Savage 12 BVSS-Disappointed

[GaryBF]

New member; first post:

Last spring I bought a new Savage 12 BVSS in .308 Win. To date, I have fired 254 rounds of factory ammunition, and I have yet to shoot a decent group. Typically, I may be able to get 4 of 5 shots within one inch, but that’s all-no sub-moa for this shooter with this rifle. I am not a skilled rifle shooter, however, I do have some experience. All shooting with this rifle has been at 100 yards and off the bench from a cast-iron rest and leather sand bags. All record shots have been with 168gr. HPBT match ammunition (Federal, Lapua, and Hornady). I am using a Weaver T36 scope in Weaver 6-hole tactical rings, on Burris steel Picatinny mounts. Everything is tight, as best I can tell.

Since joining the forum, I have done a lot of reading here trying to learn the nuances of Savage rifles. One thing that I read several times was that the action tang should not be making contact with the stock. This was new information to me, so I removed the action from my stock. What I observed and tried to photograph raises some concern.

The first photo shows a clear bright line where the tang is making contact with the stock. There is a similar rub line on the opposite side.


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/GaryBF42/Savage%2012%20BVSS/Tang_zps9d23f4aa.jpg


Then I looked at the bottom of the action and saw what appears to be only point contact with the front pillar and rear magazine retention clip.


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/GaryBF42/Savage%2012%20BVSS/FrontHole_zps82774111.jpg


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/GaryBF42/Savage%2012%20BVSS/RearHole_zps7da6553c.jpg


Targets 3 and 4 are typical; target 5 is the best ever.


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/GaryBF42/Savage%2012%20BVSS/Targets_zpscfa7bbf1.jpg

So here is my question for the experienced members here: Does this look right for a Savage rifle, or could this indicate a partial cause of my disappointing performance? Are my expectations too high? All comments/suggestions are appreciated.

[BoilerUP]

Try 175gr FGMM and 178gr Hornady Match/Amax - your rifle may prefer them to 168s.

Bedding will probably help, as will slightly relieving the stock around the tang.

[RP12]

Relieve the tang and go from there. It is an issue.

[tbartley]

As already stated, bed the action because that will alleviate both issues you noted above...you shall clear the tang contact problem and your action will have more positive contact where needed. All the Savage rifles I've ever owned get bedded...all of 'em. Keep us posted.

[KTP]

Tbartley is spot on in my opinion. I will shoot a rifle when I pick one up but it's never long until it gets bedded and the tang relieved. I would also add to be sure to pick up a fat wrench or something that allows you to properly torque the action screws once you get all the work done.

[GaryBF]

Tbartley is spot on in my opinion. I will shoot a rifle when I pick one up but it's never long until it gets bedded and the tang relieved. I would also add to be sure to pick up a fat wrench or something that allows you to properly torque the action screws once you get all the work done.
Lacking any other information, I have been torquing the action screws to 45 lb-in using a Brownells Magna-tip preset torque driver.

[kdvarmint]

Don't be afraid to call Savage. They are very helpful. They will also give you advise on torque specks, and torque sequence. Don't get locked into the 168s. Let the gun tell you what it likes.