Savage 12 Benchrest 6br Norma

[Rimfirenut]

Trying to decide between buying a Savage 12 Benchrest in 6BR for 200 to 400 yards. I have front and rear Ransom Rifle Master that will probably fit the factory stock (can add components to make fit if necessary). My other option is to buy a Target Action add a Criterion Barrel and mount in a Richards Microfit Stock which I like. Both the Rifle and Action is in Short Supply at this time. But, I'm willing to wait a year if necessary. Alternately buy a MPA Pro II in 6GT for $2600. My other "Premium" Rifle i(scheduled for March delivery) is a MPA ESR Rimfire in the same Chassis as the 6 GT mentioned.

This will be my second and last "premium" rifle.

Narrowed down to 3 options:

1) Purchase Savage Benchrest in 6BR
2) Build something similar with prefit barrel in 6 BR
3) Buy a MPA repeater from MPA in 6 GT (reportedly 6 GT feeds better in repeaters than 6BR).

Input will be appreciated.

[charlie b]

I'd buy one with a custom barrel. Savage barrels typically shoot well, but, they are hard to clean with all the machine marks in them.

Am close to replacing the 6BR Shilen on the BVSS action. I like that cartridge. FWIW, the 6BR feeds fine in the action, but ejection can be an issue. Heck, ejection was an issue with the original .308 barrel. The other 6mm cartridges would probably eject better.

If it were me, and I could afford it, I'd get the MPA or other custom action/barrel.

[KMW1954]

Points to consider in this.

Model 12 target action vs. the "Other" actions.. Now this is only my personal opinion but there are very slight differences in these actions that may or may not play an important role..

Model 12 Target; Single shot action no cutout for a magazine. Large shank as opposed to small shank, Ejection port location, Target Trigger assembly as opposed to the everyday Accutrigger. If those items are of importance to you the look for a Model 12 Target action.

I am currently shooting a Model 110 Switchback action with the oval port with a Shilen Select Match Grade Prefit, 28", 4 groove, Bull profile 6ARC. This is mounted in a Boyd's At-One Thumbhole stock.

I shoot this in a local league with 21 other members. We shoot at distances of 100 to 300yds. League runs from Jan to March so it is cold. Last 3 years I was shooting a Savage 12 in 223 and was always in the middle of the pack. This year, 1/2 way through I am in 6th position overall. The shooters ahead of me are much more skilled and experienced than I am.

So this is just some "Food for Thought" advice. Now you decide.

[mattri]

Fwiw I'd go option 2.

Savage factory barrels can be good but they just don't have the consistent quality of an aftermarket like Criterion.

With the aftermarket trigger options we have now even the target accutrigger isn't the selling point it was when it came out.

Stock options are also greater. If you like the factory stock you can always pick one up. There's a McMillan on accurateshooter now. And if you decide to go a different route you have choices.

In it's day the factory 6br was a good gun but the aftermarket has really surpassed it in the last few years- if you're comfortable building your own you can make a.much better rifle.

Just my .02 def keep us posted!

[LDSILLS]

If you are serious about a 6BR I would start buying components now. Lapua brass is hit and miss. Norma brass is available at times.

My two cents on a build. Recently I was involved in a build with newer Savage Actions. When compared to my older model 12 action which was a new build for me a year ago. I prefer the old and replace the trigger with a red blade. I am biased however as we all are when we put together a rifle. Bottomline, buy an older 12BVSS , rework the action, install a new barrel. If your woodworking skills are not up to par lay it all into a Boyd custom BR stock.



Larry

[jimreed1948]

My son purchased a model 10 in 308 several years ago from Bass Pro, Cabelas or one of the other retail outlets. It was one of those "deals" Savage advertises every now and then. Pencil barrel, the cheapest stock that can be found, etc, etc.. It never shot very well and it became a safe queen.

Fast forward a couple of years and I became the owner of it. Strip it down to the action, added a 22" Urbarnrifleman 6 BR barrel, KRG Bravo stock and a JARD trigger. It shoots 87 gr VMax's good, but it shoots 105 Bergers VLD Hunting bullets outstanding. Overall heavy, but I really like it. If I carry it for a distance, I use a Slogans Outdoors sling.

[Rimfirenut]

Thanks for the reply. Which cartridge(s) are more accurate for target shooting solely from the bench at distances ranging from 200 to 400 yards?

[KMW1954]

I believe it is more about the individual rifle than the cartridge as any good one will shoot well. At the same time though, any of the 6mm BR family are the easy button.

[charlie b]

I second that one. My 6BR is for 600 to 1000yd. I use my .223 for short range. I may be tempted to go with a .22PPC when I rebarrel it, but, I will keep the 6BR for long range. In between 200 and 600 is kind of a 'what the day is like' thing. If I am doing well with the .223 that day and the wind is calm I will stretch it out a bit. But, if the BR is doing well or if the winds kick up I'll use it at the in between ranges.