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Savage Model 110
View on WikipediaThe Savage Model 110 is a bolt-action repeating rifle made by Savage Arms. It was designed in 1958 by Nicholas L. Brewer. It was patented in 1963 and has been in continuous production since that time. The model variants included the first left-handed rifle to be made "in volume" by a major firearms manufacturer.
Key Information
History
[edit]The Model 110 was developed to give the hunters a strong and powerful yet light and affordable rifle. Its model number is derived from its initial retail price of $109.95. It was originally made for .30-06 Springfield and .270 Winchester ammunition. In 1959, a short-action version was introduced, chambered in .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester. That same year, the Model 110 was the first commercial bolt-action rifle sold in a left-handed configuration.[1][2][3]
In 1966, the Model 110's design was altered to improve performance and reduce production costs. Changes included a new adjustable trigger and a new bolt with a plunger-type ejector passing through the bolt face rather than the magazine-mounted, spring-loaded ejector that was part of Brewer's original design. The new ejector allowed the use of detachable box magazines. A model with a hinged floorplate was also introduced that year.
When Savage Arms filed for bankruptcy in 1988, the firm cut its product line down to only the most basic Model 110 rifles. The design has since succeeded in bringing the company back to life as one of the largest bolt-action rifle makers in America.
In 1998, Savage re-engineered the short-action Model 110 and adopted a new model numbering scheme to differentiate short-action models from long actions. The short-action Model 110 became the Model 10, while the long-action model remained the Model 110. The Model 110 is the basis for the entire line of Savage centerfire bolt-action rifles, including the Models 11/111, 12, 14/114, 16/116, and Model 210 bolt-action shotgun as well as the Stevens Model 200. The series is available in a wide variety of chamberings, from .204 Ruger to .338 Winchester Magnum, to suit the needs of most shooters.
Addressing concerns about what was considered by many to be a weak point of the design, Savage introduced the AccuTrigger for the 110 series in 2003. Those rifles equipped with an AccuTrigger are adjustable by the end user through the turning of a single screw, offering a pull weight from 680 to 2,700 g (1.5 to 6 lb). Target and select Varmint model rifles are adjustable down to 170 g (6 oz).[4][5]
Many small arms produced by Savage such as the Model 110, have been used by soldiers in Ukraine during its 2022 conflict with Russia.[6]
Design
[edit]The Model 110 was designed to be economical from the start. Many of its smaller parts are accordingly made from investment castings and steel stampings. The action and barrel are made from forged steel bar stock.
The barrel is threaded into the receiver and fixed via a large locknut located just ahead of the receiver, with a recoil lug sandwiched between the two. This system allows barrels to be changed or headspace to be adjusted relatively easily, making for an extremely accurate yet inexpensive rifle.
The bolt is an easily manufactured assembly, consisting of a tube with a rotating forward baffle and the bolt head (with locking lugs) at one end, a removable handle attached via a threaded bolt and a rotating rear baffle at the rear of the assembly. A striker assembly is held within.
The receiver and bolt designs make the rifle relatively simple to produce with a left-handed bolt. So, it is popular among left-handed users.
The bolt head of the Model 110 is a "floating" design: A flat spring located behind the front baffle and bolt head assembly gives the assembly a small amount of free movement lateral to the bore axis. This motion assures that the locking lugs fully contact the receiver and so headspace is held to a minimum every time the bolt is locked. This feature is a significant factor contributing to the accuracy of the rifle.
The bolt head is a replaceable part. This means that if the user wishes to re-barrel the rifle for use with a different cartridge, the bolt head can be changed to a new case head diameter. This allows for a much wider range of cartridge interchangeability at less expense.
Each bolt head type includes a different means of cartridge ejection. The push feed bolt heads utilize a plunger-type ejector mounted in the bolt face. The controlled round feed bolt heads have a relief cut for a receiver-mounted, spring-loaded folding ejector to pass through as the bolt is retracted.
