Built for the Hunt: Design and Features
The Heart of the Beast: Receiver and Action
At the core of the Savage 110 Hog Hunter lies the renowned Model 110 action. This bolt-action system is a cornerstone of Savage Arms’ reputation, celebrated for its reliability, strength, and smooth cycling. The receiver, typically constructed from durable materials, is built to withstand the rigors of the field. The bolt itself features a robust locking mechanism, ensuring secure lockup and optimal safety. The smooth action allows for quick follow-up shots, crucial when dealing with multiple hogs or a charging boar. The receiver is also designed to accept readily available scope bases, which is critical for attaching a hunting optic for accurate shots. This action is a workhorse, designed to keep you in the hunt, shot after shot, season after season.
Barrel: The Point of Precision
The barrel is where the rubber meets the road, literally, in hog hunting. The Savage 110 Hog Hunter typically features a heavy-contour barrel, designed for enhanced accuracy and resistance to heat buildup. This is especially important when taking multiple shots in quick succession. The barrel material can vary, but typically it is either made of carbon steel or stainless steel, which provides excellent durability against corrosion and the elements. The barrel length is generally designed to balance maneuverability with ballistic performance. A shorter barrel allows you to move easily through dense brush. The muzzle of the barrel is often threaded, allowing for the attachment of a suppressor, a significant advantage for hunters. Suppressors reduce the sound signature of the shot, minimizing disturbance to other hogs in the area and reducing the chances of spooking your target.
Stock: Comfort and Control
The stock is the interface between you and the rifle, and the Hog Hunter’s stock is designed for both comfort and control. It’s generally constructed from a durable synthetic material. The synthetic stock offers exceptional resistance to the elements, being impervious to moisture and variations in temperature. It doesn’t warp or swell like wooden stocks, making it ideal for harsh environments. The design prioritizes ergonomics, often featuring a textured grip for a secure hold even in wet conditions. Many models offer a comfortable cheek weld for quick target acquisition. The stock’s design contributes to the rifle’s overall balance, making it easy to shoulder and swing on target. The focus is on providing a stable and comfortable platform for accurate shooting, even when the adrenaline is pumping.
The Trigger Advantage: AccuTrigger
Savage Arms’ AccuTrigger is a standout feature of the Hog Hunter. This innovative trigger system is renowned for its crisp, clean break and adjustable pull weight. The AccuTrigger incorporates a lever safety mechanism that must be fully depressed for the rifle to fire. This unique design contributes to a safer shooting experience while allowing for an incredibly light and responsive trigger pull. Adjusting the trigger pull weight allows you to fine-tune the rifle to your personal preference, enhancing accuracy and confidence. The AccuTrigger is one of the reasons why the Savage 110 rifles are known for their out-of-the-box accuracy.
Magazine: Reliable Feeding
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter typically features a detachable box magazine, although some variations may utilize a hinged floorplate. The magazine is designed for reliable feeding, a critical factor when hunting hogs, which can move in packs and require rapid follow-up shots. The magazine capacity is generally sufficient to handle multiple targets or provide follow-up shots, ensuring you have the rounds you need when it counts. The magazine is designed to be easily removed and reloaded, allowing for quick and efficient reloads in the field.
Performance and Accuracy: Hitting the Mark
Putting It to the Test: Accuracy Assessment
Accuracy is paramount in hog hunting. The Savage 110 Hog Hunter is known for its impressive accuracy. When testing this rifle, the results often speak for themselves. At one hundred yards, group sizes are generally tight. The combination of a heavy-contour barrel, the AccuTrigger, and the overall design of the rifle contributes to the consistent precision it offers. Testing is typically performed using various ammunition types to find the loads that the rifle groups best. This allows the hunter to optimize the rifle’s performance.
Managing Recoil: Staying on Target
The recoil of a rifle is a significant factor in both comfort and accuracy. The Savage 110 Hog Hunter is chambered in a range of calibers. Effective recoil management is crucial for quick follow-up shots and comfortable shooting over extended periods. The rifle’s design, including the stock and overall weight, contributes to managing recoil. The heavy-contour barrel can also absorb some of the recoil energy. The shooter’s ability to maintain a solid shooting position is also important. Effective recoil management ensures you can stay on target and make accurate follow-up shots, even when faced with a charging hog.
Chamberings and Bullet Selection: The Right Match
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter is available in several chamberings. The selection of the right chambering and bullet is crucial for achieving effective results.
.308 Winchester: A popular choice, the .308 Winchester offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. This caliber is a great all-around choice for various hunting scenarios.
.30-06 Springfield: Known for its versatility, the .30-06 Springfield offers more power at longer ranges and is a great choice for larger hogs.
.300 Blackout: Ideal for hunters seeking a suppressor-friendly option, the .300 Blackout delivers excellent performance at shorter ranges, making it ideal for hog hunting in dense environments.
Choosing the Right Load:
Bullet selection is critical. Expanding bullets are generally preferred for their rapid expansion upon impact, delivering significant energy transfer and maximizing stopping power. Solid copper bullets are a good choice for deep penetration. The bullet weight should be chosen based on the size of the hogs you are targeting and the expected range of your shots. Experimenting with different bullet types and weights is essential to finding the perfect load for your rifle and hunting conditions.
Hog Hunting Applications: Where It Excels
Terrain and Conditions: Finding the Sweet Spot
This rifle shines in various environments. It performs admirably in dense brush, where its maneuverability and quick handling are advantageous. It’s equally effective in open fields, where the potential for longer shots is enhanced by its accuracy and power. The Hog Hunter’s synthetic stock is also built to weather harsh conditions, including rain, mud, and extreme temperatures. This makes the rifle reliable, come rain or shine. The Savage 110 Hog Hunter is designed to withstand the elements.
Effective Range: Reaching Out
The effective range of the Savage 110 Hog Hunter depends on the chambering and ammunition used. For the .308 Winchester, the effective range is generally within the 300-yard range, considering the accuracy and energy needed for a humane kill. The .30-06 and .300 Blackout are excellent for shots within 200 yards. The key is to understand the capabilities of both the rifle and the chosen ammunition. Practice is essential to developing your shooting skills.
Accessories and Customization: Tailoring Your Rifle
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter can be customized to match your specific hunting needs.
Optics: A high-quality riflescope is essential for maximizing the rifle’s accuracy and effective range. Consider scopes with low-light capabilities and adjustable magnification.
Slings: A comfortable sling is crucial for carrying the rifle in the field.
Bipods: A bipod can improve stability for long-range shots.
Lights: Tactical lights can be mounted to the rifle to aid in hunting at night.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Weighing the Options
Strengths
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter offers numerous advantages, including its renowned accuracy, making precise shots easier. Its robust construction and reliable action contribute to its durability and longevity. The rifle is known for its value, providing an exceptional balance of performance and features. The AccuTrigger system is a great advantage, improving overall shooting performance. The availability of various chambering options provides flexibility in the selection of ammunition.
Weaknesses
Potential drawbacks might include the weight, which can be a factor for hunters covering long distances. The synthetic stock design might not appeal to all hunters. The choice of accessories might be limited.
A Final Word: Taming the Beast
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter is a top-tier hog hunting rifle. Its accuracy, durability, and reliable performance make it a weapon of choice for hunters. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this rifle can meet the needs of the hunt.
