243 Savage Package
 

It seems like I am always running into coyotes when deer hunting as well as pheasant hunting. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that there must not be enough folks hunting them and since I am a good guy, I should fill the void.:)

My son and I ML hunt for deer, but I wouldn't mind having a 243 just in case we modern rifle hunt at some point.

After looking around a little I have almost settled on the Savage package gun at walmart. It does come with the Accu-trigger and a Simmons 8-Point scope. The price is $360.

My wife is in her last leg of school as a Nurse Practitioner, so at this point I have to keep the $$$$$ down as much as possible. At least for the next 6 months or so.;)

I have also looked at the Rem SPS as well as the Tikka. Can get the Rem for 420 and the Tikka for 490. Really like the Tikka by the way. But, but by the time I add a scope to these, I am at least $100 over the Savage.

I know the Simmons scope is not the best and many consider it junk. I currently have an 8-Point on a 10/22 and really like it, especially for the ~$40 price.

Anything I am missing here?

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

I don't think you're missing anything if you're deadset on a bolt action. If you would consider a single shot then I would suggest on of these, they are pretty cheap.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/hunter.aspx

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976752449.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976687162.htm

The Remington SPS is probably the best gun for the money. They can be had for under $400 if you look hard. At least I can get one from my dealer for about $380.

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

if you are set on the bolt action my opinion you cant beat a savage for the money i have a stevens 200 in 223 and i love the way it feels and handles basically the same gun you are looking at havent got to shoot it yet but hopefully this weekend but a single shot would be cheaper and do the same thing

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

If finances is an issue, you can't beat the Savage Package!

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Well, I went and bought it. :) It was the last one they had in 243. The price was actuallya little less than I thought. It was $354 and change.

I can't wait to shoot it. Hopefully this weekend.

After looking it over very closely, I am very happy with the fit/finish, etc. Also can't wait to pull that Accu-trigger.

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RE: 243 Savage Package
 

But it aint no 710.:D:D:D

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RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Well, it is late, but I couldn't wait to clean it. After taking it apart and cleaning from top to bottom, I am very, very pleased with this gun. It is built very solid and to me, the fit and finish are outstanding for a gun with this price tag.

Now, I just have to find time to get out and shoot it. I am going to do everything in my power to get out this weekend. Will try to post how the first range session goes.

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RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Savage makes some of the best rifles for any money short of a custom. They may not "look pretty" like some seem to think is important, but very accurate, affordable and reliable. Have fun with the .243, I am very confident that you will love it!

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

I to am interested in the Savage 243. Tell us how it worked out??
I can get Rem 700 for $429.

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Last weekend my son and I put about 15 rounds through it. I cleaned the barrel after each shot for the first few shots and then after that, I cleaned it after every other shot. The wind was howling. We really weren't trying too hard to shoot groups.

I got a chance this week to shoot the Savage again as well as my pre-64 Model 70 30-06. The -06 was my grandfather's gun. He and my Dad bought identical guns in 1953 or 54. I bought some Winchester 125 gr bullets to try in it. I will carry that when we go coyote hunting. My son will hopefully do most of the shooting with the 243.

The day was nice and calm. I set up at 100 yards and dialed both guns in. Took 3 shots with the -06 and 4 shots with the 243. Then I shot a 3 shot group in the lower right target with each gun. The 243 group measured 1 1/16". Two were touching and one was low and to the right, I might have pulled that one. The last shot on the middle target and the 2 touching in the lower right target make one hole, <1/2". Was amazed at the -06 group using the 125 gr bullets. It was 7/16" and adding the last shot from the middle target made 4 shots in probably 1/2".

I really could not be more happy. I do not consider myself a marksman at all. I was shooting off the hood of my Suburban with an adjustable rest under the front stock and a bag under the rear.

Would have loved to have shot some more, but I ran out of time. I will post some pictures tonight. Also, I really like the Accu-trigger. It is a crisp break at 2 1/2 lbs.

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Here are the guns.





243 Target





30-06 Target

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

Cascadedad you are right the Savage is not a 710, I believe the Savage is a better rifle. I do not like the pressed barrel on the 710. The bolt lockup on the 710 is alright, but I think your accu-trigger makes your rifle a much better choice. If anybody calls your scope junk, then tell them to go suck an egg. Remember Simmons has a life time warranty.

This rifle will make a great rifle, and back up rifle for the rest of your son's life. Just think about the conversation's the two of you are going to have in 30 years.

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

like I have posted before... The savage is a quality gun and a great price. It doesn't have the looks or the finish... but the deer or coyote you shot with it doesn't have any idea that the stock has no shine to it. The name is as good as rem. browning or any other out there. Ask someone in a gun shop and they all say the same thing..." the savage.. good gun the looks aren't there but it shoots great." and that's what matters. The trigger, The primer, The bullet. The Tracker.. Remember that when your at the register and your putting money back in your pocket instead of out of your pocket !!! my2cents

RE: 243 Savage Package
 

cascadedad, How'd that package gun shoot???