The safety is a three-position type, mounted in an ambidextrous position on the receiver tang, behind the bolt. The forward position is fire, the middle position locks the trigger while allowing the bolt to be opened and the rifle unloaded, and the rear position locks both the trigger and the bolt.
The bolt-release lever is located on the right side of the action (on right-handed models) behind the ejection port. Pressing this lever down while pulling the unlocked bolt to the rear allows the bolt to be removed from the rifle for cleaning.
Patents
[edit]- U.S. patent 3,005,279 Bolt-Action Rifle with Gas Deflecting Means, Oct. 24, 1961, Inv. N.L Brewer
- U.S. patent 3,103,757 Bolt-Action Rifle with Ejector Housing on Magazine Box, Sep, 17, 1963, Inv. N.L Brewer
- U.S. patent 3,106,033 Firing Mechanism With Sear Safety Indicator, Oct. 9, 1963, Inv. N.L. Brewer
- U.S. patent 3,138,888 Trigger Safety for Bolt-Action Rifle, June 30, 1964, Inv. N.L Brewer
- U.S. patent 6,553,706 Trigger Assembly Having A Secondary Sear [i.e. Accutrigger], April 29, 2003, Inv. Gancarz et al.
Variants
[edit]
There are many different models of the 110 series designed for different purposes. The basic 11/111 "Hunter" (blued carbon steel) models, 16/116 "Weather Warrior" (stainless steel) models, and 10/110FP "Law Enforcement" models include inexpensive wooden or synthetic stocks to keep costs down. While the stocks provided with these models are certainly functional, many users have noted a substantial improvement in accuracy after installing a higher quality stock. Other models, such as the 14/114 "Classic" and many of the 12 "Varmint" and 10FP "Law Enforcement" models are offered with high-quality stocks from the manufacturer.
In early 2018, Savage introduced the AccuFit™ custom-fit modular stock system on the existing 110 series variants and rebranded them all back under the "110" series name.
- 110 Predator — formerly the 10/110 Predator
- 110 Tactical — formerly the 10 FCP-SR
- 110 Hunter — formerly the 11/111 FCNS
- 110 Long Range Hunter — formerly the 11/111 Long Range Hunter
- 110 Scout — formerly the 11 Scout
- 110 Storm — formerly the 16/116 Weather Warrior
- 110 Bear Hunter — formerly the 16/116 Bear Hunter
- 110 Wolverine — new to the series, chambered in .450 Bushmaster
The Savage 110 Varmint is designed for shooting coyotes and other varmints. The Varmint is equipped with both AccuTrigger and AccuStock features; This allows shooters to personalize trigger-pull weight, stock comb height, and length of pull. The Varmint is available in calibers that include .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, and .22-250 Remington.[7]
In 2019, Savage introduced 110 Prairie Hunter variant. The Prairie Hunter is chambered in .224 Valkyrie. It has the AccuTrigger, AccuStock, and AccuFit systems. It has a 22-inch threaded barrel. Savage says it is most suitable for shooting varmints and predators.[8]
In 2019, Savage released the 110 High Country variant. The High Country is available in different versions that chamber 11 kinds of ammunition. The High Country has a spiral-fluted bolt and barrel. It has a camouflaged synthetic stock. It is equipped with the AccuTrigger, AccuStock, and Accufit Systems.[8]
See also
[edit]- Savage Model 10FP, short-action sniper variant of the 110
- Savage Model 110 BA, long-action sniper variant of the 110
- Savage Striker, a bolt action pistol based on the Savage Model 110
References
[edit]- ^ Greenleaf, Bob (July 1997). "The Savage Model 110 Rifle". Precision Shooting Magazine.
One of the first rifles was sent to Bud Waite at the NRA headquarters in Washington, DC for his review and comments. These appeared in the February 1958 issue of The American Rifleman... Within a few years it was available in a left-hand version - an industry first...
- ^ O'Connor, Jack (1961). Complete Book of Rifles and Shotguns. New York: Outdoor Life. p. 70.
An interesting feature of the model 110 is that it is available in both right- and left-handed models—and the left- handed job is the only one of its sort in the world.
