Savage 10-FP Finally Range Ready!

[Bill T]

The scope came in yesterday, and I got it mounted up last night. I really like this Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical. It's really bright and very clear. So much so I just got off the phone with Bruno's and ordered another one for my Savage 12-F/TR. The only problem I had was the 6-48 tapped holes were full of crud, and no way I could get the screws for the bases in. I took it to a local gunsmith and he told me he had a heck of a time cleaning them out. He had to charge me for the tap he used because it really dulled it beyond further use. I wish Savage would use plug screws on the models they coat with whatever it is they use. I had no such issues with the screws on the 12-F/TR. They went right in. The Burris Signature Zee Rings are a pleasure to work with. They really hold nice and tight without having to lap. Another thing I've found is once you get the reticle adjusted nice and straight, it will stay put without moving. Just tighten away and you're done. The bases are Burris Extreme Tactical Steel. I won't get a chance to get out to the range until next week, but that is fine because by then I'll have the 12-F/TR scoped and range ready as well. I've got a half dozen handloads prepared. I'm anxious to see how they both print. For anyone who is interested Bruno's has the best price on these Bushnell's.  Bill T.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/

[teddy12b]

I'm looking forward to reading your range report.  Hope everything goes well.

[Bill T]

I'm hoping to get to the range in the next couple of weeks. I'm waiting on another scope for my other Savage, (a Model 12-F/TR). It should be here in the next couple of days. Then I'll be able to shoot both. Bill T.

[glockman55]

Bill, I have a winter project too, picked up a Savage 111, .270. getting an after market trigger for it and looking for a scope. I like the looks of your 3200, is that what your getting for your other rifle? Let us know how that scope/rifle works out.

What one did you get? 5X15X40, Multi-x reticle, or the mil dot.

[Bill T]

Bill, I have a winter project too, picked up a Savage 111, .270. getting an after market trigger for it and looking for a scope. I like the looks of your 3200, is that what your getting for your other rifle? Let us know how that scope/rifle works out.

Yes. I purchased 2 of them. I just finished mounting the other one up to my Savage 12-F/TR yesterday. I'm hoping to get out to the range Saturday, weather permitting. I have 6 different loads prepared for both rifles, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they both shoot.  Bill T.

[glockman55]

Bill, did you use the med or high rings? I always use Burris as well. and what retical did you get? Thanks

[gypsyman]

Is that the model that Savage makes that you can order either a 24'' or a 20'' in .308??  gypsyman

[Bill T]

Is that the model that Savage makes that you can order either a 24'' or a 20'' in .308??  gypsyman

Bill, did you use the med or high rings? I always use Burris as well. and what retical did you get? Thanks

Yes, the Model 10-FP comes in either a 20" or a 24" barrel in .308. Mine is a 24" model. I believe in .223 it is only avaliable in a 20" model.

I used the Medium Burris Signature Zee Rings for Both the 10-FP and the 12-F/TR, and they worked out perfectly. I have just enough clearance on the front Objective lens to get a set of Butler Creek Flip-Up Scope Covers on. Bushnell provides a nice set with elastic retainers, but I like the Butler Creek Flip-Ups. I used Burris Extreme Steel Tactical Bases, and I got the Mil-Dot Reticle. The scope comes standard with a nice screw on 4" sunshade. Bushnell provides a really nice, wallet sized pamphlet on how to use the Mil-Dot system to gauge range. It's perfect for keeping with the rifle. Weather for Saturday looks iffy, so I may go to the big Crossroads Of The West Gun Show Saturday, then get to the range Sunday. Either way, I want these guns to go bang this weekend! It's been a long wait.   Bill T.

[Bill T]

Here are some pictures of the Savage 12-F/TR scoped out and ready to go to the range, hopefully tomorrow. As you can see I went with the Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15X on it as well. I really liked the clarity, quality, and price. The Burris Extreme Steel Tactical Bases show up as a almost gun metal grey color for some reason, but they are very similar to the rings in color and finish to the naked eye.







Kind of a crappy through the lens shot of the reticle. It almost looks segmented because it isn't straight and vertical in the photo, causing the pixel blocking you see. Time for a better camera.



Really weird how the bases look so grey. For some reason the color saturation isn't as profound.





Overall I'm pleased how they both mounted up. Just enough clearance for the front lens covers. Hopefully, the next photos will be of some nice targets! I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  Bill T.

[glockman55]

Straighten that scope out and clean the lens..LOL  Looks good, I might go with the same set up on mine. I've seen the scope for under $300.

[Bill T]

I might go with the same set up on mine. I've seen the scope for under $300.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=BUE325154T&Category_Code=35BS-3200

This is what I paid for both of mine. Brunos is about 20 minutes from my house, and he was over $80.00 cheaper than Cabela's for the exact same scope.  Bill T.

[glockman55]

Did you buy your Burris rings there as well?

[Bill T]

Did you buy your Burris rings there as well?

No, those along with the bases I bought from Midway because they were the only place that I could find that had them in stock. These rings are selling very well. In fact Midway doesn't expect to be restocked in the Burris Signature Zee Rings in 30MM until mid Summer! Bruno's did however have the Posi-Align Offset plastic inserts in stock. I think in my next Midway order I'm going to get a couple more sets of these rings. Just in case.  Bill T.

[glockman55]

I can get the rings through Optics Planet for $28.55, I have the base..

I just re read your last post, 30mm? is the 3200 scope 30mm or 1"?

[glockman55]

I see they are 1"

[Bill T]

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse. The Elite 3200 is a 1" tube. The Elite 4200 is a 30 MM tube.  Bill T.

[Bill T]

(CLICK ON THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE)

The range session for both guns went well. I got out early and had the range all to myself. Wind was dead calm. The large "Number 2" was the worst target shot all day. The rest are pretty acceptable. All were fired from a Bald Eagle front and rear rest. The left "Shoot-N-C" target was the 10-FP the right one was the 12-F/TR. Overall the 12-F/TR was a little more accurate, and I suspected it would be with the heavier contour 30" target barrel. Both guns show a preference for Nosler Ballistic Tips which kind of surprised me. I thought the Sierra Matchkings would do better. I don't "break in" barrels, both were shot as they came from the box. Overall it was a good first outing, and it looks like I'll be looking to Nosler, Varget, and Lapua as components of choice for both of these guns. I am going to try some Hornady A-Max bullets, as well as some Berger VLD's. But that's another session for yet another day.  Bill T.