Savage Model 12 Receiver Contours

New to Savage and this forum. Had a Remington Model 700. As you all probably know, Model 700's are notorious for having their 4 base mounting screw

holes drilled off center. Also, "Big Green" uses a stepped receiver; the receiver top is at a different height in the front section than it is in the back.

Supposedly, this height difference is 0.118", but the rifles can vary quite a bit here. Also, I understand that Remington polishes the snot out of their

receivers; doing this can and does cause the contours to vary from rifle to rifle. All of this can create problems when using either 1 or 2 piece bases as the

base-to-receiver interface is poor for either type of mount.

Never saw or even held a Savage Model 12. Have a few questions about their receivers:

1. Are they truly cylindrical so that the diameter is constant from one end to the other?

2. Are the base mounting screw holes drilled on center consistently?

3. Are the receiver tops given the extreme polishing job too?


I realize no maker turns out a perfect product every time. Mistakes can and do happen. Share any comments about your experiences in securing mounts to

the Model 12's. After what I went through with the 700, I do not see why so many riflemen are "giddy" about Remingtons! Thank you!

Well I'll put in my $0.02

1: Nominally yes on the round rear receivers. The older flat rear receivers had similar problems that you describe having with the Remmy's due to the flat being hand ground.

2: Normally yes. There are bad ones that you here about leaving the factory, but nominally and normally yes they are pretty centered.

3: No. The only exception may be the 14/114 series. They have a nice polish to them but I don't think its enough to throw off the receiver normally.

With my new builds I have been trying to use Burris Sig Zee rings and use the different sized inserts if needed to correct any misalignment issues. Seems to work great for me, and I know many others swear by them which is one reason why I tried them in the first place. Just some food for thought.

The front and rear on Savages can be off some like the Rems though usually not as much.