Used Savage Model 12 F/TR

So, I recently found a used Model 12 F/TR (308) and have been thinking of buying it. I just am not that familiar with Model 12's. It looks to be in really good condition though, and I have bought used Savage rifles before with great success.
Is anyone here familiar with this model, that would be willing to share some information? Just anything to look for, or that may be different from other models. I did notice that this barrel has a threaded brake on it, and I didn't think these had a brake since it was basically a factoryF-class gun. Maybe early models were made with a brake??? Like I said, I'm not familiar with this model at all. As far as I know it is the factory barrel...maybe the owner just had it threaded and a brake made for it?

I spoke with a few guys at the shop, and none of the ones I spoke with took it in used, and didn't know anything other than they've had it a very short time.

Thanks in advance fellas!

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I shoot a Mod. 12 LRPV in .204 and 2 Mod 12 FV's that have had a lot of stuff done to them in 20 Practical. Depending on Price it could be a real deal for you. My 12's have been incredible shooters. If the barrel has been shot out it's a easy fix with a precut barrel from Shilen or any barrel maker of your preference or even change the caliber that takes the same bolt face of the .308. I see from the pictures it's got the red target trigger that is easy to set to the pull you like. Just depends I guess on what your willing to spend. Good luck.

That is a fantastic Savage. That Savage Action, being the port style, single shot, is favored as the most accurate of Savage Actions. It’s a Large Shank & already comes with some goodies.. the Target trigger, oversized bolt handle, upgraded Laminate target stock. Good find. Go ahead & snatch that up if the price is right.

Previous owner may have had the barrel threaded for a brake, a common practice.

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Originally Posted by Dave Hoback

That is a fantastic Savage. That Savage Action, being the port style, single shot, is favored as the most accurate of Savage Actions. It’s a Large Shank & already comes with some goodies.. the Target trigger, oversized bolt handle, upgraded Laminate target stock. Good find. Go ahead & snatch that up if the price is right.

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They want $800 for it. The lowest price I've seen new has been about $1500-ish, used about $1000-$1100.

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That is a fantastic Savage. That Savage Action, being the port style, single shot, is favored as the most accurate of Savage Actions. It’s a Large Shank & already comes with some goodies.. the Target trigger, oversized bolt handle, upgraded Laminate target stock. Good find. Go ahead & snatch that up if the price is right.

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+1

If I had been a little smarter when I was shopping I would have an F-TR or F-class instead of the 12BVSS. I'd love to have the heavier target action instead of the varmint one. I do believe the owner had the barrel threaded and compensator added. If it is a good one it will reduce recoil just a bit more, which would be a positive thing. The 1-12 twist and long barrel means it can push 155gn bullets, like the Bergers or Lapuas, out to 1000yd easily, as well as still being able to handle the 175's.

FWIW, it would also make a really nice cast bullet rifle for 600yd targets. :)

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Originally Posted by vince_ross

They want $800 for it. The lowest price I've seen new has been about $1500-ish, used about $1000-$1100.

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Great deal! Grab it.

The action alone would sell quickly for $500, better buy it while you can!

If that's the model and the features you're wanting, I would say go for it. Worst case scenario, you can swap the barrel for a new one. They're really easy to change barrels on. I just did one yesterday in under an hour, and the only reason it took that long is that it's been over 10 years since I did one, and I had to round up all the tools from wherever I had stored them.

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Originally Posted by charlie b

If I had been a little smarter when I was shopping I would have an F-TR or F-class instead of the 12BVSS. I'd love to have the heavier target action instead of the varmint one. I do believe the owner had the barrel threaded and compensator added. If it is a good one it will reduce recoil just a bit more, which would be a positive thing. The 1-12 twist and long barrel means it can push 155gn bullets, like the Bergers or Lapuas, out to 1000yd easily, as well as still being able to handle the 175's.

FWIW, it would also make a really nice cast bullet rifle for 600yd targets. :)

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I actually missed out on a 12BVSS a little over a year ago...I saw one in 22-250 at a small gun shop and they wanted something like $750. I ended up not buying it for some stupid reason....my wife even said "you aren't buying it? Why not?" Ever since then, I've been on a mission to find something like this.

Yeah, the threaded compensator will be a good thing (I also run most rifles suppressed anyway). This will be a good option.

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Originally Posted by Dave Hoback

Great deal! Grab it.

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I actually just did! It should be at my local shop by the end of the week.

