FlipKing
Senior Member
I recently purchased a Savage MSR 10 Hunter in .308. I searched the internet high and low for reviews. I found a few, but mostly what I found were initial reviews on youtube, not reviews from actual users. I'm a Savage fan and after holding one at Bass Pro, I decided to take the leap. Since there isn't much on them on this site, figured I would make a thread about my thoughts, improvements, and performance.
Backstory is that I bought a DPMS G2 Hunter about 5 years ago, without seeing one in person. I bought it off reviews and specs alone. I carry it about 50% of the time I'm in the woods. It shoots close to MOA and has been nothing but reliable, but it was missing some features that I wanted. It's a tad bulky, doesn't have an adjustable stock, isn't threaded, and doesn't have a brake. After pricing these improvements, I decided it was a better decision just to buy a new gun. This led me to looking at compact AR-10s such as the Savage Hunter, and Springfield Victor.
When looking to buy the Hunter, Bass Pro has it for $1300, and its everywhere online for $1200. However, I found an "American Flag" factory version of the Hunter online for $800. The components looked similar for a much smaller price. I called Savage and asked if they were built the same as the black versions. The girl told me yes, so I ordered the flag version. I don't think she lied to me, but I think depending on when the gun is built the stock and grip could be different, and possibly the brake.
Initial Reviews: The upper and lower have very little movement between them. I was very happy with this. Savage also built an adjustable plastic screw under the pistol grip so that you can reduce movement between the 2 as needed. The grip is a hard plastic Magpul MOE that I'm not a fan of. I ordered a Hogue Overmolded grip to replace it with for $23. My DPMS has a Hogue and been very happy with it.
The adjustable stock has a little rattle in it and limited sling attachment points its a basic Magpul stock. I ordered a Magpul ACS-L stock to replace it with. The ACS-L has QD points, a small storage compartment, and lots of good reviews about no rattle. The new stock was about $80.
The safety is not ambidextrous. When I first opened the rifle, the safety was very..spongy? Wasn't as tactile as I would like. This has gotten better the more than I mess with it. I may or may not replace it.
I don't love the flag dip, and it has a few chips in it. However, it's completely acceptable to save $4-500. The trigger is a Blackhawk Blaze and it feels lighter than I expected. I don't have a scale, but its not bad. Has a little travel and then a pretty clean brake. Time will tell if that gets changed to a Gisselle.
These are just the initial thoughts. I'm going to shoot it soon with cheap ammo just to check function and make sure the adjustable gas block is good. I have a Leupold 1 piece scope mount and a Bushnell Forge 2.5x15x50(which I got for $350 and have a $100 rebate to submit) coming, and then will be able to shoot some groups. I'll post updated pics once I get the new parts installed.
Backstory is that I bought a DPMS G2 Hunter about 5 years ago, without seeing one in person. I bought it off reviews and specs alone. I carry it about 50% of the time I'm in the woods. It shoots close to MOA and has been nothing but reliable, but it was missing some features that I wanted. It's a tad bulky, doesn't have an adjustable stock, isn't threaded, and doesn't have a brake. After pricing these improvements, I decided it was a better decision just to buy a new gun. This led me to looking at compact AR-10s such as the Savage Hunter, and Springfield Victor.
When looking to buy the Hunter, Bass Pro has it for $1300, and its everywhere online for $1200. However, I found an "American Flag" factory version of the Hunter online for $800. The components looked similar for a much smaller price. I called Savage and asked if they were built the same as the black versions. The girl told me yes, so I ordered the flag version. I don't think she lied to me, but I think depending on when the gun is built the stock and grip could be different, and possibly the brake.
Initial Reviews: The upper and lower have very little movement between them. I was very happy with this. Savage also built an adjustable plastic screw under the pistol grip so that you can reduce movement between the 2 as needed. The grip is a hard plastic Magpul MOE that I'm not a fan of. I ordered a Hogue Overmolded grip to replace it with for $23. My DPMS has a Hogue and been very happy with it.
The adjustable stock has a little rattle in it and limited sling attachment points its a basic Magpul stock. I ordered a Magpul ACS-L stock to replace it with. The ACS-L has QD points, a small storage compartment, and lots of good reviews about no rattle. The new stock was about $80.
The safety is not ambidextrous. When I first opened the rifle, the safety was very..spongy? Wasn't as tactile as I would like. This has gotten better the more than I mess with it. I may or may not replace it.
I don't love the flag dip, and it has a few chips in it. However, it's completely acceptable to save $4-500. The trigger is a Blackhawk Blaze and it feels lighter than I expected. I don't have a scale, but its not bad. Has a little travel and then a pretty clean brake. Time will tell if that gets changed to a Gisselle.
These are just the initial thoughts. I'm going to shoot it soon with cheap ammo just to check function and make sure the adjustable gas block is good. I have a Leupold 1 piece scope mount and a Bushnell Forge 2.5x15x50(which I got for $350 and have a $100 rebate to submit) coming, and then will be able to shoot some groups. I'll post updated pics once I get the new parts installed.
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