First ( modern) bolt gun in jail.

[6114DAVE]

Before I headed out to work I stopped by the local big 5 and jailed a Savage XP .308.... Being an experienced shooter one may wonder why I bought a savage ? I have heard good things about them accuracy wise. I have also heard complaints about the stock and trigger but I have solid shooting fundamentals and shouldn't be too much of a detriment. I want to get into hunting ..next year with a guided hog hunt. If I like hunting ( sure I will) next deer season I'll try to fill my freezer. Who's taken hogs with this rifle or a similar rifle ? Is like to hear your input

[SDgarrick]

savages rock

[tamalpias]

i own a savage and with reloads i can shoot dime size groups. my friend had one in 308 and he managed to nail a ground squirrel out to 650 yards and it took him 3 shots to do it with heavy wind. They are just as accurate as my remingtons and rugers i own.

[6114DAVE]

savages rock

That's what I've been hearing. Didn't want to be like my USMC buddy and now co worker who went out and bought his first bolt gun / first firearm and it's a Remington 700 that he can't shoot cause he's now broke. Thought I'd buy a hunting gun that can get it done for about 400 less .

[NorCalFocus]

Congrats!

[6114DAVE]

Congrats!

Thanks ! The wait is the worse!!

[SDgarrick]

My thinking is: any money saved on a rifle can be put towards ammo and a cheek pad.

[SMarquez]

Shooting paper and shooting animals are 2 completely different skill sets. I love to shoot paper all I can if I can't hunt and it is essential for sighting in and skill building. Hunting is real mental to me. Range estimation? Totally different in wide open spaces. Vegetation and terrain features can play havoc with your shot. Weather? You can choose whether to be out shooting paper while you might be on your last day of the hunt when weather changes. Now throw in buck fever on top of all that.
Having said all that, I think you will be fine with your rifle. you have an inherently accurate cartridge in a no frill rifle. It won't be spraying rounds all over. I feel that if it takes more than 2 shots you shouldn't be shooting at it in the first place. All mine are no frills and I got all of them on killer deals or hand me downs. My FIL killed a lot of deer with a peep site .300 Savage built on a Jap action. You will be fine, enjoy the hunting experience.

[6114DAVE]

Shooting paper and shooting animals are 2 completely different skill sets. I love to shoot paper all I can if I can't hunt and it is essential for sighting in and skill building. Hunting is real mental to me. Range estimation? Totally different in wide open spaces. Vegetation and terrain features can play havoc with your shot. Weather? You can choose whether to be out shooting paper while you might be on your last day of the hunt when weather changes. Now throw in buck fever on top of all that.
Having said all that, I think you will be fine with your rifle. you have an inherently accurate cartridge in a no frill rifle. It won't be spraying rounds all over. I feel that if it takes more than 2 shots you shouldn't be shooting at it in the first place. All mine are no frills and I got all of them on killer deals or hand me downs. My FIL killed a lot of deer with a peep site .300 Savage built on a Jap action. You will be fine, enjoy the hunting experience.

Thanks for the wise words