Author Topic: Savage Custom Shop (Read 5000 times)

coyote trapper1928 · « **on:** October 25, 2008, 06:50:30 AM »

Just finished reading the latest article in Guns Magazine and they has a story about the Savage Custom Shop. The writer had a custom made Model 14 Classic rifle made up in the 250/3000 Savage caliber. From what I read , Savage can make up just about any custom rifle for a customer as long as they have the parts and reamers for the caliber. A few questions on this:

1. Can this be done in left hand too? (250 Savage caliber)

2. I may have missed it, but what about the magazine? Does Savage offer magazine clips through their custom shop that are for any caliber you want or do you have to buy them separate from another company ?

The rifle that the Custom Shop made looked pretty good and the price was not bad either !

http://www.gunsmagazine.com/Features/1008/Ftr1008.html

KRP · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2008, 10:44:38 AM »

Yes, they will build you a left hand rifle. Nobody that I know of makes magazines for Savages but the 250 Savage should feed from a factory 308 magazine.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2008, 11:56:58 AM »

Thanks for the info.

If they are correct on the price, then $767.00 is VERY cheap for a custom made rifle.

DGrig · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2008, 03:34:21 PM »

I had a Savage 10FP left hand made up in 260rem about 6 years ago and it cost only $100 more than the regular .308.

KRP · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2008, 01:25:20 PM »

If you can wait a little while, the word is Savage is going to offer the 250 and 300 Savage in their general line-up for 2009 models. It would save you the cost of going through their custom shop.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2008, 01:51:01 PM »

Quote from: KRP on October 28, 2008, 01:25:20 PM

the word is Savage is going to offer the 250 and 300 Savage in their general line-up for 2009 models.

Now why did you have to go and tell me that for!

I REALLY want a 250/3000. I looked for years to find a M7 action to have one built on, I finally found one and the only reason it's still in 260 and hasn't already been rebarreled is because I've got this thing about killing a deer with a project rifle before I start the transformation! Now you tell me I'll be able to buy a factory rifle in that caliber which will probably be at most a quarter of what I was going to spend putting one together! You just ruined my evening!

Of course, if I get a Savage 250 then I can keep the Model Seven in 260 which I really like which will make my M700 BDL 260 extra and a 338 Federal would make a nice mate for my 338-06 like my 358 Win is with my 35 Whelen since there is just no reason for having 2 rifles in the same caliber with all the cartridges there are nowadays and besides, the only Savages I have are M99's and I really should have one of their bolt guns since I hear they are so accurate and I saw one of our bench rest types shooting a rail gun built on a Savage action and... and...

$:-\$

I didn't know Savage even had a custom shop...

Skunk · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2008, 05:47:13 PM »

Agreed! An American Classic in 250 Savage would be the tits. Might go 250 AI though. The Ackley Improvement chart shows that the 250 Savage gets really good increases when Ackley-tized. It might be a caliber worth improving.

Note: Ackley-tized, Ackley-ized, hehe, sometime I kill me...

KRP · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:57:15 PM »

250 Savage would definately be worth improving in my opinion. It's actually on my list of rifles to build or barrels to buy. I need one you know, don't have a quarter bore in the stable.

AtlLaw: Sorry to throw a wrench in your plans. Decisions, decisions...

AtlLaw · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2008, 07:39:14 AM »

Quote from: KRP on October 28, 2008, 07:57:15 PM

250 Savage would definately be worth improving in my opinion.

Ya know, I'm not much into wildcats/Imp. cartridges nowadays except in some odd circumstances. $:-\$ With the plethora of commercial rounds available I don't see much need. I've got a "Bob" if I want more then a 250. If I want more then that I can get a 25/06; more then that I can get a 257 Weatherby. Not much room for anything between those 4.

But there are other calibers and circumstances that would make WC's/Imp. cartridges a viable choice. I just don't own a rifle in all the commercial calibers... YET!

Swampman · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2008, 07:53:40 AM »

Wouldn't this be like building a custom car based on a Yugo?

