Bought my first hunting rifle

Sadly from wal-mart the savage 110fxp bundle in .270 for $447 +tax. Other then that I was eyeballing the Remington 770 .270 $315 out the door no tax. I hope I didn't make a mistake with the savage, anyway, I took it to the range to get sighted in. The .270 had more recoil then I thought it would, after 15 shots I started getting shaky. Was off quite a bit on the 50yrd so I sighted it a bit by shooting 9 rounds. Then moved over to the 100yrd and was barely on the paper with 2 test shots. Made my adjustments and fire 3 more shots and they weren't bulleye's but there around it top and bottom. I could have got a better shots but I was wore-out.

Final thoughts of the gun:
The Bad: I hate the cheap synthetic stock, the barrel has a uneven gap between the stock at the end of it. I believe it touches a little preventing it from floating. The bolt is loose and hits the chamber if I'm holding the bolt handle. If I like gravity hold it and just push it in, then it slides in just fine. I hate using scope caps, I wish they had the folding caps over the scope lens.

The Good: Its my first gun and it was under $500, has a free floating barrel "kinda". The scope works well for me, even though I don't know what a expensive nice scope looks or feels like.

Does anybody have the bolt hitting the chamber problem? I can make a video if need be. Also what is a cheap scope that's better then the bushnell 3x9x40 that comes with it?

Not sure what you are talking about with the "bolt hits the chamber" comment....
For the scope covers, buy some flips from Butler creek, they are about $5.
If you want to be sure about the "free-float", get a dollar and try to slide it through.

Let me explain the problem in more detail sorry for my lack of knowledge on terms.

The bolt is loose and the bolt head hits the chamber if I'm holding the bolt handle after unlocking it and sliding it back or forward. If I unlock it and quit lifting up and just let it sit it will slide in and out effortlessly. I called savage arms and they say it's suppose to be a little loose but it sounds like they were dodging it. I don't think it's suppose to head the chamber with the bolt head, it hits about 1mm.

So nobody has any problems?? Must be nice to have everything go your way.

Hmmm....I own 6 savages/built 4 and still dont see what you are talking about. The bolt is loose when you open it, it should be as its not locked into the action.

You made the right choice in the Savage over the 770. Even Remington fans will tell you it's a pos. I personally have never had any kind of issue with my Savage rifles. If you don't like the stock there are plenty of aftermarket stocks. Congrats on the rifle and don't be shy at the range about asking for pointers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

How do you not understand the problem? You pull the bolt out and it doesn't come all the way out it hits the chamber before its fully pulled out. Also it hits the chamber when you pushing it back in "loading a bullet" and I have to angle it back in with the bolt handle. Which if I'm going for a 2nd shot on a deer or whatever that's a missed shot because the stupid bolt hit the chamber instead of going into the barrel like its suppose to.

Would most people call this a bolt jam?

The chamber is in front of the bolt in the barrel itself and the bolt will never hit the chamber.
Are you perhaps speaking of the magazine?

It sounds like the bolt head is hitting the front part of the ejection port when going into battery, it shouldn't do that. My savage bolts are easliy worked, maybe not loose but no matter how fast or slow you work the action there aren't any hang ups. Have your local GS take a look, it's tough to diagnose over the internet

Ed

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Originally Posted by Ed Carey

It sounds like the bolt head is hitting the front part of the ejection port when going into battery, it shouldn't do that. My savage bolts are easliy worked, maybe not loose but no matter how fast or slow you work the action there aren't any hang ups. Have your local GS take a look, it's tough to diagnose over the internet

Ed

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Thank this sounds correct, sorry I don't know the wording that well. I don't have a local GS I live in the middle of no where I would have to send it to savage arms.

I'll give this one a shot. Your problem might be the front action screw is a tad too long and your hitting that. Otherwise from the way your describing it, it sounds like it is functioning like normal. Like I said "sounds". Your bolt should not pull straight out unless you press the bolt release. When loading your bolt should go forward and stop in the action, then rotate down. If you can take a picture of where it is hitting or like you said a video and we may help you more. It kind of sounds like your bolthead is catching or hitting part of the action. This might but be a burr.

When you lift the bolt handle and pull the bolt back until it stops then push it forward, how far forward does it go before snagging? Also , is it a blind magazine meaning you have to load it from the top?

It bolt doesn't fall out it just hits chamber on with the bolt head. Same for closing the bolt it hits the ejection port and I have to press down on the bolt handle so it lines up perfectly to slide in. I can't make a video anymore because its all boxed up for ups to deliver to savage arms. Also I'm too tired and have work in 3 hours.