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Originally Posted by Slowpoke Slim

If that's the model and the features you're wanting, I would say go for it. Worst case scenario, you can swap the barrel for a new one. They're really easy to change barrels on. I just did one yesterday in under an hour, and the only reason it took that long is that it's been over 10 years since I did one, and I had to round up all the tools from wherever I had stored them.

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That's exactly what I was thinking....I do have a Savage barrel nut wrench on order and will pick up a good barrel vise also. That's another reason I've come to really like the Savage action.

My own 2 cents (worth every penny) would be to skip the barrel vice and go with an action wrench. Wrap the front of the action (just the portion that the action wrench will fit on) with scotch tape to prevent the action wrench from marring the finish on the front of the action. There's really no better way (in my opinion). Problem with a barrel vice is, unless the vice inserts fit your barrel you're trying to take out *exactly right*, there's a pretty good chance you'll mar the barrel finish. Or worse, that the barrel will just slip in the vice entirely, and you can't get enough grip to get the barrel loose.

I've never NOT been able to get a barrel off (or on, but that's easy) with an action wrench to hold the receiver, and a nut wrench and dead blow hammer to loosen the nut. I "hold" my action wrench in my shop bench vice to keep it stable and stationary. I think 3 smacks with the dead blow hammer on the action wrench is the most I've ever needed to get one loose. And that was on my buddy's blued finish 204 Ruger chambered Savage. Most have been 1 mild smack only.

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Originally Posted by Slowpoke Slim

My own 2 cents (worth every penny) would be to skip the barrel vice and go with an action wrench. Wrap the front of the action (just the portion that the action wrench will fit on) with scotch tape to prevent the action wrench from marring the finish on the front of the action. There's really no better way (in my opinion). Problem with a barrel vice is, unless the vice inserts fit your barrel you're trying to take out *exactly right*, there's a pretty good chance you'll mar the barrel finish. Or worse, that the barrel will just slip in the vice entirely, and you can't get enough grip to get the barrel loose.

I've never NOT been able to get a barrel off (or on, but that's easy) with an action wrench to hold the receiver, and a nut wrench and dead blow hammer to loosen the nut. I "hold" my action wrench in my shop bench vice to keep it stable and stationary. I think 3 smacks with the dead blow hammer on the action wrench is the most I've ever needed to get one loose. And that was on my buddy's blued finish 204 Ruger chambered Savage. Most have been 1 mild smack only.

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Awesome! Thank you for the information....I will look at those. Are most 2 lug action wrenches the same? I mean, will I need to order one specifically for a model 12, or will one for "savage action" fit all?

Such as this: https://patriotvalleyarms.com/bighor...action-wrench/

Yes, that will work on all Savage 10/110, including your Model 12, & Axis Actions. There are maybe a half dozen of this type that will work with Savage. However, the Patriot Valley is the most affordable.

It looks like it has the short screw spacing. That would diminish the resale price slightly.

For barrel stuff I just went to Northland Shooter Supply. They are great folks and will make sure you have what you need.

I got my action vise from NSS (and nut wrench, a new nut and go/no-go gages). I also bought my Shilen barrel from them.

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Originally Posted by Robinhood

It looks like it has the short screw spacing. That would diminish the resale price slightly.

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It has the 3 bolt action, not sure what the spacing is yet.

Just measure between the centers. Don’t know off the top of my head, but it does look like one of the Actions with 3.440” screw spacing. And someone just had a brake installed. But the shorter screw spacing only matters for locating a new stock; which is moot being it already has a very good option.

I would not worry about screw spacing at all. The only thing that affects is IF you're out shopping for an aftermarket stock.

I agree with the testament about NSS. Northland is what got me set up in the first place. Outstanding service. He even stood by on the phone while I did my very first barrel swap (which went perfectly).

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Originally Posted by charlie b

For barrel stuff I just went to Northland Shooter Supply. They are great folks and will make sure you have what you need.

I got my action vise from NSS (and nut wrench, a new nut and go/no-go gages). I also bought my Shilen barrel from them.

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Same here on both counts - very nice people to work with.

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Originally Posted by Dave Hoback

Just measure between the centers. Don’t know off the top of my head, but it does look like one of the Actions with 3.440” screw spacing. And someone just had a brake installed. But the shorter screw spacing only matters for locating a new stock; which is mute being it already has a very good option.

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Thank you for that! I've never had a rifle with a 3 bolt action, I have read about tuning the rifle with different torque settings to find a "sweet spot" for accuracy. I've done that with my other rifles.
I do like the looks of the stock, I'm looking forward to trying this out. I don't plan on changing the stock. I will need to order a scope base rail for it though. Anyone know if this takes a short or long action type and screw size? I have a few that are 6-48 and some that are 8-40.

