ORIGINAL: skeeter 7MM
Own smoked and a smokeless (savage) as well, I like em all
! Last year when it became time to add a new ML to my life I was between a TC Encore and the Savage. I bought the Savage based on experience with it, different then the other inlines I alreadyhad and ultimately cost of intial investment/ownership. I shoot the bee geez out of it last year and had a blast doing it. Right out of the box with a proven load in several other Savage owners guns I put up -1" at 100 group and ended up with 3 combos that would print 1" or better. So you could say i have been pleased with my decision to buy a 10II vs an encore. I used it to harvest 2 deer last fall with the same result - bang FLOP. I also used my ole faithful to harvest 1 deer with T7 powder and 240xtp - bang-hopple-flop. So both styles are effective on game and both shoot very well for me.
To the pros and cons from my standpoint:
PRO
> Cost of ownership
> Cleaning Ease
> Real "mag velocities" with accuracy and less felt recoil. Legit 200 plus gun, achieving 2300fps with next to no push is easily obtainable with 2 of the book loads. Branching out further can show + with slower powders"non book" loads that produce less peak pressure (safe).
> Accuracy
> Self Adjustable Trigger
> Sealed breech - zero blow back on mine
> Overbuilt/Safe
CON
> Weight (10+ scoped)
> Tupperware stock (flimsy but functional - I own a Syth/SS combo)
> Laminate stock - Heavy
> Ventliner (factory worked flawless for 50-70 shots but then need replacement, RW's expensivebut improved life, PR's more reasonable/improved life over Savage (100+)&modified breech plug (drill bushing), seems the way to go if you plan on shooting lots (have one on order as we speak)
> Bolt release ( requires the rear action screw to be released to remove, can cause POI shifts. I haven't seen this problem as i torque to the exact same specs each time. Other options are available such as an ez tool rachet or mods)
> Reloading knowledge and equipment required - scale, powder trickler andpowder funnel.
> OOPs forgot with the speeds you can hurl bullets out of the savage one may need to put more consideration intobullet construction,asthey aren't all made for the higherMV's that can be acheived with smokeless.