Author Topic: ??Rem. 700-Wby. Vangaurd-or Savage 111FXP3?? (Read 1897 times)

lik2hunt · « **on:** July 04, 2004, 02:32:37 AM »

I usually hang around the NEF forums and am a fan of those little single shots, but I want a bolt rifle, too. So, I am considering my next rifle purchase and have settled on three different options. Rem. 700 ADL Synthetic, Weatherby Vangaurd Synthetic, or the Savage 111FXP3 package....all in 30-06 Springfield. Of these three which would you get if you could and why? Thanks for the input in advance.

DonT · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2004, 04:15:09 AM »

Well I would buy the Savage, why bucause some time back I bought one of their early bolt actions in .308 (110 I beleive) used (easily shot 1" groups if I did my part with zero failures to feed or fire). Liked it so well I went out and got a 12BVSS in .223 and liked it so well I went out and got a 12BVSS in .308.

With all these guns (first one now sits in a buddies gun safe) I have never had a failure to feed or fire. All shoot 1" groups at 100 yds if I do my part. All are very reasonably priced compared to others (read as much less expensive) leaving more money for better optics if you choose to scope it.

Finally, you don't seel a gun to a buddy that is a piece of junk, at least I don't.

I shoot Savage, I like Savage and I will not hesitate to buy Savage again.

Just one mans opinion.....

vernonp · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2004, 06:27:54 AM »

I would prefer the Vanguard or Howa 1500, which is the same thing. In fact I have a Howa 1500 in 30-06 ordered. I wanted the thumbhole stock which is finally available in laminate. I can shoot these stocks better offhand. You want go wrong with any of the three. Vernon

mountainview · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2004, 08:40:33 AM »

I agree with Vern on not going wrong with any of the 3 mentioned. It is more of which one you think is best suited for yourself (frequently a tough call given the many good choices we are blessed with). Check the fit and feel and go with the most comfortable is my recommendation.

Right now I have several Savage 110 and a 700ADL rifles and my only complaint is that I need a couple more of each. I would give the 700 a slight nod for trigger performance unless you get the new Accutrigger on a Savage. The accutrigger is hard to beat and pull weight can be adjusted without recourse to a gunsmith. Another thing I like about the Savage is that the package deals fit my budget and seem to work well enough for my needs.

Have fun and safe shooting.

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2004, 09:15:11 AM »

lik2hunt,

Of the three you selected I would say they would be in this order.

1.] Savage 111FXP3 ( it comes with the new AccuTrigger) as it is the most accurate out of the box rifles made today.

2.] The Weatherby Vanguard as it has WeatherbyÂ’s WRITTEN accuracy guarantee that Weatherby will back up(although made by Howa the Howa rifles do not come with this guarantee).

3.] Remington 700 ADL. I can give you five(5) reasons why Remington should be last on any rifle selection list,

1.] hideous safety

2.] brazed on bolt handle

3.] declining quality control

4.] non existent customer service

5.] a trigger group made from stamped metal

If I were you I would go with the Savage and not look back. You will be money ahead and have the better weapon. Small groups and tight lines to you. Lawdog

SHW · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2004, 09:31:15 AM »

I have owned the 700 & the weatherby but no savages. As earlier stated, all will probably serve you well. But I would buy the remington. The 700 is the easiest to modify latter down the road if you so desire. Stocks, triggers etc. are easier to come by for the 700. IMHO. Enjoy your new rifle.

Thunder38849 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2004, 11:36:50 AM »

I would go with the Weatherby. The Vanguards trigger can be adjusted to a very crisp trigger. I adjusted one about 2 weeks ago down to 2 1/2 lbs. and took the creep out of it. It takes about 15 minutes to do this.

Have to agree with Lawdog on the Remington. Their customer service has gone out the window.

The Savage... I have never owned a Savage and don't plan on it anytime soon. I am NOT downgrading the Savage... they may be great guns for all I know, but they look like a chunk of driftwood with a barrel. I wouldn't buy a car that looks as if it were used in a demolition derby even if it ran like a dream.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2004, 11:50:54 AM »

Boy...all three rifles are good choices...which one feels best to you?

