please tell me about yer 12fv ...

rfd12fv · 07-11-2014, 08:12 PM

got one coming next week in .204 ruger along with a boyds thumbhole lam stock. already have the glass, a swfa s/s 12x42.

any of you folks got one of these 12fv's and care to comment? much obliged, tia.

**drybean** · 07-11-2014, 10:42 PM

Yep mine had a sex change to 6br with new wood

**ngoforth** · 07-11-2014, 11:20 PM

I have the same model. It is a blast to shoot and accurate with the right load. I could not get a decent group out of the 32 grain vmax bullets no matter what i tried the 40 vmax did better but when I tried the 39 grain Sierra blitz kings with h322 powder I was sold on savages. The groups with the hornady bullets were still under an inch but the sierras for my rifle is great. I have not changed anything on the rifle from the factory. It's a great rifle.

jb6.5 · 07-11-2014, 11:34 PM

I've got one in a 223. Done a lil work to it and it shoots 5 shots in the .2's, every time, if I don't screw it up.

**savgebolt** · 07-12-2014, 05:36 PM

I have a new 12fcv in 22-250 yet to be fired ,,,, looking forward to see how it shoots

rfd12fv · 07-13-2014, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by ngoforth

I have the same model. It is a blast to shoot and accurate with the right load. I could not get a decent group out of the 32 grain vmax bullets no matter what i tried the 40 vmax did better but when I tried the 39 grain Sierra blitz kings with h322 powder I was sold on savages. The groups with the hornady bullets were still under an inch but the sierras for my rifle is great. I have not changed anything on the rifle from the factory. It's a great rifle.

i've got to order out some of those 39 blitzkings. right now i have a few hundred 40 v-max to load up, but i definitely want to try other bullet brands and weights. for powder, i've only got on hand h4895, imr4064, and varget. i'd prefer a heavier bullet in the 39-40 range, but i guess that's gonna be up to what the rifle likes. i should try some lighter 32 boolits, too.

**bythebook** · 07-13-2014, 06:50 AM

I just built my third 204. I had an Encore barrel in 204 and a 77VT, both shot very well . The one I just finished is a 12 action with a McGowen barrel and it seems like it is going to shoot also. I use Blc-2 powder and 32 grain V-Max and 34 grain Midway Dog Towners. These shot so good and did all I ask of them, they were very competitive winning an egg match or 2 from 200 to 250 yds. I just never tried the heavier bullets, if I do need heavier I have a couple 22-250's or 243's or 6mmbr .

Gunslinger One · 07-13-2014, 08:15 AM

Got a FCV in .223.. Had Fred Moreo do some barrel and bolt work. Shoots great. Also put a Boyd's monte Carlo laminated stock on it. Have a Zeiss Conquest mounted. Shoot Hornady VMax 53 grain bullets with 25 grains of Varget powder...

**ngoforth** · 07-13-2014, 11:03 AM

I did not have much luck with the 34 grain dogtowns. I think I am the only one that they won't shoot for. For the price they can't be beat. I use them for fouling shots and if I change scopes. They are worth a try. But like you said it's up to the rifle. I haven't tried any of the 3 powders you have. I have some varget but not enough to feed multiple rifles. I mainly use h322 and benchmark since the is what I have. I don't think the 204 is picky with powder.

rfd12fv · 07-13-2014, 08:13 PM

32 and 39 bk's ordered, will trial them along with the 40 v-max pills. no h322 or benchmark locally available - i hate to order powder and primers on the web unless i can go in with a gang order, to beat those dumb hazmat fees.

**bootsmcguire** · 07-13-2014, 10:37 PM

I have had the 12FV in 204, 22-250, 223, and 308. All were/are shooters.

Try some Varget or RL15 with the 40gr V-Max. Mine sure seemed to like them.

**lscraig1968** · 07-14-2014, 07:00 PM

I have a 12 FV in .223 that I shoot prairie dogs with. LOVE IT! very accurate. Mine is fitted with a boyds thumbhole, and a Rifle Basix SAV2 trigger.

rfd12fv · 07-14-2014, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by lscraig1968

I have a 12 FV in .223 that I shoot prairie dogs with. LOVE IT! very accurate. Mine is fitted with a boyds thumbhole, and a Rifle Basix SAV2 trigger.

interesting. while awaiting the 12fv arrival, i just ordered out a boyds th stock for it. i've used boyds stocks for rems and marlins, i think they're excellent.

curious as to why you felt the need to replace the accu-trigger?

**lscraig1968** · 07-14-2014, 08:39 PM

rfd12fv:

While I liked the adjustable nature of the accutrigger, I could not get used to the blade. I shoot with about 3/8" of my index finger. I could not get used to reaching around the whole trigger. I had the trigger set very light for long distance shots. Several times during the first trip to shoot p-dogs, I had to re-cock the trigger after I had activated the firing pin block by accident. This doesn't happen with the rifle Basix trigger because there is no extra blade safety.

Plain and simply shooting style and preferences.

**strafer** · 07-14-2014, 09:33 PM

I recently acquired a 12FCV in 22-250. It shoots extremely well with handloads from 100 to 300, and just fine with factory stuff at 100. I use it to turn ground squirrels inside out here in northern CA. I've done nothing to it except adjust the accutrigger to 28oz. Crazy accurate right out of the box.

My kids say it's loud, and it does rise a little bit upon discharge, making it a little challenging to see the hit, but flying squirrels more than make up for those two nits. I wrote up a range report on it in this forum a month or so ago.

The 204 is my next caliber, and yes it will be a Savage. I'm hooked.

Good luck with yours.

-strafer