5R rifling - worth extra cost?

[Squeaky 135]

Hey Everybody:

 

I already own a Savage .308 rifle. It's the Savage 10 FCP-K with an SWFA 12x scope on it. It's been a good rifle. My first three shots almost clover-leafed with Remington 150gr. UMC ammo. I can't wait to fire Federal GMM 168 gr. SMKs out of it.

 

Recently, however, I've become very interested in another Savage .308 rifle - the Model 10 FCP HS Precision. It's supposedly more accurate and comes in two versions I've seen on Buds Gunshop.

 

The conventional one has a 24" straight heavy button-rifled barrel.  

 

The more expensive version has a slightly tapered 24" 5R barrel that's threaded for a can or muzzle brake.

 

I'm not a competition shooter nor former military. I'm happy if my shots stay in the 10 ring, and I'm still trying to learn how to really use my scope's reticle.

 

But I'm still curious if the higher priced rifle with a 5R barrel is worth it. I like making my shots count too.

 

I know the Savage 10 FCP-SR is less expensive and can accept a can, but for some reason I'm really intrigued by the FCP HS Precision. It looks cool too. That's what really matters. Right? :-)

 

Any and all comments and opinions are welcomed.  

 

Thank you!

 

 

Just wanted to mention I know there's also the Savage 10 McMillan with (obviously) a McMillan stock. However, I've read in several places the McMillan stock still needs to be bedded.

The HS Precision stock does not.

Thus, my interest in the Savage 10 HS Precision.

[XD45 7,124]

OK, here's my suggestion.  Get ready, it's gonna sting.

 

Forget buying another 308 rifle and spend your money on ammo and training to use the one you have.  You have a good rifle and a good scope.  Learn to use it.

 

You have a long way to go before you will have to worry about which barrel is going to shoot 1/10 MOA better.

 

By that time you'll either realize that you weren't as interested in the long range game as you thought, or you'll have enough experience to choose your next rifle with full confidence.

 

You can start your long range training by going to youtube and watching the Sniper 101 series by TiborasaurusRex.  It's a 101 part series and there is a straight up shit-ton of information in there.

Edited April 25, 2017 by Darth Saigus

[Spacehog 2,218]

IMHO, you are paying extra for the upgraded stock. As an owner of a Savage 10 FCP-SR, Which is also one of their lower priced options in the 10 series, I have had one range trip where I got 2-3" groups with Tul 147 grains to sight and break in, followed by 1/2" five shot groups with 178 gr Hornady AMAX over 41.5 grains of Varget. Still want to play around with additional charges and powders. 4064 should work up some nice loads as well. Point being...if the rifle is shooting sub 1/2" groups, or on your case .30" groups on a true 3 shot cloverleaf, then why would I need anything else? Not telling you not to buy the HS Precision (I love guns), but if your current rifle is shooting that well, I would put the money in some good ammo, range time, and get really proficient with it. Sounds like you have a great rifle already. Just my 2 cents.

DS and I must have been typing at the same time. Nothing stinging. He gave solid advice.

[G O B 3,516]

If you can shoot flies at 500yd, then it is worth it to get the better barrel so you can shoot flies at 600yd - most rifles today are more accurate than those shooting them.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

The biggest challenge for long range shooting is just having a place to do it.

With all that is to be learned you have to have way to practice what is in your head to verify you understand it and drill it home.

 

Longest range I have access to in reasonable driving distance is only 300yds, not exactly long range for a decent round.

Outside of some odd terrain here and there in this area there is no practical hunting application so not real demand for it.

 

You can kind of cheat on some aspects by pushing a hot 22LR or .17 out past 100-200 yards with the obvious short falls.

 

Those in the open spaces out west may have it easier but in truth it can be a pain even for them.

[HB of CJ 1,263]

If the 5R rifling is available in a Savage left hand 6.5 Creedmoor then I would be very interested.  An Elite Iron Can beckons.  But if not, then like already said by others better, I am not that interested.  Just me.  Respectfully.

 

How do you speelll Creedmoor?  I dunno.

[netpackrat 566]

Fuck HS Precision.  The owner of the company is a long time buddy of Lon Horiuchi (the FBI sniper who murdered Vicki Weaver), and thinks he's some kind of hero.
 

http://www.gunnuts.net/2008/11/26/boycot-hs-precision/

 

http://onlygunsandmoney.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-company-that-doesnt-get-it.html

[mixednuttz 123]

Another option is to continue to shoot your current rifle as previously mentioned, honing your skill with it. You could rebarrel it with a premium barrel, with or without threads yourself. You'll eventually shoot your current barrel out anyway and you could make a much nicer rifle than either factory one for less.