Varmint Slayer,
I had the Savage 93r17gv (heavy barrel, wood stock,"target" by Savage standards).
For a couple hundred dollars its hard to complain. But, as you are seeking opinions here is mine.
The trigger was approx. 5 pounds sloppy and grind. I did a home trigger job on it. Then it was 3 pounds sloppy & grind. I prefer a clean crisp trigger regardless of pull.
The wood stock which was floated on the forward end, swelled in summer humidity. I open this with sand paper and a dowel, then sealed the entire inside of the stock with tung oil.
The black synthetic stock Savage hummers are very pliable. The laminated are best, followed by wood with the above done and then the black plastic. It averaged approx. 3/4" 5 shot group @ 100 off bags and decent wood bench with 20 power scope at 200 they open up to 2 1/2" - 3" average. The Marlins and CZ do about the same. The CZ has better quality workmanship and a better trigger. Savage and Marlin are about the same. I own another Marlin rifle besides. The Ruger's do not shoot quite as tight as the Savage, Marlins and CZ. My understanding is the CZ wood stock may also have to be opened up on the forend.
Although a real fun,cheap target rifle. I did not find the hummer to have enough killing power to equal it's flat shooting range on Woodchuck size game ( 7 - 14 #'s). Another words it is flat to 150 yards but at 150 yards had mixed results on well placed shot's. It may do well on smaller Prairie Dogs. It was more reliable at 50 to 100 yards. Because of this for Fox and Woodchuck size game in hindsight I would recommend a 22 Mag. For Prairie Dog size game at a distance (150 yards)and bench a hummer. For squirrels in tree's good ole 22.
