Savage Stealth in 6.5 - First impressions.

[TxGnRnr]

Pictures with folding adapter and MBA-3 stock.
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww212/jkchan83/Savage%20Stealth/5fe68806-f222-4c60-b637-5065dc583b98.jpg

Folded
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww212/jkchan83/Savage%20Stealth/2016-07-25%2011.29.35.jpg

The MBA-3 was a bear to get onto the existing buffer tube (requiring a rubber mallet). I'm not sure why it was so difficult as another rifle is also wearing an MBA-3 stock and did not have those fitment issues. Having said that, the stock is rock-solid.

I sprung for the folding adapter after seeing how compact my RPR (.308) became with the stock folded. The adapter mounted easily (thank you @CBryars2 for pointing out the extra set screw on the bottom of the chassis) and is very quick to open and close. A little too quick: picking up the rifle by the barrel or chassis causes the stock to swing into place. MDT is working on a version that locks in the folded position and I am definitely going to get one. In the meantime, it just requires extra care getting it in and out of the safe, so it is doesn't swing into another gun.

@Kingair001, you beat me to posting the PRBlog article about muzzle length and velocity. I've got a TBAC Ultra-7 on order for this rifle. So, at 22" plus 7" of suppressor (which is a little shorter than the 30P-1 in the article), I am hoping to be around 2740-2750 fps once the barrel is broken in. I chronographed my first 10 shots using Hornady 140gr. ELD Match ammo and got an average of 2691 fps (estimating about 30 fps for barrel wear-in and 20 fps for the suppressor).

[Robinhood]

Some "buffer tubes" that are used to mount adjustable cheek rests and butt pads for rifle chassis are not the same O.D. as the AR style rifles. Even on the AR's there are two different sizes/dimensions. Mil. Spec. - 1.185" and Commercial - 1.170".

[TxGnRnr]

Agreed, but the MBA-3 is sized for Mil Spec buffer tubes, so the ID should fit or be loose on a Commercial tube.

Has anyone else had issues replacing the adjustable buttstock?

[samurai]

Returned a call to Savage today and was told the 24" barrels are not in stock yet - I told them to let me know when they show up and I'll send my gun back. Plan on shooting it until then. I've had my Ruger 6.5 Precision rifle a year and was unaware the it was originally supposed to be 26"- good to know.

[bearcatrp]

Pictures with folding adapter and MBA-3 stock.
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww212/jkchan83/Savage%20Stealth/5fe68806-f222-4c60-b637-5065dc583b98.jpg

Folded
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww212/jkchan83/Savage%20Stealth/2016-07-25%2011.29.35.jpg

The MBA-3 was a bear to get onto the existing buffer tube (requiring a rubber mallet). I'm not sure why it was so difficult as another rifle is also wearing an MBA-3 stock and did not have those fitment issues. Having said that, the stock is rock-solid.

I sprung for the folding adapter after seeing how compact my RPR (.308) became with the stock folded. The adapter mounted easily (thank you @CBryars2 for pointing out the extra set screw on the bottom of the chassis) and is very quick to open and close. A little too quick: picking up the rifle by the barrel or chassis causes the stock to swing into place. MDT is working on a version that locks in the folded position and I am definitely going to get one. In the meantime, it just requires extra care getting it in and out of the safe, so it is doesn't swing into another gun.

@Kingair001, you beat me to posting the PRBlog article about muzzle length and velocity. I've got a TBAC Ultra-7 on order for this rifle. So, at 22" plus 7" of suppressor (which is a little shorter than the 30P-1 in the article), I am hoping to be around 2740-2750 fps once the barrel is broken in. I chronographed my first 10 shots using Hornady 140gr. ELD Match ammo and got an average of 2691 fps (estimating about 30 fps for barrel wear-in and 20 fps for the suppressor).
Been looking at that for awhile to replace my PRS stock. Have you shot with it yet? If so, how do you like it? PRS is ok but a bit long on my savage 10T 6.5 creedmoor. Want something a few inches shorter. Appreciate any response.

