Last updated October 24th 2026
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Savage tore up its rifle catalog for 2026. The 110 Tactical, 110 Apex Hunter XP, 110 Storm and the old 110 Ultralite are all marked out of production on Savage’s site, and most “best Savage rifles” lists still recommend them. In their place are new names like Trail Blazer, Core Hunter and Core Tactical, built on the same 110 action with better stocks.
I’ve shot most of the new lineup and reviewed the rest of Savage’s rifles on their own pages. Below are the 11 best Savage rifles you can buy now, from a $150 .22 to a $2,000 match rifle, with our test groups, what each one replaced, and live prices from our 200+ retailers on October 24, 2026.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Best Savage Rifles at a Glance
| Rifle | Type | Our best result | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savage 110 Core Hunter | Bolt action | Held zero for a full Texas hunt | Most hunters | Live price |
| Savage Axis 2 XP | Bolt action, scoped | Near MOA with match ammo, 300 rounds | Budget deer rifle | Live price |
| Savage 110 Trail Blazer XP | Bolt action, scoped | Under 1 inch, 3 shots, 22 Creedmoor | First centerfire rifle | Live price |
| Savage 110 Core Tactical | Bolt action | 0.75 MOA, hits at 1,024 yards | Long range on a budget | Live price |
| Savage 110 Elite Precision | Chassis | 0.81 in average, 5 shots | PRS and NRL matches | Live price |
| Savage 110 Ultralite Pro | Carbon barrel | Took an Idaho bull elk | Mountain hunting | Live price |
| Savage 110 Ridge Hunter | Bolt action, irons | 1.1 in average, 80 rounds | Brush and big bores | Live price |
| Savage Impulse Big Game | Straight pull | 0.8 in average, 300 rounds | Fast follow-up shots | Live price |
| Savage A17 | Semi-auto 17 HMR | 0.6 in at 50 yards, 600 rounds | Varmints | Live price |
| Savage A22 | Semi-auto .22 LR | 0.9 in average at 50 yards | Plinking with a good trigger | Live price |
| Savage 64 F | Semi-auto .22 LR | 0.9 in at 25 yards, irons | Cheapest good .22 | Live price |
1. Savage 110 Core Hunter: Best Savage Rifle Overall
- Calibers: 33, from .204 Ruger to .375 Ruger, 23 of 57 SKUs left-handed
- Weight: 7.73 lb (.308)
- Stock: AccuFit V2, length of pull and comb set from one dial
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $727
Pros
- Stock adjusts without tools
- Threaded barrel and rail standard
- Huge caliber and lefty choice
Cons
- Savage polymer magazine, not AICS
- Ten ounces heavier than Trail Blazer
- No scope included
The Core Hunter is the 110 I’d tell most people to buy. For about $80 more than a Trail Blazer you get the AccuFit V2 stock, where one dial sets both length of pull and comb height, and small, medium and large grip modules come in the box. The barrel is threaded, there’s a rail on top, and M-LOK slots in the forend.
I carried a .308 through the Texas Hill Country in late July and took a ram off a rock face and a red stag with it. It held zero for the whole trip and never bobbled a round. Our Savage 110 models guide covers every 110 variant if you want to compare them all.
Best For: Most hunters, and anyone who is hard to fit.
2. Savage Axis 2 XP: Best Budget Savage Rifle
- Our score: 8.3/10 (Axis II review)
- Includes: Mounted and bore-sighted 3-9×40 scope, 20 inch threaded barrel
- Our groups: Near MOA with Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr, about 1.2 inches with Hornady American Whitetail
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $514
Pros
- Complete scoped rifle under $520
- AccuTrigger on a budget gun
- No malfunctions in 300 rounds
Cons
- Stiff, gritty bolt throw
- Bundled scope holds it back
- Plain synthetic stock
The Axis 2 XP is the cheapest way into a Savage centerfire, and it comes ready to hunt with a scope mounted and bore sighted. I put 300 rounds through one without a malfunction. With match ammo it shot near MOA, and with the hunting load I’d actually use it held about 1.2 inches.
