Our rifles: Savage Mark II BTV

I've never posted pictures of our rifles, and I decided it's time. Today was a gorgeous day - 65 degrees, no wind, and sunny, 5000 ft - so Brad and I hit our favorite spot to do some shooting. I took a few photos while we were setting up. The rifles are identical: Savage Mark II BTV, with the stock coloration available at Cabela's stores.

My rifle - I purchased my rifle new from Cabela's in Lehi from $398. It came as pictured - minus the bipod - with the Bushnell Banner 3-9X scope mounted from the factory. 

Glass - I am still using the factory scope with great results. The picture is clear and eye relief is just right. On one of the first shooting trips I found there was not enough elevation adjustment to compensate for drop at 100 yards with subsonic velocity. I cut small squares out of the clear plastic packaging (from some Weaver scope rings), and used them to shim up the rear of the scope. I now have plenty of elevation adjustment for shooting high-velocity and subsonic ammunition at both 50 and 100 yards. 

Trigger - The Accu-trigger is fantastic, with zero creep and a light, clean break. I have not tampered with the trigger or action in any way on my rifle. 

Stock - I love the stock on this rifle. The coloration is very attractive, and the profile/design suites the rifle's intended purpose. I find it's easy to get a good cheek weld. The display rifle Cabela's let me handle at the counter had a floated barrel, but after purchasing mine I discovered that the stock touches the barrel lightly. Brad's floats. It seems some do, and some don't. I have not yet made any efforts to float the barrel. 

Bipod - Brad and I both ordered matching UTG brand bipods off Amazon for around $36, and we've been pleased with their performance.

Magazines - The rifle came with one 5-round detachable magazine. I purchased three 10-round Savage brand magazines and those are what Brad and I prefer. 

To sum it up, I love this rifle. It's appearance, function, and accuracy have exceeded my expectations.   

Brad's rifle is identical to mine. I found his rifle for sale, used, at Gunnie's in Orem for an incredible $150. It was in new condition, without an optic. With my nudge, Brad purchased the gun. Brad and I work together, and we had discussed getting into rimfire shooting. This purchase was the first step in that direction. The first time I shot it, I knew had to have one just like it. He later purchased and mounted a gorgeous new Vortex Viper scope with exposed turrets. The super-clear sight picture, fine cross hair with subtensions, external turrets, and 16X magnification (plus a few other features) really give Brad the advantage in the optics department. Otherwise our rigs are equal and that makes for some really fun competition.