Author Topic: Walmart Savage (Read 4674 times)

SeaBass · « **on:** January 23, 2004, 02:23:39 PM »

I'm considering buying a Savage 111FC package at Wallyword. It looks to be the same as the 111FCXP3 that is on Savage's website. It is 6.5# with a 22" barrel (wish it was 24") with a cheap scope and a detachable magazine.

Can I expect typical Savage accuracy from this rifle or is it some special deal for Walmart with poor quality?

Accutrigger is not available on this model. :cry:
Will I be able to tune the factory trigger down to 3#'s or so?

Would you go with .270 win or .30-06? I think it would be hard to go wrong with either but would like some opinions. This rifle will be used mostly on deer and coyotes.

What do you think? Thanks for your help. BTW this combo is $330.00.

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2004, 02:26:59 PM »

Big fan of 300 win mag .. not of the 270 due to various probs.

30-06 is a good one also

Doghunter · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2004, 03:53:01 PM »

30/06 will deliver more punch out at 300yds, however both will do the job!

dbuck · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2004, 05:06:27 PM »

Don't get the Savage, I have a Savage and I like it real well, but you can get a Weatherby Vanguard 30.06 at Wall-Mart and it comes with a 24" barrel and its a better rifle and those combination deals are not deals, the scopes are cheap and you don't want to go deer hunting at 300 yards with a cheap scope, save your money if you can't afford one now. My two cents.

dbuck

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2004, 05:43:43 PM »

I agree with dbuck, go with the weatherby and not because the savage is a bad gun, it's just not a weatherby. I have two friends who have wally world weatherby's and they are both tack drivers and they both use only boxed ammo :grin:

Dave in WV · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2004, 04:26:30 AM »

Both the .270 and the 30-06 would work fine.

SeaBass · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2004, 06:28:55 AM »

Thanks for the tip on the Vanguard having a 24" barrel. I meant to check it out as well. Is there any other reason to choose the vanguard over the savage? I would expect accuracy and dependability to be very good from either rifle. The scope in not really a factor. I plan on replacing it before deer season anyway. It actually costs more to get one with out the scope! :shock:

The savage is much lighter 6.5lb vs 7.75 for the vanguard. The extra weight would help with the recoil no doubt. I will be spending much more time carring it than shooting it though. On the other hand to take full advantage of certain loads I would need a 24" barrel. :?

I'll definitely take a look at the Vanguard, but that light savage with a detachable mag would be real handy. Probably in .270 win.

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2004, 10:18:54 AM »

SeaBass,

Why not get the Model 110GXP3, comes with the AccuTrigger and only weights 3/4 of a lb. more in weight. Go to http://www.savagearms.com/110gxp3.htm to view it. It has a wood stock, while not fancy it IS much better than the synthetic stock in my opinion. Whatever caliber you get(for deer at ranges you stated I don't think you can do better than a .270 Win.) I don't believe that the Howa built Vanguard will be as accurate as the Savage out of the box. While the Vanguard is a good rifle, it is NOT a Weatherby Mark V, it just carries the Weatherby name. If it was me I would get the model 110GXP3 and not look back. Lawdog

sabotloader · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2004, 11:28:09 AM »

Seabass, I have two Weatherby Vanguards a 270 and a 300 win mag. My real thought is I would rather have the Vangard than the savage. I DO prefer the sythetic stock - In the weather and conditions I hunt in the synthetic will hold up the longest and be least effected by tempurature and weather. If you are going for beauty the wood stock will probably win out.

j.trevor123 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2004, 05:20:06 PM »

in my opinion if i was only shooting small game (deer, coyotes) I would go with a .270, they are great guns. I have a 270 adl rem. and love it, ive shot 7 whitetail with it and have yet to have them run more that a few steps(never out to 300 yards but i know it could) I use 130 grain sierra gameking bullets. I just think a 270 with what caliber it shoots is better than a 30-06. But if u might one day hunt some large game u might want to get the 30-06. But i would have confidence shooting elk size game with my .270, within 200 yrds. But either will do more than enough, u cant go wrong, they will both kill about any non dangerous game around.

