A few months ago I decided to purchase a accurate bolt action rifle chambered in .22lr. This rifle will be used for target shooting out to 50 yards, vermin control and long range plinking. The rifle also needed to be suppressor ready. My budget for a complete rifle excluding the suppressor was $500.
I spent a few weeks doing research, watching videos and reading reviews. I settled in on a rifle that I already have a little experience with, well it's cousins anyway. (Savage MKII FVT's are great for teaching juniors) The Savage MKII FV-SR chambered in .22lr.
The Savage MKII FV-SR receives high marks for accuracy but has one known fatal flaw, the synthetic stock. I worked around that flaw by purchasing a Boyd's TactiCOOL stock from Midway USA. This added about $125 to the cost of the rifle but the rifle only cost $250+tax making was well within my budget. I did find a better deal on line after the stock arrived though. http://www.diproductsinc.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1038843&CAT=8796 To keep cost down I decided to use a low end scope and rings that I already have on hand.
First the stock:
Once the stock arrived I found the wood to be a little soft for my taste. Since it was unfinished it required some work before I could get it out to the range. It also required a few additional parts. If you purchase this stock don't forget to pick up a trigger guard and magazine bottom metal. I remembered the trigger guard but thought the factory bottom metal would work. This held my project up for a few days.
After a bit of sanding I primed the bare wood. I used an automotive primer and paint because I wanted a chemical resistant finish that will hold up when I clean the rifle even though I will probably remove the barreled action from the stock before cleaning.
Once the primed stock was ready I applied 5 coats of Black Metallic spray paint. The color wasn't exactly what I had in mind or what the cap showed but it will do for now.
I allowed the paint to cure for 24 hours (the directions on the can only required 1 hour drying time before the stock could be handled). The barreled action was fit into the stock, which required a little sanding. The scope and suppressor were also installed at this time.
The completed rifle now wears a low end Bushnell 3-9X40 scope. This scope is only temporary. I am doing a little research to find the right one for my needs and price range.
The suppressor is a YHM Aluminum MITE. A great value and extremely light weight.
Off to the range:
I found a little time the other evening to make a short trip to the range. I decided to keep it simple and get the rifle on paper at 25 yards. I took me about 15 shots to get the scope dialed in to start shooting a few groups. The ammo used was CCI standard velocity. (I'll bring out the good stuff once I pick out an appropriate scope)
Once I had it pretty well zeroed I fired a few 10 shot groups. Both groups were fired from the prone position and off of sand bags.
The first measuring 0.675 inches. The grid lines are 1/4 inch.
I did a little better with the second, 0.205 inches.
This isn't to bad for low end ammunition and a brand new rifle. Other then sighters to get it zeroed this rifle was new and unfired.
What I learned
I need to do a little more work with this rifle to have a complete opinion but so far I really like it.
The enlarged bolt handle makes quick reloads easy and intuitive.
It comes with the rail to mount a scope. This rail has plenty of clearance and allows for easy eye relief adjustment.
The factory stock sucks! but I'm not completely sold on the Boyd's TactiCOOl stock. I may upgrade to a Bell and Carlson at a later date. Only time will tell.
I plan to update this thread as I get time to try out other ammunition and mount a better scope. (I would like to find a scope with side parallax adjustments and target turrets for under $250.) If you have any suggestions please feel free to share them.
I spent a few weeks doing research, watching videos and reading reviews. I settled in on a rifle that I already have a little experience with, well it's cousins anyway. (Savage MKII FVT's are great for teaching juniors) The Savage MKII FV-SR chambered in .22lr.
The Savage MKII FV-SR receives high marks for accuracy but has one known fatal flaw, the synthetic stock. I worked around that flaw by purchasing a Boyd's TactiCOOL stock from Midway USA. This added about $125 to the cost of the rifle but the rifle only cost $250+tax making was well within my budget. I did find a better deal on line after the stock arrived though. http://www.diproductsinc.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1038843&CAT=8796 To keep cost down I decided to use a low end scope and rings that I already have on hand.
First the stock:
Once the stock arrived I found the wood to be a little soft for my taste. Since it was unfinished it required some work before I could get it out to the range. It also required a few additional parts. If you purchase this stock don't forget to pick up a trigger guard and magazine bottom metal. I remembered the trigger guard but thought the factory bottom metal would work. This held my project up for a few days.
After a bit of sanding I primed the bare wood. I used an automotive primer and paint because I wanted a chemical resistant finish that will hold up when I clean the rifle even though I will probably remove the barreled action from the stock before cleaning.
Once the primed stock was ready I applied 5 coats of Black Metallic spray paint. The color wasn't exactly what I had in mind or what the cap showed but it will do for now.
I allowed the paint to cure for 24 hours (the directions on the can only required 1 hour drying time before the stock could be handled). The barreled action was fit into the stock, which required a little sanding. The scope and suppressor were also installed at this time.
The completed rifle now wears a low end Bushnell 3-9X40 scope. This scope is only temporary. I am doing a little research to find the right one for my needs and price range.
The suppressor is a YHM Aluminum MITE. A great value and extremely light weight.
Off to the range:
I found a little time the other evening to make a short trip to the range. I decided to keep it simple and get the rifle on paper at 25 yards. I took me about 15 shots to get the scope dialed in to start shooting a few groups. The ammo used was CCI standard velocity. (I'll bring out the good stuff once I pick out an appropriate scope)
Once I had it pretty well zeroed I fired a few 10 shot groups. Both groups were fired from the prone position and off of sand bags.
The first measuring 0.675 inches. The grid lines are 1/4 inch.
I did a little better with the second, 0.205 inches.
This isn't to bad for low end ammunition and a brand new rifle. Other then sighters to get it zeroed this rifle was new and unfired.
What I learned
I need to do a little more work with this rifle to have a complete opinion but so far I really like it.
The enlarged bolt handle makes quick reloads easy and intuitive.
It comes with the rail to mount a scope. This rail has plenty of clearance and allows for easy eye relief adjustment.
The factory stock sucks! but I'm not completely sold on the Boyd's TactiCOOl stock. I may upgrade to a Bell and Carlson at a later date. Only time will tell.
I plan to update this thread as I get time to try out other ammunition and mount a better scope. (I would like to find a scope with side parallax adjustments and target turrets for under $250.) If you have any suggestions please feel free to share them.