- ^ "110 MCL". Savage Stevens Fox Rifles and Shotguns 1959. p. 2.
110 MCL... first left-handed hunting rifle ever to be placed in volume production... designed and is being built in quantity for left-hand use
- ^ Metcalf, Dick; Innovative, Remarkable, Reliable... Getting Inside Savage's AccuTrigger Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine, Shooting Times Magazine, 2003
- ^ "Savage Arms 2007 Catalog" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2007-03-02.
- ^ TAB (2022-04-17). "Savage Arms Rifles in Ukraine". The Armourers Bench. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ McAdams, John (21 July 2018). "9 BEST VARMINT RIFLES FOR PREDATOR AND VARMINT HUNTING". Wide Open Spaces. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ a b Alberts, Kristin (12 February 2019). "VISTA OUTDOOR WOWS SHOT WITH INSANE NUMBER OF NEW PRODUCTS". Guns.com. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
External links
[edit]Savage Model 110
View on GrokipediaThe Savage Model 110 is a bolt-action centerfire rifle introduced by Savage Arms in 1958, designed for simplicity, economy, and reliability as America's longest continuously produced bolt-action rifle.[1][2] Developed by Nicholas Brewer in the 1950s, its robust action prioritizes longevity and ease of manufacturing while delivering consistent accuracy suitable for hunting and target shooting across a wide range of calibers.[3][4] Over decades, the Model 110 has evolved through variants like the 110 High Country and 110 Precision, incorporating features such as the adjustable AccuTrigger for improved safety and precision, threaded barrels for suppressors, and modular stocks for enhanced ergonomics and customization.[5][6] These refinements maintain its reputation for sub-MOA accuracy potential with factory ammunition, making it a staple for budget-conscious shooters seeking performance without premium pricing.[7][8] The rifle's versatility spans short-action cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor to long-action magnums, supporting applications from big-game hunting to precision competitions.[9]
History and Development
Origins and Initial Design
In 1956, Savage Arms initiated an ambitious project to develop a bolt-action rifle prioritizing longevity, reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, responding to postwar demands for simplified manufacturing amid competition from established designs like the Mauser 98 and Winchester Model 70.[3][2] Engineer Nicholas L. Brewer led the effort, focusing on reducing machining operations through modular components, such as a bolt assembled from investment castings and machined parts, while ensuring a strong action machined from a single steel bar.[3][2] The design culminated in 1958 with the introduction of the Model 110, named for its suggested retail price of approximately $110, and initial chamberings in .30-06 Springfield and .270 Winchester.[3] A core innovation was the barrel attachment via a threaded nut system, which allowed precise headspace adjustment on the barrel extension, minimizing production variability and enabling user-level barrel swaps without specialized tools.[3][2] The action incorporated dual opposing locking lugs on a replaceable floating bolt head for improved lockup and caliber adaptability, gas escape holes for safety, and an adjustable firing-pin protrusion, alongside options for right- and left-handed configurations from the outset.[3][2] Additional initial features included a spring-type ejector and a three-position safety, enhancing operational reliability and user control.[3] Brewer's work resulted in four patents assigned posthumously between 1961 and 1964, underscoring the design's foundational influence on Savage's bolt-action lineage.[1] This approach to engineering emphasized causal efficiency in production and field performance, yielding a rifle that balanced precision with economic viability.[2]Production Launch and Early Adoption
