Questions. Starting a project.

eastTN270 · Nov 1, 2010

I have a Savage 110 in .243 (First gun I ever purchased). It has the green laminate stock and blued barrel. Bought it used and was little rough when I got it. I've got the urge now to refinish it. My father-in-law loves to work with wood, so he will handle the refinishing. Barrel is little scratched so I want to do something with it. I never have felt like I got a good group with the gun. This is more my yote gun and occasional deer rifle. Looking for some ideas and input. So three questions

1. What color/stain do you think would look good? I don't like the "green wood" look, but wouldn't mind leaving it a green tone without the wood look. Or maybe just go with a wood colored tone.

2. What can I do to the barrel? I don't want to reblue it. I would like it to be a flat matte color. I want something easy do-it-yourself and durable. Something better than spray paint, but not sure about this bake on stuff.

3. What can I do to make the gun shoot better? All I've ever done to a gun is put a scope on and clean it. I've never taken one apart, but my father-in-law will show me that. Anything I can do to it once its apart to help improve the accuracy.

I know there are some real gun gurus on here and I want your opinion, but please don't talk over my head (which is pretty easy). Thanks for all your help.

eastTN270 · Nov 1, 2010

This is not my rifle, but a picture of one with the same stock.

rdl65 · Nov 1, 2010

I think I would bed the action and free-float the barrel first to improve accuracy. Maybe even have the barrel re-crowned. Give the barrel a real good cleaning. Be sure to remove all copper and lead build up. I don't know if you reload but it can make a world of difference in accuracy. A good trigger job or aftermarket trigger is money well spent in my opinion.
As far as refinishing the metal, I like to use Norrell's Moly Resin. It is a spray on finish that needs to be baked on to cure it. You can do this in your oven but it has a smell to it. It is not bad and goes away, just open the windows. If your married your wife may frown on it though.
Good luck with your project and I am sure others will have some ideas for you.

280longshot · Nov 1, 2010

First-You have or should have a very accurate rifle, savage makes very accurate rifles. Make sure the action screws are tight, use premium ammo, shoot off a sandbag, and allow barrel to cool down. Not sure what kind of scope u have, make sure it fits you, eye relief is important. Make sure screws are tight on scope rings and bases. And very important as stated above, clean the barrel. The stock is laminated so that is a plus. If you can't get better groups then yes pillar bed the action and float the barrel. Try using Federal Premium or Hornady Custom ammo. A clean crisp trigger is also a must. Happy Shooting.