Thanks again for everyone's help and all of the information, I've been trying to learn all I can about these rifles.

I had to put a new hole in a 3.44 screw spaced action to put it in a better stock. At that point it was less valuable. I have never had that issue with a 4.4. I did end up drilling out a LRPV stock to 4.4 for my grandaughters F class rifle.

Vince, it uses a Short Action, Round-Rear type rail. Best to wait until you have it and verify the screw size yourself.

Some believe in playing with screw torque settings. I am not among them. I believe in stock Creep only, which can cause strange things. The stiffer the stock material, the less Creep is a factor. The F T/R uses pillar mounts. So it is quite stiff. Bedding would further enhance it. No harm in playing withTorque settings of course. I just think it’s better served in reloading.

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Originally Posted by Dave Hoback

Vince, it uses a Short Action, Round-Rear type rail. Best to wait until you have it and verify the screw size yourself.

Some believe in playing with screw torque settings. I am not among them. I believe in stock Creep only, which can cause strange things. The stiffer the stock material, the less Creep is a factor. The F T/R uses pillar mounts. So it is quite stiff. Bedding would further enhance it. No harm in playing withTorque settings of course. I just think it’s better served in reloading.

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Thanks for the information Dave, I'm hoping to be able to pick this up by Saturday so I'll find out soon. The plan is, to just go through and clean everything, make sure everything is tight to spec, put a scope on it and just see how it shoots. I'm really excited to try this out. I recently picked up another model 12FV with a Boyd's stock from a local gun show, and it shot a .5 MOA group with 7 out of 10 different OTS ammo brands. I'm happy with that one also.

Sounds good. I’ll bet you’re going to be quite happy with the results.

I was finally able to go pick up the rifle. I must say, this thing has a lot more heft to it than I expected, which is great! It was in very good shape as far as appearances go and seems like it was well taken care of. I ran a few patches through it, and it was pretty darn clean...the rifling looks good and the bolt looks really good, smooth cycle etc.. Whoever made the brake did a very nice job, and it looks like they only turned down what needed to be done on the barrel to add the threading and didn't shorten it at all.

Now, if the weather will just cooperate with me for a range day....

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Excellent. Congrats! Very glad you are so happy with your purchase, thus far, and wish you more of the same upon shooting my friend.

Oh yeah… it sure does have some weight. Tips the scales a little over 12.6lbs I think. I have my Model 10 bench gun sitting just about 15lbs. fully decked out in the picture below. And it’s a beast. I like the weight though.

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Originally Posted by Dave Hoback

Excellent. Congrats! Very glad you are so happy with your purchase, thus far, and wish you more of the same upon shooting my friend.

Oh yeah… it sure does have some weight. Tips the scales a little over 12.6lbs I think. I have my Model 10 bench gun sitting just about 15lbs. fully decked out in the picture below. And it’s a beast. I like the weight though.

Attachment 9337

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That's a sweet looking rifle! I bet it's a tack driver too.

I've had too much stuff to finish up around the house today to get to the range, so I'm gonna wait to go shoot....Hopefully I'll be able to go next weekend.


Thanks to all of my new Savage Shooters friends for all the information sent my way. I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions.

Beautiful rifle and I will bet it shoots great. If you actually plan to use it in F-TR competition you will probably have to remove the break for the match. My club matches do not allow them for the obvious reason you shoot in close proximity to other competitors who might not appreciate what the muzzle break does to their concentration. Anyway very nice rifle. Congratulations

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Originally Posted by Palmafiddleman

Beautiful rifle and I will bet it shoots great. If you actually plan to use it in F-TR competition you will probably have to remove the break for the match. My club matches do not allow them for the obvious reason you shoot in close proximity to other competitors who might not appreciate what the muzzle break does to their concentration. Anyway very nice rifle. Congratulations

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Thanks! I passed one up like it a few years ago, and I've been kicking myself ever since.
Yeah, I can imagine pissing some people off real quick using that brake. I plan on getting a thread protector for it just in case. I might ask a local gunsmith to make one that matches the barrel for me, if I can't find one I like.

I agree. Never liked muzzle brakes much. They just aren’t needed on most popular calibers. To me, the noise & BLAST increase aren’t worth it. Only time I ever used one was on my first short barrel AR15 in 223, in like 2007. Lasted 2 magazines & came right off! It was one of those YHM Phantom Comp/Brakes & Good-GOLLY was that thing insane! Never again.