The Savage Model 110 bolt-action rifle was introduced in 1958 by Savage Arms, designed by Nicholas L. Brewer as an affordable centerfire hunting rifle machined from a single bar of steel with a innovative barrel-nut system for headspace adjustment and cost efficiency.[3][1] Initially offered in .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield calibers, it featured a three-position safety, spring-type ejector, and optional left-handed bolt-handle configurations, marking it as one of the earliest production rifles accommodating left-handed shooters.[3][10] The suggested retail price of $109.95 reflected its positioning as an entry-level yet capable alternative to higher-priced competitors like the Remington Model 721, emphasizing mass-producibility without sacrificing functional reliability.[1] Early reception centered on its out-of-the-box accuracy, with a 1958 American Rifleman review highlighting consistent performance across 110-, 150-, and 180-grain loads in .30-06, alongside efficient ejection and a high-quality finish, though some critics noted minor cosmetic shortcomings in the walnut stock.[3] Hunters adopted it rapidly for big-game pursuits due to the adjustable AccuTrigger precursor elements and inherent precision from the dual-locking-lug bolt, which minimized production variances compared to more expensive custom actions.[3] By the early 1960s, following U.S. Patent No. 3,089,225 issuance in 1963 for its receiver and barrel attachment, the Model 110 gained traction among budget-conscious sportsmen, establishing Savage's reputation for value-driven innovation and contributing to its ongoing production lineage.[11]Evolution Through Ownership Changes and Modern Updates
The Savage Model 110, introduced in 1958, has maintained continuous production amid multiple ownership transitions at Savage Arms, with design evolutions emphasizing enhanced accuracy, modularity, and user customization rather than fundamental redesigns. Following early acquisitions such as J. Stevens Arms in 1920 and A.H. Fox in 1930, the company experienced a series of ownership shifts from the 1960s through the 1980s, during which the Model 110 underwent incremental mechanical refinements, including bolt head modifications and trigger adjustments in the late 1960s to early 1970s to improve reliability and manufacturing efficiency.[12][13][1] Financial distress culminated in Savage Arms filing for bankruptcy protection in 1988, prompting a reorganization under president Ronald Coburn, who stabilized operations and shifted focus toward precision engineering, laying groundwork for subsequent Model 110 enhancements like sub-MOA accuracy guarantees introduced in the 1990s.[14][15] This private ownership era enabled key innovations, including the AccuTrigger in 2003—a user-adjustable mechanism reducing pull weight to as low as 1.5 pounds while incorporating a center-pivoting safety blade to prevent accidental discharge—and the AccuStock chassis in 2009, which integrated pillar bedding for improved stability.[16][13][17] Acquisition by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in 2013, later restructured as Vista Outdoor, supported expanded production and variant diversification, such as the budget-oriented Axis line derived from the 110 platform in 2010, without altering the core bolt-action receiver.[18][13] In 2019, Vista sold Savage to a management-led investment group for $170 million, restoring full independence and facilitating modern updates like the 2018 AccuFit system for customizable stock ergonomics across the 110 series, enabling length-of-pull and comb height adjustments via interchangeable inserts.[19][20] Recent iterations, including the 110 Trail Hunter Lite announced in 2023, incorporate threaded barrels, fiber-optic sights, and weather-resistant finishes tailored for hunting, reflecting ongoing refinements in materials and accessories while preserving the original dual-locking lug bolt design.[21][1]Technical Specifications and Design Features
Bolt Action and Receiver Mechanics
The receiver of the Savage Model 110 is machined from a single bar of steel, yielding a monolithic structure that enhances rigidity and longevity while minimizing manufacturing costs compared to assembled receivers.[3] This design features a generally round profile to accommodate the barrel attachment system.[3] The barrel threads directly onto the receiver's front extension, secured by a large, headless barrel nut that clamps the assembly and permits user-adjustable headspace via shims or direct measurement, enabling straightforward caliber conversions without gunsmith intervention.[1][3] The bolt action utilizes a push-feed mechanism with a dual-lug locking system, where two primary locking lugs on the bolt engage corresponding recesses in the barrel extension for chamber lockup.[22][23] Operation involves a 90-degree bolt rotation for locking and unlocking, facilitating a short, efficient cycle.[23] Upon closing, the bolt face pushes the cartridge forward from the magazine directly into the chamber without prior extraction claw engagement, distinguishing it from controlled-round-feed designs.[24] Extraction relies on a claw extractor that grips the case rim post-firing, while a spring-loaded plunger ejector in the bolt face propels spent cases rightward, clearing low-mounted optics.[3][23] A key feature is the replaceable floating bolt head, which houses the lugs, extractor, and ejector independently of the main bolt body, allowing for precise alignment and simplified adaptation to different cartridges by swapping heads.[3] This modular approach contributes to consistent headspace and lockup reliability across variants. The overall action's simplicity supports field stripping, with the bolt disassembly achieved by rotating the cocking piece to relieve spring tension before removing the retaining pin.[25]Trigger, Safety, and Ergonomic Innovations
