SAVAGE 110 Ultralite bolt action rifle

The SAVAGE 110 ULTRALITE is another of the North American manufacturer's references designed for mountain stalking, for those hunters who value a light rifle for their physical conditions or simply for personal preferences. To do this, a basic model of the 110 series was used and it was subjected to a weight loss treatment using different techniques and technology.

This SAVAGE 110 ULTRALITE weighs 2.66 kg on the scale, compared to, for example, the 3.66 kg of a CLASSIC model. It is evident that this is a rifle with very low weight and that a good job of reducing it has been done, which makes this rifle very comfortable to carry. To reach that figure, different aspects of the rifle have been modified, the first to point out and the most innovative, is the barrel. It is a stainless steel barrel wrapped in carbon fiber from Proof Research. These guns are known for their consistency in grouping and accuracy. The carbon wrap allows the barrels to take advantage of the properties of a larger diameter barrel, while being much lighter and cooling faster than their steel equivalent. Using carbon fiber, the barrel weighs up to 64% less than the same barrel made of steel.

Regarding its length, this varies depending on the cartridge used, it ranges from 22” (559 mm) to 24” (610 mm), however, whatever it is, at its end they are threaded with a pitch of standardized thread measuring 5/8"x 24 equipped with a thread cover, for those who want to install a muzzle brake or suppressor, in those places where legislation allows it. Another feature on which work has been done especially to reduce weight is the action. The standard action of the Model 110 is quite thick and robust, which has allowed SAVAGE engineers to remove a lot of material using milling techniques. This has changed the rounded shapes of the standard action, remember that it is machined. starting from a round bar, through an action of straight shapes and a skeletonized appearance.

As for its material and finish, it is made of stainless steel treated externally with “melonite”, which makes it especially resistant to any inclement weather and scratches. The manufacturer indicates that, to improve precision, the actions in this model are hand-adjusted at the factory. Additionally, when mounting the relevant scope, it must be taken into account that the action is drilled and threaded for mounts using the 8-40 screw size, larger than the standard.

The bolt has also been worked on to reduce weight through a groove seen in other models. There are eight deep serrations that are blackened to contrast with the polished body of the bolt. This technique collaterally reduces its friction during operation, making it smoother to handle.

As we have mentioned on other occasions, the action and its floating head bolt ensure that it can self-center during locking, resting evenly on the action bore and making the bolt face have complete contact with the entire head of the cartridge. The connection between the barrel and the action is made by means of a nut, a solution that for some users may be questionable aesthetically, but which technically allows a very precise “headspace”.

As for the rest of its features, we will start with the stock, which in a rifle with a reduced weight vocation is logically made of gray polymer. In addition, it incorporates the AccuFit system, which allows users to customize the length and height of the cheek piece. For the first, four spacers of different sizes are provided, for the second, it has five different cheek pads. To achieve the desired configuration, you only need a flat head screwdriver.

All this is finished off with a soft butt pad with good recoil absorption. The stock has grooves and textures on the pistol grip and handguard placed right where the shooter's hands are usually placed, in order to ensure grip. In this rifle the removable magazine is two to four cartridges, depending on the caliber used. This is made of polymer and metal, remaining flush with the ventral part of the stock. It has a built-in release latch that is really easy to operate.

The trigger is the ACCUTRIGER, one of the best standard triggers on the market, which is visually characterized by the safety tab that shows the trigger. Its behavior is excellent, ultra-short travel and breakage like a glass rod. It provides a clear shot, which is even valid for precision shooting. Due to the safety in the trigger tail, its behavior resembles a false two-stroke. Otherwise, it allows easy adjustment by the user, in this case and for this model from 0.680 Kg (1.5 pounds) to 1.81 Kg (4 pounds).

The trigger safety is complemented by a manual safety located behind the action and therefore guarantees ambidextrous access. This has three positions, safe position in which bolt and trigger are locked; partially safe position, where the bolt can be operated, but the trigger is locked; and finally firing position, where bolt and trigger can be activated, in this last position there is a visual indication of a red dot. On the other hand, it is quite silent, a particularly interesting feature from a hunting point of view.

In short, it is a very light, compact, well designed and well thought out rifle, which works as a good rifle for the most demanding stalking or for those looking for a comfortable and ergonomic rifle. Its innovative carbon fiber-wrapped barrel is precise and consistent in groups.

Characteristics:

• Action hand-tuned at the factory to increase accuracy.
• Lightened action in stainless steel with melonite finish.
• Gray polymer stock with AccuFit™ system, which allows adjustment of the height of the cheek piece and length of the stock through a set of different molded parts.
• Stainless steel barrel wrapped in carbon fiber exclusive to the PROOF Research brand, equipped with a 5/8-24 thread pitch and thread cover.
• User-adjustable AccuTrigger trigger system.
• Detachable metal and polymer charger.
• Spiral knurled latch.
• Drilled and threaded action for mounts using hardware size 8-40.