I recently bought a 12 FTR in 308 new in box. Paid $1300. I've only had it out to 300yds so far, but it did sub moa at 300. I love this rifle!
Assuming you reload, check the chamber carefully. Many Savages have short/tight chambers. My bolt has hard to close on factory ammo or any new brass. Now I bump the shoulder .003" and it's perfect.
You would think the 30" 1/12 twist would like 155's, but mine will only shoot moa with 155. I get 1/2 moa at 100yd with 168's, 44.0 RL15.
Also found that -020" is the sweet spot for seating depth.

Vince, the thread protector is great idea. Have fun with the rifle.

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Originally Posted by Texas Solo

I recently bought a 12 FTR in 308 new in box. Paid $1300. I've only had it out to 300yds so far, but it did sub moa at 300. I love this rifle!
Assuming you reload, check the chamber carefully. Many Savages have short/tight chambers. My bolt has hard to close on factory ammo or any new brass. Now I bump the shoulder .003" and it's perfect.
You would think the 30" 1/12 twist would like 155's, but mine will only shoot moa with 155. I get 1/2 moa at 100yd with 168's, 44.0 RL15.
Also found that -020" is the sweet spot for seating depth.

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Yeah, I was also surprised about twist and the 155's. I have a 110 with a 1:10 twist 30" barrel and it loves the 155's as much as the heavies (175-190's). On the other hand I also have a 12 target action Palma with 1:13 30" barrel that shoots the 178 ELD's as good as the 155 class of bullits.

It is a bit interesting. My 12BVSS with 1:10 26" barrel likes the 155's and barely tolerates the 168's. It is really picky about the 175's. Off a bit on the load either way and it falls apart. But, the right load and it works great. Now days all it sees are cast, usually 210's :)

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Originally Posted by vince_ross

Awesome! Thank you for the information....I will look at those. Are most 2 lug action wrenches the same? I mean, will I need to order one specifically for a model 12, or will one for "savage action" fit all?

Such as this: https://patriotvalleyarms.com/bighor...action-wrench/

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I think Slim is talking more External Action Vice than Internal action wrench. Some nuts are Very Tight and will bend an internal wrench that just contacts the internal lugs Possibly causing damage to them.

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Originally Posted by Texas Solo

I recently bought a 12 FTR in 308 new in box. Paid $1300. I've only had it out to 300yds so far, but it did sub moa at 300. I love this rifle!
Assuming you reload, check the chamber carefully. Many Savages have short/tight chambers. My bolt has hard to close on factory ammo or any new brass. Now I bump the shoulder .003" and it's perfect.
You would think the 30" 1/12 twist would like 155's, but mine will only shoot moa with 155. I get 1/2 moa at 100yd with 168's, 44.0 RL15.
Also found that -020" is the sweet spot for seating depth.

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Yes, I do reload....I will definitely keep an eye on that, thanks. I have a Rem 700 that has a very tight chamber, I have to be really careful with the ammo I fire through it.
I have 3 other 308's and they all seem to like a 168gr bullet.

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Originally Posted by Palmafiddleman

Yeah, I was also surprised about twist and the 155's. I have a 110 with a 1:10 twist 30" barrel and it loves the 155's as much as the heavies (175-190's). On the other hand I also have a 12 target action Palma with 1:13 30" barrel that shoots the 178 ELD's as good as the 155 class of bullits.

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Originally Posted by charlie b

It is a bit interesting. My 12BVSS with 1:10 26" barrel likes the 155's and barely tolerates the 168's. It is really picky about the 175's. Off a bit on the load either way and it falls apart. But, the right load and it works great. Now days all it sees are cast, usually 210's :)

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It'll be interesting to see what this rifle likes...I do have quite the selection of bullets to try.

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Originally Posted by Blue Avenger

I think Slim is talking more External Action Vice than Internal action wrench. Some nuts are Very Tight and will bend an internal wrench that just contacts the internal lugs Possibly causing damage to them.

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I ended up ordering a 2-lug internal action wrench, an external action vise and a Savage barrel nut wrench just to start a decent collection of tools.




I did end up getting a Anschutz rail to Arca rail adapter from Altus Shooting Solutions so I can use an Arca rail bipod I already have.
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Vince… you are on your way brother.:tea: Smart purchases. Great looking rail! Should work quite well. It’s encouraging to see others having so much fun their Savage, and actually taking pride in it.http://www.savageshooters.com/blob:h...0-a27375eb360b :thumb: