This is probably an easy question for many of you, but I have no idea. I have been considering my first Savage rifle purchase. I want the new Model 14 American Classic in 300 WSM. Everyone and his brother has informed me that Savage rifles have a reputation for being hard on the shoulder. I mean a lot of people...I just don't know.

Myth or fact?

Why?

I have shot several over the years and hadn't thought them any worse than average. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about it. Some of their light rifles certainly would have some extra kick (like the 116 Sierra) but so would any other brand that light.

I bought my first savage about a year ago after shooting several other savages. I never noticed any extra kick and all that I shot were very accurate. I've shot several of the model 10's and 12's all under an inch at a 100. straight out of the box. I bought a 112 in 7mag. it is heavy but it doesn't kick as hard as my 308's and will shoot 1/2 moa. I don't think you can go wrong with a new savage.

good luck and good shooting

The syn stock rifles have a very cheap, hard recoil pad. I am planning on replacing the one on my 300 win mag soon.

I just replaced the recoil pad. It does not kick any harder than many of the other comparable rifles that I have tried.

Along with the hard factory pad, the synthetic stocked rifles have a relatively small butt surface area which does tend to consolidate the recoil. Browning synthetics are similarly small surface area. Perhaps manufacturers are scaling them down a bit to help keep the weight of the stocks lower as plastic synthetics are not particularly light compared to alid up glass fiber stock.

Savage rifles kick hard for two reasons. First the crappy recoil pad. Replace with Decelorator or Limbsaver. The Second is that the are a little lighter than other rifles. Smaller barrel contuer and Birch wood stocks. Keeps cost down. If I am not mistaken the model you are talking about has walnut wood.

Some people just don't like Savages and this is the only reason that is not a lie that they can come up with. Savage makes a great rifle for the money.

quote:

Originally posted by Born to Hunt:
This is probably an easy question for many of you, but I have no idea. I have been considering my first Savage rifle purchase. I want the new Model 14 American Classic in 300 WSM. Everyone and his brother has informed me that Savage rifles have a reputation for being hard on the shoulder. I mean a lot of people...I just don't know. Myth or fact?Why?

I shot my buddy's Savage in .338 Win., and did not find it at all unpleasant.

When shooting at an animal I doubt that you'll much notice the kick. When you'll feel it most is at the range where you'll fire a lot more shots. A Pachmyer Decelerator pad will help some, but your best bet is probably to slip on a Past Recoil Shield. It doesn't change the noise level so you won't make new enemies at the range, and it eats up all the recoil. It comes in several thicknesses, but be careful since you don't want it so thick it results in your having problems easily reaching your trigger. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I've had several of the "package" guns that seem to kick hard. I think the synthetic stock is so light and narrow as mentioned above. I have had and have shot quite a few of the savage with the wood stock and they don't seem nearly as bad. That 14 and 114 are very pretty. I'm thinking about one in 25-06.

I have a model 12 300 WSM with the laminated stock. Recoil is not a problem. My 15 yr old has been shooting it for 2 years.

Savages rifles have a lot of drop from the centerline of the bore to the top of the recoil pad. This makes them want to rise up into your cheek when you shoot. This is common in many off the shelf rifles inlcuding my Remington 700. A change in stock design makes a world of difference.