Upgrade or just buy new?

[OR_Hunter]

I have a savage model 16 SS chamber in 300wsm with an accutrigger. I was wondering if it is even worth putting money into upgrading it or just starting over with a new gun? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[JohnJohnson]

What is your goal for the rifle?

 

[RockAndSage]

I have a savage model 16 SS chamber in 300wsm with an accutrigger. I was wondering if it is even worth putting money into upgrading it or just starting over with a new gun? Thanks in advance for the input.

@JohnJohnson 's question is really the best place to start. Purpose and goals.

That said, the less aftermarket support there is for a given gun design, the more expensive things get and the fewer competent people there are to work on them. If the thought is, "I want it to be more like a ____ ", the fastest and cheapest route with the fewest headaches is usually just to get the "___".

 

[OR_Hunter]

Just to be a better shooter out to 500-600 yards. Just wondering if the savage platform is really worth putting the money into it.

 

[RockAndSage]

Just to be a better shooter out to 500-600 yards. Just wondering if the savage platform is really worth putting the money into it.

I'm all about new guns, but...the only thing that makes you a better shooter, is shooting. A .223 trainer of some kind is one of the best investments you can make in that regard.

 

[HandgunHTR]

A couple good things about the Savages. Changing barrels, bolt heads, and magazines is very easy.

You can convert that Savage to a 308 for about the same money as having a gunsmith rebarrel a Remington 700.

Savages, in and of themselves, are pretty good shooters for the most part, and there are lots of people who make good prefit barrels for them.

If it were mine, I would get a 7, 6.5, or 6 Sherman Short barrel for it and see what it can do. I may replace the trigger with a Timney to get rid of the blade safety, but that would depend on how the factory trigger felt to me.
Of course those rounds require that you reload. If you don’t, then get a new bolt heads and mag and convert it to one of the many great short action cartridges.

 

[SloppyJ]

You can do it with what you have but it's going to be rough with a 300. I'd say grab a 243 or 223 and get some real practice in.

 

[JohnJohnson]

Given you're likely switching cartridges anyway to get something you can practice with more, it's probably prudent to get a new rifle. The 6.5CM just became an even more desirable cartridge with the new +Peak stuff coming out.

 

[Steel Rain]

After messing around with Savages for a few years I’d personally buy a new rifle. Do they shoot? Yes. Can you work on them yourself? Yes. Do I like the eegos and running the bolt? No. Are they fun? Yes. But, in the end with all the costs factored in I’d just buy another rifle. Probably a .223 and keep that thing for hunting with or a loaner/back up rifle.