The bolt is stiff and the bundled scope is the weak link, so budget for better glass later. Our full Savage Axis II review has the numbers, and the Axis models guide sorts out the Compact, Hardwood and Precision versions.
Best For: A first deer rifle under $550.
3. Savage 110 Trail Blazer XP: Best Scoped 110 Package
- Includes: Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 mounted and bore sighted
- Barrel: Fluted heavy sporter, threaded
- Our groups: Three-shot zeroing groups under an inch at 100 yards (22 Creedmoor, Hornady 69gr ELD-VT)
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $770 to $844
Pros
- 110 action with a scope included
- Threaded, fluted barrel
- 17 left-handed SKUs
Cons
- Snug magazine fit
- Fixed length of pull
- Costs more than the Axis
The Trail Blazer XP is the rifle that takes over from the Apex Hunter XP: a full 110 action with a Vortex scope already mounted. The one I’ve shot most is a 22 Creedmoor. On a freezing morning it put three-shot zeroing groups under an inch at 100 yards, rang a 12-inch gong at 300, then ran more than 60 rounds through a prairie dog town without a malfunction.
My only complaint was a snug magazine. Pick it over the Axis if you want the 110’s better action and threaded barrel, and the Core Hunter if you need an adjustable stock.
Best For: A first centerfire rifle that will last.
4. Savage 110 Core Tactical: Best Savage for Long Range Under $1,000
- Replaces: 110 Tactical (out of production)
- Features: 10-round AICS magazine, 20 MOA rail, ARCA forend, threaded barrel
- Our results: About 0.75 MOA for five shots, repeat hits on a 10-inch plate at 1,024 yards (22 ARC)
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $890 to $916
Pros
- AICS magazines and ARCA rail
- Much better stock than the 110 Tactical
- 14 calibers up to .338 Lapua
Cons
- Heavier than a hunting rifle
- Barrel fouls early, then settles
- Only a few retailers stock it
The Core Tactical replaces the 110 Tactical, and it’s a better rifle. It keeps the medium-contour threaded barrel, AICS magazine and 20 MOA rail, and puts them in the AccuFit V2 stock with an ARCA forend. My 18 inch 22 ARC shot about 0.75 MOA with Hornady 88gr ELD-M, and once I’d read the wind I was making repeat hits on a 10-inch plate at 1,024 yards.
If you find an old 110 Tactical on sale, our Savage 110 Tactical review logged 500 rounds and 0.7 inch average groups in 6.5 Creedmoor, so it’s still a good buy. Expect copper fouling for the first 100 rounds or so on either one.
Best For: A first long-range rifle.
5. Savage 110 Elite Precision: Best Savage for Competition
- Chassis: MDT ACC with full-length ARCA rail
- Barrel: Stainless modified Palma, 26 inches (short action)
- Our groups: 0.81 inch average for five shots with Winchester 125gr open tip, two groups at 0.6 (6.5 Creedmoor)
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $1,897 to $2,169
Pros
- Every test load stayed sub-inch
- MDT chassis, ready for matches
- Left-handed in every caliber
Cons
- 12.6 lb before a scope
- Loud brake
- Costs more than many custom builds
This is the Savage built for PRS and NRL matches: a blueprinted action, a stainless Palma-contour barrel and an MDT ACC chassis. In 6.5 Creedmoor, Winchester’s 125gr open tip averaged 0.81 inches for five shots, and Hornady 140gr boattail hollowpoints averaged 0.91. Every load stayed under an inch.
It weighs 12.6 pounds bare, which is what you want on a barricade and not on a hike. If you’re just getting started, the cheaper 110 Precision in an MDT LSS chassis is the better first match rifle. See our best PRS rifles for the competition.
Best For: Shooters who already compete.
