New Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle

[RayPDA]

Astute observations -

I started reading around - found this:

https://www.gunsweek.com/sites/default/files/archive/contents/rifles/articles/savage-impulse-launch/Savage_Impulse_FAQ.pdf

The FAQ in the link states that barrels can be swapped in the field:

"By removing the takedown/action screws and barrel clamp screws (loosen 3, remove 1), a new barrel and extension can be assembled. The floating bolt head can be removed toollessly and swapped when a new barrel and extension assembly is installed. A torque wrench would be needed to reinstall the takedown screws."

In regards to a 'repeatable zero, they say, "Yes. The 4 lug barrel clamp system provides for a repeatable zero because the barrel extension is timed
via the receiver and barrel locking lug (via the front lug)."

I found it kind of funny that they mention the use of aluminum as a desirable weight reduction but still end up with a 8.plus pound base weight.

The more I look at this the more concerns that I have.

It has two flange halves at the bottom of the aluminum receiver that the four bolts clamp the steel barrel into.
Is headspace set by screwing the barrel into the extension and then the barrel insertion depth in the receiver set with the barrel nut?
Can I crack the receiver clamp extensions by over torqueing the barrel clamp bolts?
Do I trust that the four receiver clamp bolts will prevent any movement of the barrel extension in the receiver?

[sigstroker]

It would be a lot heavier if it wasn't aluminum. I know that's obvious but a lot of people seemed to have missed that point.

It's heavy because there's probably a LOT of steel in the bolt to make straight-pull thing work.

[dfletcher]

For those interested, Heym and Anschutz versions of the radial lock up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMw_RLGi_hM

[Vigilante]

The initial price of $1,400 is a little high but in a year they'll probably be going for $1,000 or so.

Yes, on close-out.

It's an interesting gun, but my guess is that it will be a commercial failure. It's the answer to the question no one asked.

[k1dude]

I agree it'll be a commercial failure, simply because of the weight and price.

Regarding carrying heavy guns while hunting, it makes a huge difference.

I've been on plenty of 10 to 15 mile days chasing game or forced marches. Sometimes with an 8 pound shotgun running up and down mountains or foothills chasing quail or chukar. Sometimes lugging a 9 pound Garand and heavy pack way back in the service. Sometimes long stalks in the mountains for sheep or elk. Fortunately those were with a 6 to 6.5 pound rifle before optic.

Those were tough enough hunts and hikes without having a 10+ pound rifle. That would truly be painful. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. There's a reason the military and hunters are always looking for ways to lighten their load. High speed low drag is the goal for both.

[NapalmCheese]

Meh, I want one. I'd be interested in the 300 WSM, though I think a 338 WM would be better.

As for the weight, it'll be 10ish pounds with a scope. Heavier than I prefer but it's not like I don't own lighter options.

[Wrangler John]

Read the article on the Savage Impulse that intrigued me. Thinking about the three AR's I built as custom straight-pull bolt actions, and how accurate they are, that urge to pickup one, maybe the Predator model in .22-250 Remington, fluttered around my brain, until I read that the barrel twist is 1:12", too slow for the 50 grain Varmint Grenade. The other selections don't fit any of my needs, and my safes are all full. Then, I realized with disappointment that I finally reached the age where the next great things that come along, talk themselves out any appeal; drat, just when I can now afford those shiny new things, I lost interest. Well, better to save up the cash for cataract surgery, so I can actually see through scopes again.

[Fjold]

I know what you're saying John. I was looking for a gun to buy last week and besides no one having anything in stock, there was just nothing that I was interested in.

I've got the full safe with some guns in it that I've never shot. They're not collector's items either, just ordinary guns.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

No left hand offerings yet. When/if Savage offers LH, I'll be interested.

[NapalmCheese]

No left hand offerings yet. When/if Savage offers LH, I'll be interested.

Did you not read the description or watch the videos?

It's a straight pull action. You can swap the bolt handle from righty to lefty in 15 seconds or less.

Or were you looking for a lefty specific ejection?

[sigstroker]

It even said that in the OP.

[deckhandmike]

FYI, I have found the weights on Savage rifles to not match the listed weights. Some lighter, some heavier.

And yeah, light rifles are great. I’d rather carry more water than gun.

[Kestryll]

Let's see if we can continue this without LynnJr's sidetracks and trolling...

[sigstroker]

Social Regressive digs into the Impulse.

[Cowboy T]

It does seem like it'd be a nice gun, and I don't mind the weight. It's the price that gets me. Let's all remember, we can get a Savage 10/110 Trophy Hunter XP, with synthetic stock and a decent scope mounted (used to be Nikon ProStaff) for a street price of $549. And Savage 10/110's are good rifles!

Let's also remember that on the used market, Savage 10/110's go for the mid $350's or thereabouts. Sure, these are usually the pre-AccuTrigger versions, but the older Savage triggers are still pretty decent for general-purpose hunting tasks.

That, therefore, is the one major concern that I have with this new Impulse straight-pull rifle. It's kind of overpriced for a general-purpose bolt rifle, even one with bottom metal.