Savage 12 Varminter Low Profile

[Marc5000]

I'm thinking about getting a model 12 Varminter Low Profile single shot. I have handled the 12 VLP repeater, but never had a chance to see the single shot version. My question is: Does the single shot version have a solid bottom receiver? Or is it the same receiver as the repeater version with a plugged magazine cut-out?
To load it, can you just drop a cartridge into the receiver and close the bolt? Or do you have to insert the cartridge manually into the chamber and then close the bolt?
Any feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Marc

[LaOtto222]

I do not have one (yet). My understanding is the bottom does not have a cut out and there is a loading tray built in, so you drop the cartridge in and push the bolt home. I have three varmint bolt guns and I have converted them over to single shots by putting in a loading tray in them, but they still have the cut-outs in the bottom If I am not mistaken, I believe the cartridge port is smaller than standard too. You might be able to get that model with a left hand or right hand port. The left hand port is to load with the left hand and work the bolt with the right. That is particularly handy when shooting at a bench or from a fixed position.

[Davemuzz]

I just bot the Model 12 stainless single shot, right hand load, right hand eject action. I am going to barrel it with a 6.5x55 Swede caliber stainless barrel. But to answer your question, there is no cut out at the bottom of the action. The action is machined to accept a cartridge. As you drop a cartridge into the action, the action is machined to let the cartridge "settle" in the center of the action, and then let the bolt push it into the chamber.

I hope I 'splained that understandblely. 

Dave

[Marc5000]

Dave and LaOtto,
Thank you for your responses.

Dave,
Your explanation was very clear. I got it.
Just one follow-up question. Is the ejection port the same size as a standard (repeater) action? Or is it smaller like on the new Savage target actions? I'm trying to include an image of a target action, not sure if it will work...




Thanks,
Marc

[LaOtto222]

You had to put that picture up didn't you. Man I am drooling over it right now. I want one real bad. I like to build rifles and that action would make a dandy varmint rifle.

I am not sure if the model 12 single shot comes with a smaller port or not. I do not think it has the 3rd action screw. I think that is what makes the target different than the single shot. The smaller port, the third action screw and choice of left hand or right hand ports, but do not hold me to it.

[Marc5000]

I too am drooling...

According to Savage's website the target action has a "target accutrigger" adjustable to as low as 6 oz.

[Davemuzz]

Just one follow-up question. Is the ejection port the same size as a standard (repeater) action? Or is it smaller like on the new Savage target actions? I'm trying to include an image of a target action, not sure if it will work...

Marc,

I don't know if it's the same size as a "standard" repeater or not. I would say give Savage a call (you can get their number from their web site) and ask them that question. I've called them for other information, and they are very nice people to chat with.

Dave

[Davemuzz]

Marc,

I did take a pic (see below) and measure the opening of the single shot Model 12 that I have. It's 3.025" (Actually, I would think the spec's are just 3"). Also, if you look, you can see the machine work I was talking about where the cartridge would "drop" into and self-center before you close the bolt.

I hope this helps you.

Dave.




Yeah....I know you gotta turn your whole computer upside down to see the pic right side up.....either that or stand on your head .....Hey....who said this stuff was easy? (Man...I hope you don't have one of those new 60" flat screen monitors! )

[Marc5000]

Thank you very much Dave.

That picture answers all my questions. I really appreciated.

By the way I gave Savage a call today. In fact they told me there are no external differences between the 12 VLP repeater and single shot versions. Both have a short action with a standard size port. The only difference is that the single shot version has a solid bottom (as you described and the pic shows) whereas the repeater has a cut-out for the blind magazine. Everything else is the same.

The target action, besides the solid bottom, has a smaller port for extra stiffness. The target action goes on the rifles like the 12 Long Range Precision Varminter and 12 F Class Target rifles. The target action is available in two configurations: RH Boilt - RH Port, or RH Bolt - LH Port. Also the target action has 3 action screws. The standard action has 2.


Thanks again for the info and all the help,
Marc