Sorry for the long post but you asked a lot of questions.
I have a 10T-SR in 6.5mm Creedmoor and it shoots accurately with an overall average under 0.385 inches for all 5 round groups measured at 100 yards.
It is configured especially for Cabela's so it has some features not found in the Savage models.
The 10T-SR has a fairly long bolt handle that seems to get in the way a bit for me even though it may provide the torque needed to control a somewhat sticky bolt.
My two lower cost Savage rifles (a model 11 VT .22-250 and the 10T-SR) have bolts that aren't as smooth as the more expensive ones, but that could be just coincidence.
If I were you looking for a really long range Savage, I would recommend a 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor with the Precision Target Accu-Triger and a HS Precision aluminum pillar bedded stock. Check the Savage web site to see if it is available in a left hand version.
Mine right hand version came from the factory with a 10 oz. Precision Target Accu-trigger and the bolt was smooth as silk.
It is my most accurate rifle and has averaged just over 0.36 inches at 100 yards for all types of bullets and powders for the 475 5-inch groups that I have shot through it.
I bought mine new for under $1,100 and am looking to buy one in a different caliber because it is such a great rifle.
Barrels and Inherent Accuracy
All my Savage bolt action rifles were accurate out of the box.
Savage and CZ are the only two companies that I can say that about and I have bought new rifles from a lot of different companies.
If the Savage barrels are rough, and I have no data to confirm or deny that claim, it doesn't seem to mess up the accuracy in any of my rifles.
Of all my rifles, Savage holds 4 of the top five slots for accuracy with the 4th slot held by a more expensive Les Baer Super Varmint .223.
The top 5 are followed by a CZ and then a Remington 700 (but the Remington had to get a new trigger and stock to get 7th place.)
Accu-Trigger Malfunctions
I have read reports of Accu-trigger malfunctions as well. Almost all of them were lock-ups, if I remember correctly.
Turns out that the Accu-trigger is designed to lock up when the tab is pushed to the side instead of straight back.
That is how Savage dealt with avoiding inadvertent release under shock.
If you have sloppy trigger technique and push the safety tab on a lightly set trigger to the side instead of straight back, the trigger will lock up.
With 5 Savage rifles, I have experienced a few Accu-trigger lock ups over about 9 years.
They all occurred on 2 of the 5 rifles with triggers that were set at 2 lbs. (close to minimum trigger pull weight - 1.6 lbs. for a standard Accu-trigger).
They occurred after many months (years) of shooting with no problems.
I figured out that the adjustment screw can loosen with use unless you put a dab of Loc-Tite or nail polish on it after you set it to your desired pull weight.
When it loosens and gets close to the minimum pull weight, the safety tab gets sensitive enough to lock when even light pressure is applied to the safety tab toward the side.
If the trigger setting screw gets really loose, the trigger might lock up even if you slam the bolt down sharply as you close it.
One of my 5 rifles did that but the trigger pull measured under 1.6 lbs. when measured in checking out the problem.
The problem went away when I reset the trigger pull at the desired 2 lbs. and put a dab of Loc-Tite on the adjusting screw.
Customer Service
I have read some of the negative comments about Savage Customer Service as well but you can't prove it by me.
With 5 Savage rifles all bought new, I have had two opportunities to use Savage Customer Service and both times I got very cordial and effective service.
I registered all five new rifles with Savage using their web site. so they had a record of my purchase, which may have helped.
1) I had a new barrel replaced on an old 10 FP .308 and Savage consulted with me willingly when I asked for a fluted target barrel to replace an original factory barrel with more than 6,500 rounds through it.
They told me they would have to see the rifle to check their options and find an appropriate target barrel and then they would have to flute it.
I sent them the rifle and they called back in less than a week and told me they had a target barrel that would fit and could be fluted so I told them to do it.
They sent the rifle back looking like new except for the existing wear marks on the well-used bolt.
Total bill was $427 which was far less than the over $800 and up to 1 year quoted by local gun smiths.
The rifle was rebarreled and returned from Savage within 35 days, including shipping time.
The chamber in the new barrel was right at SAAMI recommended length and the new barrel out shot the factory original by over 0.2 inches on average.
That old 10 FP is now my best shooting .308.
2) I also had a tight chamber adjusted on the 12 LRP early in its life because I was seeing high pressure signs even with loads far lighter than mid load table charges.
I asked Hornady, who developed the cartridge if that was normal and they told me that some target rifles use very tight chambers and that causes higher pressures.
With that information, I reported the problem to Savage and provided load data and photos of several different loads including the minimum loads when I reported the problem via the Savage web site.
Savage reacted very quickly and sent return instructions.
When they returned the rifle, they even noted how many thousandths they bored the chamber to eliminate the problem.
The rifle shoots as accurately as ever and I never have seen pressure signs since, even if I get close to Pmax.
Both service actions were completed within 30 days, including shipping time.
I hope you find the rifle you're looking for and have success in your competitions.
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