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  1. #1
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    Default Ruger vs Savage?

    I have been searching hard for a reasonably priced AR for the last 6 months. All brands, especially the lower priced, are like hens teeth.

    Being stuck in the Bay of Dismay there are NO options at our local gun shops and their experience and advice is extremely limited. I've had to Google everything. Dealing with the shops up north, via the phone is also challenging, as the guys are trying to push what stock they have left, regardless of my list of wants or they want to get you off the line and deal with the customers instore. I understand this and it is the nature of the beast.
    All gun shops commit to come back to me, but to date, no one has. I've tried them all - the mega stores, the chain stores, the specialists stores and the privately owned stores.

    The two that currently appeal to me are the Savage RECON 2.0 or the Ruger AR556 MPR.
    The USA reviews for both are good. The quoted accuracy of the Savage and the rifling appeal to me. The 18' barrel of the Ruger and the price appeals to me. I can get a Savage ex-stock and the Ruger has been due to arrive since October and is still not here.

    The Savage is about R10k more than the Ruger.

    I will be using the AR for IPSC and NHSA Postal Steel & Paper precision shooting.

    Does anyone have either of the above that can offer some invaluable advice or reviews?
    Has anyone shot both that can make real world comparisons?

    Which ever one that I choose, I still need to make minor modifications, as I shoot left-handed.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Well Guns n Bows has been the Ruger Importer for years. So after sale on Ruger is very good in South Africa.

    If the quoted accuracy is on the website of Savage. And not independent review. Then you can ignore it.

    At the end most firearms accuracy is well above the capabilities of at least 95% shooters who own them.
    And depending on your ammo which you reload you can improve accuracy also.

    Not sure who imports Savage and after sale. Just know the Ruger guys been around forever.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Quote Originally Posted by shooty View Post
    Well Guns n Bows has been the Ruger Importer for years. So after sale on Ruger is very good in South Africa.

    If the quoted accuracy is on the website of Savage. And not independent review. Then you can ignore it.

    At the end most firearms accuracy is well above the capabilities of at least 95% shooters who own them.
    And depending on your ammo which you reload you can improve accuracy also.

    Not sure who imports Savage and after sale. Just know the Ruger guys been around forever.
    Thanks Shooty.

    I have been dealing with G&B's.
    Unfortunately they have been waiting for stock and permits from SAPS since mid-October.

    Savage are know for their accuracy across most of their platforms and their AR gets exception reviews across many sources.
    They all attribute it to their 5R rifling system.
    BUT is the Savage worth R10k more than the Ruger?

  4. #4

    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Also remember at the end of the day an AR will give accuracy but wont compete with a Bolt Action accuracy.

    So if the Ruger suits the type of shooting you will be doing. I would save the 10k and spend on a nice scope or optic for it.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Shooty's advice +1

    Savage accuracy - I can point you to a person who will not touch a Savage again due to inaccuracy and poor local backup.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    No REAL experience to add here, but I did go through the same process as you a year and a half ago... except was looking at the Savage Recon (not the 2.0) vs the Ruger vs the SW MP15 Sport 2.

    I read all the reviews and did all the research. Per the independent reviews, the Savage is really well made. The Ruger and the SW were both also well regarded for what they are - entry level AR's. The Savage is slightly higher up the quality curve - though I can't talk to whether the difference is worth the price variance.

    What swung it for me was that the Ruger and SW both felt a little bit cheap and plasticky - which is to be expected for an entry level firearm, but when you spending a fair bit of money anyway, it still grates. So I went with the Savage. Unfortunately i cant give any further feedback as the rifle is still at the dealer - still waiting for the CFR to do their job.

    As an aside - it is quite astounding that the level of "service" and customer prioritisation isn't better in SA gun shops. I mean, it really isn't a rip roaring industry, with the licensing being such a pain, you would think they would be way more eager to help every single potentially interested customer. Maybe we all missing something though..
    Last edited by b20; 22-01-2021 at 13:11. Reason: spelling

  7. #7

    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Get a Smith M&P sport 2. Hailstorm ZA had one.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    I have the Savage Recon and it is brilliant and im not the greatest shooter but other members of my club say its a very nice AR compared to others in that price point. If you're in the CT area im happy for you to shoot mine. I will say with AR's after sales support is a little less of a concern as there are PLENTY of parts you can buy to replace almost everything on the AR.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Get one with a long barrel and a rifle length gas system.

    The rest you can change later if you can’t afford it now.

    First choice would be a Double Star 3G or Stag 3G. It’s worth saving a little more for these guns.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Ruger vs Savage?

    Also looking at the Savage Recon, who stocks them?

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