None of the synthetic stocks on Savage Mark IIs or 93s that I own, currently 9, have been worth using, so all of my Savage Mark IIs, x3, or 93s, x6, have laminated stocks. The last 2 recently got restocked via the Boyds Target Hunter style. The Savage synthetic stock are, IMO, too thin in both the pistol grip and forearm and, even on the FVs, have too much drop at the comb to work well with a scope.

That said, stocks are a very individual thing and a stock that I might recommend could turn out to be your worst nightmare, so you've really got to try them before you buy them to be sure.

Jeff

 

I have an FVT with the synthetic stock. Initially i hated it because of the drop in the comb and the flimsy feel of it. I tweaked it by putting a cheek riser on it, epoxying a 1 lb lead ingot in the buttstock, and painting it khaki krylon.

I cant complain about the accuracy... when i torque the action screws down good and tight i get sub 1/2" groups from it at 50m with peep sights, so i dont think the wood one could be much more accurate.

 

That is a good looking rifle with the new paint job. I have been thinking of doing similar to a 93 FV with Krylon Ultra-Flat in olive. Did you use the flat or something else?

 

Owning both I'd definitely go for the wooden stock - I don't mind the shape of the synthetic but it is quite flexy in the front end (fine for offhand but annoying on a bipod) and being so light can make guns feel a bit nose-heavy - I weighted the butt of mine to help but it still doesn't balance as nicely as the wooden ones.

They just handle and feel better with the wooden stock IMO even if it doesn't make any difference to accuracy.

 

I have a 93 FV that shoots better groups than either of my BV's, as far as I'm concerned the stock design is poor regardless of material used.

 

I admit to being "old school". I changed out my MarkII synthetic stock for a Boyd's Dakota Will in laminate. IMO, it has a much better feel as in being more substantial and a better looking appearance.

I think paying for a heavy barrel, Accu Triger and perhaps a 10 shot magazine and good glass is well worth it. Mine also has the heavy bottom metal. I can't honestly say it shoots any better, but I FEEL it does. That is my perception.

For a hunter in the woods, the synthetic may be better suited and it really comes down to a personal preference.

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418528&highlight=Dakota+Will+stock&page=2

 

You brought up a good point, you don't know if it shoots better, but you feel it does.

When you like what you have and think it's better, even if the stocks made no difference in the accuracy, you willl usually shoot it better because you feel it's right and like it.

I also think the laminated or wood stocks are better, with a proper bedding job, barrel free floated and heavy bottom metal, the best torque for your rifle, it should shoot a little better, if it doesn't, you just need to re do the bedding once you have tried everthing else, not hard to do, but can improve groups if the bedding was not the best it could be to start with.

My Best, John

 

i have 2 savage synthetic stocked rifles a 93r17 and a m12 in 223 and those stocks will be changed as soon as i get the money they are flimsey garbage. i have filled it with lead and that helps a little. with some of savages guns you can buy the synthetic stock and buy a boyds stock and it will turn out cheaper

 

As an owner of several Savage rifles that came with synthetic stocks I have to say that the synthetic are as close to pure junk as you can get. They're as flexible as tupperware. They could be called Salvage instead of Savage. After putting the wood on, it was night and day as far as shooting went...big improvement.

 

what if im just planning to be shooting it prone and resting it on sand bags or something like that?

 

That's where I notcied my plastic stock flexing to the point of chaning my poi. I could get decent groups with it but the poi would move around depending on my shooting position. Sling shooting was even worse. Went with a Boyd's laminate and that all went away.

 

where can I get a good but simple wood stock for the Mark II?

 

Are the savage synthetic stock free floated? like the savage mark II FV, is the barrel on that model free floated?

 

It is free floated, yes. It is also pillar bedded, albeit the pillars are synthetic as opposed to the preferred steel.

 

If its cold a synthetic stock is fine but if it gets a little hot or gun gets warm in the car on the way to a range it flex's way to much mine didnt get to bad but now I sold my FVSR but bought a MK II BV