Cabela's Savage 12FV THREAD FEST

[ZukeDog]

I like the 12 BVSS in .223, but its pricey. I'm debating weather to get it, or the $420 fv12 from Cabela's and put it in a Boyds stock. This would save about $300. Other than the finish, are the barrels and actions made for big box retailers just as good and accurate as Savages high end models? Thanks.

[celltech]

As you stated the finish is just a matte black and does not seem all that tough. But other than that it's the same action, and the barrel is as thick as they come. Although compared to the BVSS it's not fluted or stainless. I guess another limiting feature is the blind magazine so you can't hold that many rounds. You can also buy Cabelas gift cards online and save yourself another ~14%. I really wish they made the FV in .243 or had a .22-250 with a tighter twist rate...

[DrThunder88]

On the plus side, the 12FV is now chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.

[davinman]

next $420 i can spare will buy me a 12FV in 6.5 creedmore, now that should be a sweet gun.....

[Texas10]

I have both of the 223 models you are writing about, and I can tell you that the BVSS is a much higher quality firearm than the inexpensive FV. But both shoot very small groups, the difference between the two is the BVSS, beside being made from Stainless Steel, seems to have benefited from tighter quality control. Parts fit better, action is smoother, the wood stock is far superior for varmint or target shooting and is better balanced than the plastic FV stock.

If you're a handy, craftsman type of guy, you can use the FV as the basis to built a nice shooting and handling weapon however, it'll still be a bit nose heavy compared to the BVSS due to the lack of barrel fluting.

Dollar for dollar, the FV is about half the price of the BVSS, if you look around for a deal. My BVSS cost $750 new from a local dealer and that was only a bit over 2 years ago, during a period of very high prices. But for all things considered, fit, finish, base material, stock and fluting, the BVSS is at least twice the value as the FV, IMOP, especially when you consider barrel upgrades later and changing calibers.

In the final assessment, the BVSS is superior as a varmint and target platform, whereas the FV can be made into a fine hunting/carry firearm although it will be a bit on the heavy side with a laminate stock. It's black finish would makes it ideal for ambush or blind type of hunting.

Ditto on the gift cards. Go to giftcardgranny.com and get 14 to 15 percent off. You can use a digital or printer copy of the gift card to buy firearms at Cabelas.

Also watch Savage's website for rebate programs. The model 12's frequently have $100 rebate programs. I bought two model 12FV's on sale at Cabelas for $349 and then got the $100 rebate on top of the sale price for both.

[RC20]

I got a 12FV, put it in a Boyds Thumbholes stock and never looked back (and the fit is perfect, I did a very small amount of rear relief)

While I wanted a better barrel, I was getting some 3/8 and 1/2 groups out of the Savage barrel. It was not consistent, but I did not do a lot of load development with it either.

Quality wise it stacks up fine with the older 111 I got in 30-06. Nut is still serving good service on another gun.

Put the left over money into some good glass. I have done really well with used Cabella Alaska Guide scopes. One I got in 20x. Something about the cross hairs suits my eyeball.

[ZukeDog]

Great insight. Thanks

[chop house]

i now have three of the 12 fvs. they all shoot 1/2 inch 5 shot groups with handloads, off sand bags or a variety of rests.

the stock is a well known problem, perhaps 'mostly' when using a bipod (which i have not even attempted on these stock rifles). all three i have added about 20 oz of weight in the buttstock. The front screw will retain torque (45 inch/lb) however the rear will creep by deforming the stock web inside (25 in/lb) Now for the other problems i have encountered:

one rifle i inadvertently put in a case with wet foam liner. it got forgotten for a day... a DAY... and there was rust on the bbl which when judiciously removed left bare spots making the bbl looking 'measled'.

one online ordered rifle i rejected at the cabela's gun counter because of rust in the chamber. inspect carefully before doing the 4473!

one rifle (the 22-250) has a burr in the chamber that leaves an impression on the shoulder of the brass. the rifle shoots fine. i guess the plus side is i can track the number of reloads of each piece of brass from counting the impressions.

but, they sure shoot for a $400 rifle. my $o.o2

[clerkofkirk]

Sep 7-20

Darn. I just bought one. I'm getting a Creedmore this time.

[celltech]

Where did you find this?

[DrThunder88]

I see Cabelas' page for the 12FV seems to indicate that there is a $100 rebate, but none of the current promotions on Savage's site would seem to apply.

[celltech]

The rebate is incorrect...if you look at the link it's actually $150 off the 10 BA models. I talked to Cabela's on-line agents and they are trying to get it fixed. I just bought a 12FV in .22-250 and am wondering if I should cancel it and wait a few days. I can't figure out how this guy knows they are going on sale. They were just marked down to $369 a couple of months ago.

[RP12]

It is correct. The rebate is offered through Cabelas via vistapromotions. I just bought one and the rebate offer worked. Plus 5% off my total order to boot. It shows the 12s fall in the rebate on the sales slip for the rebate they give you to collect it.

[Texas10]

And if you go to giftcardgranny.com or raise.com you can buy gift cards at 8 to 12% savings. You can use the e-card for in store purchases, don't have to be a plastic card.
So let's do the math. 12+5=17% X $419 = $71.23, plus the $100 rebate for a total of $171.23 off the $419 price. Total cost is $247.77 plus your local taxes (on the $419). That's a pretty good deal for a notoriously good shooting bolt action gun.

[celltech]

And if you go to giftcardgranny.com or raise.com you can buy gift cards at 8 to 12% savings. You can use the e-card for in store purchases, don't have to be a plastic card.


I picked up $300 worth of cards on e-bay at a 20% discount and then another $100 on giftcardgranny at 15% off... I really hope the $100 rebate is true as it would be a spectacular deal.

RP12, do you have a link to the rebate? Was yours an online thing, or is there some pdf file showing it?

[RP12]

Google vistaoutdoor promotions and follow the steps. I took pictures of my rebate receipt and box end cap and filed on line.

[RC20]

This is killing me. I have enough guns, I have enough cartridge types, then this keeps popping up.

Maybe buy one and stuff it into the closest until I retire. Dang.

[celltech]

So I'll be damned...just got back from Cabela's and sure enough, just as RP12 stated, there is $100 rebate form included with the receipt. *But* it says it's for a 12FCV, not a 12FV, so it will be interesting to see if it goes through. You can find it at https://promotions.vistaoutdoor.com/brands/4/10

The rebate is processed all online and you only need upload some pics of the receipt and UPC code, etc. By the time it's all said and done the rifle will hopefully only cost me ~$250....one hell of a deal!

[RP12]

So I'll be damned...just got back from Cabela's and sure enough, just as RP12 stated, there is $100 rebate form included with the receipt. *But* it says it's for a 12FCV, not a 12FV, so it will be interesting to see if it goes through. You can find it at https://promotions.vistaoutdoor.com/brands/4/10

The rebate is processed all online and you only need upload some pics of the receipt and UPC code, etc. By the time it's all said and done the rifle will hopefully only cost me ~$250....one hell of a deal!It does work for the 12FV. The reply from them was " enjoy your reward"

[RP12]

Tomorrow starts the sale on the 12FVs for $319.99, no rebate needed.