Savage Stealth in 6.5 - First impressions.

[Steelhead]

Yes in Creedmoor 6.5
Only shoot factory ammo so let's
hope we'll make it to 2000 rounds
Switching from Hornady to Prime Ammo !
Ammo arrived already but waiting on my new scope



Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
i hit about 2500 rounds in my 260 barrel before things changed for the worse.
It will still do MOA but barely.
Majority of shots were 44 grains of H4350 pushing 140's in Winchester brass.
Plenty of abuse also.

[CBryars2]

Load results - Berger 130, Hornady 140 ELD-Match, Hornady 143 ELD-X

Range trip to my local club 100yd indoor range was a learning experience. Right off the bat had 2 issues to deal with:



My Atlas Bi-pod was allowing a good bit of lateral play at the Picatinny rail. Had to disassemble and reassemble to correct.
As I mentioned before on our range we can't shoot prone. The bench has flex based on amount of weight you place on it. This is effecting repeat-ability. Going to try adding a dowel rod to stiffen up.

Test results (pictures hopefully to follow tomorrow)



Fouled barrel with 139 Lapua @ 40.5 H4350.
Began firing 5 shot ELD-X at 40.5 - 4 shot group .565 MOA 5th shot flyer
ELD-M 5 shot groups based on 40.5 H4350in .2 increments CBTO 2.18 min 2.183 - 2.1855 delta .0025
A. 40.5 4 shot .90 MOA 5th shot a pull.
B. 40.7 2 shots tight, 3 all over the map - 1.09 MOA
C. 40.9 (after fixing bi-pod), up and down very tight, some horizontal dispersion .775 MOA
D. 41.1 .89 MOA
Berger 130 OTM H4350, CBTO 2.18 min 2.184 - 2.1855 delta .0015
A. 40.5 H4350 .896 MOA
B. 41 H4350 4 shot .833, 5 shot .986 pull
C. 41.5 H4350 3 shot .435, 4 shot .572, 5 shot .877 pull
D. 42 H4350 3 shot .468, 4 shot .90, 5 shot 1.114 pull

Based on what I'm seeing, the rifle is far more capable than I am. With Bi-pod fixed, it got better, but flex in board was really messing with my mind.

Going to redo this test focusing on better groups above 41.5 and 42 with Berger trying 2 changes - a wooden dowel wedged between floor and bench and a lead sled. Goal is to try and take me out of the equation and let the rifle and load speak.

[CBryars2]

Impressions after 160 rounds.

The rifle is considerably lighter than RPR, that can be good or bad depending on what you want to do with it - Primary mission if you will.

Fixed stock is a win for me.

Rifle is well constructed, fit and finish are good.

Instructions and web site support from Savage have a way to go. No magazines listed (last I checked), no stock replacement instructions, adapter not on web-site, etc. It took over 2 weeks to even get listed on web-site.

Additional information
Accuracy - Shoots better than I do. about .8 MOA now. Reports from other posts are showing .5 MOA in their rifles with reports of gong hits at 800 and 1000 yds.


Scope mount - 0 MOA, EGW has a 20 MOA available (note have to drill out screw rail holes and use original mount screws, supplied screws with 20 MOA rail are too small to engage thread. Will email EGW to let them know, same on my .338 FCP 10, had to use original screws and drill out rail.

Magazines - MDT holds 8 rounds, feed is ok, AICS I tried worked much better. MDT max length approx 2.8

Have a Magpul AICS 10 round coming tomorrow, I believe it allows 2.86. Will post how it does in this rifle.

[CBryars2]

For those thinking of replacing with a fixed stock - Highly recommended in my opinion - I tried it first without the MTD fixed stock adapter. It worked with the Luth-AR but was not a smooth transition and back of hand could force up against the 90 degree angle behind thumb.

Went back after getting adapter in and redid stock. At 49 bucks plus shipping it is expensive, but looks so much better, I'll try to get a picture before the 4th of July.

Caution - the buffer tube for fixed is an A2 type. Be real careful, it is easy to mess up the tube. Look under the back near where the buffer tube meets the rifle. There is a set screw. Manual does not show the Stealth only BA so this is yet to be proved, but I think you want to loosen the set screw before trying to remove the buffer tube. The buffer is on tight (much tighter than AR's I have worked on), so if you loosen set screw and the buffer comes off fairly easily (like an AR) that should confirm what I am seeing. Wish the manual mentioned that.

[Kingair001]

i hit about 2500 rounds in my 260 barrel before things changed for the worse.
It will still do MOA but barely.
Majority of shots were 44 grains of H4350 pushing 140's in Winchester brass.
Plenty of abuse also.
Let's hope I make it that far

Otherwise it will be a new Hawk Hill barrel !

