Unveiling the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor
The world of long-range shooting has seen an explosion in popularity, and for good reason. The thrill of hitting a target hundreds of yards away, the satisfaction of grouping shots tightly, and the challenge of mastering ballistics are all incredibly rewarding. At the heart of this burgeoning sport lies the precision rifle, a tool that empowers shooters to reach out and touch distant targets with confidence. One rifle that has consistently garnered attention in this arena is the Savage 110 Tactical, particularly in the potent 6.5 Creedmoor chambering. This Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor review will delve into this popular model, exploring its features, assessing its performance, and evaluating its overall value proposition for shooters seeking accuracy and affordability.
The Savage 110 series is a name synonymous with accuracy and innovation in the firearms industry. Savage Arms has a long-standing reputation for producing rifles that punch above their weight class, often delivering impressive performance at a price point that is accessible to a wide range of shooters. The 110 Tactical, specifically designed for precision shooting and tactical applications, takes the core strengths of the 110 platform and enhances them with features that cater to the demands of long-range enthusiasts and tactical marksmen. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, itself a modern marvel of ballistics, further elevates the rifle’s potential, offering exceptional accuracy, flat trajectories, and impressive downrange energy.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become the darling of the long-range community, and for good reason. Its inherently efficient design, combined with the availability of high-quality match-grade ammunition, allows for remarkable accuracy and minimal wind drift, making it an ideal choice for both competitive shooting and practical field use. This cartridge allows shooters to achieve remarkable results at extended distances with ease of use.
Key Features and Specifications
Let’s examine some key features of the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor that make it such an attractive option.
The heart of the rifle is the Savage 110 action, a proven design that has earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy. The action is known for its smooth bolt operation, which is a crucial factor in rapid follow-up shots and a comfortable shooting experience. Savage’s AccuTrigger is a standout feature. This trigger is adjustable, allowing the shooter to fine-tune the pull weight to their preference. It is known for its crisp, clean break, and safety built into its design. The AccuTrigger contributes significantly to the rifle’s accuracy potential.
The barrel is another critical component. The Savage 110 Tactical often features a heavy, free-floated barrel, designed to minimize vibration and promote accuracy. The twist rate is optimized for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, ensuring optimal bullet stabilization. The barrel is also typically threaded at the muzzle to allow for the attachment of muzzle devices, such as brakes or suppressors, offering further versatility.
The stock is typically a key consideration for any tactical rifle. The Savage 110 Tactical often features a chassis-style stock made of materials such as aluminum or high-strength polymers. This design offers several advantages. It provides a stable platform for the action and barrel. The design also incorporates features like an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull (LOP), allowing the shooter to customize the fit for optimal comfort and shooting posture. These adjustments are critical for consistency and accuracy.
The magazine capacity is usually a good number for most shooters. The rifle feeds from a detachable box magazine, ensuring fast and efficient reloading. The magazine holds a decent number of rounds, offering an adequate capacity for a range of shooting scenarios, from target practice to tactical applications.
The upper receiver is typically outfitted with a Picatinny rail, providing a robust and versatile mounting platform for optics. This allows shooters to easily attach scopes, red dots, and other sighting systems, enabling them to fine-tune their setups. The quality of the rail ensures a solid and stable platform.
The rifle’s weight typically depends on the specific configuration, but it is generally on the heavier side, which helps to absorb recoil and improve stability, a key feature for long-range accuracy. The balance of the rifle is usually well-considered.
Building and the Visual Experience
The overall build quality of the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor reflects Savage Arms’ commitment to quality and value. The materials are generally of high quality, and the components are well-fitted, creating a solid and reliable rifle. The metal components are often coated with a durable finish, providing protection against the elements. The stock is generally constructed with attention to detail, and the adjustable features operate smoothly and precisely.
The aesthetics are generally functional, with a tactical appearance. The combination of a heavy barrel, chassis-style stock, and Picatinny rail creates a purposeful look. The rifle conveys an impression of seriousness and precision.
Performance and Hitting the Mark
The primary goal of any precision rifle is accuracy, and this is where the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor shines. The combination of a high-quality barrel, AccuTrigger, and a stable platform allows for remarkable accuracy. Accuracy testing typically reveals impressive results. Group sizes, the measurement of how close the shots are to each other, are often within one minute of angle (MOA) or even sub-MOA. The specific accuracy will vary depending on the ammunition, but a well-maintained rifle and a skilled shooter can easily achieve excellent results.
