K, I've read the classification for rifles, but the bull and tapered barrel thing kinda confuses me. Also, I'm guessing a hunter style stock means no thumbhole. Am I correct? I am looking at purchasing a Savage Arms Mark II BV and I was wondering what class it falls in because I can't tell from the barrel. I am looking for a good starter bolt action rifle for hunter class. Should I just spend the little more and go with a CZ 452? Is it that much better? Has anyone had any experience with any of the savage Mark II's? I have a savage 93r in 17 and love it so that's why I'm leaning that way. Thanks

Most match directors I know have no problem as long as the barrel has a smaller diameter muzzle (than chamber end) and it gets that way with a taper from near the receiver to the muzzle. I also believe thumbhole stocks may violate the "spirit of the rule", for a hunting class rifle.
Regarding the Savage, my nephew shoots one. It's performance it quite acceptable, capable of shooting better than most of the people I shoot with.

I think I would want the Accu-trigger and the wood laminate stocked version with the heaviest tapered barrel I could get if I planned to shoot one.

The barrell must have some degree of taper for Hunter class. No thumbhole stocks and no vertical pistol grips for hunter class either, although some stocks get very close to vertical in the grip area and still pass muster as hunters.

For my money - the Savages are nice rifles, but for a little bit more, the CZ's just feel more substantial and better made. Personal preference will prevail.

Steve M.

In defense of the Savage, you may like the Accu-trigger better than the CZ trigger. Exactly why CZ has not improved their triggers mystifies me, but they sell fine anyway.

There are other versions of the Savage Arms Mark II that would qualify for a Hunter Class rifle.
I can't speak for the Savage Arms accuracy but I do know that their new trigger is better than the CZ452. I had one on a 17HMR I used to have.
I do have a CZ452 and know they have excellent accuracy for the $.

I took a close look at a Mark II BV and the barrel doesn't look tapered to me. Too bad, I think it would be excellent for Hunter Class.

Tancred

Don't worry about the Savage, no one respects the game enough any more to adhere to the rules, they buy whatever they want, make all the modifications possible then claim the rules are wrong and/or need to be changed.
Hey you guys, I'mmmm baaack.
Kevin

Welcome back Kevin! Good to have another curmudgeon to pollute the atmosphere!

The Savage is one of those rifles that probably should be legal since it is a factory rifle made for hunting, but it may not be since the the barrel does not seem to taper. Some Match Directors may allow it in hunter class, others will not. Shoot what you like and let the directors sort it out.