[Kingair001]

@Cbryars2 - I guess the rifle is capable of more than the 0.5X MOA you are getting as a result

Most of your groups are going direction 1 MOA - you should check it but that's way too much if you ask me

But . . . just my .02

[CBryars2]

Update on the adapter and adding a fixed stock.
Original fixed stock with no adapter
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg.html)

MDT Adapter
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/MDT%20Adapter_resize_zps2smc4hxk.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/MDT%20Adapter_resize_zps2smc4hxk.jpg.html)

Adapter on rifle with Luth-AR
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071207_resize_zpsj5w0htta.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071207_resize_zpsj5w0htta.jpg.html)

Set screw that appears to be for buffer tube (will be able to verify in about a week).
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071301_resize_zpssvyxfsdk.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071301_resize_zpssvyxfsdk.jpg.html)

Current rifle pictures
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071523_resize_zpsmeaiy9jq.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071523_resize_zpsmeaiy9jq.jpg.html)

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071438_resize_zpsz1ua2642.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071438_resize_zpsz1ua2642.jpg.html)

[CBryars2]

@Cbryars2 - I guess the rifle is capable of more than the 0.5X MOA you are getting as a result

Most of your groups are going direction 1 MOA - you should check it but that's way too much if you ask me

But . . . just my .02

Don't disagree - think it is me, not rifle. Loose bi-pod and flexing bench are adding variables that need to be removed for tests to be conclusive. Others are reporting .5 moa with gong hits at 800 and 1000. Will stabilize bench rest and use a lead sled that should eliminate variables and test rifle more fully.

I shot those while working 60 hour week getting up at 4 am, so I was not 100%. I'm a .60 on a good day shooter, normal more like a .8, have a lot to learn. Just saw heartbeat in scope for first time the the other day, so by no means a good shooter.

Will try and get some Magnetospeed readings next trip also.

[Kingair001]

Don't disagree - think it is me, not rifle. Loose bi-pod and flexing bench are adding variables that need to be removed for tests to be conclusive. Others are reporting .5 moa with gong hits at 800 and 1000. Will stabilize bench rest and use a lead sled that should eliminate variables and test rifle more fully.

I shot those while working 60 hour week getting up at 4 am, so I was not 100%. I'm a .60 on a good day shooter, normal more like a .8, have a lot to learn. Just saw heartbeat in scope for first time the the other day, so by no means a good shooter.

Will try and get some Magnetospeed readings next trip also.
So enjoy your 4th of July and have some rest !

That will make you a better shooter 😉

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

[yobuck]

It's called a MAGAZINE! The M1 Garand is the only rifle I am aware of which uses a "clip".

You need to post pictures.

There might be some your not aware of. Some bolt guns like the Springfield, had a clip slot in the action for inserting one,
while the M1 carbine had a magazine.
All shoes aren't referred to simply as shoes either, but they all are. I had extra (clips) for my old Rem pumps, and still do
for my 88 Win. lol.

[bearcatrp]

Update on the adapter and adding a fixed stock.
Original fixed stock with no adapter
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg.html)

MDT Adapter
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/MDT%20Adapter_resize_zps2smc4hxk.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/MDT%20Adapter_resize_zps2smc4hxk.jpg.html)

Adapter on rifle with Luth-AR
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071207_resize_zpsj5w0htta.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071207_resize_zpsj5w0htta.jpg.html)

Set screw that appears to be for buffer tube (will be able to verify in about a week).
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071301_resize_zpssvyxfsdk.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071301_resize_zpssvyxfsdk.jpg.html)

Current rifle pictures
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071523_resize_zpsmeaiy9jq.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071523_resize_zpsmeaiy9jq.jpg.html)

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160701_071438_resize_zpsz1ua2642.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160701_071438_resize_zpsz1ua2642.jpg.html)

That looks sweet. Been looking at that butt stock to put on my Cadex chassis. Is the adapter a separate purchase or comes with the stock?

[CBryars2]

Adapter is separate, stock is Luth-AR, adapter is MDT.

[CBryars2]

Update - received the Magpul AICS magazine, it fits perfectly. A little break in on lips, but otherwise no issue. Feeds better than MDT, holds 10 rounds usable (MDT holds 8). With calipers show 2.8810 inside, so 2.86 COL no issue. MDT measures 2.83.

[TxGnRnr]

Update on the adapter and adding a fixed stock.
Original fixed stock with no adapter
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/Precision/20160621_113300_zpsxc1bwqfy.jpg.html)


What are you using for the foam cheek pad? I am also a Luth-AR fan, but did not see this pad/wrap on their website.

What are your thoughts on using the MBA-3 with the stock buffer tube?

[CBryars2]

Sorry for the delay, was off visiting family.