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

It bolt doesn't fall out it just hits chamber on with the bolt head. Same for closing the bolt it hits the ejection port and I have to press down on the bolt handle so it lines up perfectly to slide in. I can't make a video anymore because its all boxed up for ups to deliver to savage arms. Also I'm too tired and have work in 3 hours.

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I suggest you work on it more and if anyone on here can't figure it out, then send it. Because if you send it now, savage is going to recieve and it's going to cycle fine and they're gonna send it right back. So you're out of shipping cost and time away from shooting.

And about what you said earlier with the" what if I'm hunting and I need to get a 2nd round in on the deer"....That's not going to happen. Your first shot is going to scare him and by the time you have reloaded and got back on the scope, he's long gone.

It sounds like to me the front scope base screws might be hitting the bolt head.

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Originally Posted by mattm0812

I suggest you work on it more and if anyone on here can't figure it out, then send it. Because if you send it now, savage is going to recieve and it's going to cycle fine and they're gonna send it right back. So you're out of shipping cost and time away from shooting.

And about what you said earlier with the" what if I'm hunting and I need to get a 2nd round in on the deer"....That's not going to happen. Your first shot is going to scare him and by the time you have reloaded and got back on the scope, he's long gone.

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That is not always the case, I had one duck for about 15 seconds and pop back up running and I got it the 2nd shot. I've put 40rnds of 130gr federal through it since new 8/31 and savage arms is paying pre-paid shipping so I'm not losing money on sending it in.

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

That is not always the case, I had one duck for about 15 seconds and pop back up running and I got it the 2nd shot. I've put 40rnds of 130gr federal through it since new 8/31 and savage arms is paying pre-paid shipping so I'm not losing money on sending it in.

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Did you mean duck or buck?

If you did mean duck, then I believe it. Birds are stupid.

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Originally Posted by mattm0812

Did you mean duck or buck?

If you did mean duck, then I believe it. Birds are stupid.

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I THINK he meant a BUCK that DUCK(ed) from a shot. Good luck on your issue with Savage. I hope for you that they can duplicate the issue as you know it. I know, that might sound ridiculous. Yer prolly sayin "How can they NOT see it?" But you never know. For the record I was with everyone else with your "hanging up on the chamber" comment. Until someone pointed out that you might be meaning the ejection port. There are a LOT OF KNOWLEDEABLE SAVAGE folks here. You are in the right place!

Good luck!!

It does not sound to me, like it will cycle normally for Savage. Something's not right, his terms may not be right, but I get what he is saying, I think it needs to go back. too bad, sounds like the poor guy has zero help locally. Not to mention he feels like the 270 is a hard kicker. Not sure how old he is, but sounds like he doesn't have a lot of experience shooting. Sorry to hear his first Savage rifle has an issue.

Ups is suppose to pick it up tomorrow, I wish I would have taken some pictures or video of it. There are 2 gouges on the bolt head and the side railing that the bolt slides on/against. The finish looks like its been sanded with 80grit sandpaper. I don't know if that's normal from wear or if the machinery is just bad. I'm highly disappointed with savage arms, if they can fix my issues I may think about purchasing another down the road. But it does put a bad taste in my mouth, I hope they can make it right.

I had a rfile that the bolt head would catch on the edge of the action, right at the corner of the port only when there was another round in the mag. After pulling the bolt back then start to push forward it strips the next round out of the mag. As I pushed it forward to chamber the round, the next round in the mag or the mag feed lips pushed up on the bolt & caused it to hit the edge of the action just as it was going in. It was an older stagger feed 110. I had to adjust the mag feed lips a little to hold the next round a little lower.

The metal the mag was made of was real springy & did not bend very easy. I eventually got it all aligned to where if functioned OK. The magazine may be sitting a wee bit high and need to be adjusted accordingly. I recall someone at Savage telling me they didn't make that style of mag any longer beacuse of reliability issues & such.
I didn't have a lot of experience with Savage or any rifles at the time so I didn't bother to take it apart. I later found out I could have / should have pulled the action & check out why the mag was too hi.

He may be dealing with a similar issue, if it's not the action screw hitting the bottom of the bolt head on the way in.

Later........ Off to the SALT MINE.

Frank in Fla

I'm with M.O.A. and handsomerob. It sounds to me like the bolt might be hitting one of the front scope base mounting screws or receiver screws. If the rifle/scope was mounted by a "gunsmith" at Wal-Mart I would not be surprised if one or both of the two front scope base mounting screws or receiver screws are a teensy bit too long and interfering with the bolt. Bend your small finger into the top front grove in the receiver between the magazine and chamber. You might be able to feel the scope base mounting screw if it is too long. Even if you cannot feel one or both of those screws, you might try removing both of them. Then check the bolt for proper closing.