6. Savage 110 Ultralite Pro: Best Savage for Mountain Hunting
- Barrel: PROOF Research carbon fiber, 20 inches (.308)
- Weight: 6.78 lb (.308), almost a pound under the steel-barreled Pro
- Features: AccuFit V2 stock, AICS magazine, brake, 1.5 to 4 lb AccuTrigger
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $1,595 to $1,775
Pros
- Carbon barrel under 7 pounds
- Adjustable stock for steep shots
- Skeletonized receiver saves weight
Cons
- Twice the Core Hunter price
- Brake is loud without ear pro
- Camo only
The Ultralite Pro is a Core Hunter Pro with a PROOF Research carbon barrel and a skeletonized receiver, which takes the .308 to 6.78 pounds. I took one to Idaho for elk and came home with a bull. What stood out wasn’t the weight. It was the fit: I set the comb and length of pull once at camp, and the sight picture was there every time I mounted the rifle in steep country.
If every ounce counts, the KLYM V2 drops to 6.2 pounds for about $1,000 more. Our best mountain rifles and best elk rifle guides cover the field.
Best For: Elk and mountain hunts.
7. Savage 110 Ridge Hunter: Best Savage Brush Gun
- Calibers: .375 Ruger, .338 Win Mag, .450 Bushmaster, .400 Legend, .350 Legend, .308, 5.56, all 12 SKUs in left-hand too
- Barrel: Stainless, 16.5 to 20 inches, iron sights
- Our groups: 1.1 inch average for three shots over 80 rounds, five shots inside 3 inches at 50 yards on irons (.308)
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $748 to $824
Pros
- Iron sights and a stainless barrel
- Big-bore and straight-wall calibers
- AICS magazine
Cons
- No rail or bases included
- Heavier than it looks, 8.1 lb
- Not a long-range rifle
The Ridge Hunter is the brush gun of the line: a short stainless barrel, real iron sights and calibers that read like a bear camp. It’s also the right Savage for straight-wall states, with .350 Legend, .400 Legend and .450 Bushmaster on the list.
My 18 inch .308 averaged 1.1 inches for three shots over 80 rounds. It’s the one current 110 with no rail or bases, so budget for an 8-40 base if you want a scope.
Best For: Thick cover, bear country and straight-wall states.
8. Savage Impulse Big Game: Best Straight-Pull Savage
- Our score: 8.0/10 (Impulse Big Game review)
- Action: Straight-pull Hexlock bolt, ambidextrous
- Our groups: 0.8 inch average, best 0.6, Hornady Precision Hunter 143gr ELD-X (6.5 Creedmoor)
- Price on October 24, 2026: From about $889 (6.5 Creedmoor) to $1,120
Pros
- Fastest follow-up shot of any Savage
- Shot 0.8 inch averages
- Closeout pricing now
Cons
- Out of production
- 8.8 lb is heavy
- One short-stroke in 300 rounds
The Impulse runs a straight-pull bolt: pull straight back and push forward, no lift. It’s noticeably faster on a second shot than a turn bolt. Our 6.5 Creedmoor averaged 0.8 inches with Hornady Precision Hunter over 300 rounds, with one short-stroke when I rushed the bolt.
Savage has marked the Big Game out of production, so what’s left is closeout stock at well under its list price. Read our full Savage Impulse Big Game review before you buy.
Best For: Hunters who want a fast second shot.
9. Savage A17: Best Savage Rimfire for Varmints
- Our score: 8.2/10 (A17 review)
- Action: Delayed blowback semi-auto, 10-round rotary magazine, AccuTrigger
- Our results: Best group 0.6 inches at 50 yards with CCI A17 17 grain, four stoppages in 600 rounds, all on one load
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $452 to $509
Pros
- Semi-auto 17 HMR that works
- AccuTrigger in a rimfire
- Accurate past 100 yards
Cons
- Picky about some ammo
- 17 HMR ammo is pricey
- Heavy for a rimfire
17 HMR is too powerful for a simple blowback action, so Savage built the A17 with a delayed blowback system. It’s the semi-auto 17 HMR I’d buy. Our test rifle shot 0.6 inches at 50 yards with CCI’s A17 load, and its four stoppages in 600 rounds all came from one ammo.