Skunk · « **Reply #10 on:** October 29, 2008, 08:53:13 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on October 29, 2008, 07:53:40 AM

Wouldn't this be like building a custom car based on a Yugo?

No Swampman, that isn't what it would be like, and you know better young man.

It would be more like taking a top quality American made chassis, motor, and drivetrain, and turning it into Rob MacCachren's Baja 1000 Winning Trophy Truck.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 29, 2008, 09:07:56 AM »

I am picturing fleur de les checkering, with gold enlays and a stainless barrel and receiver with a 24 Karat Gold trigger !!

KRP · « **Reply #12 on:** October 29, 2008, 09:35:18 AM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on October 29, 2008, 07:39:14 AM

Ya know, I'm not much into wildcats/Imp. cartridges nowadays except in some odd circumstances. $:-\$ With the plethora of commercial rounds available I don't see much need. I've got a "Bob" if I want more then a 250. If I want more then that I can get a 25/06; more then that I can get a 257 Weatherby. Not much room for anything between those 4.

But there are other calibers and circumstances that would make WC's/Imp. cartridges a viable choice. I just don't own a rifle in all the commercial calibers... YET!

No argument here, 250 Improved wouldn't provide anything not available from another cartridge. I like the wildcat and improved rounds though, the Roberts is another one I could see improving. I've thought about putting together a 25 Souper also.

I don't own all the factory chamberings yet either.

Quote from: coyote trapper1928 on October 29, 2008, 09:07:56 AM

I am picturing fleur de les checkering, with gold enlays and a stainless barrel and receiver with a 24 Karat Gold trigger !!

I think you should black chrome the barrel and receiver it would look good with the gold.

Tunaman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 29, 2008, 02:58:27 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on October 29, 2008, 07:39:14 AM

Quote from: KRP on October 28, 2008, 07:57:15 PM
250 Savage would definately be worth improving in my opinion.

Ya know, I'm not much into wildcats/Imp. cartridges nowadays except in some odd circumstances. $:-\$ With the plethora of commercial rounds available I don't see much need. I've got a "Bob" if I want more then a 250. If I want more then that I can get a 25/06; more then that I can get a 257 Weatherby. Not much room for anything between those 4.

But there are other calibers and circumstances that would make WC's/Imp. cartridges a viable choice. I just don't own a rifle in all the commercial calibers... YET!

Amen, I am drinking your koolade.

HillBillyFarmer · « **Reply #14 on:** October 31, 2008, 09:18:25 AM »

Quote from: KRP on October 28, 2008, 01:25:20 PM

If you can wait a little while, the word is Savage is going to offer the 250 and 300 Savage in their general line-up for 2009 models. It would save you the cost of going through their custom shop.

I thought the 50th Anniversary model 110 in 300 Savage was the only factory line chambering they were going to do for that cartridge?

Skunk · « **Reply #15 on:** October 31, 2008, 09:45:49 AM »

Quote from: HillBillyFarmer on October 31, 2008, 09:18:25 AM

Quote from: KRP on October 28, 2008, 01:25:20 PM
If you can wait a little while, the word is Savage is going to offer the 250 and 300 Savage in their general line-up for 2009 models. It would save you the cost of going through their custom shop.

I thought the 50th Anniversary model 110 in 300 Savage was the only factory line chambering they were going to do for that cartridge?

I read on another very reliable forum that the .250 and .300 Savage will be chambered in the 14 American Classic and 16 Weather Warrior models. And that was supposed to have come directly from one of the big guys at Savage.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:36:00 AM »

I am hoping to get a .250 Savage made up in left hand with a Walnut stock, stainless barrel and receiver. Some fancy checkering and a nice thick recoil pad , too.

MGMorden · « **Reply #17 on:** October 31, 2008, 11:02:06 AM »

Quote from: Skunk on October 31, 2008, 09:45:49 AM

I read on another very reliable forum that the .250 and .300 Savage will be chambered in the 14 American Classic and 16 Weather Warrior models. And that was supposed to have come directly from one of the big guys at Savage.

