I have recently purchased the new Savage Predator model 10 in the .223 Rem caliber. After braving the near zero temperatures to site it in there are a few noticeable differences between this and my model 12 22-250.
Right off the bat you notice the MossyOak Brush camo which has been applied to the entirety of the rifle save the bolt and the trigger. I think that the camo choice is perfect for those who are hunting in the wide open fields and parries, though Savage may do well to offer the rifle in a few other patterns for those who hunt more often in snow covered areas and timberland. Secondly the barrel that was chosen for this particular package is a heavy bull that measures 22” in length as apposed to the 26” that my model 12 came with. When matching the two side by side on the shooting bench the weight reduction due to the 4” shorter barrel is EXTREEMLY noticeable. I am not sure if it is just the shortened barrel or any number of other lightening techniques that Savage may have used but at an unloaded minus a scope the gun weighs just a tad over 6lbs. The maneuverability of the firearm is outstanding, and makes even off hand shooting comfortable.
I paired my Predator up with a Hawk Optics 4.5X10-50mm MAP 8 scope, as well as a Harris 6”-9” bipod. The choice in optics was almost as if the two were made to be put together. With a light gathering 50mm objective lens low light shooting is easy. Off the bench the combination preformed just as I have come to expect from a Savage. The Crisp Accu-trigger touched off with a light controlled touch sending the .223 Rem rounds down range punching quarter inch groups at 100yrds. I couldn’t be happier with an off the shelf firearm.
Tonight however is the real test. The weather man is calling for 15 to 20 degrees below 0, the moon is near full and a fresh coat of the white stuff just blanketed the fields. I will post again tomorrow with the results and hopefully a few pictures of tonight’s adventure
January 23, 2008 at 7:04 pm
#209661
