Model 12 Long Range Precision Varminter?

T

TrxR

New member
Anyone have any experience with this gun http://www.savagearms.com/12PrecVarm.htm in a .223? The http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_700/model_700_SPS_varmint.asp has also been suggested, but its only available in a 1 in 12" twist.

Also which twist would be better for a paper punching target gun 1in 7" or 1 in 9"? I might go for the odd groundhog or coyote but it will be mainly used for target shooting. I am looking to work my way up to 5-600 yds eventually then upgrade to a .308 or 6BR. I am also looking for something with good barrel life as I will be shooting alot as I am just getting started in target shooting. I will also be getting into to reloading.

Thanks
 
Savage options

I have a Savage target action with a variety of different barrels for long range shooting, including a 30" McGowen 1:8 twist 223. I shoot the 80 SMK to 600 yds. I have never tried longer distances with this combo. I switch up to my heavier hitters when shooting beyond 600 yds. The 69 SMK is a great bullet and will shot good to 500-600 in a 1:9 twist. However, the 77/80 gr bullets given you the ballistics edge to go to 600 yds and beyond. I would go with the 1:7 twist to be able to shoot the 77/80 gr.

That means you need to place the order with the Savage custom shop or even better assemble (or have your gunsmith assemble) one with the premium pre-fit custom barrel of your choice (PacNor, Shilen, McGowen, or Lothar Walters come to mind) to a 12 LRPV.

The other point to consider is the stock. The LRPV comes with the H&S stock, which is a fine field stock and I own several on Remmies but it isn't ideal for the bench because of its rounded forearm. Go ahead and get a 12FClass with the 3" wide flat forearm and have the customs shop install the 223 bolt and your 1:7 223 barrel. The Savage thing is pretty addictive once you figure out how easy it is to switch bolt heads and swap barrels. Personally, I would buy the 12 FClass in a 6BR, then buy a complete 223 bolt head ($55) and a custom Shilen 223 1:7 28-30" ($300) and start learning to shoot and reload. Shoot the 223, even with factory ammo for a while then learn to reload. After you are comfortable with the 223, switch over the 6BR and watch your groups reduce. A gunsmith shouldn't charge you more than $50 to swap the barrels and bolthead. Even better, get to know one of the 100s of "Savagalohics" across the county and have them teach you how to properly and safety perform the barrel swap. Minimal investment in tools to do it.

Those are my two cents. If you want a cheaper opinion, just get a 12 VLP in a 1:7 twist 223, have it bedded and start having fun. Its forearm is flatter than the LRPV. You can swap the bolthead and barrels later if you want the 308 or 6BR.

Luck in your choice, tiny
 
I've got a model 12LRPV in 223 and shoot it in the factory class @ dublin ga, just add a sinclair or hart forearm adapter to make it flat (3 inches cost around $35.00). mine shoots berger, sierra or fowler 52 gr fb match bullets over 25 grs of N133 on lapua brass, its a great shooting value to learn the in's and outs and to learn how to read windflags, plus it helps improve my 30br shooting by spending cheaper shooting time on the range practicing the right things( I'd say about 1/2 the price per shot verus a 30br)

the wind is my friend,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

DD
 
David what twist are you running 1 in 7" or 1 in 9"? Also at what distance are you shooting it?

Thanks
 
1 in 7, and have tried 60gr, 64gr, 69gr, 70gr, 75gr, 77gr, 80gr and nothing will come close to grouping like the 52-53 gr bullets, I just shoot 100 yards, I need to try the heavier bullets out to 200+ to see if it's like my 6.5 x 284,,, it groups better @ 200 than it does @ 100

the wind is my friend,,,,,,,,,,,,

DD
 
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