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2004, 07:04:00 PM »

Go with .300 mag.Better to have it and not need it,than to need it and not have it......my 2 cents....Rick :grin:

woodseye · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:17:57 AM »

Quote

I don't believe that the Howa built Vanguard will be as accurate as the Savage out of the box. While the Vanguard is a good rifle, it is NOT a Weatherby Mark V, it just carries the Weatherby name. If it was me I would get the model 110GXP3 and not look back. Lawdog

Agreed 100% with Lawdog, I have played with Howa and Savage and the Savage will be lighter to carry and more accurate IMO.

woods

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2004, 02:09:03 AM »

SeaBass
Before you plunk down the cash take a look at thishttp://www.weatherby.com/vanguard/flash.shtml

and this
http://www.weatherby.com/vanguard/advantage.shtml

bobcathunter · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2004, 09:22:33 AM »

I dont know if you plan to hunt anything bigger than whitetail but a 25-06 has flater trajectory alot less recoil more accurate for that reason and will do the job just fine

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2004, 10:05:37 AM »

A Post Script to my other post. Take into account where the Vanguard is made and where the Savage is made. Buy American. Lawdog

SeaBass · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2004, 11:21:31 AM »

Thanks for all the input. I'm still undecided at this point but there's no big hurry. So keep it coming.

I do know where both rifles are made and that is something I have considered. I like to buy American when I can. Seems to be getting harder to do these days.

SeaBass · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2004, 04:49:58 PM »

How are the triggers on the Vanguards? Anyone have a link on how to adjust them? I've found tons of info on adjusting the Savage triggers but next to nothing on the vanguard.

Zachary · « **Reply #17 on:** January 26, 2004, 06:43:37 AM »

Quote from: DirtyHarry

I agree with dbuck, go with the weatherby and not because the savage is a bad gun, it's just not a weatherby.

Actually, the vanguard really even isn't a Weatherby - it's a Howa.

Zachary

dbuck · « **Reply #18 on:** January 26, 2004, 12:02:34 PM »

SeaBass,

The Weatherby Vanguard or Howa 1500 what ever you want to call them. Ok let's look at these rifles, they are not the same, but yet they are the same, I'll to explain.

I own three Howa 1500's and one Weatherby Vanguard.

Barrel length. Weatherby Vanguard 24"
Howa 1500 22" (You can't get it in 24")

Safety: Theirs a difference in the safety catch on the right side of the trigger group which is different in each model, not much, but different if you look at both you can tell. Trigger adjustment is with two screws on the trigger group, the rear is for creep and the front is for trigger pul. Weatherby Vanguard's will not let you go past 3 lbs. in adjustment and its more like 3.5 lbs. The Howa 1500 you can take down to 2 lbs.

Accuracy: Well this is a subjective think, but two of my Howa's shoot 1 1/2" groups at 200 yards, not 100 yards as most shooter shoot and I do the reloading. I get the same thing with my Savage 308, so go figure, but I have a Remington 700 7-08 that can do the same thing. I haven't shot my new Weatherby Vanguard 30-06 yet, but I'm taking it Elk hunting this fall.

When you get right down to the ground with this thing, its your money and your choice, I feel you will be happy with either one or go buy a Remington 700 or go buy a Tikka T-3 or a Tikka Whitehunter, they are all good rifles, it usually comes down to the man behind the rifle anyway. If you just had to choose just one caliber and one only I would go with the 30-06. and you don't have to punish yourself with this round. IMO

dbuck

SeaBass · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2004, 03:43:30 PM »

Well, I checked out the Weatherby Vanguard today and I have to say I am impressed. I looked at the 111FC and the Vanguard side by side. The action felt quite a bit smoother on the Vanguard. The stock is much nicer than the savage's and over all the Vangaurd looks and feels like a higher quality rifle.

The Vanguard is more expensive but not a whole lot. The bare rifle is $380 vs $330 for the savage with scope (Simmons 3x9x40mm 8 pointer from the looks of it) and sling.

Unfortunately they won't let you try the triggers at Wally World. I did try several different triggers at a local gun shop including a couple of Savages (W/O accutrigger) and they were all pretty mediocre with the exception of a Tikka, which had a rather nice trigger but a sticky bolt(the rifle was used though).

I was pretty much set on buying the Savage 111FC, but the Vanguard just feels nicer to me and has a 24" barrel. It may very well be my next rifle. :grin:

Any one shooting sub MOA groups with their Vanguards? What did it take to get them that way?

SeaBass · « **Reply #20 on:** January 26, 2004, 04:40:18 PM »

This entire thread disappeared from the bolt action forum! I back clicked my browser and submited this post to see if I could bring the rest of the thread back. Hope this works.

How do I Delete this post?

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2004, 03:07:10 AM »

Quote from: Zachary

Actually, the vanguard really even isn't a Weatherby - it's a Howa.

Zachary

The modified mauser action is built by howa, however,the gun does have many of the features of the mark v, Weatherby gave it thier name and reputation,and every one I have fired(4 different ones) have been excellent in fit,finish and accuracy,so to me it is a weatherby.
The only reason I dont own one is because it is not offered in a caliber I want right now.

sabotloader · « **Reply #22 on:** January 27, 2004, 07:51:52 AM »

I have kind of let this topic slide by with out entering any comments but Seabass I would like to let you know that I own a Vanguard 300 win mag. It came with a wood stock but I changed to Weatherby composit - I do achieve the accuracy claimed and I have done it with a stock rifle out of the box with my reloads. The trigger is smooth - I have never sought to adjust it because it feels good to me. I am a happy camper with the Vanguard even if it isn't Mark IV.