If you do send the rifle to Savage I would send it with both scope bases installed. Savage will thoroughly check the rifle and do a proper repair if something is wrong. You might have to pay for return shipping.

Good luck.

Brokebonez: Where in MO are you? I am in KY but make it over to the Cape Girardeau & St. Louis area quite a bit. When it comes back I could take a look at it and show you where your terminology made it difficult to describe what was happening.

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Originally Posted by Clint KY

Brokebonez: Where in MO are you? I am in KY but make it over to the Cape Girardeau & St. Louis area quite a bit. When it comes back I could take a look at it and show you where your terminology made it difficult to describe what was happening.

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UPS just picked it up, I'm from Whiteman AFB, mo a good 2 hours from St. Louis. There is a YouTube video of somebody that bought a walmart special just like mine and had problems. I believe he said that savage arms gave him a new one.

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Originally Posted by M.O.A.

It sounds like to me the front scope base screws might be hitting the bolt head.

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If he bought the #10 FXP, it's a package deal from Savage to include the scope (which includes bases & rings), so I doubt the screws are too long.

Not being real experienced and more able to explain the issue technically, it's best he sends it in.

OP... I know it's a bummer, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Savage is THE BEST, MOST ACCURATE, out of the box rifle you can buy.

Like most folks here, I'm a Savage fan not because I own one...I own three! And I wouldn't own that many if they hadn't proven to be superior rifles.

Good luck with this, I hope Savage is able to make this right for you. Sounds like it may be their problem to deal with.. Then I'd say use this one a while , then later if you want to upgrade scopes, stocks, etc you'll know what you do and don't like so you can get something you'll be happy with. You've got a gun you'll be able to customize easily as time and money permit.
Don't be afraid to ask questions here. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here to help you. Sometimes more information is needed for them to help. Sometimes you'll get answers, or wild guesses, from people who don't know as much as they want you to think they know. You'll figure out who's who soon enough.
Update us as you hear from Savage, and again, Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

Also what is a cheap scope that's better then the bushnell 3x9x40 that comes with it?

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Since nobody else has addressed this for you, I'll give my .02:

Using the words "cheap" and "better" don't belong in the same sentence. You get out of a scope exactly what you put into it. For the same money, your best off with what's on the rifle now. Companies provide an "adequate" scope to get you in the field, but a decent scope will start about $100 and go up from there.
You'll get lots of opinions on this, but on that rifle, a decent 3-9x40 with good clarity and multicoating is all you need.

Nikon Pro Staff series is a good option for the $$$.

Well here is the deal, I sent it and they received it on Monday on the 17th. I called Savage Arms on the 21st Friday, so 5 days after they received it. They put me on the phone with a guy named Randy Savage, and he tells me the gun tested fine. So I proceeded to tell him about the problems that I was having and he said it was normal and the bolt is suppose to be loose enough to hit the ejector port. Also they told me that rifles are only tested on a table and not standing or couching "as in a real hunting situation". After that I told him I wasn't happy with the situation and that is was my first and last savage arms. He said okay, I'm sending the rifle back to you today and hung up.

So much for that.

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

UPS just picked it up, I'm from Whiteman AFB, mo a good 2 hours from St. Louis. There is a YouTube video of somebody that bought a walmart special just like mine and had problems. I believe he said that savage arms gave him a new one.

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have you got a link to this video, would be helpful to everyone?

devildog and others, Here is a youtube link which MIGHT be the one Brokebonez has referenced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdpG1h5GJi8

There are interesting viewer comments posted to the bottom of the video. I prefer not to comment on the video because I believe my 10FP(?) is one of the finest, most accurate, sensible and "fun" rifles I have owned during my many adult years. Others are free to form their own opinions on the video and its maker.

Best wishes and good luck.

No, this is not my YouTube video but I wish I would have seen this video on YouTube before I bought this gun. I'm still waiting to receive my rifle back from Savage Arms. It's been 5 days since they were suppose to ship so I got curious and called them up for a shipping number and again Savage Arms never fails to disappoint. My rifle was never shipped!! So I guess they were just sitting on it for the last 5 days :/

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Originally Posted by John_M

devildog and others, Here is a youtube link which MIGHT be the one Brokebonez has referenced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdpG1h5GJi8

There are interesting viewer comments posted to the bottom of the video. I prefer not to comment on the video because I believe my 10FP(?) is one of the finest, most accurate, sensible and "fun" rifles I have owned during my many adult years. Others are free to form their own opinions on the video and its maker.

