• New Savage Models for 2016

    It's that time of year again and Savage Arms has brought a lot to the plate for this year's SHOT Show. There are several brand new models as well as some existing models offered in new configurations and/or calibers. Before I dish out all the juicy details and photo's of the new models though, I'll first grace you with a brief rendition of my personal thoughts and opinions on what's new

    Model 42 Takedown: Very good idea and carries on the legacy of the old Model 24C Campers Companion. In fact, in my review of the Model 42 back in June of 2014 I even suggested offering a takedown version for backpackers and survivalists in the article's comments. Nice to see Savage actually took my advice for once. While only offered in .22LR/.410 right now, I would really like to see a takedown version offered in .22 WMR. I would also like to see the return of a centerfire Model 42 with pistol cartridges such as a .357 Mag/20ga or a .44 Mag/12ga. Food for thought Savage.

    Model 16/116 Lightweight Hunter: Nothing really new here other than it being a stainless/synthetic version of the existing Model 11 Lightweight Hunter. I haven't seen the spec's yet, but it will be interesting to see how the two compare weight-wise. Would still like to see a lightweight left-hand option, but no dice this year.

    Savage A17 Target Thumbhole & Sporter Models: Really glad to see this as I really don't care much for Savage's synthetic stocks. I'm really glad to see the non-thumbhole laminate option with the Sporter model that's lefty friendly, and I'm sure the right-hand shooters will be flocking to either. The stock and trigger were really my only gripes on the A17 that I reviewed last summer, and they were just minor gripes at that.

    6.5 Creedmoor Models: The 6.5 Creedmoor has proven to be extremely popular with both competitive shooters and hunters alike, and as such Savage is expanding their offering of this chambering. As you'll see it's mostly just adding it to the Axis line-up across the board and to the Model 16 Lightweight Hunter referenced above.

    B.Mag Models: Fresh off my review of the B.Mag Target Thumbhole I'm really glad to see a new laminate option that's lefty friendly in the B.Mag Heavy Barrel and Sporter models. Still not a dedicated left-hand B.Mag, but it's progress.

    A22 Semi-Auto .22 Mag: This is getting tons of press with many touting it as a "22 WMR that actually works." I guess many have forgotten about the good old Ruger 10/22 Magnum that was introduced in 1998 and discontinued in 2006. The A22 is little more than the A17 chambered for the 22 WMR rather than the 17HMR, so anything pertaining to the A17 will apply in terms of previous reviews and parts/accessories. I am somewhat surprised to see that Savage didn't launch with a laminate stocked model since they now have two different options on the shelf from the new A17 models. Guess they're saving those to be next years "new models."

    Stevens S1200 Semi-Automatic 12-gague: As soon as I saw a photo of the new S1200 the first thing that came to mind was "that looks like a Stoeger." Looking closer and comparing pictures side-by-side it's very similar to a Stoeger M3000, but there are some obvious differences. First, it uses Beretta's Mobilchoke choke tubes which Benelli/Stoeger wouldn't do. Second, the front of the trigger guard is more angular rather than rounded like the Stoeger. It does use the same basic Inertia recoil management system though which has become popular with a number of brands these days. It's no Benelli Super Black Eagle or Browning A5, but with an MSRP starting at under $600 you shouldn't expect it to be. Available in 12-ga only with black synthetic, camo synthetic or walnut furniture I must compliment Savage as this will be a strong, solid entry to get them back into the semi-auto shotgun market.

    Axis II XP Stainless & Hardwood: While the new stainless model isn't that big of a deal, the addition of a hardwood stock (FINALLY) to the Axis line is - at least in my option. Hardwood stocked Savage's have all but disappeared in recent years with the only available option being the Model 10/110 Trophy Hunter (in right-hand only naturally). This will provide a cheaper wood stocked option for those of us out there who prefer wood over plastic, but like the Trophy Hunter's the hardwood option for the Axis is only available for right-handers.

    Savage 10/110 BA Stealth: Details are sketchy on this one as of yet, but basically it's Savage's answer to the Ruger Precision Rifle. It features a billet aluminum chassis, M-lock forearm, 6-position AR-style collapsible stock with adjustable comb, BA-style tactical bolt handle and a heavy fluted & threaded barrel. The 110-based action is said to be factory blueprinted and naturally has an AccuTrigger (which one isn't specified, but it's not a red blade so I'm going to guess it's the standard 1.5-5-ish pound varmint version). MSRP starts at $1207 (6.5 and .308) and it will be offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua. As far as going head to head with the Ruger Precision Rifle I think it falls a little short. The Ruger offers more compatability with AR parts, is compatible with multiple magazine types, and has the folding stock option that's rock solid.

    And if you didn't notice at the top of this page, Savage Arms has abandoned the old Indian head logo in favor of this new design. Given all the politically correct nonsense surrounding the Washington Redskins and other uses of Native American related names, logos and mascots it was just a matter of time before Savage did this. It's sad to see it go, but these are the times we live in and I really can't blame Savage for playing it safe rather than waiting for some Anti-Defamation or Civil Rights group to serve them with a lawsuit claiming it's derogatory. Never mind that the Chief Lame Bear personally gave Savage Arms permission to use his effigy as their logo - that wouldn't matter in today's ridiculous world.

    Now on to what you've been impatiently waiting for...


    Comments 5 Comments
    1. DrThunder88's Avatar
      DrThunder88 -
      I am interested to know how Savage is going about putting the magazines in these wood stocks. The photo appears to show a standard Axis mag, so do they have a plastic, Trophy Hunter-style magwell surround or does it just use forward and aft locking points like Boyds and SSS stocks?

      Did they mention if the hardwood stocks will have pillars? I see the familiar top bolt release trigger guard but can't tell if it's steel or maybe plastic with one of those steel sleeves.
    1. Rondogg's Avatar
      Rondogg -
      I don't think because the Ruger Precision accepts P mags, has a folding stock and is more compatible with AR furniture is a comparison. The stock adjustment on the RPR is horrible and easily falls apart. (Yes I owned one in 308 and sold it as it would not group) I think the comparison should be settled on the range head to head. Just my opinion.
    1. NDAR15MAN's Avatar
      NDAR15MAN -
      I was at scheels sporting goods today in Iowa city Iowa. they had the savage stealth 110 ba in a 6.5 Creedmoor. $1099.00 . 20 inch barrel. I would want the 24. nice looking gun. all metal forearm. huge free float gaps. heavy. I think it looks like a great gun. I like the all metal . hope we get some reviews on how it shoots. martyd
    1. redrumjoe's Avatar
      redrumjoe -
      Just Picked upa a 110ba stealth in 300 winmag. Looking foe a bipod and adaptor for the rail. any suggestions?
    1. Robinhood's Avatar
      Robinhood -
      Quote Originally Posted by redrumjoe View Post
      Just Picked upa a 110ba stealth in 300 winmag. Looking foe a bipod and adaptor for the rail. any suggestions?
      I thought the forend was M-LOK? Then again I thought it had a sling swivel too.