Savage Model 10FP

Savage Model 10FP
The 10FP has it all: an action with a proven track record (the Model 10 just turned 50), one of Savage's ever-accurate barrels, and a top-notch HS Precision stock. With a retail price of just over $1,000, this gun gets my vote as the best value in a tactical rifle. Model 10 actions have always felt a little "hollow" to me, and for that reason are not my favorite for feel, but boy does this rifle perform. I was hard-pressed to find much difference when shooting between it and rifles costing three times as much. I'm not a fan of the look or initial takeup of the firm's AccuTrigger, but once you take up that slack, it breaks like a January icicle and I love it.

The Savage shot almost everything well. The best four loads--Winchester, Hornady and two from Black Hills--all averaged well under three-quarters of an inch, with top honors going to Winchester's 168-grain Supreme. The barrel is the lightest-contoured of the rifles tested, but heating didn't seem to affect accuracy, at least through 10 rounds or so.

The one option I would like to see the company make available is an extended capacity magazine--something along the lines of a 10-rounder. Whisperings are that one may be available sometime in 2009.

Pros: Outstanding accuracy performance across a wide spectrum of ammo. Best value around.
Cons: At 10 pounds it's lighter than some shooters like for precision work, but folks with a need to move a lot in the field may consider that an advantage.
Best load: Winchester Supreme 168-grain match
Accuracy: .46 inch
MSRP: $1,028.