Field Tested: Savage Model 10 Stealth Evolution Rifle

posted on August 11, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Throughout its history, Savage Arms of Westfield, Mass., has been able to identify new trends and pursuits among American rifle shooters, and build or adapt its platforms to meet the needs of its customers. The result has been accurate, reliable and thoughtfully designed firearms that offer real value to consumers thanks to their affordable price points.

Given that history, it should be no surprise that as shooters have embraced chassis-style rifles during the past few years, so too has Savage. Desired for their high degree of adjustability and customization, as well as the enhanced accuracy provided by a truly free-floating barrel, chassis rifles are well suited for extended range shooting competitions such as the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). Savage’s entry into the field is its Stealth family of Model 10 and 110 bolt-action rifles, most recently expanded to include the Stealth Evolution models.


For the purpose of this review I had some range time with a Model 10 Stealth Evolution chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor. It’s a bolt-action, center-fire rifle designed around Savage’s Model 10 short-action and, as such, the platform is also available in .223 Rem., 6 mm Creedmoor and .308 Win. It’s worth noting that long-action, or Model 110, versions are also available in .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Lapua. The 6.5 mm Creedmoor model features a 24” fluted barrel, 5R button-rifled with a 1:8” twist. The barreled action is built into an aluminum chassis, and Stealth Evolution rifles are distinctive for the chassis’ bronze Cerakote finish.


The Stealth Evolution is designed for long-range accuracy. It’s weight—around 11 lbs., 7 ozs., even before adding a scope—is itself a benefit in this regard. Paired with an impressive muzzle brake, recoil and muzzle rise are effectively dampened by the heavy rifle, allowing shooters to better stay in the scope, see their impacts, and adjust accordingly for follow-on shots. The rifle also features what Savage terms a “factory blueprinted” action. Such guns are built to very tight tolerances when it comes to the components and interfaces that connect the action to the bore. Savage is already known for the excellent mechanical accuracy of its guns thanks to features like the dual-lug floating bolt head, but factory blueprinted rifles are enhanced even further. Accuracy potential is also improved by the company’s famous Accutrigger and a fully-adjustable PRS Gen 3 buttstock from Magpul, which improve the shooter’s ability to fit and fire the rifle.

  

During my time with the rifle, I found it to be a good option for riflemen and -women who want to go long without break the bank.

Specifications:
Manufacturer:
Savage Arms
Model: Model 10 Stealth Evolution Rifle
Chambering: 6.5 mm Creedmoor
Action Type: bolt-action, center-fire rifle
Receiver: carbon steel, matte black
Barrel: 24”, carbon steel, fluted, matte black
Rifling: 5R button rifled, 1:8” twist
Stock: monolithic aluminum chassis, bronze Cerakote finish; Magpul PRS Gen 3 fully-adjustable buttstock
Magazine: Magpul detachable box
Sights: Picatinny rail for optics
Trigger: Savage Accutrigger, user adjustable
Overall Length: 46 7/8” to 48 1/4”
Weight: 11 lbs., 7 ozs.

Also available in .223 Rem., 6 mm Creedmoor and .308 Win.
Features and specifications vary based on chambering.

Additional Reading: 
True Pair: Two New Long-Range Rifles from Savage 





Latest

Murdoch EM85 01
Murdoch EM85 01

The Murdoch & Co. EM85: An SA80 for America

Most modern service rifles are sold in the U.S. in semi-automatic form. There is one glaring exception, and that is the British L85. Murdoch & Co., an American company, is changing that reality with its EM85.

I Have This Old Gun: The British Brown Bess

One of the most iconic military longarms ever made, the British Land Pattern musket, more commonly known as the "Brown Bess," equipped British infantrymen across the world for more than a century.

Rifleman Interview: CCI Rimfire Ammunition

CCI’s rimfire offerings were part of the Plinkapalooza event in May.

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.