I saw it in a link in a thread on the Varmint forum, but didn't want to hijack the thread. Does anyone have one yet? I know they're new and may not be out yet. It sure looks good for a turn-key long range factory prarie dog gun!

Put a Jewell trigger and a Nightforce scope on it, and dang! I'll bet it shoots!

Anyone have one?

12 F

Look towards the bottom of page in link.

It doesn't say if it's a single shot or repeater. Sure looks like it'll sit in the bags nice.

Just my opinion but I think the 6.5x284 Norma is way overkill. In addition, 1200 bucks is rather over the top for me. I shoot a 110FP in 223 and do pretty well.
Peter.

I'm looking for something to go from 500 to 1000 yards and shoot a 9 to 12 inch tall target. A lot of pd hunters are using the 6.5 x 284 due to it's inherent accuracy and wind bucking ability.

I don't expect to be able to hit that far without a lot of practice, either btw. But some of the custom pd rigs I've seen top $3K without optics, so I'm definately interested. MSRP of $1200 sounds pretty cheap by comparison. Will it shoot as good as a $3K custom? I don't know, but I'm looking for some information, and Savage has a reputation for accuracy...

Slowpoke, for 500-1000 yards then you are correct, the 6.5x284 should be right up your alley. I might suggest that you get a regular model Savage eg. 10, 110, 12, 112 and just rebarrel it to the 6.5x284. I guy I know did that (also an F class shooter) and it shot very well. He did not shoot it as far out as you want to go however, but it grouped very well at 200 yards.
Peter.

I'm kind of smitten with the whole package. I like the stock, it looks like it was actually well thought out for shooting off of a rear bag/front rest. so many "factory" stocks aren't. I like the idea of the 30" heavy bbl, and the chambering. I like the idea of the Savage platform, making barrel swaps relatively easy. They even try to give it a good factory trigger, but I would probably still swap it to a Jewell, of course I'd still try the stock one just to satisfy my curiousity about it.

Added bonus, I could put the factory trigger in one of my soon to be mid range guns, a Savage 22-250 single shot heavy varmint rig...

I like the idea of the gun, but the question remains as to if it shoots good enough to perform the task I want it to or not.

If it doesn't, then this is all just mental masterbation anyway.

So, anyone got one of these baby's?

I have a short range gun in .223 rem that's good to 200-250 yards. I have one "mid range" gun, albiet a little strange, a Win Stealth 2 in 25 wssm, (it's a long story-that one). Soon another "mid range" gun, Savage 12 BVSS in 22-250.

That should cover me pretty well for pd shooting from up close, to farther away than I can shoot, hopefully....

Mine arrived today. (F class target 30" 6.5x284)


I haven't shot it yet. Optics are on order. But I'll throw a scope on it tomorrow and see if I can break in the barrel (never done that yet) and get a hundred yard group. The trigger is spectacular but I haven't shot many (any) high end triggers. Anything you want to know? It's NOT an off hand rifle

Collins,

My hero! Yes, please keep me updated on your experiences with the new rifle. I was all set to buy the 12 BVSS and get my second mid range gun, but after seeing this rifle, I may get it first.

Either PM me or keep this thread alive so I can read up on how you're liking it.

What optics are you putting on? What ranges (distances) are you planning on shooting at? Are you target shooting, or prarie dog shooting?

Also, is it a single shot, or does it have a magazine? Hopefully it's a single shot?

It looks like it should come straight back in the bags when shot, I'd be interested to know if you get any "jump" at the shot, or if it slides in the bags. You may need to wax or powder the stock to slide easily backwards under recoil.

That's crucial so you can see your impact point in the scope when shooting prarie dogs.

I'd also be interested in your load development for the 6.5 x 284 chambering. I don't have that calliber myself, but a few of my pd associates are using them for thier long range shooting.

Did you order yours online, or through a local dealer? How close to MSRP did you have to go (optional-answer if you want to)

Thanks.

I'm no hero... just a sucker for new and oddball.

Let's see:
It is a single shot but the base and the entrance of the ejection port are rough (pics to come) they will have to be worked. I'm planning on a Nightforce 10-42 Benchrest with a target reticle. Also Nightforce 20MOA bases I should be able to zero it at 100 and 1000 with that setup. I can shoot 100 Yards in the backyard and there's a 300yd range within about 10 miles. I'm checking out a 1000 yd range this weekend. All target shooting. I sell armor so some steel plates will be taking a beating. The odd thing about this rifle is it's listed EVERYWHERE as a 6.5-284 Norma, but the print on the barrel says 6.5-284 Winchester. I guess the SAAMI specs differ by only a thou or two, but still odd.
I wasn't able to shoot it last night but I'll give a report this evening. I don't own safe queens. There seems to be a lot listed load wise for it.
Try here for some
As for recoil, I'm not sure, the rifle will move much. 30" without much (any) taper, another thing I'll measure. 90% of it forward of the trigger. the only thing I'm worried about is barrel life. I'm hearing 1000 rounds and that's scary. I could use a third of that developing loads... we'll see. Lastly. I found it on Guns America, and got if for $25 under retail. It was the only one I could find in this caliber so it wasn't very negotiable.
Updates as event's warrent.