As Lawdog has said the Weatherby does come with a written gaurentee and the target with which ammo was used to shoot it...granted it's done from a fully enclosed range...but it does show the potential of the rifle...and if you look on Weatherby's site...you can upgrade your Vangaurd some with much better stocks and you can even send it back to them for accurizing if you want or what ever else you want from the custom shop...I'm on my 2nd Weatherby in the same amount of months...and they are sweet to say the least.

The Savage...is a very good gun for the money gives you the accu trigger and that really helps it...plus these are switch barrels guns are they not...it's (from what I've read) pretty easy to change them out by your self if your so inclined to do,with a minimum of fuss...a co-worker has the heavy stainless barreled 308 and it is a good shooter..but with all Savages...there is a-lot of slop in the bolt movement..and that is what keeps me from getting one...it can be fixed by sleeving it...but it is an extra cost and time loss

The Remington...well...it's probably been modified more than any of the other three and parts and service from Remington is top-notch..from what I've experienced...you can get barrels and stocks practical anywhere for it..and I've seen prices coming down on them lately too...and you can have the custom shop work over your Remington as much as your pocket book will allow...and then some.....

Hard choices you get to make...I went with the Weatherby line...namely because of the Quality and Accuracy in their firearms...these are very important to me..and I'm sure you too...but having a head start on knowing how well a rifle will shoot would be a major short cut not to mention saving money on components or factory loads. There's something about them..that is...well...it's a Weatherby...built like a tank and shoots like a dream...

Mac

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2004, 12:53:28 PM »

In .30-06 the ONLY one of the three I'd even consider would be the R700 ADL. If I wanted a Weatherby Magnum I'd get a Weatherby. I'd not own one of those UGLY Savages if it was free.

In spite of the reported problems some folks feel Remington has I've yet to personally see it. I buy several each year and have perhaps owned well over 200 Remington long guns of all descriptions. One had to go back for a problem and it was rimfire. Never owned a centerfire that failed to group in an inch at 100 yards. I never even consider other brands when I'm ready for a long gun if they make it.

GB

Zachary · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2004, 02:54:04 PM »

Of all three mentioned, I would take the Remington 700. Of those NOT mentioned, I would take a Tikka - hands down!

Zachary

mcrae555 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2004, 05:59:14 PM »

I bought the Remington Model 700ADL in 30/06. It was some kind of special release here in Canada and came with a Skyline Exel syntheic camo stock. I prefer Remington but the stock was junk so I replaced it with a Bell and Carlson and I couldn't be happier with the gun! I have owned five Remington rifles and have never had to deal with the customer service because I have never had a problem with them! I have had Savages in the past because they where cheaper to buy than Remington and I have never had any problems or issues with the Savage rifles either. My personal preference is just Remington.

McRae555

lik2hunt · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2004, 02:26:19 AM »

Wow! Great replies, Thanks guys. I am leaning towards the 700 the most mainly because of the fact that I have shot a .270 and man was it sweet. Been seeing the prices come down myself and accessorizing is almost as easy in price and availability as a Mossy shotgun is......stuff everywhere. The 700 is a tack driver and for around $450 to $500 can't be beat. They really look good with a 50mm scope riding on top too. I know that Weatherby has a great guarantee and a reputation that is hard to beat and I can get a Howa in the same caliber if I choose to for not that much more $$$. But like GB said if I were to get one why not wait until I could afford the Mag in a MarkV or Accumark. The Savage is a rough ride on the shoulder I have to agree and it doesn't actually feel real comfortable at the forearm either, they're just kinda "bulky" feeling. BUT the 100-150 bucks saved and the inclusion of a scope kinda makes one think tho. And they are accurate. Looks like I just listed my choices in descending order doesn't it?
Now here's another option if the $$$ avail themselves....a Browning A-bolt Composite Stalker, actually not that much more expensive than the Howas or the Weatherby.

oldgunr · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2004, 04:27:53 AM »

The browning is nice, dont own one but shot one a friend has.
Remington 700 in 30.06, Wal-mart has one with a laminated stock for about $450(adl). Savage you can't buy better, just more expensive. I have two of them both bolts and tack drivers. a model 340 & 235. Also two Remington 700s. a .270 & 7 mag. The remingtons shoot easier than the savages. But it usually comes down to what you like, is it pleasing to the eye as well as the wallet. etc.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2004, 01:45:36 PM »

Last Friday my first four shots at 100 yds out of a Rem' 700 ADL Syn' in .308 were two ragged holes! I shot at two different 'diamonds', on two sheets of paper, and couldn't get over how consistent that rifle was. Off a bench, of course, and the best shooting I did that day; but I know that if I do my part the rifle is better than I am.