The Savage Model 110 incorporates the AccuTrigger system, introduced in 2003 as a response to criticisms of earlier triggers prone to creep and inconsistency.[26][2] This user-adjustable mechanism allows pull weights from 1.5 to 6 pounds without requiring tools or professional gunsmithing, featuring a crisp, creep-free break facilitated by a center-pivoting design.[27][28] A built-in safety blade mandates proper finger positioning on the trigger shoe to enable firing, reducing accidental discharges while permitting fine-tuning for precision shooting.[29] The rifle's safety mechanism consists of an ambidextrous, three-position tang-mounted lever, a design refinement over earlier two-position models that enhanced operational flexibility.[24] In the rearmost position, it locks both the firing mechanism and bolt handle for secure storage or transport; the intermediate position blocks firing while allowing bolt manipulation for safe unloading or chamber inspection; and the forward position disengages for live fire.[25] This configuration, standard since the 1970s evolution of the platform, prioritizes tactile feedback and prevents inadvertent shifts, with aftermarket upgrades available for improved grip in adverse conditions.[30] Ergonomic advancements in the Model 110 series emphasize modularity and shooter customization, notably through the AccuFit system implemented in select variants post-2010s updates.[5] This allows tool-free adjustments to comb height via interchangeable inserts and length-of-pull from 12.75 to 14.25 inches, accommodating diverse body types for better cheek weld and recoil management.[31] Complementing this, the AccuStock chassis integrates a three-dimensional aluminum rail bedding the action along its full length, minimizing torque-induced shifts and enhancing stability during extended sessions.[32] Synthetic stocks with textured grips and palm swells further reduce fatigue, as evidenced in field tests where adjusted configurations improved shot consistency over factory setups.[33]Barrel, Stock, and Modular Components
The barrels of the Savage Model 110 are manufactured from forged carbon steel bar stock in standard configurations, with premium variants incorporating carbon fiber wrapping from PROOF Research to minimize weight while maintaining rigidity.[5][34] Barrel lengths typically measure 22 inches for hunting models like the 110 Hunter, extending to 24 inches in tactical variants such as the 110 Tactical for enhanced velocity in cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor.[31][35] Many models feature threaded muzzles with 5/8-24 patterns on larger calibers, facilitating attachment of muzzle brakes or suppressors, and contoured profiles ranging from lightweight sporter tapers to heavier varmint or target designs.[36] Stocks for the Model 110 vary by variant, including synthetic polymer for durability in field conditions, American walnut for traditional aesthetics in the 110 Classic, and advanced composites like carbon fiber and magnesium in ultralight models such as the 110 Ultralite Elite.[37][38] The AccuFit system, integrated into select models, allows user-adjustable length of pull from 12.75 to 14.25 inches and comb height in 0.25-inch increments via interchangeable inserts, enabling customized fit without permanent modifications.[5] AccuStock technology embeds an aluminum spine and pillars into the stock for consistent bedding against the action, reducing torque-induced shifts during firing.[39] Modular components enhance the Model 110's versatility through Savage's barrel nut system, which secures the barrel to the receiver via a threaded nut and enables headspacing adjustments using go/no-go gauges, allowing barrel swaps by end-users without specialized tooling beyond wrenches.[40] This design supports pre-fit replacement barrels from manufacturers like Shaw or E. Arthur Brown Company, compatible across 10/110 series actions with small or large shank receivers.[41] Stocks and chassis exhibit high interchangeability, with aftermarket options from MDT, Boyds, and Choate fitting most short- and long-action models via pillar bedding or direct drop-in, while bolt heads remain swappable for caliber conversions within action limits.[42][43] Such modularity stems from the rifle's investment-cast and stamped components, prioritizing ease of maintenance and customization over bespoke machining.[40][44]Intellectual Property and Engineering Patents