Collins,

interested in some 180gr softpoint bullets?

Rich
DRSS

PS: do you know Warren Greatbach?

6.5mm 180 gn!

do they look like a pencil? My first loads are 139 gn Scenars and they look far too long.

I don't know Warren, should I?

Update, Fireforming new Lapua brass made a couple of one hole groups at 100 yards. The trigger is scary. The touch needed to fire is actually less than the "accutrigger" lock. Several times it's gone gone into "Safe" just by closing the bolt. I'm going to have to set it to the 24 oz. setting to get used to it.

Bad news: I have Burris tactical rings and Warne bases and I cannot get it to sight in. I filed one of the bases 0.030" and it's just in the 10 ring at 100 Yds but from the bottom up, There's no adjustment for longer ranges... worse for windage. I have the bullet impact all the way to the right and I'm just in the black. New rings and bases should be here Wednesday.

Recoil: Not bad at all. I'm not seeing the impact but I'm starting out with a "partial free" to sight in with. I did have to modify my rest for the wide fore end I'd think if I held on a little tighter I'd be able to watch it hit at anything around 300 yds and more.

Overall, I'm thinking it may be time to get into a fall league and and see how the combo works.

I looked at that rifle, and figured I could put one together...

regular Savage Action, Richards has a variety of stocks just for the F Class... a Pac Nor barrel...

Then with Savages ability to be able to change barrels...

I'd still go with a 260 or 6.5 x 55 or 6.5 x 57 over a 6.5 x 284.... all the other cases, will give you pretty much the same, especially in a single shot and the brass availability will always be around... the 284 case is still an oddball and priced accordingly...

Collins,

Thanks for the update. Wow, the one hole groups sounds encouraging! Too bad the bases/rings aren't working, I'm not sure I understand the problem there.

I have the Burris bases and rings on my other long range gun. They aren't the tactical rings, but the ones with the inserts in the rings. Never given me any trouble.

Maybe with a different front bag on your rest, the rifle won't jump as much? Try some paste wax on the bottom of the forend and butt where they sit in the bags, that may help?

I know what you mean about the trigger. The first time I fired my buddy's Jewell trigger, I shot it 3 times before I meant to! They do take some getting used to.

Are you shooting the Nightforce scope yet?

Keep me posted, I'm as excited as when I was a kid and the new Sears catalogs would come out in time for Christmas, all those cool new toys to drool over!

Thanks.

Yep, all that is with the Nightforce. I built a bunch of bullets last night. I'll see if I can swap something around and get it better centered. I'll also try and post some pic's

Seafire, I like the thought of building one, but this gun has received some great write-ups and reloaders are getting 10-15 cycles with their brass. That means the difference is only about 4 cents per firing... I can live with that in a factory rifle.

Collins,

I wasn't knocking just purchasing one...

I guess the idea of building one, was more on the idea of getting exactly what I wanted, since Savages are like a tinker toy set...

I am also not a big fan of the 308 or the 6.5 x 284....I am still dinging around with a 6mm Rem on a Mauser action that will be iike the Savage F Class.... the stock is going to be a blue and gray laminate instead...

It has a 31 inch barrel that has a diameter of 1.5 inches...and has a one in 8 twist for shooting long 115 grain Berger bullets... I'd also like to try out those DTAP or whatever they are called that David Tubb peddles...

Any of these are specialized toys that NO REAL rifleman wouldn't want to have or at least play with...

I had the idea, and Savage just made a turnkey package... even though I may not buy one, it is a hell of a package, and actually a real deal in price..... considering what the alternatives run in price...

OK, I've had everything, Rifle, scope, rings, and basses for a week now and it's killing me. I originally went with the cheap basses and Burris tactical High rings and I could not adjust the scope enough to get the bullet in the black... 4" Low and 4" right at 50 yards. I did lap the rings and put everything together per conventional wisdom. When I loosened the bases and pulled the rings to the left, I'm in the black, but still low. These bases do not have cant built into them. SO, hoping the the Nightforce benchrest scope is not to blame, I rushed out in a buying frenzy and picked up Leupold Mk 4 basses and rings... exact same POI. Anyone ever had a premium scope this bad out of the box? Is it "home" repairable?

I have a BSA sweet 17 (yes you heard it right) mounted right now and if it stops raining I'm going to verify the scope thats 13x more expensive will be heading back... updates as events warrant,

Sweet 17, one hole on center at 50 yds, 3 close holes on center at 100. (using unfired, unsized brass) this rifle's going to be a good one (fingers still crossed)

I just built a 6.5x284 Norma The cost was about the same as a Savage. I used a Kreiger 8.5 twist barrel--Remington 700 action--Jewell trigger and a HS Precision stock.
Barrel--$305.00
Action--$300.00
Trigger-- $157.00
Stock-- $200.00
Gunsmith--$315.00
I am going to build a 6BR with the same setup. The only difference is that I will do the gunsmith work because I have the reamer. Also I will install a muzzle brake on both rifles for muzzle jump. I think the Savage is a good deal if it shoots like I think it will. They have really opened there eyes when it comes to making a accurate rifle. Several Elk and Deer will be shot at 400+ with these new Savage bolt action rifles. Enjoy