Best wishes and good luck.

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Oh boy, where to start with this video! I guess the beginning will suffice...

1. He complained about the barrel not being centered and free floated, and that the bolt also cocked a little to the left when pulled rearward when he first got it.
Anyone who's owned a Savage with a synthetic stock knows there's some wiggle room in them and all you have to do is loosen the action screws slightly, center the barrel in the barrel channel, and retighten. Doing so would have likely resolved both problems and he wouldn't have wasted Savage's time (or money) when he sent it back to have the receiver replaced for a non-existent defect.

2. He says to check the bases to ensure the action was machined correctly, and states the way to check it is to try to slide a dollar bill between the base and the action.
The 2-piece bases Savage includes with their rifles - be it a 110 model, a rimfire, slug gun or whatever - are about as cheap as cheap gets. If you look at them closely you'll find the radius on the bottom is usually slightly off-center. As such, when you look at the top of the rings you'll see one side is stamped with a number and you'll want to make sure that # is on the same side for both mounts or it will cock the scope off to one side or the other and out of parallel with the bore. Has nothing to do with the action and if it was or wasn't machined correctly - it's just cheap/low quality bases.

3. He goes on to blame the front mount holes to be the problem, stating they are either not drilled/tapped deep enough or the threads are buggered.
It's common knowledge (and has been for years) that you have to keep an eye on the length of the front scope mount screws. If the very front one is too long it will bottom out on the barrel threads before it snugs the base up to the action. If the rear front screw is too long it will bottom out on the bolt head OR (if the bolt was removed during installation) protrude into the bore of the action and prevent the bolt from closing into battery. We even cover this in our FAQ's here.

4. He complains about a mark on the bolt head from pounding in the ejector retaining pin.
Sorry dude, they're all going to look like that because that's how they are installed. It's purely cosmetic and doesn't affect functionality at all.

5. He complains about "swirly tooling marks" on the rear face of the receiver (under where the rear baffle would sit).
Really? Are you actually this anal retentive and nit-picky? This is just getting comical! It's a rifle, not a Rolex for Christ's sake!

6. Complains about a non-visible scratch in the finish along the inside bore of the action from the bolt sliding back and forward.
Well, I guess if you want it to look all shiny and new forever you just better never cycle the bolt or shoot it. A hardened part that moves across/through another non-hardned part is bound to leave marks where they contact no matter how well finished or machined they are. It's a simple fact of life.

7. He goes on to point out supposed "high spots" on the rear tang of the action - yet another "machining flaw" in his opinion.
No my friend, this isn't a machining flaw, it's called a contact point. And where there's contact there will be wear - see above.

8. He complains about all the sharp, crisp edges on the action and the finish wearing off them.
Well, what do you expect? When you move things and they interact with one another along a sharp edge it's going to wear. It's not rocket science.

9. Now he starts complaining about the barrel and that the writing isn't clocked correctly
Well, he did say they replaced the action, right? Well right there's the reason why! Barrels are roll-stamped AFTER they're installed on the action to ensure proper alignment. But since they had to pull yours and fit it to a new action, the odds of the stamp lining up correctly is about a million to one. I suppose he wants a new barrel now to? His reading of the explanation for this from Joe DeGrande just goes to further show this guy hasn't a clue what he's talking about.

10. He goes on to complain about UPS and how they handle packages and yadda yadda yadda.
Am I the only person starting to sense a pattern here? That this is one of those people who no matter what you do, he'll always find something to nit-pick and will never be happy or satisfied no matter how far you bend over backwards to appease him.

Yet another perfect example of why some people shouldn't be allowed to own a video camera or have access to posting on YouTube. If he put half the time/effort into educating himself on Savage's that he put into making that video he could have eliminated/resolved all the so-called defects he found at no additional cost.

^^^ You said what I was thinking when I watched the video. Thanks

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

No, this is not my YouTube video but I wish I would have seen this video on YouTube before I bought this gun. I'm still waiting to receive my rifle back from Savage Arms. It's been 5 days since they were suppose to ship so I got curious and called them up for a shipping number and again Savage Arms never fails to disappoint. My rifle was never shipped!! So I guess they were just sitting on it for the last 5 days :/

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First, we need to get you using the correct terminology so people know what you're talking about. The chamber is the machined hole in the rear of the barrel, and the bolt can't and won't ever touch the chamber.

