Savage Arms RXR22 .22 LR Flat Dark Earth/Black Rifle

I liked Savages'...

I liked Savages' premise of creating a 10/22 alternative that took advantage of the vast array of aftermarket components available for it. I decided to purchase one with the idea of accurizing it as necessary. Bud's prompt delivery was the highpoint of my experience with my RXR22. As per the owner's manual instructions, I field stripped it, thoroughly cleaned it and then reassembled it. Loaded 10 rounds into the magazine to test fire it. Turns out that my new semi-auto is a single shot, that failed to properly eject the spent round. I tried to run several different brands of .22 long rifle rounds through it, including sub-sonics, (my intended ammo of choice), standard and high velocity. On one occasion I was able to get it to cycle 3 rounds, otherwise just one. The un-ejected spent rounds required a good deal of effort with an appropriately thin bladed flathead screwdriver to remove it. I had a very pleasant conversation with a Savage customer service rep who emailed me a FedEx label for return. They received it, replaced all of the internals and had it back to me in two days. Ok, pretty positive under the circumstances. It cycled the ammo variety I intended to use. Since test firing, I've purchased, and returned, 3 different brands of scope rings. Mid-range priced that I've had good, trouble-free, success with on my other firearms. They all failed to snugly to fit onto the integral picatinny rail that Savage claimed would accept either picatinny or Weaver style rings. Finally, I called customer service yet again. They had a very quick answer. The only scope rings that will currently fit on what is supposed to be an industry standard rail are manufactured by EGW....no mention of that in the owner's manual or in any of their product videos. Had I known, I'd have saved myself a lot of time and aggravation. No slight on EGW rings at all, I have several sets currently in service, but they are more than twice the cost of the rings I preferred for this build. I've yet to receive the EGW's but I'm going to assume they will work. Overall, I regret the purchase and wouldn't do it again. In fact, If I could get my money refunded, I'd purchase either a basic 10/22 or one of the other higher end options. as a starting point for this project. Assuming that I can get rings that will fit properly, I'm going to ride this project out, but it's going to take a lot to wash the bad taste out of my mouth...