Thoughts on Savage 16/116 Rifle

[kawiracer14]

Alright kiddos, Time to buy my first hunting rifle for Elk. I shot a 30-06 and a couple 300 Win Mags last weekend and decided on the 300 Win Mag. A few friends have suggested that Savage makes a nice rifle. Any thoughts on the Savage Arms 16/116 Bear Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Savag...omer%20Reviews

[Grant H.]

I personally like the Savage line, and the accustock has made them even better since you don't have a crappy plastic stock that flexes everywhere.

Have you ever shot an accutrigger? Most people either seem to love it or hate it. I like them. The blade safety doesn't affect accuracy, or trigger feel, when I am shooting, and the user adjustable weight of the trigger makes it nice. All of mine break cleanly, and I dial them in with a trigger pull gauge.

.300WM isn't necessary for Elk, but it's not a bad idea. Our group hunts with .308 and .30-06, and we have bagged elk with no issue. Of course, the .308 load that we shoot (developed together between the 3 of us that shoot .308) is a little on the ridiculous side.

[kawiracer14]

I personally like the Savage line, and the accustock has made them even better since you don't have a crappy plastic stock that flexes everywhere.

Have you ever shot an accutrigger? Most people either seem to love it or hate it. I like them. The blade safety doesn't affect accuracy, or trigger feel, when I am shooting, and the user adjustable weight of the trigger makes it nice. All of mine break cleanly, and I dial them in with a trigger pull gauge.

.300WM isn't necessary for Elk, but it's not a bad idea. Our group hunts with .308 and .30-06, and we have bagged elk with no issue. Of course, the .308 load that we shoot (developed together between the 3 of us that shoot .308) is a little on the ridiculous side.

I haven't shot the AccuTrigger, or any savage for that matter. I was shooting a Venture model Thompson Center and a Remington (I believe ) this weekend. I don't know anyone with the Savage to try out before I buy.

[Dave_L]

I've had a few savages and have had no complaints. My latest one was the .308 hog hunter in a B&C Chassis. It was a nice set up. I don't have it any longer or else you'd be welcome to try it out.

[laportecharlie]

Being a lefty I am a big fan of Savage rifles and the model 16 in particular. I have or have had probably eight or nine LH model16's, most in prairie dog calibers. If you like to tinker, you can change barrels yourself with just a couple of tools and a headspace gage. I don't think there is a Remington, Winchester or Ruger that can match a Savage for "out of the box" accuracy.

[jmg8550]

I have a different experience with Savage. Both good and bad. My 308 model 10flcp-k has been a good rifle. The accutrigger is worn out, and I have no more adjustment otherwise it's too light. I have well over 6000 rounds through the factory barrel, and I think it's starting to need a new one.

I also have a Savage 111 in 30-06, and it has disappointed me so far. The only ammo it'll shoot with decent accuracy is the Winchester Supreme 168 hunting ammo. Not a single batch of test reloads have yielded acceptable accuracy. Yes I still have the factory plastic junk stock, and the only reason for that is because I can't justify $400+ for a decent LA LH stock for the rifle. Boyd's has burned me twice now, so they're not an option at this point. You might get a good rifle from Savage, maybe not.

My vote would be a Tikka T3. I should have spent the money on one from the beginning.

Just my experience and opinion. YMMV

[Grant H.]

I haven't shot the AccuTrigger, or any savage for that matter. I was shooting a Venture model Thompson Center and a Remington (I believe ) this weekend. I don't know anyone with the Savage to try out before I buy.

I have more than a few of them. You are welcome to come check them out, and run some rounds through any of them.

[Grant H.]

I have a different experience with Savage. Both good and bad. My 308 model 10flcp-k has been a good rifle. The accutrigger is worn out, and I have no more adjustment otherwise it's too light. I have well over 6000 rounds through the factory barrel, and I think it's starting to need a new one.

I also have a Savage 111 in 30-06, and it has disappointed me so far. The only ammo it'll shoot with decent accuracy is the Winchester Supreme 168 hunting ammo. Not a single batch of test reloads have yielded acceptable accuracy. Yes I still have the factory plastic junk stock, and the only reason for that is because I can't justify $400+ for a decent LA LH stock for the rifle. Boyd's has burned me twice now, so they're not an option at this point. You might get a good rifle from Savage, maybe not.

My vote would be a Tikka T3. I should have spent the money on one from the beginning.

Just my experience and opinion. YMMV

I had one that from the factory, in .30-06 was finnicky like that. I did eventually find a 180gr load that it liked, but it frustrated me as well.

Swapped the stock for a Choate Tactical for $200 (found on sale, usually $240-270-ish) and it actually became quite the shooter. A friend of mine still shoots that rifle as it was setup when I sold it to him.

[Jamnanc]

300 is an elk hammer. Savage accutriggers are very nice for the dough. I have them because they are the best at my price point. Only issue for me is the aftermarket and used markets for stocks, scope mounts etc.