Reloader Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 I have decided that my next gun purchase will be a .204 Ruger. I have narrowed the rifle options down to either a Savage or a Ruger. There are several Savages I am looking at but the only reason to get a ruger in my mind is to go for their top of the line...so it is the only Ruger I am contemplating. I have to save up for the gun so I have time to think this out. But thinking it out implies having more info to ponder... Now my question is for input from anyone who has had experience with any of these variations(even in another caliber)...your pick and why...pros and cons of any rifle on the list etc. Here they are in order of price... .204 Ruger Purchase Options Model ; Stock; Barrel Type; Barrel Length; Scope; Price(from www.GalleryofGuns.com) Savage 11FNS; Synthetic; Sport weight Blued; 24in.; None; $414 Savage 11FXP3; Synthetic; Sport weight Blued; 24in.; 3x-9x40; $466 Savage 12FV; Synthetic; Target weight Blued; 26in.; None; $495 Ruger Target Grey; Wood Laminate; Target weight Stainless; 26in.; None; $640 Savage Varminter Low Profile; Wood Laminate; Target weight Fluted Stainless; 26in.; None; $692 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cowpoke Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! If you are looking at a groundhog or prairie dog rifle get a heavy barrel savage with the accutrigger. If you are looking for a a rifle you will carry around alot get a sprter barrel savage with an accutrigger. What stock and assorted minor features are up to your preferrence. Savages are consistantly very accurate and the accutrigger makes then very sweet. My buddy has 4 in the model 11 series that we shoot quite often and they are all really good shooters. The scope on the package rifle you listed won't be the best by any means but it will get you started if you don't want to spend money on better glass at this time. Ruger rifles have really heavy triggers from the factory and they can be tough to get adjusted to a decent pull. Accuracy of Rugers is also MUCH more of a crapshoot than with Savages, even with the heavy barrel versions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooBear Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! Good advice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! Pretty much agree with cowpoke...I have a savage 12 with the 26" heavy barrel...its a pain to hike up and down the hills with it. But on a bi-pod...its a dream. Mine doesn't have the accutrigger...but I was still able to adjust it slightly. Shoots great for a factory gun. I have a Ruger M77 that is nice to carry...but I can not adjust the trigger myself...it would have to go to a gunsmith for adjustments OR I buy an aftermarket trigger (Timney) for it and still may need some gunsmithing. My Ruger also has the Laminate stock and needed bedded to shoot accurately. Not saying the Ruger isn't a good choice...but dollar for dollar...I'd pick the Savage and buy a nice scope with the money saved! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! I agree with cowpoke. I have several of the Savages and like them all. Out of thebox accuracy seems to be natural. The accu-trigger is a great addition. I don't have a lot of experience with Ruger other than the ranch rifle and the pistols. All have been great but I give the edge on accuracy to Savage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyderpancake Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! I know you said you want a Savage or Ruger, but have you looked at the Remington XR-100 Rangemaster? It is an awesome looking gun, extremely accurate, and has an externally-adjustible 40-X target trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! I agree with Snapper..Buy a Savage and a nice scope to set on top of it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! If it were me, I too would opt for the Savage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reloader Posted August 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! ok I have also narrowed it down to the savage...but can't decide between : Savage 11FXP3; Synthetic; Sport weight Blued; 24in.; 3x-9x40; $466 Savage 12FV; Synthetic; Target weight Blued; 26in.; None; $495 I am leaning towards the heavy barel one but that juat means a much longer savings period before I buy it so I can get a decent scope as well... oh well I guess I can wait for quality... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! I personally would hold out for the 26" bull barrel. Mine is stainless and fluted with a recessed muzzle and shoots great. The target barrel doesn't heat up like the sporter barrel does. As far as scopes, you won't have much recoil (if any) so you could pretty much go with any brand. I got a 6-24X50 Tasco on my Savage...not the clearest scope on the market...but could bring myself to spend the money they want for a Leupold with a high magification. I never had any probs. with the scope so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reloader Posted August 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! I have decided on the 12FV heavy barel 26 incher. Called a local mom and pop gun shop I like and they quoted me $465 on the rifle. Next I need to decide on a scope. I thought about a cheaper one but If I am going all out on the rifle, why put a cheap scope on it? So I am leaning towards a Leupold VX-I 4-12x40 that will run me $255 Now I just got to come up with $720. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted August 6, 2005 Report Share Posted August 6, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! Well, some of it sounds good. I would not call a VX-I a high end scope just because Leupold makes it. Its like calling a Geo a Chevy. Personally, I would put a Simmons Aetec on the gun before the VX-I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reloader Posted August 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2005 Re: Looking at a new gun...need advice! Thanks for the advice AJ. Those Aetec scopes look good! And the 3.8-12x44 is only $139 online! That drops the needed savings to about $600 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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