Savage lightweight hunter
- Thread starter dmr2400
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hardluk1
member
For the average guy going to a stand or blind or just a walk around on 1000 acres that's a lot of money to pay for a 1/2lb to 13oz over many others like a model 16 fcss. If it was to be used as a "mountain" rifle it would have to be in the 270 or 6.5-284.
GJgo
Member
I don't own one but I did shoot one at a Savage range day. I liked the idea but it was, surprisingly, unacceptably inaccurate (with the provided Hornady match ammo). I like Savages but my impression is that for the money, for a light hunting rifle, you'd be much better off with a new Winchester M70 Featherweight. Those are really nice.
Lot of truth in the previous posts. But there is a place for lightweight rifles and I tend to choose lighter over heavier all things being equal. But I do all of my hunting in mountains on public land. Often anywhere from 1-5 miles from a road. If you don't hunt that way a heavier gun makes a little more sense.
I've spent 30 years chasing after the perfect lightweight rifle for my uses and have a little insight. I have no use for any rifle over 8 lbs ready to hunt. They don't shoot any better and the weight is just in the way. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a sub 8 lb rifle. Just pay attention to the weights of the rifles, scopes, mounts, etc, and make wise choices.
I've found that a rifle that weighs somewhere between 7-7.5 lbs scoped and ready to hunt is probably the best compromise. Light enough to carry easily, but with enough weight to shoot easily. Many flyweight rifles like the Savage are plenty accurate, but few people have the skills to shoot them well. The Savage also suffers from a weaker wood stock that has been cut down a lot making it even weaker. Plus a shorter 20" barrel to save weight.
There are a lot of good choices at reasonable prices that will get you around 7 lbs scoped and will shoot a lot better than the Savage. The Tikka T-3 is the best, lightest rifle you will buy for under $1,000. If you want a Savage, buy one of the blind magazine models and you'll still have a light rifle for a lot less. The Ruger American is in the same weight range as is the Remington 7. Probably several others too.
If you really want a true lightweight a Kimber 84M is the way to go. You get a high quality synthetic stock, full length 22" barrel, all stainless steel metal, and CRF for only slightly more money. The Savage doesn't come close to giving the same quality for the money. My Kimber is under 6 lbs scoped, and generally shoots well under 1 MOA. But as much as I like it, it may be TOO light for many. There was a learning curve for me do adjust to such a light rifle. I don't always use it, just when in really steep tough terrain. Under more normal conditions a heavier 7-7.5 lb rifle is more likely to be used.
The Winchester FWT is not a light rifle BTW. By 1950's standards yes, but not in 2014. It will be close keeping one under 8 lbs scoped unless the stock is replaced with an expensive aftermarket stock. It is one of my favorites though. Mine comes in at 7.5 lbs, but only after putting the McMillan Edge on it.
I've spent 30 years chasing after the perfect lightweight rifle for my uses and have a little insight. I have no use for any rifle over 8 lbs ready to hunt. They don't shoot any better and the weight is just in the way. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a sub 8 lb rifle. Just pay attention to the weights of the rifles, scopes, mounts, etc, and make wise choices.
I've found that a rifle that weighs somewhere between 7-7.5 lbs scoped and ready to hunt is probably the best compromise. Light enough to carry easily, but with enough weight to shoot easily. Many flyweight rifles like the Savage are plenty accurate, but few people have the skills to shoot them well. The Savage also suffers from a weaker wood stock that has been cut down a lot making it even weaker. Plus a shorter 20" barrel to save weight.
There are a lot of good choices at reasonable prices that will get you around 7 lbs scoped and will shoot a lot better than the Savage. The Tikka T-3 is the best, lightest rifle you will buy for under $1,000. If you want a Savage, buy one of the blind magazine models and you'll still have a light rifle for a lot less. The Ruger American is in the same weight range as is the Remington 7. Probably several others too.
If you really want a true lightweight a Kimber 84M is the way to go. You get a high quality synthetic stock, full length 22" barrel, all stainless steel metal, and CRF for only slightly more money. The Savage doesn't come close to giving the same quality for the money. My Kimber is under 6 lbs scoped, and generally shoots well under 1 MOA. But as much as I like it, it may be TOO light for many. There was a learning curve for me do adjust to such a light rifle. I don't always use it, just when in really steep tough terrain. Under more normal conditions a heavier 7-7.5 lb rifle is more likely to be used.
The Winchester FWT is not a light rifle BTW. By 1950's standards yes, but not in 2014. It will be close keeping one under 8 lbs scoped unless the stock is replaced with an expensive aftermarket stock. It is one of my favorites though. Mine comes in at 7.5 lbs, but only after putting the McMillan Edge on it.
hardluk1
member
The Tikka T-3 lite weight would be about the best production rifle and known to be very good shooters
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
T/C Venture weathershield in .308.I own two (7mm-08 and .223)and love them. Adj. trigger 1 in MOA guarenteed.I was not disappointed...Awesome....Don
first-hand review
I have one in 260Rem which suits my purposes just fine, which is woods hunting for WT and mulies, hiking away from the vehicle through broken terrain.
I put an 11oz, 2-7x33 scope on it, steel rings & bases, sling.
Drilling and tapping of the action's mounting holes was done exactly in the rifle's centerline, so scope mounting and sighting-in was a breeze.
Haven't weighed it but can without fatigue hike all day without constantly shifting carry positions. It comfortably carries in the hand, scope side up or down, no problem. Cradles well. It is noticeably lighter than what others are using.
It is well balanced, comes up in a flash with a good cheek weld/sight picture.