Various factors impact the accuracy of the rifle, including the trigger pull weight, the shooter’s technique, and the quality of the ammunition. The AccuTrigger’s adjustability allows the shooter to fine-tune the trigger pull to their preference, enhancing trigger control and thus accuracy. Proper recoil management and a consistent shooting position are also essential for maximizing accuracy. The choice of ammunition also has a significant impact. Match-grade ammunition, loaded with high-quality bullets, will typically yield the best results.
The performance of the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor at different ranges is another critical consideration. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge excels at long ranges, and the rifle is well-suited for target shooting and competitive shooting at extended distances.
The cartridge’s flat trajectory and minimal wind drift make it easier to compensate for distance and wind conditions. The heavy barrel helps maintain accuracy as the barrel heats up during sustained firing. The rifle’s performance at 100 yards is exceptional, and it is capable of producing tight groups. At 300 yards, the rifle’s accuracy is still impressive, and it allows for easy hits on standard-sized targets. At 500 yards and beyond, the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor continues to perform well, with the shooter’s skill and the quality of the optics becoming increasingly important.
The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor delivers excellent accuracy with different ammunition. With premium, match-grade ammunition, it can often deliver sub-MOA groups, demonstrating the rifle’s inherent accuracy potential. The shooter will need to test different brands and bullet weights to find the best load for their rifle.
Trigger and Ergonomics
The AccuTrigger is a significant advantage of the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor. The trigger’s adjustability allows shooters to fine-tune the pull weight to suit their preferences, resulting in improved trigger control and accuracy.
The ergonomics of the rifle are another important aspect of its design. The stock’s adjustability allows for the shooter to get the best fit, promoting comfort and consistency. The adjustable cheek piece helps align the shooter’s eye with the scope, eliminating the need to adjust the head position and thus enhancing accuracy. The length of pull adjustment ensures the rifle fits the shooter’s body.
The bolt operation on the Savage 110 action is usually smooth and reliable, which allows for quick follow-up shots. The shooter’s overall experience with the Savage 110 Tactical is generally positive, with the rifle being comfortable to handle and easy to shoot.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Like any firearm, the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor has its pros and cons.
Pros
- Accuracy: The rifle is known for its excellent accuracy, often capable of sub-MOA groups.
- Value for Money: The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor offers a high level of performance at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value.
- AccuTrigger: The adjustable AccuTrigger allows the shooter to fine-tune the trigger pull for improved accuracy.
- Stock Adjustability: The adjustable cheek piece and length of pull on the chassis-style stock enhance comfort and promote consistency.
- Reliability: The Savage 110 action is known for its reliability and durability.
Cons
- Stock Design: The chassis-style stock may not appeal to all shooters. It can be heavier than some traditional stocks.
- Weight: The rifle’s weight can be a consideration for some shooters, especially those who plan to carry it for extended periods.
Comparing the Competition
The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor faces competition from a range of other rifles in the precision rifle market. Competitors include:
Ruger Precision Rifle
The Ruger Precision Rifle is another popular choice in the precision rifle market. It features a similar chassis-style stock, adjustable features, and a reputation for accuracy. However, the Savage 110 Tactical often has the advantage in terms of AccuTrigger and the availability of custom components.
Tikka T3x
The Tikka T3x is known for its smooth bolt action and exceptional accuracy. However, the Tikka T3x can be more expensive than the Savage 110 Tactical.
Bergara B-14
The Bergara B-14 is a well-regarded rifle, known for its accuracy. However, depending on the specific configuration, the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor may offer a better value proposition.
Value and the Final Verdict
The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor offers a high level of performance for the price, making it an excellent value for the money. Its accuracy, features, and reliability make it a compelling choice for shooters who want a precision rifle without breaking the bank.
The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor is suitable for a variety of shooters, including those interested in long-range target shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. The rifle’s accuracy and features make it a good choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Overall, the Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a precision rifle. It offers a combination of accuracy, features, and value that is hard to beat. The rifle’s performance, combined with the reputation of Savage Arms, makes it a solid option for a range of shooters. The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor delivers on its promises.
Final Thoughts
The Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor is a testament to Savage Arms’ commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate rifles at a competitive price. It is a rifle that delivers on its promise. Whether you are a seasoned long-range shooter looking for a reliable platform or a newcomer eager to explore the world of precision shooting, this rifle deserves serious consideration. The exceptional value, combined with the proven performance of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, makes the Savage 110 Tactical a standout choice in the crowded field of precision rifles. This Savage 110 Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor review should have helped make a more informed decision for your precision shooting needs.