Hmm. Now that IS interesting. Question is what do I get. I've got a .257 Roberts, 2 .30-06's, and 2 .30-30's already. Seems like the .250 Sav is really close the .257 and the .300 Savage should be about in between the .30-30 and the .30-06. Decisions, decisions . . . .

Skunk · « **Reply #18 on:** October 31, 2008, 05:43:18 PM »

Quote from: MGMorden on October 31, 2008, 11:02:06 AM

Hmm. Now that IS interesting. Question is what do I get. I've got a .257 Roberts, 2 .30-06's, and 2 .30-30's already. Seems like the .250 Sav is really close the .257 and the .300 Savage should be about in between the .30-30 and the .30-06. Decisions, decisions . . . .

Those are the fun kind of decisions to make though. In my case it's pretty simple. I' have no .25s, so I'd go for the .250. One thing for certain though, from point of view of owning a Classic, having either one of those calibers, especially in a Savage rifle, is just, well, classic cool.

jnclement · « **Reply #19 on:** November 02, 2008, 10:34:14 AM »

I have a lot of trouble thinking that letting the so called custom shop screw another barrel on is a custom rifle. I can do it myself in 30 minutes. If you want a Savage in 250-3000, let Shilen build you a pre-fit supermatch barrel, and screw it on yourself. It will shoot circles around anything the custom shop does. Changing a barrel is about as hard as changing the oil in your car.

MGMorden · « **Reply #20 on:** November 03, 2008, 09:27:54 AM »

Quote from: jnclement on November 02, 2008, 10:34:14 AM

I have a lot of trouble thinking that letting the so called custom shop screw another barrel on is a custom rifle. I can do it myself in 30 minutes. If you want a Savage in 250-3000, let Shilen build you a pre-fit supermatch barrel, and screw it on yourself. It will shoot circles around anything the custom shop does. Changing a barrel is about as hard as changing the oil in your car.

Depends on the price though. The custom shop rifle shown is not your standard cheap Savage. It's more in line with the American Classic series rifles (except that the American Classic's have detachable magazines, and the rifle shown in the article seems to have what I'd consider to be a more preferable hinged floorplate).

Given that the American Classic has an MSRP of $809 anyways (usually knock 25% off for street price), then if it's under $1000 it might not be so bad. Probably still cheaper than buying the American Classic + the Shilen barrel + headspace gauges + barrel vise + barrel nut wrench.

An honestly, what defines a "custom" item except that it's something that you had tailored to your individual wants/needs. Changing the barrel to something non-standard most certainly qualifies for that. Fancier checkering would too. So would a fancier wood grain. Anything above and beyond what is offered in the normal production line is custom.

Nessmuk#1 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 05, 2008, 06:44:18 AM »

And yes, clip or hinged, no problem.

teddy12b · « **Reply #22 on:** November 05, 2008, 09:16:53 AM »

The Savage custom shop is great to deal with. I wanted to get myself a heavy barreled 30-06 for my college graduation present to myself. Only problem was that the rifle I wanted was one that savage quit making after 2005. I called the custom shop and talked with Effie, and it was no problem. I ordered a 110FP in 30-06 for about $100 more than I would have bought the same rifle in a caliber they were already making.

I thought about having an aftermarket barrel put on but I needed a whole gun and by the time I got done working out the prices for parts, shipping, gunsmithing etc. it just worked out better for me to buy a rifle from Savage. I didn't know this at the time, but Savage will engrave your name onto the bolt for free just for buying a custom rifle. I thought it was cheesy, but in a way I already paid for it so why not. Savage can custom build your rifle, and you can personalize it from there.

My custom rifle came with this paper target in the box.

My handloads will shoot this.

I have no complaints about the savage custom shop and I could talk all day long about how much I like the rifle they made me.

