Savage 110 Ultralite £1,990

With its new carbon fibre-wrapped stainless-steel barrel and Melonite finished skeletonised action, this lightweight offering from Savage Arms is anything but lightweight in performance, says Bruce Potts

- Bruce Potts

OUR VERDICT

Savage always produces rifles that are aimed at real hunters who want performance over aesthetics — and that’s not me being rude, it’s a compliment. Its AccuTrigger two-stage safety design is now seen on many other rifles, or clones of it — the barrel-securing nut that doubles as a head space adjuster so critical to great accuracy has always been a big selling point.

Now, Savage has teamed up with Proof Research — the US-based composite barrel and rifle company — as modern-day hunters are demanding ultra-performance from even lighter and more advanced rifles. The 110

Even with the added weight of a scope and sound moderator, the Savage 110 Ultralite still handled well and shot some nice consistent groups

Ultralite on test is one such rifle, designed to be lightweight for the comfort of hunters on the move.

The Ultralite achieves its weight of under 6lb with the new carbon fibrewrapped stainless-steel barrel and Melonite-finished skeletonised action. And correct handling is accomplished by Savage’s AccuFit system, where the synthetic stock can be adjusted for length of pull and comb height.

All in all, Savage’s Ultralite is an excellent lightweight, weatherproof and ultra-modern hunting rifle. It will appeal both to stalkers who have to carry their rifles and kit across the hills all day or to those younger shooters who find a normal rifle too heavy.