Are the Savage "Package Guns" worth it?

[teddy12b]

Hey Everyone,
         First off, let explain I'm a big fan of Savage guns.  My first one was a 210F 12ga, then a 12FV 223, then I bought my father in law a Weather Warrior in 30-06. 
         That being said I know a guy that needs to get a rifle and I don't know if I should tell him to get a package gun or a weather warrior and a better scope.  My main concern with the packages is the durability of the scopes.  I want to know if they hold up well.  Are they worth it or should I get something better? 

If they work, they work, but if it doesn't hold it's zero from one trip to the next then it's no good to me.

[mountainview]

Ted,
I bought 2 of the packages (one new in 7-08 synthetic and one used in 30-06) and they have worked out well enough for me. I test handloads and hunt with them so they get a fair amount of usage. They seem to hold zero and have held up so far that I have not seen fit to upgrade them yet even though I got a Bushnell at a very good price. I did not much care for the vertical slit rings so I replaced those on the 06 with horizontal split rings. I did send the scope from th 30-06 in for repair when I got it since it had been overtightened by the previous owner but Simmons sent me a replacement no questions asked.

If your bud is a serious shooter and/or hunter or appreciates fine equipment, a better scope would be in order. If he is a casual shooter/deer hunter, the package scopes would probably be adequate, particularly if there are budgetary concerns. In this case, even if he decides to upgrade later, the package scope could be put on a 22 RF.

Good luck.

[wtroger]

They are one of the best values out there. The scopes are the cheapest part on them but every one I have sold the customer has been more than satisified. Savage makes one of the most accurate out of the box rifle there is. My primary deer rifle is one of these.

[Swamp Fox]

The only caution I have is to remove the scope, mount and rings.  Then reinstall it. You will be pleased with your new rifle.

[cherokee75]

I have a 110 in .243 that came with a Simmons 3-9x32.  I have shot probably 150 rounds through it with no problems at all.  I am not sure what scopes they put on their larger caliber rifles but I would be surprised if it was the same one I have.

[K.K]

I have owned on in stainless, in 300 WSM for about two years. It came with a Simmons 3x9. it is wonderfully accurate and the scope has held up well despite the light rifle in a hard kicking caliber. In my mind, they are about the best value on the market. The other package came in a 22-250 with a Simmons varmint scope and it is a dandy as well.

[HillBillyFarmer]

My father-in-law is a Savage gun dealer and every year a couple months before deer season he stocks his gun racks with "package rifles" in all different combinations and all different calibers and before deer season is over he's all sold out of them. He's had a couple guys come in and upgrade the scope because they prefer something other than the Simmons, they usually get a Bushnell or a Nikon, but we don't hear any complaints about the Simmons and they seem to hold up pretty good even on some of the big magnum rifles.

[trotterlg]

If you look at the cost the scope and mounts are basically free.  Only complaint with the scope is that the cross hairs are too thick for any target work, but for hunting it is great.  It may be worth your effort to replace the rings, they are the weakest link.  When you get the rifle the rings will be sealed in with some kind of glue, if you don't mess with it I think it will be fine, if you have to remove the scope you should probably find some good rings.  Larry