Opinions on Savage and Ruger rifles

[Smokey]

I'm looking to build a rifle (in .338-06) and want to find a good used and inexpensive action as a base.  I'm told that Savage bolt actions, while inexpensive, are inherently one of the most if not the most accurate actions out there.  Is this close to the truth?

I've also heard that Ruger actions are very strong and well made but are not as accurate as other manufacturerss' rifles.  If this is true, would a premium barrel improve the accuracy of a Ruger every time?  Does the controlled round feed feature of Ruger bolt actions diminish their inherent accuracy?  If so, can accurizing help significantly?

What are your opinions and experiences witn these bolt actions?  Would they  make good actions to start from in building up an economical but accurate rifle?

[Zachary]

It is true that Savage rifles are generally quite accurate.  However, I can't tell you with a high degree of certainty whether this is attributable to the action itself, the action and/or the barrel, the pillar bedding, etc.  In my opinion, despite the fact that Savage rifles are accurate, their actions feel very cheaply made and held to sloppy tolerances.

As for the Rugers, I wouldn't necessarily disagree that they are strong actions, but I personally would not buy one either.

My recommendation is to get a Remington M700 - either the ADL or BDL.  These are very strong actions and widely used in custom rifles and benchrest rifles.  Granted, from the factory, these actions could be better, but you could have these actions blueprinted and they would be solid performers.

Zachary

[Steve Pennington]

I have Ruger, savage and remmington rifles.  All three have their strong points and weak points.  I just bought my third savage this weekend.  I have been looking at the switch barrel conversion offered by Midway.

In my opinion you could do no better than to start your custom rifle with a Savage.  The barrel attachment method lends itself to custom work and the factory rifles are very accurate.  As to the bolt being sloppy I have not found this to be a problem.  

The remmington would also be a good choice but as for me Give me a Savage anytime.  Not overpriced.  Keep us informed on your project.  
GOOD LUCK!!

[ReedG]

I believe the Ruger M77 Mark II bolt action is the best bolt action available to men of modest means, even though I've seen some with terrible triggers. For a hunting rifle, controlled feed is the only way to go. That being said, I think the Savage "switch-barrel" technology and good-to-better action make it a strong candidate for customizing. Guys tell me the switch-barrel thing works so well that you could literally change barrels at the shooting range, if you brought along the go/nogo gauges, etc. So, you see, it's all about "opinions" because you could make your rifle out of any modern-day bolt action and have a good hunting rifle. "Best" is a very elusive thing to find.

[1911crazy]

There is a better action made the mauser 98 action is available brand new meaning modern made it was in the shotgun news a brand new reciever then you will have to mate it with a good quality barrel I would look for a barrel made out of 4140 chromemoly steel i seen these in Numrich Gun Parts. If you want accuracy you need the best quality barrel you can buy.
But it doesn't end there its just beginning then you have to reload. First you need to break the barrel in the first 100 rounds should remove all the burrs and tight spots if it has any then you can settle down and start trying different loads to see which one is more accurate for your setup. If you stay a little below max powder charge the better accuracy will be obtained. So its the a "Quality Barrel" and the "correct reloaded round" and its up to you the shooter!!!!                             BigBill

Don't forget to bed the barrel to the stock its just like building a race car everything must be done right with nothing left out there is no room for errors start to finish!!!

[jamie]

I agree with Zachery.  When you work the action of a Savage it feels cheap,  but you forget all about that and forgive all of its shortcomings when you walk down range to measure your groups.  Oddly, the way Savage makes their barrels is considered to be the worst way to do it.