SAVAGE IMPULSE Driven Hunter straight-pull rifle - 308 Win.

The American manufacturer SAVAGE presents the first straight-pull bolt action rifle in its history, the SAVAGE IMPULSE. Straight-pull bolt action rifles are by no means new; the first dates back to 1886, developed by Mannlicher. Since then, various manufacturers have presented their interpretations, practically all of them European. This is because in the US, it has certainly been a system that has not been successful, fundamentally due to its high price, but perhaps also due to the skepticism of American hunters, who are very traditional. Something that can undoubtedly change with the presentation of this new SAVAGE rifle: an affordable rifle, made in the USA, and with a reliable system.

The advantage of a straight-pull bolt action rifle is obvious: its cycling speed and, therefore, the ability to repeat shots very quickly, placing it halfway between a semi-automatic rifle and a traditional bolt action one. Technically, it is undeniable that this type of bolt is more complex to manufacture than a rotating one, but modern CNC technology is not what it used to be and allows for cost reduction.

In the past, straight-pull bolt systems were based on a wedge system that kept the bolt body secured until a lever action caused them to disengage when pulled. In the SAVAGE IMPULSE, the system is different: when we push the bolt forward and it reaches its stop, the handle rotates on itself. It is at that moment that six ball bearings emerge from around the bolt head, thanks to an internal cam system that pushes a rod that forces the bearing ring outward. These bearings lock into a ring-shaped recess inside a barrel extension. Unlocking is the reverse action; pulling the handle makes it rotate on itself in the opposite direction, the bearings retract, aided by a spring associated with the aforementioned rod, thereby releasing the bolt so it can be moved backward.

As we can see, there is no need to think; simply follow the natural instinct to push and pull the bolt handle. A simple and easy-to-operate system that provides us with an execution speed far superior to the traditional system. SAVAGE calls its system "HEXLOCK," named for its retention system using six ball bearings—a design concept that has been exhaustively tested. Furthermore, by using a simple lever principle, it requires less force and movement to engage and disengage its lock.

Another functional advantage of the system is that, because the bolt handle is pulled straight back and not leveraged up or down, it is possible to switch it to the other side of the rifle for left-handed use. This is a feature that SAVAGE engineers have implemented. In fact, the entire rifle is ambidextrous, except for the ejection port, 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, many of which are responsible for its magnificent accuracy. The heavy-contour carbon steel barrel is rifled using the well-known "button rifling" technique for which SAVAGE is known for its long tradition and expertise. As with most American rifles, it ends in a threaded muzzle with a 5/8-24" thread pitch, protected by a metal thread protector.

Furthermore, its connection to the action is made via a nut, which gives it a precise "headspace," another important aspect of the rifle's accuracy. In the IMPULSE models, the long action is constructed from aluminum, which has allowed for a 20 MOA canted Picatinny rail to be easily machined directly onto it. Another common aspect is that the bolt handle ends with a ball, a solution that facilitates the straight-pull cycling operation.

The trigger system could only be the acclaimed ACCUTRIGGER, a trigger that can be used in precision sporting rifles given its quality. Its performance is excellent, with an ultra-short take-up and a break like a glass rod. Due to the safety blade in the trigger shoe, its behavior resembles a false two-stage trigger. Otherwise, it allows for easy user adjustment; in this case and for this model, from 1.13 kg (2.5 lbs) to 2.72 kg (6 lbs). This system is combined with a silent, two-position manual safety located behind the action, allowing for ambidextrous use.

The stock on this model is gray polymer and equipped with the ACCUFIT system. This is a patented system we have already seen on other models from the manufacturer, which allows for a phenomenal ergonomic fit. Through different spacers, it is possible to adjust its length, and with interchangeable cheek risers, choose the most suitable height. The buttstock is finished with a rubber recoil pad with good recoil absorption. This model uses flush-fit, removable four-cartridge SAVAGE magazines. Furthermore, the action sits on a patented system of aluminum rails embedded in the stock, acting as an aluminum bedding, called ACCUSTOCK.

In short, this is a rifle packed with technology that, thanks to its straight-pull bolt system, allows for rapid follow-up shots without losing one's sight picture. A weapon that fits like a glove for our popular driven hunts and battues.

Features:

• Lightweight and compact rifle (only 997mm long), highly maneuverable, especially designed for driven hunting.
• Ambidextrous straight-pull bolt system.
• Aluminum action with a black finish.
• Gray stock, AccuFit^® ergonomic adjustment system, and AccuStock^® aluminum bedding.
• User-adjustable AccuTrigger^® trigger system.
• Heavy-contour carbon steel barrel finished with a 5/8-24" threaded muzzle.
• Ball-end bolt handle.
• Removable flush-fit magazine.
• 20 MOA rail machined onto the action.