Core Patents and Their Scope
The core patents for the Savage Model 110, assigned posthumously to designer Nicholas L. Brewer following his death in 1959, were issued by the U.S. Patent Office between 1961 and 1964, totaling four in number. These patents, filed under Savage Arms Corporation on November 20, 1958, encompass critical mechanical innovations in the rifle's bolt-action system, emphasizing safety enhancements and operational reliability that distinguished the Model 110 from contemporary designs.[1] U.S. Patent 3,005,279, issued October 24, 1961, details a bolt-action rifle incorporating gas-deflecting means integrated into the receiver and bolt assembly. This feature directs high-pressure gases away from the shooter's face and eyes in cases of cartridge rupture or excessive headspace, utilizing a deflector baffle positioned adjacent to the ejection port to channel gases rearward and downward without compromising the action's cycling. The scope extends to any bolt-action rifle where the deflector is formed as part of the receiver or bolt lugs, prioritizing shooter protection through passive mechanical redirection rather than active sealing.[45] U.S. Patent 3,103,757, issued September 8, 1963, covers a bolt-action rifle with an ejector housing mounted directly on the receiver, independent of the bolt or barrel. This design allows for precise control of cartridge ejection trajectory and force by positioning the ejector spring and plunger within a dedicated receiver recess, facilitating easier disassembly and maintenance while preventing binding under recoil. The patent's claims broadly apply to rifles where the ejector mechanism is receiver-fixed, enabling consistent performance across varying calibers and reducing wear on bolt components. Additional patents in the series, such as U.S. Patent 3,106,033 for a firing mechanism with sear safety indicator and another for bolt-handle-engaged automatic safety, further delineate the trigger group's sear engagement and visual/audible safety status indicators. These elements collectively scope protections around inadvertent discharge prevention via interlocking bolt and sear geometries, ensuring the firing pin remains cocked only when the bolt is fully closed and the safety disengaged. Together, the patents underscore Brewer's focus on modular, user-serviceable components that supported the Model 110's interchangeable barrel system and headspace adjustability, though the latter's precise barrel-nut retention is implied within the receiver-bolt interface claims rather than explicitly isolated.[46][47]Influence on Subsequent Innovations
The patented bolt-action mechanism of the Savage Model 110, as detailed in U.S. Patent No. 3,005,279 granted on October 24, 1961, to Nicholas L. Brewer for gas-deflecting features in the bolt face, enhanced operational safety by directing escaping gases away from the shooter during malfunctions or case ruptures.[45] This design element influenced subsequent bolt-action rifles by prioritizing integrated gas management in production models, reducing reliance on external venting systems and enabling more compact actions suitable for varmint and tactical applications. Manufacturers adopting similar deflection principles in the 1970s and beyond, such as in Remington and Winchester updates, cited improved reliability in high-pressure loads as a direct benefit, though Savage's implementation remained distinctive for its simplicity in mass production.[3] Savage's proprietary barrel-nut system, integral to the Model 110's adjustable headspace for sub-minute-of-angle accuracy guarantees starting in 1958, facilitated field-replaceable barrels without specialized tooling, a feature that expired patents allowed third-party adoption in custom rifle builds by the 1990s.[1] This modularity prefigured modern chassis systems in precision rifles, such as those from Ruger Precision and Bergara B-14 series, where quick-change barrels enable caliber conversions for competitive shooting; empirical tests on Savage-derived actions show headspace variations under 0.001 inches, outperforming traditional pinned barrels in repeatability.[48] The AccuTrigger, retrofitted to Model 110 variants from 2003 and protected under U.S. Patent No. 6,553,706 B1, introduced a user-adjustable pull weight (1.5–6 pounds) with a central pivoting safety lever immune to inertial discharge from drops or impacts exceeding 5-foot falls.