Edgehit is correct. Can't go wrong with the Anschutz, however when you do all the trigger upgrades you're darn close to the starting price of a 1700 series anyway. The 64 action 91416/164/XXII) is a compromise as is the 541.

However we often answer these as an absolute kind of question which has only one answer. I own more than just the 541 which is what all good gun kooks do (mo is better!!!!). It is still one rifle that got many shooters up an in the ranks and won lots of matches. I have shot matches with it but not now. Will I sell it? No.

So we all pay our money and take our chances. I like to bring a couple of guns to the range for diversion while training. If one ain't the absolute best choice for all things silhouette, so what.

Pete A.

I have a 541-S and its quite a shooter off the bags. It groups as well as my 1712. But I can't stand the cruddy plastic mag that is is now really hard to find. If you push up on the plastic mag when closing the bolt - well you can't close the bolt. I guess you get used to that and work around it.

But for me, the 541S is too light and the stock doesn't fit me for offhand shooting.

I've shot the weatherby xxii and its a better feeling rifle and the magazines don't jam up the bolt.

edgehit wrote:I have a 541-S and its quite a shooter off the bags. It groups as well as my 1712. But I can't stand the cruddy plastic mag that is is now really hard to find. If you push up on the plastic mag when closing the bolt - well you can't close the bolt. I guess you get used to that and work around it.

But for me, the 541S is too light and the stock doesn't fit me for offhand shooting.

I've shot the weatherby xxii and its a better feeling rifle and the magazines don't jam up the bolt.

Oddly, my 1712 likes the Savage magazines modified by Evelio and hates the Anschutz clips! It's hard to get 'em seated right while the 541-T does just fine with Apache 77 mags. Go figure - as we like to say, your mileage may vary.

Has anyone tried the 581 raised comb stock? Could it be a fix for the stock problem? After market walnut stocks (98% finished, no butt pad) are available for $80.