This is a review of the Cabela's exclusive version of the Savage Mark II TR .22 rifle:
Description of item: Recently I decided to get into long range "tactical" type shooting and purchased a nice Remington .308. But, since I'm pretty new to the concept I also decided to get a decent .22 to practice some of the techniques without burning through some high priced .308 ammo. I searched around for a .22 that had a similar design to my .308, basically a full size stock with as close to a "regular" bolt as I could get. On a visit to Cabela's I happened upon their exclusive version of the Savage Mark II TR. It was pretty close to what I wanted; full size stock, large bolt handle, similar scope mount, etc... The only down side was the bolt throw and placement of the bolt handle was pretty much standard .22 rather than centerfire. But the price was right so I went ahead an purchased one.
For those that do not know (and I didn't have a clue until I found this one). The Mark II is the latest Savage bolt action .22 and is available in a bunch of different models. The TR is the "tacticool" version with a wooden target style stock from Boyd's and a black painted action and fluted barrel. Like the other Mark II's it has the accutrigger. The standard version has the stock painted black. The Cabela's exclusive version has the same stock, but painted green. It also has a one piece scope rail (from EGW) and a muzzle break.
For those that are curious the muzzle break (being a .22 it's pretty much cosmetic, though it does protect the barrel crown) is threaded at 1/2 x 20, so if you want to remove it and add a suppressor you'll need an adapter to 1/2 x 28. (There is a new standard model that is threaded 1/2 x 28 already, BTW)
I added a super cheap scope (until I can figure out what I want on the gun) and a set or Warne rings along with a Caldwell bi-pod (again, cheap).
After a cleaning (the rifle was pretty dirty from the factory) I headed to Impact to try it out.
Here is a picture of the rifle:
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And the action (note the larger than normal bolt handle and one piece rail):
[attachment=2]
And the kind of silly (But I think it looks cool
) Muzzle Break:
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Description of review tests: When I got to Impact I started out with come CCI Mini-Mags and zeroed to the scope for 25 yards. The function was perfect and the action of the bolt was surprisingly smooth. The large bolt handle was very comfortable and made the short throw even easier. I haven't shot a .22 rifle for a long time, but I was pretty pleased with the results:
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I switched over the some Eley Rifle Target which had similar results:
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I was pleased and generally surprised with the results.
Pros: Inexpensive, Nice full size target stock, looks tacticool
Cons: Stock is a bit soft and replacements are hard to find, a bit too big for carrying around in the woods
Best Uses: plinking, target shooting
Duration Used: Only had it for a week
Where purchased: Cabela's
Cost: List price is $499 (which is about $100 more than the stock gun, which you can get on Gun Genie - BTW)
Rating: 4 (for what I wanted)
