maligned rifles out there, but every one I've ever seen would just flat shoot.
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