NRA Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Impulse Hog Hunter

by
posted on April 9, 2021
** 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. **
The Savage Arms Impulse Hog Hunter is the Westfield, Mass., gunmaker’s latest innovative introduction. Though Savage continues with its highly successful and, accurate, turn-bolt rifles, the Impulse is in a class of its own and stands to rival much pricier European straight-pull designs.

Green rifle right side with black optic and text on image noting make and model "Savage Arms Impulse Hog Hunter"

The Impulse Hog Hunter, like all other Savage rifles provides a hand-straightened, carbon steel barrel that is button rifled to achieve m.o.a.-capable accuracy. The trigger unit is the user-adjustable AccuTrigger and, completing the package is another known quantity from Savage—AccuStock with AccuFit.

Left side of rifle stock green color black metal

Considering the gun’s straight-pull design with barrel-to-bolt lockup, Savage is afforded the use of aluminum with making the receiver. This also helps to lighten the gun’s weight and allows for a heavier, medium-contour barrel. American Rifleman’s Impulse Hog Hunter sample arrived chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor, but Savage has taken steps to provide consumers with options for .308 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., and .300 Win. Mag. Overall weight will vary between 8.4 lbs., and 9.1 lbs., respectively.

digital rendering rifle action with inset image of black rifle bolt metal parts guns

A Picatinny-style rail runs the full length of the receiver’s top. The rail section is integral to the receiver and sports 20 m.o.a. of cant. Along the bottom, just forward of the enlarged trigger guard is the flush-fit detachable box magazine.

close-up rifle receiver green stock black metal

Our experience on the range with this new American-made rifle system was eye opening. It is apparent that Savage looked at many successful designs and came to market with one that American consumers should love. The action is fast and smooth, and the overall balance and functionality was a joy to handle.

Man wearing ear muffs glasses green shirt shooting a green rifle on white target range

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to see the Savage Impulse in action.

Savage Arms Impulse Hog Hunter Specifications
Manufacturer: Savage Arms
Action Type: straight-pull, bolt-action rifle
Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor
Receiver: aluminum, matte-black finish
Stock: OD Green, adjustable, AccuStock
Magazine: four-round detachable box
Length: 41.5”
Weight: 8 lbs., 8 ozs.
MSRP: $1,379

Further Reading:
Savage Arms 110 Classic Review

A Serious Rifle Maker's Take On A Series Shotgun

Savage Arms Shotguns: A Brief History

NRA Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Axis II Overwatch

The Model 1895 Lee Navy: Background & Value

6 Reasons To Reconsider M14 & M1A Rifles

Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.