Savage 114 American Classic/ Remington CDL

[ponydog80]

In the last edition of American Hunter...they had 2 great ads...one for the Savage American 114/14, and another for the Remington 700 CDL.  I swear they looked almost identical......the stock on the CDL looked a bit sweeter.....can anyone give me a "hands on " comparison ....  I know this is a loaded question.....but since they are both "new" offerings....I figured that would be enough to ensure SOMEONE has held them both recently, and made an educated decision.

[glock3540]

I tried both recently.  The savage is a good bit lighter.  The remington has a nicer stock and was $150 more than the savage.   The stock finish on the remington has a satin, dull finish while the savage has a gloss.  I like satin finishes better but figured I could put the extra $150 into better optics.  I was looking for a new bolt rifle in 7mm08 and decided on the savage over the remington although I know I will own a CDL in the near future

[ponydog80]

If you don't mind sharing......what was the cost of the Savage....I too like the idea of the CDL......and the stock looks very good.....just counting my pennies until that time.......and where did you buy ??  Local gunshop...Cabelas???

[Bigfoot]

Review http://www.savageshooters.net/Reviews/14AmericanClassicReview.html

I think the 14/114 American Classic is the next best thing, and it's because of that new center feed magazine. It feeds everything great and I mean everything. The WSM version(with the CRF bolt head) even feeds the WSSMs. The review isn't clear about the capacity, the mag will hold three WSM cartridges when the bolt is open so you can load it with three, chamber one and have two backups. The standard cartridge version will function the short BR cartridges perfectly, when only the very rare old style mag would feed it at all.

Here's a heads up though, wait two or three weeks untill the 2006 models are released before you buy one. Some guys have the inside info on them and they aren't saying, only hinting. I'm guessing/hoping that the center feed mags will trickle down to the cheaper models, hopefully in a blind mag version. Fingers crossed.

[glock3540]

The savage 14 was $499 at Gander Mountain.  They also had the CDL's for $629

[ponydog80]

I have looked and found several Remington ADL's in a .270 caliber for around 399, all the way up to 499.00  ( One guy seems very proud of his)......I bought my ADL wood for 401.00 several years back...it shoots great....when I saw the Savage 114.....and saw the look , I immediately thought  it looked like my addle....but the black forearm cap , made it and the CDL look very similar.  For a long term , I would have probably gotten the CDL....never know when Remington is gonna discontinue yet another model..( like the ADL to SPS) .   Anyway , thanks for the info, best of luck with the 114...they sure look great...
I heard one comment about the stock not being a very hard wood....have you noticed any dings?   Or "softness" versus other Walnut stocks???

[glock3540]

I haven't noticed much difference in the wood compared to other walnut stocks but I haven't had it out much either.  I get the "itch" for a new rifle about every other month so I'm sure I'll have a CDL by Christmas.

[ponydog80]

Yes , I know the "itch" feeling...but my budget just wont let me scratch that often......kids usually get in line first.    I am actually trying to make a good long term decision for my son.......he shoots a single shot currently, a .243 NEF handi....and has dropped many deer and varmit with it.....plus he loves the way it does not recoil.....but he is 14 now, almost 6' tall and has grown considerably since I got it for him when he was 9....I now know why the Indians said..." fear a white man who only owns 1 gun "......you learn to shoot that thing pretty well if it consumes all your time....but that CDL look like it could withstand years and years of hunting....and it could be something he'd never have to sell, unless he wanted to .     Thanks for the input.