A Flyweight Wonder- Savage 16/116 Lightweight Hunter

Savage Unveils New 16/116 Lightweight Hunter

With a compact, flyweight design built for long hauls and tight quarters, Savage Arms’ new model 16/116 Lightweight Hunter is a godsend whether you’re hoofing it through the Rockies on a backcountry marathon or maneuvering for the shot inside a cramped blind.

Savage engineers’ showed remarkable ingenuity in shaving away every possible ounce—without sacrificing any of the company’s legendary accuracy and reliability. As a result, this svelte new addition to Savage’s purpose-driven Specialty Series weighs in at less than six pounds, more than a full pound lighter than typical deer rifles.

Such a notable reduction in mass was realized by making a number of smart adjustments, including machining out the receiver, fluting the bolt in a fine spiral fashion, and capping the stock with a 20-inch, light-contour barrel.

Designers also borrowed the lightweight magazine and framework from Savage’s renowned Trophy Hunter Series, replacing the standard heavy metal components found inside many heftier hunting rifles with a bulletproof base pad and rigid cross-bracing system crafted from light but extremely durable polymer.

As a result, the Lightweight Hunter tips the scale at a scant 5.65 to 5.8 pounds, depending on caliber, making it a blessing for anyone who burns serious shoe leather in pursuit of their favorite quarry.

A featherweight yet hard-hitting firearm is especially handy when hunting high country terrain, which makes the Lightweight Hunter a natural for tackling mule deer and elk. But it’s also appreciated on any extended adventure afoot, whether you’re stalking High Plains antelope or tracking down whitetails in the Adirondacks.

Thanks to a 40.25-inch overall length, the compact powerhouse is also a boon in ground and box blinds alike. No more spooking game by accidentally clunking your barrel against the side of the blind. Likewise, going through awkward contortions while maneuvering a long, unwieldy weapon from resting to shooting positions is also a frustration of the past.

Make no mistake, however, the Lightweight Hunter still packs serious firepower. It’s available in short- and long-action options in five calibers: 223 Rem., 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win. and 270 Win.

Accuracy is also epic, courtesy of a number of Savage advancements including a hand-straightened, button-rifled barrel and self-adjusting, floating bolt head that yields a fit normally available only with hand-lapped, locking lugs.

Zero-tolerance headspace, achieved by carefully matching barrel, action and bolt, further fuels world-class accuracy. The 16/116 Lightweight Hunter also offers Savage’s trademark, user-adjustable AccuTrigger system, which lets shooters tailor trigger pull to personal taste.

Rising to the challenge of extreme conditions, long-lasting performance is assured even in the harshest weather, thanks to a rugged synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel. Additional amenities include a reliable, easily engaged tang-mounted safety and detachable box magazine.

Finally, while the combination of extreme light weight and reliable, tack-driving accuracy has traditionally been reserved for high-priced custom rifles costing thousands of dollars, the 16/116 Lightweight Hunter retails for just $729, making this featherweight champion an affordable luxury for hard-core yet budget-conscious hunters everywhere.

SIDEBAR: 16/116 Lightweight Hunter Technical Specifications

SKU: Depends on model refer to: http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16LWH

Caliber: 223 Rem., 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win. and 270 Win.

Handed: Right

Rate of Twist: Depends on model refer to: http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16LWH

Weight: 5.65 or 5.8 pounds, depending on caliber

Overall Length: 40.25 inches

Barrel Length: 20 inches

Ammo Capacity: 4

MSRP: $729

Action: Long and short available

Drop at Comb: 1-1/2 inches