I adjusted the trigger per some of the web sites you can find if you do a search of 'sniping'. Naturally, that's a big part of getting the rifle to shoot well. But, it's no major task for someone with some mechanical aptitude and just a little bit of patience.

All things considered, I'll take the Remington ADL Syn' and its results, dollar for dollar, over any other rifle out there.

Respectfully, but sincerely,

SS'

varmit_master · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2004, 01:49:08 PM »

Hi my dad got a new Remington 1187 shotgun about 3 yrs ago last yr he crack the fore arm big time so i box it up for him sent it back to Rem with my number and address to call me to see how much it would be 3 weeks i sent it up there 3 day mail about 3 weeks later i got a box from UPS and it was from Reminton they sent a new one shipp it and the paper inside the box said NO CHARGE people can say what they want to about a Remington rifle i will buy a Remington any day and the people that work there did me right and if i e mail them about something i get a e mail back from them with in 24 hours or less VM

lik2hunt · « **Reply #15 on:** July 07, 2004, 01:22:39 AM »

Well you guys have been the best. I have narrowed it down to the Rem or the Weatherby. I have shot a Rem and now have shouldered and handled a Weatherby. I believe I like the Weatherby the best. Good name and reputation and what a NICE gun. I also handled one of the Tikka T3 lites, boy I don't know about this one.....lot of plastic on that gun and way too lite for a large caliber weapon, may work good in the 22 to 25 calibers but I think the recoil would shock ya with anything bigger, even a .270. Anyway I still like the Savages too, and it will be a while before I get ready for a purchase, so I still got time to think about one of them. I have been looking at prices and the Rems are anywhere from $330 to $485, not bad. I appreciate all the help and I'll be watching for more great posts from you guys.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2004, 02:12:00 AM »

Well it looks like it is probably gonna come down to a question of money.............big surprise huh? :wink: If I can only come up with a minimal amount then the Savage package will fit that. I handled one yesterday and I think I could make myself get accustomed to that stock, the Simmons scope is a plus, even though it's a low end scope it's still pretty functional. If the funds turn out to be what I hope they will, then the Weatherby w/ Leupold or Nikkon, or Swift optics, or the 700 ADL with the same optics will fill the bill. If the $$$ are in the medium range then the optics will have to take the hit. At least that's the way I feel this morning, that's all liable (probable) to change by tomorrow morning :wink:

. Thanks again and keep the good stuff coming.

HogFan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2004, 09:50:56 AM »

Well of all the ones mentioned, I would go the the Remington first, probably followed by the Weatherby, and then the Savage. I own a Remington, and a Savage. I don't know who said that Savage had great customer service, but they are wrong. Dealt with them about 3 months ago, and the lady was rude. I ordered new action screws, due to the previous stock on it required me to grind the aaction screws to fit. Went back to the factory stock, and would not fit. I called Savage to order new ones, and the lady got an attitude with me. Not only that, but they charged me $10 for shipping and handling on something that cost them .65 to mail. My Savage shoots good, and if given a chance I might buy another one, but I would definitly think twice about it.

HogFan

Lawdog · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2004, 11:04:57 AM »

lik2hunt,

Remember this. With a Vanguard you get a Warrantee and a Guarantee that Weatherby WILL backup. With Savage at least they will honor their warrantee. With Remington you must take your chances. Lawdog

Graybeard · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2004, 11:09:28 PM »

Lawdog you've obviously had some BAD experiences with Remington but not all of us have. Given the exact same scenario as with Savage above. I had a R7 I put a Bell & Carlson stock and that stock felt like a 4x4 board. Required a longer screw so I had a local gunsmith add a piece to make the factory screw longer. After I tired of that stock I called Remington and a few days later I had not one but TWO free screws in my hands at no cost at all to me.