HillBillyFarmer · « **Reply #23 on:** November 05, 2008, 10:09:42 AM »

I remember a couple years back, I think it was on Guns & Ammo TV, Craig Boddington did a tour of the Savage Factory and they built for him a Savage Model 12BVSS in 22-250 and they engraved his signature in the bolt of that rifle. It looked real nice.

Hammer1 · « **Reply #24 on:** November 16, 2008, 05:01:08 PM »

Quote

I called the custom shop and talked with Effie

+1

Effie Sullivan at the Savage custom shop has helped me with several rifles. A great person to work with.

.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #25 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:35:31 AM »

Swamp,
I try to understand everyone’s point of view, even yours. Only thing is do you not feel it's rude to come into the Savage forum and make comments like that? Form all your posts I gather you have only purchased Remington’s in 30-06. I don't think you have any experience on the Savage rifle, just your opinion. With the comment like that I don't consider that opinion worth damn.

I have decided to call your Remington out on the carpet. If you think your Remington is so great let's put it to the test. I have a Savage 308 with only a aftermarket stock. There are no other changes made to the gun. I do shoot reloads so if you are willing to the conditions that you are allowed a stock change and using reloads I say let's go to the range and who walks away with the best group wins. What do think would be a good bet....$500.00 sound good to you?

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 30, 2008, 10:52:59 AM »

Let's throw a new twist on the custom shop offerings

Suppose one wanted a left hand 22 magnum or a .17 HMR from the Custom Shop , will they do that ? In Walnut

??

Hammer1 · « **Reply #27 on:** December 01, 2008, 07:06:58 AM »

The Savage custom shop is more of an erector set operation and are fine people to work with.

They take existing components and assemble them in ways not found in the catalog.

For example, Savage had made 7 x 57 barrels before but never offered a left-hand model. The left-hand model needs no modifications to accept a 7 x 57 barrel. So easy assembly. You got a custom gun.

They have also made me a left-hand 375 H&H with two complete bolt assemblies -- one push-feed and one controlled-feed. For those interested, neither has ever produced a failure to feed, extract, or eject.

They have made me a left-hand single-shot rifle in 25-06. Did not machine in the magazine hole and did machine in the typical single-shot action cartridge slot.

They do not do things that are totally from scratch that is not in their factory in any form. Mostly they rewrite factory routers and make production lots of one instead of fifty.

However, Remington, Winchester, and Colt don't run true custom shops either.

I think of the Remington custom shop as upgrading wood and a little engraving. Ask them to make a left-hand Remington 1100 in 16 gauge and see what they say.

Years ago I asked Winchester to make a custom Model 70. Described exactly what I wanted verbally, in writing, in drawings, and in person. Their basic position was it was impossible at any price. No interest at all. The thing was Winchester had built the exact rifle that I was describing in the 1950s, I knew its entire history, and had it in my possession (where all the measurements came from). I didn't tell them the last part. Winchester is no longer the rifle company it once was.

At a national show I spent time with the Colt custom shop guru asking for a specific SAA revolver -- again one they once made. He assured me that it would be no problem. Two weeks later back at his shop he sadly informed me that they couldn't do it. He suggested that I go to USFA -- who built it with no problem.

I've even had custom Rugers made back when Bill Atkins was alive.

I have had many custom guns built. I expect to pay the price.

But the mainstream gun companies are no longer in that business.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 01, 2008, 07:43:00 AM »

So, would a Walnut stocked left hand 22 Magnum rifle be possible from the Savage Custom Shop ??

teddy12b · « **Reply #29 on:** December 01, 2008, 10:37:21 AM »

Quote from: coyote trapper1928 on December 01, 2008, 07:43:00 AM

So, would a Walnut stocked left hand 22 Magnum rifle be possible from the Savage Custom Shop ??

You're going to have to call them and find out. I can't answer for them, but I am very interested in seeing if they'll make one for you. Over at savageshooters forum a guy posted a picture of a new rifle Savage is coming out with next year (bolt action, detachable mag, collapable stock, accurate as heck because it's a savage). I can hardly wait and I'll be saving my pennies.