[49] This innovation shifted industry standards toward creep-free, customizable triggers in affordable centerfire rifles, prompting competitors like Mossberg and Tikka to develop analogous mechanisms by 2010; field data from National Rifle Association tests indicate AccuTrigger-equipped 110s achieve 20–30% tighter groups at 100 yards compared to non-adjustable predecessors due to reduced let-off variability.[27] Its patent scope, emphasizing dual-sear engagement for safety without overtravel, has been referenced in over 15 subsequent filings for trigger assemblies, fostering broader adoption of impact-resistant designs in semi-custom platforms.[50]Variants and Configurations
Original and Short-Action Models
The Savage Model 110 was introduced in 1958 as an economical bolt-action centerfire rifle, priced at a suggested retail of $109.95, featuring a push-feed dual-lug bolt action within a cylindrical receiver that facilitated precise headspace adjustment via a barrel nut.[1] Designed by Nicholas L. Brewer under a 1956 Savage project aimed at producing a durable, mass-manufacturable rifle for longevity and reliability, the original configuration employed a long-action receiver measuring approximately 9.25 inches, suited to standard-length cartridges such as .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield.[3] This design incorporated a floating bolt head for consistent lockup and was among the earliest production bolt-actions to offer left-hand variants with the bolt handle on the left side of the receiver.[10] Short-action models, adapted from the core Model 110 platform for shorter cartridges like .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .223 Remington, utilized a compact 8.40-inch receiver to minimize bolt throw, reduce overall weight, and enhance handling balance compared to long-action counterparts.[51] These variants emerged in the late 1950s alongside the original long-action 110, sharing the same push-feed mechanism and barrel-nut system but optimized for non-magnum, standard-action calibers that required less cartridge overall length.[52] Early short-action 110s, produced through the 1980s, retained the flat-back receiver profile of initial models before transitional updates.[52] By 1998, Savage re-engineered and distinguished short-action configurations through a revised numbering system, reclassifying them under two-digit designations like Model 10 to separate them from persisting long-action Model 110 rifles, while preserving the foundational action's modularity for ongoing production.[4] Both original long-action and short-action models emphasized field reliability over premium finishing, with synthetic or walnut stocks, blued metalwork, and basic iron sights or drilled-and-tapped receivers for optics mounting.[1] Typical barrel lengths ranged from 22 to 24 inches, with weights around 7 to 8 pounds unloaded, prioritizing affordability and versatility for hunting applications.[10]Long-Action and Specialized Variants
The long-action configuration of the Savage Model 110 features an extended receiver length, typically measuring approximately 6.961 inches overall, to accommodate cartridges with overall lengths exceeding 2.8 inches, such as .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum, enabling reliable feeding and extraction for magnum and standard-length big-game rounds.[51] This design originated with the Model 110's debut in 1958, initially chambered in .30-06 Springfield and .270 Winchester, prioritizing versatility for hunting applications requiring higher velocity and energy.[3] Specialized long-action variants build on this foundation with targeted enhancements for precision, durability, and field performance. The 110 Long Range Hunter, for instance, incorporates a 26-inch heavy-contour barrel, adjustable AccuFit synthetic stock for customizable length-of-pull and comb height, user-adjustable AccuTrigger, and a muzzle brake to mitigate recoil, optimized for calibers like .300 Winchester Magnum in extreme-distance hunting scenarios.[53][8] Similarly, the 110 Elite Precision targets competitive and long-range precision shooting with a Modular Driven Technologies MDT ACC aluminum chassis stock, full-length Arca-Swiss rail for accessory mounting, and chamberings including .300 PRC, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum, achieving sub-minute-of-angle accuracy potential through its rigid platform and adjustable trigger pull from 1 pound 8 ounces to 4 pounds.[3] Other specialized models include the 110 Bear Hunter, engineered for close-quarters encounters with large game via a robust synthetic stock and threaded barrel in magnum calibers for suppressed or braked configurations, and the 110 High Country, featuring a camo-finished AccuStock with OmniPort muzzle technology to reduce recoil and muzzle rise in rugged backcountry pursuits across long-action calibers.[5] These variants maintain the core barrel-nut headspacing system for consistent accuracy while integrating modern ergonomics like left-handed options and threaded muzzles, reflecting ongoing refinements since the original long-action platform.[3]Contemporary Customizable and Precision Models
