Mark IIFV Build incoming. Pics!

[shanejohnson2002]

Hey everyone!

I'm a n00b around here, but I like what I'm reading so far. So I decided to take the plunge and sign up. Good timing, too, since I just ordered a Mark IIFV. I did a lot of research and this one seems to be a solid contender when it comes to accuracy. I had some misgivings concerning the cheap synthetic stock, but I figured since we're both "entry level" it would be a good place to start, and cheap enough to upgrade later should we get to that point.

First off, a short backstory: My girlfriend wants to get into shooting competitions. Nothing serious, mainly just for the fun of it, and because she used to do small-time archery competitions and she enjoyed it. I decided I'd build a rifle for both of us, and if she likes it / sticks around, she might get a matching one for a birthday present.

Anyway, here are the specs:
Savage Mark IIFV
Bushnell 4-12x40 AO scope (I REALLY wanted a Nikon prostaff BDC scope, but there's a $500 limit on the entry-level guns at my club).
DNZ game reaper scope rings
Caldwell 6-9" bipod
Karsten kydex cheek riser (had one lying around from my old Mosin M91 stock that broke...long story).

Since this will mostly be a range queen, we decided to snazz it up a bit with some unique paint. I messed around with some different colors at work and got this tiger stripe job:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/307391_700692135891_71002376_35644657_842470572_n. jpg

The plan is to paint the stock, leaving the action (and the cheek riser, if I have to install it) their original color. If/when she gets her rifle, she wants a similar pattern with pink/light pink/black, like this:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/PinkTiger.jpg

Should be fun.

The rifle / extras should be here next week, USPS-willing. Step 1 is a range visit, and I will snap a few "before" shots at that time. Stay tuned for build pics!

[J.Baker]

Well, I don't think you'll ever have to worry about anyone steeling those rifles with paint jobs like that. lol

[TOP PREDATOR]

i like the gold and black for a range queen. i'd also stick some rhinestones on the pink one for alittle more bling.

[shanejohnson2002]

Rifle arrived yesterday, and I put all the pieces on it. Here's some pics:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0080.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0082.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0081.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0083.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0084.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0085.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0086.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0087.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0090.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0088.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0089.jpg

Specs:
Savage Mark IIFV
Caldwell bipod (Cheap Harris copy...fine for .22 target shooting.)
10rd magazine
DNZ Game Reaper scope mount (all 1-piece aluminum, no lapping required.)
Bushnell 4-12x40 AO scope
Karsten adjustable cheek rest

A bit on the tacti-cool side right now, but it'll probably be painted eventually. Until then, black rifle is black.

[Byrd]

I like your setup! One question though, I have no experience with the DNZ Game Reaper scope mounts, but they look like a quality piece of gear. Where can I get these?

[shanejohnson2002]

The cheapest I found was at Amazon.

[Byrd]

Thanks for the direction, I think those are about the sturdiest looking mounts I have see, I need a set!

[shanejohnson2002]

They are really sturdy. I have read a story or two about how, once installed, the scope did not even need adjustment. I'm sure this is just a combination of extra-straight mounting holes and pure luck, but hey one can hope. I'm going to try to hit the range today if I can to do a quick sight-in. I'll report further when I get back from the session.

[Byrd]

I think you will be happy with that rig. I have that same Bushnell scope on My Savage 93R17 and love it. I will be interested in hearing how it performs. What ammo are you going to use? Variety is the spice of rimfire!

[shanejohnson2002]

I've been giving this extensive research, and it seems that Lapua Midas M and ELEY Tenex are the most consistently high performers across the board. I will have to order a 50rd box of each to test them out in my gun, but I have high hopes.

[Byrd]

Try Wolf as well, it is a good performer out t=of the Savage rifles, and is a bit more cost effective. Back to your mount & rings ;D what height did you get to provide the clearance for the 40MM front bell of your scope?

[shanejohnson2002]

It's a medium height game reaper one-piece ring mount from DNZ. IIRC, their medium height is 1.125" from top of receiver to center of scope. I have plenty of clearance with my 40mm objective, enough for scope covers to fit for sure. Without measuring, I'd say it's a little less than 1/4.

I did some research on this too, and I *think* their low-height ring will fit a 40mm obj, BUT it will be very tight, if so. No room for covers for sure.

[Byrd]

That's what I was curious about. I looked on Amazon and the only ones I could find were the low mount. If they would fit, that would be great as I would prefer they be as close to the barrel as possible. Appreciate your input on my ongoing project & keep us informed with yours!

[shanejohnson2002]

I don't know if you have a mark II (or 93), but if you do, here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EYFJ34

[shanejohnson2002]

Pics from the range, as promised:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/328757_2252197896890_1006530079_32067248_139034511 6_o.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0091.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0092.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0093.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0094.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/323433_2252227657634_1006530079_32067257_197667487 3_o.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/326099_2252224737561_1006530079_32067255_60408724_ o.jpg

My camera took a nose dive here...I pushed out to 50 yards and got a pretty solid group. Less than an inch, but nowhere near perfect. Room for improvement!

Before it died though, my girlfriend wanted to challenge me. We had to punch a .22 through a .30 shell casing at around 30 yards. We both did it, but I'll be d****d if she didn't headshot the thing...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/shanejohnson2002/Rifle/IMG_0096.jpg

Not bad for a girl who's only ever shot a bow and my .22 pistol. I'm pretty happy.

This was all done with remington golden bullet bulk ammo. I'm going to go ahead and order some top-shelf stuff and see what improvements I get. I'll post more pics when that happens.

[Byrd]

Thank you for the link, that is the one I needed for a 93r17! Good shooting! If you can do that with bulk ammo you will be amazed with what the "good stuff" will do! Then again, if you can do that with bulk, why bother with expensive ammo! And by the way, I would be very nice to the girlfriend...she can shoot!

[shanejohnson2002]

She's scared of my bigger guns (scoped Mosin 91/30 and Remington 700 .308) so as long as I stay outside of about 200 yards, I'm set ;)