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Savage Arms
has been building accurate bolt action varmint rifles for many
years now based on their famous 110 action in it’s various
forms. The accuracy of their 112 varmint gun is legendary among
shooters who remember when this was the rifle to beat in the
1970s and ‘80s. Savage was providing no-frills but very
accurate varmint rifles back when most varmint guns were custom
barreled Mauser 98s chambered in a variety of wildcat
cartridges.
Today, Savage
produces the most extensive line of dedicated varmint rifles of
any major gun maker, listing no fewer than eleven different
models chambered for eight different cartridges. Savage is also
the only major gun manufacturer to offer its varmint rifles in a
true left-handed bolt action. Savage has always provided the
most available choices to the rifleman who shoots from the port
side, listing a decent variety of cartridges from which to
choose.
The rifle tested
for purposes of this article is based on Savage’s relatively
new true short action. This short action provides a shorter bolt
throw and stiffer receiver, and is chambered in the premier
varmint cartridge, the .22-250. The .22-250 is capable, with the
right bullet, to excel in just about any long-range varmint
situation, from crows to coyotes, at extreme distance.
The model tested
here is the 12FLVSS, meaning that it is a left-handed
short-action, stainless gun with a fluted barrel and synthetic
stock. This rifle, upon first inspection, exudes a quality of
manufacture and materials that is both beautiful and practical
at the same time. The black synthetic stock contrasts nicely
with the stainless barreled action, resulting in a striking
two-tone finish. One very nice surprise is the use of a
stainless steel trigger guard on the black checkered stock. It
is a welcome touch on this rifle, as many new bolt-action guns
come with either plastic or aluminum trigger guards.
The action on this
Savage is pillar bedded at two points into the synthetic stock,
just ahead of the trigger guard and aft of the recoil lug,
resulting in a very rigid and stable bedding of the action. The
stainless steel fluted barrel is of a tapered, heavy design, as
a good varmint barrel should be. It is free-floated in the
stock, and tapers to a diameter of .785 inches at the muzzle,
which has a recessed target crown. The flutes in the barrel,
aside from their aesthetic value, serve to lighten the barrel
slightly without sacrificing rigidity, and aid in cooling by
increasing the outside surface area of the barrel. A nice
touch.
While on the
subject of the barrel, this gun is furnished with a 26 inch
barrel. A few gun manufacturers furnish their .22-250 varmint
guns with a 24 inch barrel, which is ludicrous. A .22-250 needs
the extra two inches of barrel length to realize its potential,
and it makes no sense on a heavy varmint gun to not have a
proper barrel. Savage thoughtfully equips their varmint-weight
.22-250s with the longer barrel. The barrel has a rifling twist
of one turn in12 inches to properly stabilize the bullet and
provide good accuracy.
One of the best
features of all of the Savage center fire rifles is the location
and operation of the safety. It is placed right behind the bolt
in the center of the tang, as it should be. The safety is of the
three-position type, enabling the rifle to be safely unloaded
and still locking the bolt handle in its rear-most position.
Beside the bolt is a cocking indicator, which can easily be seen
and felt to allow the shooter to know the condition of the
striker at all times.
The trigger on the
test gun is easily adjustable, by either a good gunsmith or a
knowledgeable shooter, and results in one of the best trigger
pulls of any rifle made. The trigger break was crisp and clean,
without a hint of creep or mushiness, allowing the shooter to
concentrate upon the target rather than the trigger. Most
rifles sold today suffer from a horrible trigger pull, resulting
in poor accuracy. Thankfully, Savage provides their varmint
rifles with a decent trigger.
The 12FLVSS weighs
between 8.75 and nine pounds, depending upon the caliber
of the gun and has a listed magazine capacity of
four rounds in .22-250 chambering, although the test rifle would
accept five.
Overall, this
Savage is a great looking gun with the features necessary to
make a good solid varmint rifle. It has a heavy stainless
barrel, great trigger, and a smooth action bedded into a stable
synthetic stock, chambered in my all-time favorite centerfire
varmint cartridge, but the proof is in the shooting. Nothing is
as disappointing as an inaccurate rifle.
For testing this
rifle, I mounted a Tasco 6 to 24 power Varmint/Target
scope with a mil-dot reticle. This scope has proven to be
accurate and clear, and enables the shooter to see those tiny
.22 caliber bullet holes at long distances. I gathered a variety
of ammo for testing. All accuracy testing was done at a range of
100 yards with an air temperature of 34 degrees and a slight
wind.
Initially, the
rifle would group no tighter than three-quarters of an inch,
which is decent accuracy from a new rifle, but the rifle soon
started shooting much better groups. I have found this to be the
case with many new rifles. Most shoot better after a few shots
have gone down the bore. The barrel takes on a sort of
"seasoning", and shoots better as the bore is slightly
fouled. There is also the factor of the shooter becoming more
accustomed to the gun, gaining familiarity with the trigger and
scope. At any rate, this new Savage will shoot! With two loads
in particular, I was able to shoot three-eighths inch groups
with regularity. These were not loads worked up especially for
this gun, but were handloads already assembled for other guns
that I had on hand. I am very anxious to see how this gun shoots
with a specific load developed for it, but 3/8 inch groups at
100 yards is very good accuracy indeed, and should serve well
for small targets at long range.
This 12FLVSS has
done well to uphold Savage’s stellar reputation for fine
accuracy and exceptional value in a varmint rifle. The suggested
retail price of this gun is only $549, selling hundreds below
its competition, and leaving the shooter with enough cash for a
decent scope and mounts.
This gun is offered
in a right-handed version as well, and is chambered in several
other cartridges in addition to the .22-250. Check it out online
at: www.savagearms.com.
When you factor in
the quality, accuracy, and value……….. this rifle really
has no competition. It will out-shoot rifles costing twice as
much, and look great doing so.
I like it.
Jeff Quinn
  
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Click pictures for a larger version

The Savage 12FLVSS represents an excellent value for the
varmint shooter. Chambered in the author's favorite long-range
varmint cartridge, the .22-250, the Savage is available
right-handed (Model #12FVSS) or left-handed (Model #12FLVSS as
tested) for Southpaws like Jeff.

The action is pillar bedded at two points in the nice
synthetic stock, offering a rigid and stable platform.

Savage's trigger system as used on the 12FLVSS is easily
adjustable, offering the feel and precision of an expensive
custom unit. Author considers the trigger on the 12FLVSS to be
one of the best available on a modern production rifle.

The safety is one of Jeff's favorite features of
Savage's line of centerfire rifles. Perfectly positioned to
fall naturally under the thumb of right or left-handed
shooters, the three-position safety allows the bolt handle to
be locked in the rear-most position.

The muzzle is nicely crowned to protect the critical
last bit of rifling as an aid to accuracy. And speaking of
accuracy...


After a short "shoot-in" period, the Savage
12FLVSS consistently grouped into 3/8" at 100 yards with
some of the author's favorite stock .22-250 handloads. Jeff is
looking forward to seeing what this rifle will do with loads
developed specifically for it!

Author considers the Savage 12FLVSS to be one of the
finest production bolt-action varmint rifles available today
at any price. At only $549 retail, this rifle easily
out-shoots guns costing hundreds of dollars more!
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