The 12 FV is a great rifle out of the box. It is a wonderfull platform to build on. I'm not sure how many I and friends have bought over the last 8+ years. Our favorites are the .223 and .204. The .204 is apparently no longer available in the 12 FV. Most of my buddys have kept them as is with no changes and they are very happy with them. I and another buddy are avid P-dog shooters and have made some major adustments. The 12 FV has become a donor rifle to build the 20 Practicals. He and I have built 4 almost exactly alike except for optics and rings. We are using Shilen Prefit (thank you Shilen and Northland Shooters Supply) in 20 Practical. Rifle Basix Triggers. Bell and Carlson Stocks. I like the Talley one piece rings/mounts. They have become our go to rifles. You'll be happy weather you keep it original or tinker with it a bit. Just one piece of advice. They are addictive and can end up costing you a lot of $$$$$$$$. Just like those chips " you cant have just one".