Range Report: Savage Edge .223

[U.S. Patriot]

I took my unfired Savage Edge .223 with factory mounted 3x9x40 Bushnell scope to the range to day. I first got it sighted in, then I shot for groups. I fired a total of 135 rounds through it. Until today, I have never fired a bolt action rifle, larger then a .22MWR. I was also unsure, how well a $389 package rifle would perform. I have heard some negative things about the Savage Edge. Things like:

1. The trigger pull being to long and gritty.
2. There being to much flex in the stock.
3. The pistol grip being to small.

The only issue I had was, sometimes the spent casings would not eject. So, at times I had to pull the spent casing from the action. I'm wondering, if it is because it's a long action.

First target. I used the center target to sight it in. The other four targets are all 5 shot groups.

Top left: PMC 223A 55 grain
Top right: American Eagle Tactical AE223 55 grain
Bottom left: Remington UMC L223R3 55 grain
Bottom right: American Eagle Tactical AE223 55 grain

Second target: All 5 shot groups.

Top left: American Eagle Tactical AE223 55 grain
Top right: Remington UMC L223R3 55 grain
Center: PMC 223A 55 grain
Bottom left: PMC 223A 55 grain
Bottom right: American Eagle Tactical AE223 55 grain

Best groups of the day!

Playing around!

Overall, I was very surprised. Considering this is Savage's budget rifle, I was pleased with the performance of the rifle. I need more trigger time, but was happy with my performance. Considering it was my first time out, and I have never fired a centerfire bolt action rifle. If you are looking for a budget rifle, I would highly recommend one.

Chris

 

[redneckmedic]

Well done, as I have always proclaimed.... Savages are the best out of the box shooters out there, bar none!

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Well done, as I have always proclaimed.... Savages are the best out of the box shooters out there, bar none!

Thanks, I still have some practicing to do. I was honestly surprised by the results. I did not have high expectations. Though now, I think I shoot it better then my Savage MKIIFV .22. When I have the money, I want a model 10 with heavy barrel. I would rep you back, but I have to be socialist first .

 

[Gator762]

I have owned alot of savage rifles and have not had one that shot bad. I have one in 22-250 and it shoots .5 in" at 250yards with my reloads and I have only $400 in the whole gun and its a Stevens/savage 200. Like they said best shooters out of box!

 

[red_zr24x4]

I want a model 10 with heavy barrel. I would rep you back, but I have to be socialist first .

You'll love the model 10 ! I have the 10FP in .223 and its great

 

[alan robert]

Nice shooting and thanks for the range report. The Savage Edge in .223 is obviously good bang for the buck.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Nice shooting and thanks for the range report. The Savage Edge in .223 is obviously good bang for the buck.

It defiantly surprised me. Especialy after everything I have read about it. It's defiantly a good choice for a budget or starter rifle IMO. It will be a good practice rifle for me, until I can afford what I want.

 

[teddy12b]

It defiantly surprised me. Especialy after everything I have read about it. It's defiantly a good choice for a budget or starter rifle IMO. It will be a good practice rifle for me, until I can afford what I want.

Honestly, from what I've seen I think you could have more than just a practice rifle. You're getting pretty good accuracy with 55gr FMJ ammo and I'd be really curious to see how your rifle handled some 69gr match, or 77gr match ammo. You could swap the scope for something that's got a ballistic plex/BDC type reticle and you'd have a long range rifle with very little cost involved. I'm really starting to think about buying one of these savage edges because your range report is very similar to a lot of other ones I've read where the guns just shoot fantastic.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Honestly, from what I've seen I think you could have more than just a practice rifle. You're getting pretty good accuracy with 55gr FMJ ammo and I'd be really curious to see how your rifle handled some 69gr match, or 77gr match ammo. You could swap the scope for something that's got a ballistic plex/BDC type reticle and you'd have a long range rifle with very little cost involved. I'm really starting to think about buying one of these savage edges because your range report is very similar to a lot of other ones I've read where the guns just shoot fantastic.

The funny thing is this. The Remington UMC at Rural King, which is where my Dad bought it, is $15 for 20 rounds I believe. The American Eagle Tactical can be bought on sale at Gander for $30 for 100 rounds. The locals shop has it for $8 a box of 20. The PMC is also $8 a box of 20. Those two loads gave me the best groupings. I have some other loads to try out later. I know every rifle is different, but I'll never buy the Remington UMC. I was looking at a Nikon M223 scope the other day. I may go with that, when I have the money.

 

[teddy12b]

I know what you're saying about the ammo. PMC and the federal american eagle have always shot well for me in my 223's, but the Remington ammo has never been nearly as accurate. Those M-223 scopes are nice, but sort of expensive for what they are. When you consider a nikon buckmaster with BDC, or burris fullfield with ballistic plex can be had for half the price.

 

[rugertoter]

Great review. The .223 Remington, I believe, is a short action though.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

I know what you're saying about the ammo. PMC and the federal american eagle have always shot well for me in my 223's, but the Remington ammo has never been nearly as accurate. Those M-223 scopes are nice, but sort of expensive for what they are. When you consider a nikon buckmaster with BDC, or burris fullfield with ballistic plex can be had for half the price.

Thanks for the heads up on the scopes.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Great review. The .223 Remington, I believe, is a short action though.

The Edge is a long action.

 

[sgreen3]

Very nice shooting, I acually have been looking into getting one those myself. Thanks for making my mind up for me,lol