Savage Impulse Predator Bolt Action Rifle

Savage Impulse Predator Bolt Action Rifle

U.S. manufacturer SAVAGE introduces its first-ever linear bolt-action rifle, the SAVAGE IMPULSE. Linear-action bolt-action rifles are far from new, the first one dating back to 1886 developed by Mannlicher. Since then, there have been several manufacturers who have presented their interpretations, practically all of them European. Because certainly in the USA it has been a system that has not been successful, mainly because of its high price, but perhaps also because of the distrust of the very traditional American hunters. Something that can certainly change, with the presentation of the new SAVAGE rifle, an economical rifle, manufactured in the USA and with a reliable system.

The advantage of a linear bolt-action rifle is obvious, its speed of firing and therefore the ability to repeat the shot very quickly, halfway between a semi-automatic rifle and a traditional bolt-action rifle. Technically, there is no doubt that a bolt of this type is more complex to manufacture than a rotary bolt, but the current CNC technology is not the same as in the past and allows lower costs.

In the past, linear bolt systems were based on a system of wedges that held the body of the bolt in place until they were released by a lever action when the bolt was pulled. In the SAVAGE IMPULSE the system is different, when we push the bolt forward and we stop, the handle turns on itself. It is at that moment when six bearings emerge from around the bolt head, thanks to an internal cam system, which pushes a rod that pulls out the ring of bearings. These bearings engage in an internal ring-shaped recess in an extension of the barrel. The unthreading is the reverse action, when the handle is pulled, it turns in the opposite direction, the bearings are hidden by the effect of a spring associated with the aforementioned rod, thus releasing the bolt that can now move backwards.

As we can see, there is no need to think, just follow the natural instinct to push and pull the bolt handle. A simple and easy to operate system, which gives us a speed of execution far superior to the traditional system. SAVAGE calls its system "HEXLOCK", named for its retention system using six bearings, a design concept that has been thoroughly tested. In addition, by using a simple lever principle, it requires less force and movement to activate and deactivate its lock.

Another functional advantage of the system is that because the bolt handle is pulled back and not levered up or down, it is possible to switch to the other side of the rifle for left-handed use. A feature that SAVAGE engineers have implemented. In fact, the entire rifle is ambidextrous, except for the ejection window which remains on the right side of the action. Converting the bolt to its left-handed configuration takes less than a minute, it is as simple as removing a pin.

The rest of the rifle's features are those seen on other SAVAGE models and that many of them are responsible for its superb accuracy. The heavy contoured carbon steel barrel is 20 (508 mm) long in all calibers. It is rifled by the well-known button rifling technique of which SAVAGE is known for its long tradition and know-how. As in most American rifles, it is threaded with a 5/8 24" thread pitch and protected by a metal thread cover.

In addition, it is attached to the action by means of a nut, which gives it a precise headspace, another important aspect of the rifle's accuracy. In the IMPULSE models, the action is long and made of aluminum, which has allowed a Picatinny rail with 20 MOAs of inclination to be easily machined on it. Another common aspect is that the bolt handle ends with a ball at its end, a solution that facilitates the operation of straight bolt action.

The trigger system could not be other than the acclaimed ACCUTRIGGER, a trigger that can be used in precision sporting rifles due to its quality. Its behavior is excellent, ultra-short travel and glass rod-like breakage. Due to the safety in the trigger tail, its behavior resembles a false two-stroke. In addition, it can be easily regulated by the user, in this case and for this model from 1.13 kg (2.5 pounds) to 2.72 kg (6 pounds). This system is combined with a silent two-position manual safety, located behind the action, allowing ambidextrous use.

The stock of this model is polymer in the Mossy Oak® Terra Gila Camo camouflage pattern, a color that works well for hunting in Western landscapes. It is also equipped with the ACCUFIT system, a patented system we have already seen on other models from the manufacturer that allows for a phenomenal ergonomic fit. By means of different spacers, it is possible to configure its length and with interchangeable cheekpieces to choose the most suitable height. The stock is topped by a rubber butt pad with good recoil absorption. This model uses magazines based on the AICS 10-round standard that are removable by means of an ambidextrous control. In addition, the action is based on a patented system of aluminum rails embedded in the stock, like an aluminum bed, called ACCUSTOCK.

In short, it is a rifle full of technology, which, thanks to its rectilinear bolt system, allows repeating shots at high speed without losing the aim. A versatile weapon that according to the caliber we choose, will allow us to shoot any piece of our game.

• Ambidextrous rectilinear bolt system.
• Aluminum action finished in black
• Mossy Oak® Terra Gila Camo colored stock, AccuFit® ergonomic adjustment system and AccuStock® aluminum action bedding
• AccuTrigger® user-adjustable trigger system
• 20 (508 mm) long, heavy contour carbon steel barrel with 5/8-24" thread pitch thread finish
• Ball-finished bolt handle
• Standard AICS 10 round detachable magazine
• 20 MOA rail machined on the action.

Data Sheet - 6.5 Creedmoor

• Action: Bolt action
• Finish: Synthetic
• Barrel length: 51 cm.
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Overall length (mm.): 1041
• Weight (g.): 3630
• Color: Camo
• Pitch of rifling: 1:8
• Magazine capacity: 10

Data sheet - 308 Win.

• Action: Bolt action
• Barrel length: 51 cm.
• Finish: Synthetic
• Caliber: 308 Win.
• Overall length (mm.): 1041
• Weight (g.): 3630
• Color: Camo
• Pitch of rifling: 1:10
• Magazine capacity: 10