[TxGnRnr]

Yes, I show with it last week. It is extremely sturdy and rigid on the MDT buffer tube. If you already have the PRS stock with rifle-length buffer tube, you may want to look at the MBA-1. However, I don't think that it is as short as the MBA-3.

I was able to get a relatively short length of pull because the bolt is nice and short. On my 6.5CM AR, I have to leave it extended further in order to fully retract the charging handle.

[CBryars2]

The MBA-3 was a bear to get onto the existing buffer tube (requiring a rubber mallet). I'm not sure why it was so difficult as another rifle is also wearing an MBA-3 stock and did not have those fitment issues. Having said that, the stock is rock-solid.

I sprung for the folding adapter after seeing how compact my RPR (.308) became with the stock folded. The adapter mounted easily (thank you @CBryars2 for pointing out the extra set screw on the bottom of the chassis) and is very quick to open and close. A little too quick: picking up the rifle by the barrel or chassis causes the stock to swing into place. MDT is working on a version that locks in the folded position and I am definitely going to get one. In the meantime, it just requires extra care getting it in and out of the safe, so it is doesn't swing into another gun.

Glad I could help save you the grief I experienced. I'm going to try and get a replacement so I can have all the "stock" parts.

[CBryars2]

Replacement barrel - called Tuesday - They had no problem and have UPS coming to pickup rifle. Said they had some 24" in stock.
One note, I asked if I sent or they provided pick-up. Person on phone said they would pickup (as I understood it, a one time courtesy). UPS showed up on Wednesday, I was not ready as I had a delivery notice and did not understand it was a pickup.


So when they say they will send UPS, be ready they are really responsive.
Boxing with the Luth-AR MBA1 fixed stock was a little challenging, had to remove pull adjustment pad.


Will let ya'll know how the barrel swap goes.

[Jrs81]

I sent mine in last week, hoping to get it back soon. Was told now is the time to do it cause they were slow so the turn around should be under 3 weeks which is what they aim for

[CBryars2]

UPS picked up today. Hope to have back in < 3 weeks, due to go to Talladega on 18th Aug.

[CBryars2]

Rifle arrived at Savage, hope to get a shipped notice by end of week.

[Kingair001]

Rifle arrived at Savage, hope to get a shipped notice by end of week.
Good luck !

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

[Jrs81]

Cbryars2, mines been there for almost 2 weeks now. Just called today for a status check and their systems were down. Talked with them at the end if last week and the barrel was in the fluting department then they had to send it to get roll stamped then proof test and shoot so hoping mine is done by this Friday but won't know till tomorrow. Was told originally it should be well under the 3 week mark but it's going on 3 weeks now so I'm thinking their time frame may have been a little off

[CBryars2]

Good info on timing thanks. I thought this was a simple barrel swap, sounds like they are going into a lot more detail. Hopefully that bodes well for the final quality of the barrels we get back. Keep us updated. Thanks so much!

[Jrs81]

Called again today and their systems are still down after 3 days, so no one has a clue what the status is on my firearm. This weds coming up is the 3 week mark

[bearcatrp]

When I sent mine in to have my rifle checked due to accuracy issues, was told 3 weeks. The excuses on week 3 of "we are behind" started. But i did get in in week 4.

[CBryars2]

Savage called Friday, missed them, will return call Monday, hope no issues. The wait is a killer.

[Kingair001]

Savage called Friday, missed them, will return call Monday, hope no issues. The wait is a killer.
Pretty sure it's ready !

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[CBryars2]

I wish!

Just got off phone with Savage. Really nice folks. 2-3 weeks to replace barrel.


Interesting note, they make these replacement barrels, not a stock sitting around to swap out. They said fluting was the time dependency. I asked if they had to flute and the rep said he would check.


My understanding is fluting does not help much with heat dissipation. Any thoughts?


Also brought up feed issues. Interesting the rep said they use Horn 120's to test. He was going to add that to the request.


Off to shoot .338 FCP 110. Finished bedding, want to try it out. That was a learning experience.

[Newsshooter]

I'd skip the fluting and get it back sooner.