With the current debate over the Savage rifles going on, I need to add a positive word for Savage. My Model 12 Varmit rifle in 270 WSM had an extractor problem. It would not hold on to the shell when the bolt was pulled back. I called Savage six days ago and told them about the problem. Today the new extractor was in my mail box. No charge. It took less than five minutes to install the new extractor and now it throws them clear across my reloading room. I laid the two extractors side by side and I could see the problem right away. The little notch for the cartridge rim was not cleanly cut into the first extractor. The new one is perfect.

Now I could say that this was their screwup and they should have made it right. They did and they did it quickly. Also in their defence, I have never seen one that would not feed very well if the front of the spring under the top of the magazine box was bent to put sufficient pressure to the front of the top plate. Any that have ever fed less than perfect was always cured by this simple step. Should this be done right at the plant? Yes but a few minor adjustments has always brought them around for me and the price and accuracy has always more than made up for the few little quirks for me.

Accuracy is important to me and a first shot that counts will eliminate the need for fast follow up shots and such. However I have taken a hugh number of big game animals with Savage rifles. Never a hick-up of any kind. I think I have had every model of Savage made in the last 100 years, thats the pumps, bolts, levers and single shots. I would use a Savage that has proven reliable in a heartbeat for any big game hunting. The same standard would apply to any make or model of rifle that I chose to use. I have had about the same little hangups or slightly different ones with every make of gun that I have ever tried, inclkuding custom made rifles. If its MECHANICAL, its a matter of when it will malfunction, not if it will.