I was wondering if anyone has considered one of the Savage rifles as a dangerous game rifle due to it's controlled round feed. This is the one that I am referring to. It is the Safari Express Long Action. They come in 300 Win. Mag., 338 Win. Mag., 375 H&H, 458 Win. Mag.

"Controlled round feed on the 116SE provides a positive feeding action when chambering a cartridge. As a cartridge feeds from the magazine, it is held in place under the extractor on the bolt as it moves forward into the chamber insuring reliable feeding."

Does anyone have any experience with this particular rifle? I have never heard anyone refer to this Savage rifle as a CRF choice.

Longbob,
I have seen the Savage rifle on the shelf at the gun shop. That is about it, for my experience with the rifle. I just got off their site and saw the ad about the controlled round feed. I have heard that the Savage rifles are very accurate out of the box and have been inclined to try one myself.

However it doesn't have the long claw extractor and a fixed blade ejector which I prefer. Also I am not a fan of the drop box magazine. I think these are hard to load (if not impossible) from the top. I would lean toward the Winchester for just a little more money.

Terry

I have had a lot of trouble with the 110,s feeding and extracting with the varmit rifles. they are very accurate. But I wouldn't use one as a DGR.

I predict you'll search long and hard before finding a knowledgeable bolt action man who recommends the Savage action for the basis of a "DGR". While the company deserves kudos for milking every imaginable application for this action, their "DGR" concept is absurd. A few years back they offered the .425 Express, replete with nice wood, metal finish, express sights and recoil break system but it simply would not sell. Savage has somehow maintained its' price niche as a "low cost" rifle company for many decades and thousands of hunters have used them with great success through the years. However, this action is simply not suitable for use as the foundation for a Dangerous Game Rifle from either a design or quality standpoint.

And it's a pity that they don't marry up their builtin closeable muzzle break with a real action! I've tried the .458 and that break really tames the kick at the range. Then, when you take it to the field, just twist the break and the thing closes giving you something that won't hurt everyone's ears. Great invention, just on the wrong rifle. Damn!

Gosh - I am agreeing with Nick again! Hey Nick, people might begin to think we are friends (we are).

I think the better question is - Can a Savage be turned into a reliable DGR rifle? The answer is YES. It will take a little gun smithing magic, however, it can be done.

Next question - Is it worth it to invest the money to make a Savage a reliable DGR? My answer - I don�t think so. There are other ways to achieve the same end result.

Look, Savage rifles are unique in many ways. They have thrown aesthetics out the window in favor of functionality. For an inexpensive rifle, you could do no better. However, for a DGR, they are lacking in many ways. If you got the money to chase after dangerous game - you got the money to do it correctly. Buy a proper and reliable rifle.

What is that saying about a sow's ear?