Savage 11FXP3, initial thoughts.

[KaceCoyote]

Snagged a Savage 11FXP3(without the accutrigger) yesterday at Bass pro for about 350 on clearance. I'll offer a full range report as soon as I can get out yonder, they're closed today. Wondering what sort've experiences/tips/advice anyone (.223 shooters especially) have to offer? This is my first bolt action and additionally my first scoped rifle that I've been serious about. I've got an old B-square bipod from one of my dad's old rifles that I'll throw on mine when I can find the tool to remove the action and barrel, I cant remove the sling swivel stud without dissassembling the stock or so it would appear.

Thusfar BTW, the stock optics seem quite sufficent for minute of can at about 80-90 yards, at night with just headlights in the distance for lighting. The stock and rifle fits and flows well togather, I'd heard complaints that Savage skimped on the stocks before however I cant say thats the case with this bit've kit. The build quality on all the components in question is quite high and aside from alittle shaving with a razor blade to remove a tad bit've slop from its intial construction(there were two little "tabs" that bothered me) The whole setup has been flawless.

 

[Fly320s]

Have you made it to the range yet?

 

[KaceCoyote]

Actually yeah, sorry I forgot to report.

Yeah took it twice now. Its hovering comfortably at about an inch. Sometimes alittle over, sometimes alittle under. The optics are just fine so dont let anyone trash'em without taking them to the range. They're not ritzy or flashy but they do a -damn- fine job of gettin the job done. I do however have a few complaints by now.

The bolt release doohickey requires me to both press a lever and hold the trigger, which is fine until your at the range and your trying to tug the bolt out quickly. I fail to see why the lever couldnt be on the left side which would allow you to work the whole assembly without needing three hands.

The stock came with some pretty sharp little stamp marks, it wasnt a huge deal but and it wouldnt cut your hands but it was sure as hell uncomfortable. Some cuticle(sp) trimmers and about ten minutes fixed this issue.

They say bore sighted out've the box, but it took me about an hour to really get her properly dialed in the first day at the range. For -whatever- reason the scope lost her zero. its only happened once but it was a -very- unpleasant affair.

Otherwise its been a real surprise and these are all minor quibbles. The rifle is just heavy enough for some occasional benchwork and light enough to be a real deal coyote killer. The trigger is crisp and all in all the entire rifle feels "tight" and as well put togather as a swiss watch. The action is pure -silk- and smooth enough to allow the bolt to just -glide- back if left open. Being my first bolt action I was concerned with how hard it might be to feed ammunition into the internal mag without stripper clips or something and not crush my knuckles against the scope. I'm happy to report thats not the case, though you do have to be careful to seat the ammunition firmly against the back of the internal mag and -BEWARE- you -can- cram 5 rounds into the magazine but if you attempt to shut the bolt it'll snag -2- rounds and jam them in there good and deep. No other malfunctions, jams or fliers.

Only thing I would change is I'd like all the allen bolts on the bottom of the gun to ATLEAST me the same darn size, its like 2 different sizes and frankly a straight edge screw driver arrangement would've made me one happy coyote. Now I just need to figure out how to mount some bipods there, oh and the slung that comes with is a joke.