Author Topic: Savage 93R17FVSS (Read 1017 times)

Keith L · « **on:** February 12, 2004, 01:53:04 PM »

I just picked up this rifle. I have a 17 HMR barrel for my Contender (Super 14) and I like it so much that I wanted a rifle as well. Several folks around here recommended the Savageand are using it for target shooting and varmints. After looking at lots of the current offerings I bought one. I am not pleased with the trigger, and have ordered a Rifle Basix sear and kit. I also plan to pillar bed this rifle. I will still have less invested than many of the other offerings.

I am wondering what experiences this membes of Geaybeard Outdoors have with this rifle. So gang, what do you know about it?

Thanks,

JCM · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2004, 10:55:09 AM »

Hey Keith, do you have any feedback on it yet? I've taken a look at them and they are in the running for me.

Thanks,
JCM

Keith L · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2004, 12:02:10 PM »

I haven't shot it yet. I have replaced the sear with a Rifle Basix sear and improved the trigger a bunch. I did a little work on the stock to relieve the contact between the stock and action, and it is now pillar bedded. Today I added a World Class Tasco 4/16X50 scope and have not successfully raised the scope to the point where the adjustable objective lens clears the barrel. I will post when I have some real experience with this gun. Others I have spoken with compare this with much more expensive guns ( even with all the add ons I still have only about $300 in it). Thanks for asking.

Keith L · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2004, 03:47:12 AM »

If I could only spend all my time on these projects instead of rudely getting interupted for work and such.

I have the scope mounted, the trigger set, and all systems go. First cleaning and shots have 1/2" groups at 50 yards. I am still cleaning between each shot for breakin purposes, and am still checking/tightening things. I won't get back to shooting until early next week, but I think this will shoot well when everyhing wiggles in and is tight. I suspect 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards are going to be easy. This is from an inexpensive gun.

The gun cost $220 new, Tasco World Class 4-16X50 was $70. Rings to fit the supplied Weaver bases cost $20. The Rifle Basix sear was $70. Installing and adjusting the sear took about an hour. Installing the scope was about the same. For $380 and a couple hours of enjoyable work I have a rifle that will shoot with anyone.

The comparable CZ I looked at prior to starting on this project was $375. It had a sporter barrel and was blued and wood. Had I added the same scope it would have been $465. This Savage is stainless and synthetic (weather proof) and has a bull barrel. Both rifles are imports (eastern Europe for CZ and Canada for the Savage).

Was this a good purchase? So far so good. I plan on using this one plenty this spring and summer on the farm. Gophers and Chucks are going to have a hard time.

BTW, the Rifle Basix sear made this work. The original sear gave me a 6+ pound pull with at least 3/16 creep. At least the creep was smooth. The new sear adjusts to no creep and 1 1/2 pound pull. The trigger is now as good as any trigger I have used in a modern rifle. This is not a drop in trigger but it doesn't take a smith to install it. And Bob at Rifle Basix is most helpful.

JCM · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2004, 08:48:19 AM »

Thanks for all the info. I'd appreciate hearing all the good and the bad that you find with it so please post any updates.

Thanks again and good luck with the groups!
JCM

Keith L · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2004, 10:06:17 PM »

Today the best group was a four hole group that I can cover with a dime, and one flier that makes it a Nickel sized group. Three of the shots were touching. I was shooting off the bipod but didn't sandbag the buttstock. I have a lace on cheek piece to get the comb higher (extra high rings to allow the use of the 50 mm objective scope). I am still cleaning lots and am getting no indication of copper fouling.

The more I shoot this the more I like it. I can see the reaction at the target thru the scope. The gun doesn't move! And I think it will be a keeper. With a little more wiggiling in of things and break in I think one hole groups are likely. I like a gun that makes me look like a good shot.

I think the chucks need to be worried this summer.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2004, 12:43:00 AM »

I have a Savage model 93R17 in 17HRM also, it is blued with a wood stock. Just like you thought the trigger was not that good, neither is mine. Seems a little rough and could use some work. But as far as accuracy, it is a tack driver. I can get dime size groups also at 100 yards, but like you, I get that one flier. I have a Simmons 44 MAG 6.5 X 20 X 44 on it. I think it is a great scope for this gun. I have shot with several guys that bought the Ruger, and CZ in the 17HRM and a few of the others. There guns cost from 2 to 3 times the price of my gun and they do not shoot any better. I am going to get a trigger job done on it and still have less invested than they have. This gun is here to stay in my gun safe. I shot a black bird at 75 yards the other day and it just blew up the bird. What an awesome round. The Hornady rounds shoot the best out of my gun. But I can't complain about any of the others. They are very close in accuracy. I see no reason other than nicer stocks or wanting a different name brand to get another 17HRM. The Savage looks good and the over all function is very good, except for a little work needed on the trigger. I give it 2 thumbs up.

T.J. McSuds · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2004, 03:05:40 AM »

I just bought one of the 93 models, blue, syn stock. Tasco 3x9, 40mm obj.
Rifle $189, scope $49.95, rings $11. Look on my face after shooting water jug, priceless.
I will look into the rifle basix trigger as the trigger is the one drawback to this piece.

Bang · « **Reply #8 on:** April 14, 2004, 07:44:23 PM »

My 93 and my MKII go just about everywhere with me if I'm outdoors. Have taken a lot of squirrels with it last year.

Bang

rifleman · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2004, 01:22:54 PM »

Just had a 93R17-FVSS set aside at my favorite dealer. I'll pick it up tomorrow. I've got an "extra" Swift Premier 4-12X40 scope to go on it. I'll be blasting flickertails by this weekend if the weather cooperates. WAAAAHOOOOOO!!!!

Dave