Our Savage A17 review covers the HM2 and WSM versions, and the best 17 HMR rifles guide compares it to bolt guns.
Best For: Prairie dogs, ground squirrels and coyotes close in.
10. Savage A22: Best Savage .22 LR Semi-Auto
- Our score: 7.8/10 (A22 review)
- Features: AccuTrigger, 10-round rotary magazine, 21 inch barrel
- Our groups: 0.9 inch average at 50 yards with SK Standard Plus, 900 rounds tested
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $244 to $306
Pros
- Adjustable trigger out of the box
- Accurate with good ammo
- Under $310
Cons
- Stock flexes
- Jams with bulk ammo
- Fixed length of pull
The A22 is the .22 for people who want a good trigger without buying parts. It averaged 0.9 inches at 50 yards with SK Standard Plus. Twelve of its fourteen stoppages in 900 rounds came on bulk-pack ammo, and quality standard-velocity ammo ran almost clean.
Our Savage A22 review has the full log, and best .22 LR rifles compares it with the Ruger 10/22.
Best For: Plinking and small game with a better trigger than a 10/22.
11. Savage 64 F: Best Cheap .22 Rifle
- Our score: 7.5/10 (64 review)
- Features: 21 inch barrel, 10-round box magazine, iron sights, 5 lb
- Our groups: 0.9 inches at 25 yards with CCI Standard Velocity on iron sights, 800 rounds tested
- Price on October 24, 2026: About $151 to $183
Pros
- About $150
- Accurate on iron sights
- Light enough for kids
Cons
- Six stoppages with bulk ammo
- Plain trigger
- Clean it every 500 rounds
The 64 has been around in one form or another for decades, and at about $150 it’s half the price of a 10/22. I put 800 rounds through a black 64 F. CCI Standard Velocity went into 0.9 inches at 25 yards on the irons, and all six stoppages came on bulk ammo.
Our Savage 64 review covers the threaded FV-SR and the colored stocks.
Best For: A first .22 or a truck gun.
Savage’s 2026 Lineup: What Replaced What
Savage rebuilt the 110 line around three tiers. Trophy rifles (Trail Blazer) are the entry point, Core rifles (Core Hunter, Core Tactical, Core Predator) add the AccuFit V2 dial stock, and Pro rifles add AICS magazines, brakes and lighter triggers. Our explainer counts 20 current centerfire 110 models across 494 North American SKUs.
| If you were shopping for | Status | Buy this now |
|---|---|---|
| 110 Tactical | Out of production | 110 Core Tactical |
| 110 Apex Hunter XP | Out of production | 110 Trail Blazer XP |
| 110 Storm or 110 Hunter | Out of production | 110 Core Hunter, or Ridge Hunter for stainless and irons |
| Old 110 Ultralite | Out of production | 110 Ultralite Pro |
| Impulse Big Game | Out of production, closeout stock | Impulse Big Game while it lasts |
| Axis II XP | Current as the Axis 2 XP | Axis 2 XP |
Retired models still show up new on dealer shelves and used, and they’re fine rifles. Just don’t pay list price for them, and check that the magazine and accessories you buy fit the model year.
What Makes a Savage Different
- AccuTrigger. Savage’s user-adjustable trigger, with a center blade that has to be pressed before the trigger will move. Hunting models adjust from about 2.5 pounds, and Pro and precision models from 1.5 to 4 pounds.
- The barrel nut. The 110 barrel threads into the receiver and is locked with a nut, so headspace is set by the nut, not by a gunsmith’s lathe. That makes a home barrel swap far simpler on a 110 than on most bolt guns, and it’s why prefit Savage barrels are easy to find.
