The Savage 110 Ultralite is one of the most versatile rifles ever made.
When it comes to big game hunting rifles, it is hard to go wrong with the offerings from Savage Arms. Most notable is the now iconic 110 series of rifles. We're talking about the oldest continuously built bolt-action rifle in North America, having been first introduced in 1958.
Not ones to rest on their laurels, Savage continuously worked on improving the design over the years. This has resulted in fantastic variants like the Model 110 Hunter and the severe condition-ready Model 110 Storm.
One of their newest models worthy of a highlight is the 110 Ultralite. We'll help explain why the Savage's AccuFit system makes this arguably the most versatile gun on the market today.
An incredibly light rifle
If you are not already familiar with the 110 Ultralite, the engineers at Savage teamed up with Proof Research, a maker of carbon fiber barrels and stocks. Proof Research's work is redefining how light a serious backcountry hunting rifle can be built. As a result, the new Savage 110 Ultralite has a carbon wrapped, stainless steel 22- or 24-inch rifled barrel; The muzzle is also threaded.
The receiver of these rifles is made of stainless steel and coated with a Melonite finish to help protect the factory blueprinted action from the harsher elements — You know, the moisture and grit that come with many hunts.
Face it, most big game animals and varmints do not care if it rains on your hunt. If you are a deer, elk or bear hunter in the Pacific Northwest, you probably know what we are talking about.
Sudden heavy rain and snow and cold can be rough on equipment in many parts of the country. You need a rifle that can stand up to everything nature throws at it. The spiral fluted bolt head on the Ultralite helps ensure smooth cycling every time, and fast follow-up shots.
When you combine that light receiver and barrel with the 110 Ultralite's matte black synthetic stock, you have an incredibly lightweight rifle, one that is perfect for backcountry hunting miles from civilization and the range of cell phone towers.
For some variations of this gun, Savage was able to drop the weight down below six pounds! If you routinely hike up steep ridge lines or down deep canyons after your quarry, the 110 Ultralite is going to make those steep climbs a whole lot easier.
Savage is also offering this rifle in a variety of calibers because it is hard to please any group of hunters with just a single cartridge offering. The 110 Ultralite comes chambered for .308 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, 28 Nosler, .280 Ackley Improved, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Short Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge for long range hunters.
Capacity varies between two and four rounds in the detachable box magazines depending on what caliber you get. These features are solid for any rifle, but the thing that really makes the 110 Ultralite stand out is adjustability of the Savage AccuFit system.
The AccuFit Stock
One of the biggest benefits the Savage Model 110 Ultralite offers above other rifles is the AccuFit stock system. Normally, to get a perfectly-fitting gun, you need to see a gunsmith and have them make the adjustments for a custom, precision fit. It can be especially frustrating for anyone with a larger or smaller frame to find a gun that fits well and delivers consistent accuracy.
That is why we love the AccuStock. Savage includes five comb risers and four length of pull insert spacers that allow you to adjust the gun for a perfect fit straight out of the box. You don't need any fancy aftermarket gunsmithing tools. They built the system to be adjusted with a simple Phillips head screwdriver used to remove two fasteners from the buttplate.
That means the LOP can be changed in minutes, in your garage, and range from 12.75 inches up to 13.75 inches if you use all the spacers.
The Savage rifle's comb height can be quickly raised or lowered by changing out the risers, too. This helps you to ensure optimal cheek weld and a clear sightline through the scope to your target. You will instantly notice the increase in accuracy at the target range once the fit is adjusted perfectly to your frame.
This stock also means you are ready on the fly in case things go wrong during your hunt.
Consider a hypothetical scenario: You are hunting with your child or grandchild and something goes wrong with the firearm they are using. That tiny 13.75-inch length of pull means you could instantly downsize your Model 110 to fit the smaller shooter's frame and salvage the hunt. This same scenario could also apply to an adult who comes to hunting camp and needs to borrow a firearm. A few quick adjustments on the range with the comb and spacers, and they can be ensured a good fit and accurate shot with borrowed equipment. Trust us, this is a scenario that isn't hard to encounter!
Another situation: your optics get damaged in transit to a remote hunting destination, and you must pick up a replacement of a different make on the fly. However, the new model of scope does not sit quite the same as the old one. You could quickly change to a slightly taller or lower comb. Take a moment to shoot some ammo and make sure the new optic is on target, and you are ready to keep hunting.
As if those features of the stock were not nice enough, Savage tames any kick by including a generous recoil pad on the buttstock.
The AccuTrigger
The customization of this rifle does not end with the stock. Trigger pull is always a hot issue with any rifle, especially when you start talking about making long range shots deep in the mountains or backcountry. There is little room for error on some shots, and the right trigger can play a big part in your confidence. It could mean the difference between a full freezer and tag soup in some brushy areas where you really have to thread the needle.
Most people prefer a lighter trigger, and many factory triggers are set at higher weights simply out of safety concerns. You do not want the trigger to be too light and cause an accidental discharge. However, AccuTrigger has a few things going for it that only add to the versatility.
For one, Savage made this trigger very crisp by building in minimal sear engagement. To make this system safe, they have also incorporated an additional safety system in the AccuRelease. This release must be depressed fully to release the sear before the trigger can be fully engaged. That essentially makes the rifle drop proof.
If you are looking for a safe factory trigger, this is one of the best on the market.
In addition to safety, Savage also packages in tools that allow you to adjust the trigger weight yourself. Simply take out a couple screws to remove the action assembly, then use the included tool to increase or decrease the trigger weight. Counter-clockwise decreases the weight and clockwise will increase it.
This means you can drop the weight down if you are planning on making precision shots on big game at a distance. However, you can also ramp that trigger pull up slightly for more safety when training a new shooter how to use a firearm. Either way, this process can be done in only minutes without having to leave your rifle at an expensive gunsmith who takes their sweet time getting to your rifle. No more worrying about if your gun will be ready in time for your next hunt.
No other rifle delivers this much versatility
If you are looking for a rifle ready for adventure, you cannot go wrong with the Model 110 Ultralite. This gun is ready to accompany you up a mountain, through a swamp, and everything in between without slowing you down with excessive weight.
Hunting can be unpredictable, and the AccuFit system allows you to quickly adjust the fit or trigger pull depending on the person using the firearm and the situation at hand. The fact that this can be done quickly in the field with minimal tools is just another bonus.
More than anything, the Savage Model 110 Ultralite is a reliable, capable gun that will help you fill your freezer season after season.
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