Need new rifle recommendations....

[demented]

 I own two left bolt guns, a Browning Stainless Stalker in 7MM Rem mag and a Savage 16FLSS in .308.  I wanted the Savage to use in wooded areas because its both lighter and shorter than my 7MM.  The problem is I can't seem to get the Savage to shoot as well as I'd like. (less than 2"@100yds)   Is there another stainless, short action rifle out there that is similar in weight to the Savage? I've just about lost hope that the Savage can do better than its average 3" groups with factory loads.

[The Sodbuster]

Have you considered another Browning stainless?  Brownings are usually pretty light weight.  I have a Savage model 16 in .223 Rem.  It will shoot lots of loads inside 1.5" at 100 yards and puts some loads inside an inch regularly.  How many types of factory ammo have you tried in yours? 

Another option would be to send your 16FLSS out to have it "accurized".  This usually involved trueing and glass bedding the action.  A couple outfits that specialize in Savage rifles are: www.sharpshootersupply.com and www.savagegunsmithing.com.  Figure on spending a couple-hundred dollars.

Not many lefty, stainless rifles out there.  Other than the Savage 16 and Browning Stainless stalker, the only one I can think of off the top of my head is the Ruger stainless sporter, and that only comes in a few long-action calibers.  You could get a barrelled action from Montana rifleworks, but you'd need a stock for it, and the combo would cost around $1,500. 

[LEO]

Send it back to Savage, explain to them what is going on include test groups if you have them and they will make it right.  Savage is one of those companies that has top shelf customer service and they expect their rifles to shoot well.  Call them first and they will probably even pick up the shipping.  I have shot several of the the Savage bolt rifles and they have all shot way better than your rifle is shooting.  Hope you get it straightened out.

[teddy12b]

I'm also very surprised to hear your savage didn't shoot well.  How many different types of ammo did you run through it?

[superdown]

I personally have really gotten into my new TC pro hunter but i would also take a look at the Tikka t3 lite stainless left hand .                                                                                                                                                                                                     Justin

[Gregory]

My Savage 11FL in 7mm-08 is a tack driver with my handloads.  I'd suspect a scope / mount problem before blaming the gun.  Or as others have said, maybe try different loads.

[riddleofsteel]

Does the rifle have a factory rubber stock? If it does that may be part of the problem. I have had mixed reports on the accuracy of this setup. I bought a Synthetic Model 11 in .308 and it was trying to shoot one hole groups except for the occasional flyer that threw the groups out to 2".
I tired several fixes to not avail. But you can try bedding the recoil lug area and skim coating the tops of the pillars. Often the steel pillars in the stock are slightly recessed and the action is riding on the plastic surrounding it. That means flyers.
Best solution is to call Kevin Rayhill at Stockade Stocks. He will fix you up with a real stock for a reasonable price. He will even bed it for you if you want.

[superdown]

Demented , have you decided on a rifle yet if so what did you end up with and does it shoot any better than your savage ? Superdown