First Look: Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter

With a compact, flyweight design built for long hauls and tight quarters, the new Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter is a great option for hoofing it through the Rockies on a backcountry marathon or maneuvering for the shot inside a cramped blind.

Savage engineers' showed remarkable ingenuity in shaving away every possible ounce without sacrificing accuracy and reliability. As a result, this svelte new addition to Savage's purpose-driven Specialty Series weighs in at less than six pounds, more than a full pound lighter than typical deer rifles.

Such a notable reduction in mass was realized by making a number of adjustments, including machining out the receiver, fluting the bolt in a fine spiral fashion and capping the stock with a 20-inch, light-contour barrel.

Designers also borrowed the lightweight magazine and framework from Savage's Trophy Hunter Series, replacing the standard heavy metal components found inside many heftier hunting rifles with a bulletproof base pad and rigid cross-bracing system crafted from light but extremely durable polymer.

As a result, the Lightweight Hunter tips the scale at a scant 5.65 to 5.8 pounds, depending on caliber, making it a blessing for hunters who burn serious shoe leather in pursuit of their favorite quarry.

A hard-hitting featherweight firearm is especially handy when hunting high country terrain, which makes the Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter a natural for tackling mule deer and elk. It can also be used on any extended adventure afoot, whether you're stalking High Plains antelope or tracking down whitetails in the Adirondacks.

Thanks to a 40.25-inch overall length, the compact powerhouse is also a boon in ground and box blinds alike. No more spooking game by accidentally clunking your barrel against the side of the blind. Likewise, going through awkward contortions while maneuvering a long, unwieldy firearm from resting to shooting positions is also a frustration of the past.

The Lightweight Hunter is available in popular hunting calibers. It's available in short- and long-action options in five calibers: 223 Rem., 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win. and 270 Win.

Accuracy is helped through a number of Savage advancements including a hand-straightened, button-rifled barrel and self-adjusting, floating bolt head that yields a fit normally available only with hand-lapped locking lugs.

Zero-tolerance headspace, achieved by carefully matching barrel, action and bolt, further fuels world-class accuracy. The Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter also offers Savage's trademark, user-adjustable AccuTrigger system, which lets shooters tailor trigger pull to personal taste.

Rising to the challenge of extreme conditions, long-lasting performance is assured even in all weather conditions, thanks to a rugged synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel. Additional amenities include a reliable, easily engaged tang-mounted safety and detachable box magazine.

The Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter retails for $729.

Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter Technical Specifications

Caliber: 223 Rem., 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win. and 270 Win.

Handed: Right

Rate of Twist: Model-specific

Weight: 5.65 or 5.8 pounds, depending on caliber

Overall Length: 40.25 inches

Barrel Length: 20 inches

Ammo Capacity: 4

MSRP: $729

Action: Long and short available

Drop at Comb: 1-1/2 inches

Drop at Heel: 1-7/8 inches

Length of Pull: 13.5 inches

Series: Specialty Series

Trigger: AccuTrigger

Magazine: Detachable box

Stock material: Synthetic

Barrel material: Stainless steel

Stock finish: Matte

Barrel finish: Matte

Stock color: Black

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