Savage Impulse
Savage Arms · Rifle · In Production · 2021
Also known as: Savage Impulse Straight-Pull
Overview
The Savage Impulse is the first American-made straight-pull bolt-action rifle, introduced in 2021. Its defining feature is the Hexlock locking system: six hardened steel ball bearings cam outward into recesses in a barrel extension, locking the bolt in battery and giving the rifle the speed of a straight-pull action without sacrificing the strength of a traditional turnbolt. The Impulse is fully ambidextrous - the bolt handle can be swapped to either side of the receiver and adjusted for angle - and it accepts standard Model 110 detachable magazines. It is offered across a wide caliber range from .22-250 Remington up to .338 Lapua Magnum.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3992 g (140.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 12 N (2.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3500 J (2581 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary — also known as .308 Win, 308 Win
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as .30-06, 30-06 Sprg
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, 300 Win Mag
- .338 Lapua Magnum — also known as .338 LM, 8.6x70mm, 8.58x71mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety, Accutrigger Blade Safety, Hexlock Bolt Lockup
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt Action, Hexlock Locking System, User Adjustable Accutrigger, Ambidextrous Bolt Handle, Adjustable Bolt Handle Angle, Model 110 Magazine Compatible, Aluminum Receiver With Steel Barrel Extension, Integral Picatinny Rail, Threaded Muzzle
Variants
- Savage Impulse Hunter — Hunter
- Savage Impulse Predator — Predator
- Savage Impulse Elite Precision — Elite Precision
- Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter — Mountain Hunter
- Savage Impulse Big Game — Big Game
- Savage Impulse KLYM — Klym Lightweight
- Savage Impulse Ultralite Pro — Ultralight
Production
Production years: 2021-present
First American-made straight-pull bolt-action production rifle
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Specifications shown are typical for an Impulse Hunter in .308 Winchester. Available variants include Hunter, Predator, Mountain Hunter, Big Game, KLYM, Elite Precision (over 5.9 kg, 30" barrel) and Ultralite Pro. Receiver is machined aluminum with a steel barrel extension housing the Hexlock; barrel is carbon steel and finished in Cerakote. Originally MSRP $1,379-$2,437 depending on variant.
Background
Straight-pull bolt actions had long been a European specialty (Blaser R8, Heym SR30, Browning Maral) but the Impulse was the first time an American manufacturer brought one to mass production - and crucially, at a price competitive with traditional turnbolts. Hexlock's six-ball bearing system was patented by Savage's engineering team specifically to make a straight-pull strong enough for .338 Lapua Magnum, something no other affordable straight-pull had attempted.