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New Savage Arms Mk II GXP is mine

11K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  Andy1 
#1 ·
I have finally bought a .22 rifle, this is the first firearm I have acquired which has not had any previous owners.

I went to a local gun show last month with the intention of finding a new or (preferably) vintage .22 rifle for under $250. The pickings were slim - one Remington Nylon 66 in good condition (saw a really nice one for $350) and an old Mossberg (model unknown but in very good condition). I looked it over and had almost made a decision when I started talking with another veteran Marine (of course). After our five minute conversation, I went to buy the Mossberg but someone already got it (for $175). Evidently it was not meant for me. I did not see any other .22s that were in my budget, so left the show without one.

I decided to go to Dick's Sporting Goods on the way home, just to look. I was surprised to see that they had a few of the Mk II GXPs in stock. For $199 I decided to get one.

I went back to the gun show the next day and got some ammo (of course Dick's did not have any). Several vendors had .22 lr, with several choices. I was able to get a total of around 5oo rounds, which should last me for a while. There was plenty more to be had though. I picked up an extra 10 round magazine as well.

I did get it one sort of grandiose accessory - I found someone who made leather reproduction slings for 1903 Springfield rifles. I thought it would look good on the Mk II, so I got one. Take a look and let me know what you all think.

I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but I am looking forward to taking it to the range this weekend. My wife has never shot a bolt action before, so it will be a new experience with her.
 

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#3 ·
Great looking rifle and a nice price. I think you are going to really like it and you can expect some real nice accuracy. Keep your eye out for some CCI Standard Velocity Target ammo. It is 40 grain round nose, 1070 feet per second ammo. It is reasonably priced and our experience has shown it to shoot better than any of the modest priced ammo out there. We have found that usually Standard Velocity ammo will shoot more accurately than the high velocity ammo.

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=5&loadNo=0032
 
#4 ·
Good on ya Paul. Congrats on your "new" 22. We expect to read a range report soon on how it runs. Also, glad you had such a healthy attitude toward missing the Mossberg.
 
#7 ·
Welcome aboard! Nice looking rifle, I too like the sling.
 
#8 ·
Range Report

Last night I took my rifle to the local indoor range I use for the first time. I got 50 rounds of the .22 LR that the range uses for people renting their guns (did not see what it was). It worked well though, no problems at all.

The magazines loaded easy and inserted securely. The bolt action is a little stiff and jerky but I have heard this for most new bolt action rifles and expect it to become more smooth and fluid over time and use. The target was sent out to the 50 feet line.

The first thing that surprised me was the almost total lack of recoil, along with a much less loud report (as compared to firing .22 pistols). After pulling the trigger for the first shot, I felt and heard nothing; I thought I had a misfire. I opened the bolt and a spent case was ejected, so I knew it fired. Looking downrange through the scope, I saw the hole from the shot, down and to the right of center. The scope was not zeroed. Any advice on zeroing this scope would be greatly appreciated.

I didn't have a secure base to hold the rifle, so I did my best to zero the scope (4X32 that came with the rifle). It still needs adjustment, but at the end of 50 rounds I was getting pretty close. The last 20 shots were where they should be but I was changing my position slightly (not on purpose), which is why the groups moved (see pic). These last groups were on the head and center/left of the bullseye 0.

I am extremely pleased with the rifle and look forward to putting more rounds down range with it. I have to say that I did feel a few moments of jealousy and nostalgia when the guys in the lane next to me started shooting an AR15. It reminded me of my last time qualifying with the M16A2 just before ending my time with the USMC Reserves, 22 years ago.
 

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#9 ·
My son has this rifle. It is very accurate. You need some sandbags or a stand to steady it to zero the scope. This rifle is capable of very tight groups.
 
#10 ·
Savage makes a great rifle for the price. I have a savage fv-sr threaded barrel mk II in the .22 mag and that gun is an absolute tack driver. I can hit quarters at 50 yards. Another great 22 is the remington 597. It is a highly accurate as well and you can get them for around $200.
 
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