147 Grain · « **Reply #23 on:** May 28, 2005, 02:03:48 PM »

FYI:

Just bought from Walmart a new Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow 30-06 for their standard price of $398, minus 10% for a tiny scratch on the barrel. Comes with a nice light-weight composite stock, the Controlled Round Push Feed (CRPF) Action, and Simmons 3-9X40 Scope.

See also:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=931&cat=001C

Steve

P.S. On page 4 of Walmart's new Firearms Catalog, it says they will be selling new Remington 700 SPS's with 24" barrel and Limbsaver Pad for "$364.00:" AFTER all of their 700 ADL's are sold from their Regional Warehouses.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #24 on:** May 28, 2005, 03:00:43 PM »

I'm gonna chime in here and say that while I own both the .270 and 30-06 Vanguards, I'm not gonna tell you NOT to get that Savage. If you prefer the 24" barrel over the 22" then get the Vanguard. If you prefer a lighter gun vs. a heavier gun then get the Savage. Either gun WILL give you OTB accuracy that will be MOA or sub-MOA with the factory offerings, they are designed to do that. Both guns have adjustable triggers that are not hard to work on and each has a set of instructions on how to. Each gun can have after-market triggers and/or stocks added and each gun has it's own following and reputation for ruggedness and accuracy.
If I were to choose one or the other of the calibers you listed I think it would be the ever reliable and always producing, all too often overlooked as an all around caliber...........30-06.

BTW Wal-Mart can order guns for you if you pay 50% down. Go to this site and pick ya one out and print out the info and head to the sporting goods counter.
http://www.walmart.com/guns?path=0%3A4125%3A4155%3A170080

They can also order this gun if you ask for it.
http://www.savagearms.com/st_200long.htm

poncaguy · « **Reply #25 on:** May 28, 2005, 03:12:38 PM »

Well, fellow Okie, I disagree. Just bought a Stevens 200 in 25-06 for $260, a very accurate and a great rifle.................and American made. My other rifles are Rugers and a Winchester Super Shadow in 270 WSM, shoots 3/4" groups.........But if your rich, blow ur $$$ on a name.......

lik2hunt · « **Reply #26 on:** May 28, 2005, 03:30:59 PM »

Quote

Well, fellow Okie, I disagree. Just bought a Stevens 200 in 25-06 for $260, a very accurate and a great rifle.................and American made. My other rifles are Rugers and a Winchester Super Shadow in 270 WSM, shoots 3/4" groups.........But if your rich, blow ur $$$ on a name.......

Did you click on the last link I posted? It's to the Stevens 200. As far as being rich goes, I purchased both my Vanguards for less than retail..........both purchased brand new.

I've been watching your posts on your Stevens both here and at Savageshooters, and I am impressed. May be my next gun purchase will be one of the 200's.

SeaBass · « **Reply #27 on:** May 29, 2005, 05:09:13 AM »

I guess I should have posted this some time ago.

I purchased a Vanguard in .270 win back when Walmart had it's close out on them. I paid $250.00 for it. It would shoot MOA out of the box. With a little bit of work and my handloads it will now shoot 1/2 MOA.

It is heavy (especially with a 4-16x50AO Mueller Sport Dot!) but I wanted a 24" barrel. The weight is nice when shooting. It carries OK in "normal" terrain. When I go up in the mountains it stays at home.(along with alot of other stuff!)
My light rifle is a Win 94 with a leupold scout scope.

I am very happy with my Vanguard. I had to do a little fine tuning to get it the way I wanted it, but that's OK with me.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #28 on:** May 29, 2005, 05:24:41 AM »

Give the Stevens a look-see and maybe run a search here and check it out. Seems they're running anywhere from $250 to $275 and "handirifle" says that Savage assured him that they are the 110 without the accu-trigger. All range reports that I've looked at here and at Savageshooters.com are very impressive.

The Vanguards were a good purchase at $250 and hard to pass on weren't they?

old06 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 29, 2005, 05:56:41 AM »

I picked the 270 but would not bat a eye over a 30.06. The 300 just has too much recoil for deer and is not really need. The longest shot I've seen on deer was with a 308 at a bit over 335 yards by my son. So much for the need of a magnum.

Poll

Which cartidge for whitetail out to 300yds?

Author Topic: Walmart Savage (Read 4674 times)