- AccuFit stocks. Length of pull and comb height adjust on almost every centerfire Savage, and the V2 version does both from one dial.
- Left-handed rifles. Savage makes more lefty bolt guns than anyone. All 12 Ridge Hunter SKUs, every Core Predator, and 23 of 57 Core Hunter SKUs come left-handed.
One trait to plan for: in our 110 Tactical test, the first cleaning after 20 rounds pulled more copper than I expected. It settled down after about 100 rounds. Clean often during that break-in and accuracy comes in.
Savage vs Ruger American vs Tikka
These are the three budget-to-midrange bolt guns most buyers cross-shop. The Ruger American Gen II matches the Axis on price and has a nicer bolt. The Tikka T3x has the smoothest action of the three and costs more. Savage wins on adjustable stocks, caliber choice and left-handed options. Our Ruger American Gen II review and Tikka T3x review have the head-to-head detail, and our best deer hunting rifles guide ranks them together.
Smith & Wesson Now Owns Savage
Smith & Wesson bought Savage Arms in a deal that values Savage at $160 million and closed on October 21, 2026. Nothing in the deal has changed the 2026 rifle catalog, and the rifles above are what Savage lists today on its own site. Our news story on the sale covers the terms. We’ll update this page if the lineup changes.
Other Savage Guns We’ve Tested
- Savage 220: A 20 gauge bolt-action slug gun that shot a 0.72 inch best group, rated 8.7/10. Savage 220 review.
- Savage 42 Takedown: A .22 over .410 combo that packs into a bag, rated 7.5/10. Savage 42 review.
- Savage Revel: Savage’s new .22 lever gun. Savage Revel Tactical.
- Savage 1911: Savage’s first handgun. Savage 1911 review.
- Savage 99: The classic lever rifle, now a collector’s gun. Savage 99 buyer’s guide.
Which Savage Rifle Should You Buy?
- One rifle for deer and everything else: 110 Core Hunter.
- Tightest budget: Axis 2 XP.
- Want a scope included on a 110: 110 Trail Blazer XP.
- Long range or steel: 110 Core Tactical.
- Matches: 110 Elite Precision, or the 110 Precision to start.
- Mountains: 110 Ultralite Pro.
- Brush, bears or a straight-wall state: 110 Ridge Hunter.
- Varmints: A17. Plinking: A22, or the 64 F to save money.
Need glass for it? Our best rifle scopes guide covers scopes at every price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Savage rifle?
For most people, the Savage 110 Core Hunter. It has the AccuFit V2 adjustable stock, a threaded barrel and rail, and comes in 33 calibers. Ours held zero through a full Texas hunt.
What is the best budget Savage rifle?
The Savage Axis 2 XP. It comes with a mounted scope for about $514 on October 24, 2026, and ours ran 300 rounds without a malfunction, shooting near MOA with match ammo.
Is the Savage 110 Tactical discontinued?
Yes. Savage lists the 110 Tactical as out of production for 2026. The 110 Core Tactical replaces it with a better stock, an ARCA forend and the same AICS magazine.
Are Savage rifles accurate?
Yes. In our tests the 110 Elite Precision averaged 0.81 inches, the Impulse Big Game 0.8 inches and the 110 Tactical 0.7 inches at 100 yards with good ammo. The budget Axis shot near MOA.
Who owns Savage Arms?
Smith and Wesson. The deal valued Savage at $160 million and closed on October 21, 2026.
Does Savage make left-handed rifles?
Yes, more than most makers. All 12 Ridge Hunter SKUs and every Core Predator come left-handed, and 23 of 57 Core Hunter SKUs are lefty.
Is Savage better than Ruger American?
Savage wins on adjustable stocks, caliber choice and left-handed options. The Ruger American Gen II has a smoother bolt at about the same price as the Axis.
What is the Savage AccuTrigger?
A user-adjustable trigger with a center blade that must be pressed before the trigger moves. Pro and precision models adjust from 1.5 to 4 pounds.
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