The scope came in yesterday, and I got it mounted up last night. I really like this Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical. It's really bright and very clear. So much so I just got off the phone with Bruno's and ordered another one for my Savage 12-F/TR. The only problem I had was the 6-48 tapped holes were full of crud, and no way I could get the screws for the bases in. I took it to a local gunsmith and he told me he had a heck of a time cleaning them out. He had to charge me for the tap he used because it really dulled it beyond further use. I wish Savage would use plug screws on the models they coat with whatever it is they use. I had no such issues with the screws on the 12-F/TR. They went right in. The Burris Signature Zee Rings are a pleasure to work with. They really hold nice and tight without having to lap. Another thing I've found is once you get the reticle adjusted nice and straight, it will stay put without moving. Just tighten away and you're done. The bases are Burris Extreme Tactical Steel. I won't get a chance to get out to the range until next week, but that is fine because by then I'll have the 12-F/TR scoped and range ready as well. I've got a half dozen handloads prepared. I'm anxious to see how they both print. For anyone who is interested Bruno's has the best price on these Bushnell's. Bill T.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/

This is one of the best things I like about the Burris Signature Rings. You have all but unlimited adjustability without being forced to live with a tapered base. You also can adjust laterally and diagonally as well. Really makes everything less of a headache, and less expensive as well. The Posi-Align Offset Inserts are only $10.00 a set. Bill T.

Have a friend with this scope that he really likes, he's shot it with me past 1k. I use the Burris Signatures also, they're very handy!

billt,

Nice looking rig.

I've got a L/H Savage Tactical in 7mm Rem Mag. for long range stuff. Accurate set-up. Mine's got a Weaver 6-16x42 on it and I had issues with the mount screw holes not being aligned. I re-drilled mine. A shame since that was the only issue I've ever had with the three Savages I've owned. All have been superbly accurate too, I might add. Since mine are all pre-Savage Accu-Trigger; a Google search, a couple of minutes to digest the trigger scematic, Dremel Tool w/felt & polish and presto! @ 15 mintues later you've got an adjusted, very usable, much lighter, smoother & reliable trigger.

I've got a bipod on mine too and also used a modified Buttstock ammo carrier with a Cheek-Eze Stock widget under it to raise the height of the buttstock for raised head position. I also filled the hollow Buttstock with sand & #7 shot topped off with Hot Glue under the recoil pad to balance the rifle due to the long (24"), overweight barrel. Balance is much improved and the 15lb. weight makes it a pussycat to shoot as well. Not something I'd like to carry up a mountain but for it's intended purpose which is bench & longish range High Seat work, a much imporved piece IMO.

I've used the Burris Posi-Align Inserts (cut in half) with 30mm rings and 26mm European scopes also. They work great for those inexpensive mounts & rings that aren't available for the oddball 26mm sized straight powered 6x42mm & 8x56mm scope tubes.

Here are some pictures of the Savage 12-F/TR scoped out and ready to go to the range, hopefully tomorrow. As you can see I went with the Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15X on it as well. I really liked the clarity, quality, and price. The Burris Extreme Steel Tactical Bases show up as a almost gun metal grey color for some reason, but they are very similar to the rings in color and finish to the naked eye.







Kind of a crappy through the lens shot of the reticle. It almost looks segmented because it isn't straight and vertical in the photo, causing the pixel blocking you see. Time for a better camera.



Really weird how the bases look so grey. For some reason the color saturation isn't as profound.





Overall I'm pleased how they both mounted up. Just enough clearance for the front lens covers. Hopefully, the next photos will be of some nice targets! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Bill T.

The most accurate rifle I've ever owned in my entire life was a Savage 10FP in .308Win. I sent it over to Fred Moreo over at Sharp Shooter Supply and he worked wonders with it. BTW, Fred just did a few tweaks to it. Nothing major. When finished it still had the factory barrel.

I know you're going to have fun with it.

Terry

(CLICK ON THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE)

The range session for both guns went well. I got out early and had the range all to myself. Wind was dead calm. The large "Number 2" was the worst target shot all day. The rest are pretty acceptable. All were fired from a Bald Eagle front and rear rest. The left "Shoot-N-C" target was the 10-FP the right one was the 12-F/TR. Overall the 12-F/TR was a little more accurate, and I suspected it would be with the heavier contour 30" target barrel. Both guns show a preference for Nosler Ballistic Tips which kind of surprised me. I thought the Sierra Matchkings would do better. I don't "break in" barrels, both were shot as they came from the box. Overall it was a good first outing, and it looks like I'll be looking to Nosler, Varget, and Lapua as components of choice for both of these guns. I am going to try some Hornady A-Max bullets, as well as some Berger VLD's. But that's another session for yet another day. Bill T.

quote:

Originally posted by TC1:
The most accurate rifle I've ever owned in my entire life was a Savage 10FP in .308Win. I sent it over to Fred Moreo over at Sharp Shooter Supply and he worked wonders with it. BTW, Fred just did a few tweaks to it. Nothing major. When finished it still had the factory barrel. Terry

I really like the Tactical bolt handles he sells there. Have you ever purchased one and changed it out? I'm thinking about getting a couple. I just wonder about what's involved. Sometimes those jobs look easier than they are. I just was concerned about stock and scope clearance, that sort of thing. Bill T.

No I haven't. My 10FP was a pre-Accutrigger model. I had Fred install one of his triggers and replace the stamped recoil lug for a milled one. He also had some VERY nice Kevlar stocks at one time. I bought one of those also. He pillar bedded and glassed it in. I can't figure out why he stopped making them. When he finished it was scary accurate.


Terry