Savage vs. Browning

[USMC_Hunter]

Suggestions please. Narrowed down to 2. Which model would you pick?

Savage Model 16 FHSAK "All Weather"

Browning A-Bolt Composite Stalker w/ BOSS


Thanks

S/F

[4MUL8R]

I have always admired the Browning A-Bolt.  The Savage has gained a great following lately, especially with Accu-trigger.  I suggest you focus on the feel of each, the alignment of your eye and the barrel, the fit of the grip, the snick of the safety.  A detachable magazine may seem like a good idea, but it is one item that when lost costs a fair amount of money.  BOSS settings are on Browning's website, but do you want to fiddle with it?  A stainless weapon is more appealing to me, but I did just find a nice wooden stock blue steel Tikka.  Browning has so many more accessories--hats, safes, clothing, boots, and to some being part of a unified whole is of great importance.  The www.savageshooters.net offers a community dedicated to this excellent weapon.  The plain plastic stock on the Savage may be outclassed by the composite Browning.  Conversely, the number of aftermarket stocks for the Savage is large, and you can find a nice tactical model at www.mcmfamily.com.  It's obviously a hard choice, but one with a minimum of penalty.  Either will be enjoyable!

Answer for me:  Savage.

[BRL]

Good post Chipster. I was wondering the same question but have also heard, like you said, that you need to feel them on your shoulder before making a final decision.

[Zachary]

Browning rifles are of excellent quality, but overpriced.  Brownings have much better fit and finish, and much better overall quality, than a Savage, and shoot very well, just like a Savage.  The Savage bolt action, to me, feels sloppy, especially compared to the boltwork of the Browning.  The two good (great) things going for a Savage: 1) they are one of the least expensive brand of bolt action rifles, and 2) they are generally shooters.

Personally, I wouldn't buy either - as I would buy a Tikka or CZ or Weatherby Vanguard or Remington M700.  However, out of the two, it's a bit of a tough call.  I sincerely believe that the Brownings are overpriced, but I think that I would rather pay alot more and get less bang for my buck with the Browning, rather than getting the Savage.  Yes, I am a bit of a quality freak.

Zachary

[nabob]

For me, what counts is accuracy. If it shoots, I don't much care about how it looks or if it goes "snick snick" and feels like butter when working the bolt. All I care about is shooting really small groups with a hunting rifle.

Savage gives me that at half the price of a Browning.

No disrespect meant to those who love the feel of a beautiful, precisely made machine. Browning sure is that. That isn't my priority, that's all. I've never had a Savage that wouldn't, with a bit of trigger work, fail to give me groups under a half inch at 100 yards and for my hunting, that's way more accurate than is required.

Something to be said for having a well-made, beautiful, precise piece of machinery, though. If pride of ownership is important, then I'd get the Browning. For me, rifles are tools, nothing more.

[slab12]

I have both a Savage in .223, and an A bolt in .204. I like both, they shoot very well with factory ammo your question is a real toss up for me because both a good rifles. With that said I do not think you wll go wrong no matter which you choose.