Every single dealing I've had with Remington over the last 30 years has been that same way. Only one of over 200 Remington long guns I own or have owned has needed to go back and I didn't even have to pay shipping to do that. In my 30 years of experience with Remington guns and customer service I rate them right at the top for both quality and customer service.

Different folks seem to have different experiences. Such is life.

GB

lik2hunt · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2004, 02:22:36 AM »

GB - The 700's are certainly priced well enough w/ synthetic stock like I want. New guns can be had in the 300 to 400 dollar range and used ones a lot cheaper.
Maybe you could answer this question for me though. The difference between ADL and BDL?

Zachary · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2004, 02:25:50 AM »

With the BDL, you push a button and the bottom of the magazine opens so that all the bullets can fall out. With an ADL, the magazine is fixed, so the only way you can take the bullets out is if you cycle the action.

In addition, the BDL has fancy, gloss wood and a deep gloss blueing, while the ADL is not as fancy and has a matte finish.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2004, 10:50:13 AM »

Graybeard,

Old fearless leader. Did you ever try to return a rifle or shotgun to Remington for replacement because said firearm just wasn't any good? I am not talking about a small item or two but the whole firearm. Two rifles and one shotgun on my part and a number of other rifles and shotguns on behalf of others I know that have had the same results dealing with Remington. I have Remington rifles(none newer than 1980) that are accurate and work just fine but the last two rifles and one shotgun I bought have been total junk. A customer has the right to expect his new rifle to group three shots under 4 inches at 100 yards doesn't he? When a new BDL rifle's action is so sloppy and it looks like the work was done by a drunk monkey with an axe shouldn't the owner expect to be able to get a new stock from the manufacture? I am glade for you and everyone that has had good results with Remington but until Big Green changes their ways I can not, in good conscience, recommend them to anyone. Small groups and tight lines to all. Lawdog

GBO MGMT · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2004, 11:37:42 AM »

Hi Lawdog, not trying to say you've not had your problems with them. Just pointing out that your experiences are really the norm or not from my personal experience and that of most I've spoken with. BUT when it is YOU that is affect it sure makes an impression don't it? Yup me and Taurus are that way rat now.

And like you and your crusade against Remington I sorta have one going against Taurus. :eek:

No I've not had any reason to return a gun to Remington for such reasons as of the 200 + of them I've owned none have needed it. The only one that ever had to go back was a Rem 541-T with bull barrel. The barrel was so loose it just wouldn't shoot and couldn't be made to do any better. IT was returned at no cost to me and replaced with another new rifle so maybe that fits into your scenario at that. Didn't cost me a red cent and was handled quickly and without question.

GB

Lawdog · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2004, 12:02:01 PM »

Graybeard,

Quote

BUT when it is YOU that is affect it sure makes an impression don't it?

Yes it does, especially when you have to hire an attorney to get satisfaction from a company.

Ammo for your fight against Taurus. Taurus was one of the firearms expressly name in the Saturday Night Special law that was passed here in Ca.. They were cheap pieces of junk then and things havenÂ’t really changed. Lawdog

RamJohn · « **Reply #25 on:** July 18, 2004, 02:25:32 AM »

First off...I'm not brand loyal to ANYTHING...(yet). Seems like none of the customer sevices of any company is perfect. But I must say that I had exellent service from Taurus. I had to send back a PT-99 for a defect (tool marks)on the feed ramp. Not only did they replace the barrel, it was a "match grade". No charge for anything. For every disgruntled customer, there are hundreds more that are happy...........it happens with ALL of them.

also: I just bought a Savage 111FPX3 combo in .300 WM Long action (yes they did make some for '04), they do need to improve the stocks, and the scopes gotta go, but overall, I love it. Try to find a comparable rifle with detatchable clip and weight class....for the price. Research pays off..all the reviews I saw state Savage is as good or better performance wise, than most of the higher priced brands. As for appearance...I've never seen "Looks" kill a deer. Looks are for impressing friends. Be honest.....
Differn't strokes for differn't folks.......

(don't flame me too bad)