The foam pad is aftermarket - Kel-Tec KSG Neoprene Cheek Pad, Various Thickness Available - Amazon item #B016TTG4OG - I went with 1/4", cost around12.50 with free S&H. Works nice, glue seems good so far.
The MBA-3 looks like a great stock. No personal experience but it's adjustments are based on MBA-1. Says it has anti-rattle screw, so as long as you get a repeatable snug shoulder and cheek weld it should do great. If you go that route, let us know how it did!

[CBryars2]

Visiting family for Independence Day. got to stop by Talladega. Really liking the range and people. John was RSO on the 600 and he was helping me on wind. Got a nice positive reinforcement when he said - let me know what range you want your good to go since you know what your doing. Felt good, not the best shooter that is for sure, but trying to get better. Some pictures of rifle as it now is configured along with some results.

Current configuration - 20 MOA EGW rail, Luth-AR MBA-1 with adapter, Stock rail with monopod and Magpul AICS 10 shot magazine.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160707_174336resize_zpsei9duxmz.jpg

After resetting scope for the 20 MOA rail shot a 1 MOA 50 point 5 shot with 4 x's. You guys probably can shoot better groups but for me was real pleased. Monopod helps me but lateral shift still needs some work on my part.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160707_172718resize_zps23cvu8ty.jpg


At 300 wind started to have more impact, note right side where it shows wind at impact, direction shift is a bear for me. John teaching me to look for the lull between shifts. He is a great guy, offered to teach me some more next trip out. I try and go mid-week when few people there. MOA 1.6 not the best but with wind I'm ok learning.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/20160707_173957resize_zps1m0n8qlo.jpg

Having now shot the rifle for 200 rounds here is my conclusion -
I really like the Stealth. Cost a few bucks - about 250 for stock, adapter and rail (MBA-3 if it works will drop that to about 210) to make on par with RPR. If you like the factory stock, only 60 to get a 20 MOA rail.

Direct comparison (my opinion only) to RPR:
Pro:
Lighter
Little less money approx 1200 Stealth to 1350-1550 RPR (18005 or 18008 model) including new stock, adapter and rail.
Handguard - like the Stealth a lot more
Accuracy - I would say equal for me anyway, the RPR is .8 avg for me, so is the Stealth at 100 yd. At Talladega, the Stealth did better for me.
Barrel nut and barrel swap out seems easier on Stealth, since it uses savage barrels, aftermarket has BA barrels that work.
Magazine - MDT is ok, AICS Magpul much better.

Cons:
RPR has a better bolt design, the shorter lift is a real winner. Stealth is more std type, so not as slick
Stock from factory for RPR is better out of the box.
Accuracy - equal in my opinion, my wife likes here RPR better.
Magazine - the stock Magpuls are pretty good, AICS Magpuls seem to be a little better.

All said in done, I'm happy with the Stealth. I like to tinker and upgrading it was fun for me (though learning how to remove the buffer tube was ugly). Others will form their own opinion, and I'm sure those who dislike Savage will call it junk. To each their own - In my opinion it is a fine rifle. It will shoot 1/2 MOA, the only limit right now is my ability.

Likes Berger 130 OTM's with H4350 at 41.5gr. (need to fine tune) and Hornady 140 ELD-M with H4350 at 41.3gr.

I'll keep posting results as I tune loads and seating depth if nobody minds. My son is getting a lot better, with his 300 Win Mag he shot all in the black.

Thanks Cameron

[DrThunder88]

Ugly or not as long as it shoots !

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Savage 1X/11X rifles have never been the most attractive guns anyway. They've always been sort of clunky and ungainly in a way that says "cheap" rather than "accurate". That we and a number of major manufacturers have come to know the 110 look as also being indicative of accuracy tells me that we'll probably end up seeing the Stealth the same way.

[TxGnRnr]

Sorry for the delay, was off visiting family.

The foam pad is aftermarket - Kel-Tec KSG Neoprene Cheek Pad, Various Thickness Available - Amazon item #B016TTG4OG - I went with 1/4", cost around12.50 with free S&H. Works nice, glue seems good so far.


The MBA-3 looks like a great stock. No personal experience but it's adjustments are based on MBA-1. Says it has anti-rattle screw, so as long as you get a repeatable snug shoulder and cheek weld it should do great. If you go that route, let us know how it did!

Thanks for the reference on the cheek pad. I will have to check that out.

I'm going to try the MBA-3 since it doesn't involve the buffer tube and adapter swap that you had to do. Will update on how well it works.

[CBryars2]

Looking forward to your review.

[CBryars2]

Worked up 20 rounds of Berger 130 OTM with H4350 at 41.3, 41.5, 41.7 and 41.9. Hope to test Monday at 100 yds. Going to try to stabilize bench at local range to get more consistency. Hope one of these will improve on my .8 moa. Got sub 1/2 moa on a 3 shot group, widen to .8 with 5 shot.

Will post results