The Savage 110 BA: Power Purchase (page 3)
The Savage Model 110 BA.
By Aaron Carter, Managing Editor
Like Savage’s other rifles, the Model 110 BA features the company’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger. In this case, it is the law enforcement version, offering a pull-weight range of 1.5. to 6 pounds. The test rifle’s trigger broke cleanly at 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and exhibited minimal overtravel.
As for controls, the 110 BA’s mimic those from previous Model 110-based rifles. The rifle features Savage’s standard three-position, tang-mounted safety, and the bolt release is positioned on the right, rear side of the receiver. Like the Model 10 BAS-K and BAT/S-K, the 110 BA’s magazine release is located on the front of the trigger guard, and pushing it forward releases the magazine.
Testing The Model 110 BA
As Team Savage played an integral part in the development of the 110 BA, and being world-class shooters, it only made sense that to realize the rifle’s full potential, accuracy testing needed to include them. So, in early October 2009 at the Douglas Ridge Rifle Club outside of Portland, Ore., we did just that. Having received two prototype rifles only days before my arrival, and working up some initial handloads, we evaluated their performance at 1,000 yards. Typical of Savage Arms’ products, accuracy was impressive—maintaining 1/2-m.o.a accuracy or less with the 250-grain loads with Team Savage members shooting. For me, the average increased, but remained less than one m.o.a.
Upon receiving the first production Model 110 BA for testing, I topped it with a Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25X 50 mm ER/T riflescope in Weaver rings, and headed to the 300-yard range with an assortment of ammunition. For stability, a Shooter’s Ridge bipod and a sandbag (for buttstock support) were used, and shots were taken from the prone position.
The best single five-shot group measured 1.29 inches (RUAG 250-grain Swiss P Target), and the best average for five consecutive, five-shot groups was 2.85 inches, and was produced by Cor-Bon’s 300-grain HPBT load. In most cases, three, if not four, shots impacted closely, but invariably, one, and at times, two, fliers enlarged the otherwise extremely tight group. Still, accuracy was commendable.
The muzzle brake, along with the 1 9/16-inch-thick semi-flexible recoil pad and rifle’s 15-pound, 12-ounce weight, made recoil quite tolerable. In fact, during the accuracy- and function-testing phase alone, I shot nearly 200 rounds in a single day and was no worse for wear. Hearing protection, and even doubling up, is highly recommended.
Although the Model 110 BA is found in the Savage Arms law enforcement lineup, and was designed with military requirements in mind, not to mention it has the ability to withstand operational use by military and law enforcement communities, long-range shooting enthusiasts will surely find this rifle appealing. What’s more, the 110 BA’s $2,267 price puts it within the reach of many shooters. All this, along with Savage’s renowned accuracy and commitment to quality, gives you a remarkable rifle at an equally impressive price.
Manufacturer: Savage Arms; (413) 642-4262; Savagearms.com
Caliber: .300 Win. Mag., 338 Lapua Mag. (tested)
Action Type: Bolt-action, repeating center-fire rifle
Receiver: 4140 chrome-moly steel
Barrel Length: 29½" with muzzle brake; 26" without
Rifling: 1:10" (.300 Win. Mag.), 1:9" (.338 Lapua Mag.), RH twist, six-groove, button-rifled
Magazine: Six-round (.300 Win. Mag.), five-round (.338 Lapua Mag.), detachable Accuracy International box
Sights: None; 18" 6061 T6 rail
Trigger Pull: Single-stage; 2 lbs., 4 ozs.
Stock: Magpul PRS2; fully adjustable for length of pull, drop at comb and drop at heel
Overall Length: 50.5"
Weight: 15 lbs., 12 ozs.
Accessories: Cable lock, manual
Suggested Retail Price: $2,267
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