The Savage Precision Series, developed in partnership with Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) beginning in 2019, extends the Model 110 platform into highly adjustable configurations optimized for long-range accuracy and competitive shooting disciplines such as Precision Rifle Series (PRS). These models emphasize modular chassis designs that permit user-specific adjustments to comb height, length of pull, and accessory mounting, thereby accommodating diverse shooter anthropometrics and reducing variables in shot consistency. Factory-blueprinted actions ensure concentric alignment and minimal tolerances, while features like the adjustable AccuTrigger—tunable from 1.5 to 4 pounds—facilitate precise trigger control without creep or overtravel.[54][55] The 110 Precision model incorporates an MDT LSS XL Gen2 chassis in flat dark earth Cerakote, featuring a skeletonized structure for weight reduction and adjustability via interchangeable buttstocks and cheek risers. It pairs this with a matte black carbon steel heavy-contour barrel threaded at 5/8x24 for suppressors or brakes, a BA muzzle brake, and a one-piece 20 MOA EGW rail for elevated optic zeroing. Available in calibers including .308 Winchester (20-inch barrel), 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 PRC, and 6.5 PRC (24-inch barrels), it accepts AICS-pattern magazines with capacities of 10 rounds for short-action calibers and 5 for magnums; left-hand variants are also offered. This configuration supports sub-minute-of-angle accuracy potential out of the box, with an MSRP of approximately $1,699.[9] Building on this foundation, the 110 Elite Precision employs a premium MDT Adjustable Core Competition (ACC) aluminum chassis in gray, providing comprehensive adjustability including tool-less cheek and buttstock modifications, plus full-length ARCA rails for bipod or tripod integration without adapters. Its stainless steel receiver receives a flash nitride coating for corrosion resistance, mated to a modified Palma-contour barrel with self-timing taper-aligned muzzle brake on short-action calibers. Caliber options span .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor (26-inch barrels), and .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 PRC, .338 Lapua Magnum (30-inch barrels), with corresponding magazine capacities of 10 or 5 rounds. Weighing around 12.6 pounds unloaded, it targets advanced precision applications, priced at an MSRP ranging from $2,259 to $2,429 depending on caliber.[55]Performance and Empirical Testing
Accuracy and Ballistic Capabilities
The Savage Model 110 bolt-action rifle series exhibits consistent sub-minute-of-angle (sub-MOA) accuracy in independent testing, often achieving groups under 1 inch at 100 yards with appropriate ammunition and conditions. This performance stems from features like the adjustable headspace system, which optimizes chamber-to-barrel fit during manufacturing, and the AccuTrigger, which minimizes shooter-induced variability by allowing crisp, adjustable pull weights typically between 1.5 and 6 pounds. Modern variants with premium barrels, such as carbon-fiber wrapped options, further enhance precision by reducing weight while maintaining rigidity.[7][56]| Model Variant | Caliber | Ammunition/Load | Average Group Size (inches at 100 yards) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 Long Range Hunter | .300 Win. Mag. | Nosler 180-gr. Ballistic Tip / 73.0 gr. IMR 7828 (handload) | 0.55 (five-shot) | 2,831 | [8] |
| 110 Long Range Hunter | .300 Win. Mag. | Federal Trophy Bonded Tip (factory) | 0.83 (five-shot) | 2,997 | [8] |
| 110 Ultralite | 6.5 PRC | Nosler Trophy Match 140-gr. AccuBond | 0.70 (three-shot, cold barrel) | 2,814 | [56] |
| 110 Ultralite | 6.5 PRC | Hornady Precision Hunter 143-gr. ELD-X | 0.88 (three-shot, cold barrel) | 2,880 | [56] |
| 110 PPR | Various (tested with hunting loads) | Multiple factory hunting loads | <1.0 (sub-MOA, five-shot) | Not specified | [7] |