What I believe you are trying to say is that the bolt head (front-most part of the bolt assembly) is catching on the lip of the front receiver bridge as you try to close it into battery. This is typically more prevalent on long-actions and is a result of the tolerance allowed in the bolt raceway combined with a sharp non-rounded edge on the receiver bridge and/or bolt head. The solution is to take a small fine metal file and just run it across those two edges a couple times to eliminate the sharp edge so they can more easily slide past one another.

Also, how you work the bolt can exaggerate this issue if you tend to put any downward or lateral force on the bolt as you push it forward.

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Originally Posted by Brokebonez

No, this is not my YouTube video but I wish I would have seen this video on YouTube before I bought this gun. I'm still waiting to receive my rifle back from Savage Arms. It's been 5 days since they were suppose to ship so I got curious and called them up for a shipping number and again Savage Arms never fails to disappoint. My rifle was never shipped!! So I guess they were just sitting on it for the last 5 days :/

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So UPS picked it up on Sept. 12th, figure 3 days for transit to Mass puts us at the 15th (a Saturday - no UPS delivery) so make that the 17th when it's received at Savage, and today's the 26th and you're complaining about it taking too long? God help you if you ever have to deal with Browning, Remington, Ruger, Winchester or most any other brand out there as you'd be lucky to hear/get anything from them for weeks...sometimes months after they receive your gun.

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Originally Posted by M.O.A.

It sounds like to me the front scope base screws might be hitting the bolt head.

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Or the mag lip too high & pushing the bolt head up. same issue on my older 110 - .270 w/ stagger mag. I've tried bending the mag & feed lips in to every concieveable position & they still push the bolt up to where it bumps the chamber entry on the way in. it's been 6 years now & I've got used to it.

Hey Bonez... Read my info on the Axis / Edge thread about stock modifications. Simple to do & it'll make it a whole nice rifle to shoot.......

Good luck with it. if one of these guys can help you, it's too far gone anyway.

Frank in Fla

lol that aint no sh** Remington is horrible it took a month just to get some bad 6.8 spec rounds replaced

Thank you, Jim, for saying all the things I was dying to say when first I watched the video. I was frustrated and saddened by the total lack of knowledge about bolt action rifles displayed by the video maker. Unfortunately, others, equally lacking in that knowledge, will believe all he says to be the gospel truth.

I felt a strong urge to post the link so other proud Savage owners could see how ignorance is so easily transmitted. You said it best, Jim, when you wrote "...Yet another perfect example of why some people should not be allowed to own a video camera or have access to posting on YouTube. If he put half the time/effort into educating himself on Savage's that he put into that video he could have eliminated/resolved all the so-called defects he found at no additional cost...."

Needless to say, I support 100%, all of your comments above.

Best wishes and good luck.

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Originally Posted by M.O.A.

lol that aint no sh** Remington is horrible it took a month just to get some bad 6.8 spec rounds replaced

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Where did you call? Corporate office or ammo plant? I've got some bad ammo and I wanted to ask Remington about it. I signed up for Support, but ****ed if I can figure how to submit a question-all it does is prompt for a search. Thanks!

The box has the number to call when you finally get someone they will send you a mailing slip to send it to them

I think it's one of the things mentioned earlier: scope mount screws protruding, bolt head catching on the sharp corners, or maybe the front stock bolt protruding into the receiver.

I promise you, if you are patient and work out this little bug, you are going to have a great shooter. You have a great platform to customize it to what you want.

Get you a good Boyd's replacement stock if you don't like the factory tupperware. They are very affordable and look great.

As far as the scope, IMO the best thing you could do for your money is put a Nikon on it and ebay the one that came with it. Prostaff or Buckmaster. If you want even better, find a Nikon Team Primos 3-9x40 they were running a couple years ago. They are rebadged Nikon Monarchs, which is Nikon's upper line and some mighty fine glass... fully coated, 95% light transmission, water/shockproof, sealed, etc. You can get one NOS on Amazon for a little over $200. That's a steal. They have shorter tubes, so that means you will need an offset front sight base if you are using Weaver-style bases, or else you will not have enough tube length for the ungodly long action on Savage's long action rifles. Regardless, I'd replace the rings and bases with something a little better.

Good luck and don't give up on it.

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Originally Posted by M.O.A.

The box has the number to call when you finally get someone they will send you a mailing slip to send it to them

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My ammo must be newer production than yours. There's no phone #; only a note about RemingtonCountry.com for information. I did call the corporate # and they are sending a return label.

Well there you go ;-)