I adjusted the AccuTrigger to approx. 2.5# and am very happy with the trigger feel, the clean take-up, the crisp consistent break.
The recoil pad is a very cushy well-fitted Pachmyer, which you will really appreciate since your rifle is a 308.
The wood stock dings easily but hey, the rifle is a tool. Grain is tight and straight. Nice oil finish. Action is well bedded. Checkering is crisp and gives a secure grip.
The 20" barrel makes walking in brush or snow a breeze. It is a light profile, free-floated, and allows 5 shots to cluster within 1.25"/100yds at the range, 3 inches at 200yds. I didn't bust my azz on load development for the 129gr Hdy. InterLock bullet. Certainly good enough for woods hunting hereabouts.
The satin metal finish (not blueing) is very utilitarian but even in appearance, and holds oil well. The recesses in the forestock, action and bolt are cleanly cut. The bolt cycles reasonably smoothly and improves with use. Bolt release is clever and unobstrusive.
The magazine is metal with a nylon bottom plate and catch which function well for me even in cold weather. It loads quickly, feeds reliably, is easy to unload. Inserted at the firearm's balance point, it flushes with the nylon bottom metal, and feels 'warm' to the hand. The nylon trigger guard is a classic shape and roomy enough for a leather gloved finger. I am not concerned with the mag's nylon bottom, or the nylon trigger guard, as they feel very robust and up to the job. The tang safety has a very positive feel yet is quiet as a mouse.
Got a small buck with it a few days before the season ended, @ 70yds.
Bottom line is that my Lightweight Hunter is a very light and functional 300 yard deer rifle that looks and feels decent. It is not as nice looking as a Featherweight, but much lighter. iirc, it is lighter than the T-3 Lite which also happens to contain some nylon/plastic parts.
A half-pound advantage, even a quarter-pound, is very noticeable even on a half-day's hunt.
I have one in 260Rem which suits my purposes just fine, which is woods hunting for WT and mulies, hiking away from the vehicle through broken terrain.
I put an 11oz, 2-7x33 scope on it, steel rings & bases, sling.
Drilling and tapping of the action's mounting holes was done exactly in the rifle's centerline, so scope mounting and sighting-in was a breeze.
Haven't weighed it but can without fatigue hike all day without constantly shifting carry positions. It comfortably carries in the hand, scope side up or down, no problem. Cradles well. It is noticeably lighter than what others are using.
It is well balanced, comes up in a flash with a good cheek weld/sight picture.
I adjusted the AccuTrigger to approx. 2.5# and am very happy with the trigger feel, the clean take-up, the crisp consistent break.
The recoil pad is a very cushy well-fitted Pachmyer, which you will really appreciate since your rifle is a 308.
The wood stock dings easily but hey, the rifle is a tool. Grain is tight and straight. Nice oil finish. Action is well bedded. Checkering is crisp and gives a secure grip.
The 20" barrel makes walking in brush or snow a breeze. It is a light profile, free-floated, and allows 5 shots to cluster within 1.25"/100yds at the range, 3 inches at 200yds. I didn't bust my azz on load development for the 129gr Hdy. InterLock bullet. Certainly good enough for woods hunting hereabouts.
The satin metal finish (not blueing) is very utilitarian but even in appearance, and holds oil well. The recesses in the forestock, action and bolt are cleanly cut. The bolt cycles reasonably smoothly and improves with use. Bolt release is clever and unobstrusive.
The magazine is metal with a nylon bottom plate and catch which function well for me even in cold weather. It loads quickly, feeds reliably, is easy to unload. Inserted at the firearm's balance point, it flushes with the nylon bottom metal, and feels 'warm' to the hand. The nylon trigger guard is a classic shape and roomy enough for a leather gloved finger. I am not concerned with the mag's nylon bottom, or the nylon trigger guard, as they feel very robust and up to the job. The tang safety has a very positive feel yet is quiet as a mouse.
Got a small buck with it a few days before the season ended, @ 70yds.
Bottom line is that my Lightweight Hunter is a very light and functional 300 yard deer rifle that looks and feels decent. It is not as nice looking as a Featherweight, but much lighter. iirc, it is lighter than the T-3 Lite which also happens to contain some nylon/plastic parts.
A half-pound advantage, even a quarter-pound, is very noticeable even on a half-day's hunt.
Last edited:
788Ham
Member
A Savage .300 in a '99 model, nothing fancy, just a plain ol' rifle that gets the job done. This rifle has been around for many, many years, no need for fancy upgrades and all the crap one thinks he has to have, to have a shootable rifle.
Uncle Mike
Member
The Savage Lightweight Hunter does pretty good, the ones I have dealt with have been 1.5"@100y or less with factory ammo. I know 1.5" is NOT a great group by many standards, but with what this rifle is intended for, the accuracy is fine.
As some has said, the Tikka Lite is another good option.
twofifty's post is spot on concerning the little rifle.
As some has said, the Tikka Lite is another good option.
twofifty's post is spot on concerning the little rifle.
GJgo
Member
I just caved in & picked up a Savage model 16 lightweight hunter- brushed stainless / synthetic in 223. Definitely the lightest centerfire I've ever shouldered. I had some reservations about paying $750 for the Model 11 LWH, but when I found the Model 16 LWH for $575 I had to do it. The trigger is very crisp even for a Savage, the pencil-weight barrel is very free-floated, and the fluted bolt looks cool. Only thing I will say is this is my first Savage with the new style bolt release & magazines, they definitely feel a step cheaper then the way they've been doing it up until recently with the style change. But, it saves weight, and if it shoots I really don't care. I can't wait to shoot it. 
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