I just picked up my new Savage predator Max 1 with the Accu-stock and Accu-trigger yesterday. It sure is sweet and I can't wait to range test it. Last night I mounted a Hawke Sidewinder 4-16 X 38 Tactical scope using Hawke Tactical rings and the factory fitted mounts on the Savage. It features a dual color (red or green) variable intensity, SR6 illuminated reticle. I installed everything carefully, checked alignment of the mounts & rings and mounted the scope using a touch of blue Locktite on all of the fasteners. I was really happy when I began to bore sight the new glass because the scope's crosshairs and the bore sighting collimator's crosshairs were just about bang on. I had to crank just a couple of clicks of windage and the alignment was perfect ;D. The elevation was dead on and I did not need to touch anything. That's the way it should be, perfect mechanical alignment. My engineer brain likes it when things are "right".

I was a bit apprehensive ordering a scope with a 38MM optic because all of my other scopes are pretty much 50MM. I was pleasantly surprised by this scope because of the brightness and clarity. I am a night predator hunter so a scope that transmits a good sight picture in low light is important to me, especially at my age. After it got totally dark outside (and my neighbors could not see me....LOL) I was able to sight around and see just how much light the scope was capable of gathering. Once again, I was impressed. For some reason I have always equated the size of the optic lens with light gathering. Apparently, that is not the case because this scope works just fine, even peering into night shadows.

This scope is sweet and will work well for me shooting under a dim red light while coyote hunting. I'll be trying some new loads this weekend and I'll post the range results. I just loaded about 6 different bullet weights with Varget to see how well the rifle will digest different bullet weights (50, 55, 60, 70) and even some copper stuff & varmint Grenades. The 1 in 8 twist should be happy with all of the weights I loaded. My RRA AR with the same twist seems to do just fine, even with 40 grain bullets.

I really like the Savage so far and I can't wait to shoot it. I have adjusted the trigger to the lightest setting. I usually don't go near the trigger until I am ready to fire. All of my rifles have triggers on the lighter side and I like them that way. This Savage is completely camo coated in a Desert Brush pattern and has a relatively heavy barrel. I wish the barrel was a tad lighter but I will gladly hump the extra weight for assured shot after shot accuracy. I have a prairie dog shoot coming up in May and this 223 Savage and my 204 Howa will be getting a workout.