Ep. 185 - The RIGHT Rifle for You with Savage Arms

Published on June 12, 2025
Duration: 66:52

This episode of the Hornady Podcast features Savage Arms representatives R.J. Conto and Casey Deanbach discussing the diverse range of Savage rifles available for various shooting disciplines. They highlight how Savage caters to everyone from beginner hunters to competitive PRS shooters, emphasizing the quality and innovation across their product lines, including the Axis and 110 series. The conversation also touches on the evolution of shooting technology and how Savage incorporates consumer feedback into their product development.

Quick Summary

Savage Arms offers a diverse rifle lineup, from the budget-friendly Axis series to the high-performance 110 Elite Precision. They prioritize quality by using the same barrels across models and incorporate extensive consumer feedback into their designs, ensuring rifles like the updated Axis stock are ergonomic and rigid.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hornady Podcast & Savage Arms
  2. 00:34Savage Arms' Market Reach and History
  3. 01:35Savage's Product Lineup: Entry-Level to High-End
  4. 02:02Product Development Strategy with R.J. Conto
  5. 02:51New Cartridges and Rifle Pairings (e.g., 25 Creedmoor)
  6. 03:15Savage 110 Precision: Out-of-the-Box PRS Rigs
  7. 03:31Evolution of Savage Chassis Guns (110 BA to Elite Precision)
  8. 04:37Savage's Versatile Rifle Offerings for All Shooters
  9. 05:19Comparing Savage Rifles to Hornady Ammunition Lines
  10. 05:32Guest Backgrounds: Hunting and Shooting Passions
  11. 06:20R.J. Conto's Journey: Hunting to Western Pursuits
  12. 08:19R.J. Conto's Background: Competitive Shooting
  13. 09:32The Evolution of Long-Range Shooting Technology
  14. 10:39Modern Shooting Accessibility vs. Past Challenges
  15. 11:30The Skillset of Past Long-Range Marksmen
  16. 12:24Anecdote: Old Rangefinder Limitations
  17. 13:13Current State of Rifles, Ammo, and Optics
  18. 13:43Anecdote: Savage Axis .223 Accuracy
  19. 15:18Savage Axis Rifle: Entry-Level Quality
  20. 15:32Savage Axis Manufacturing and Design
  21. 16:13Axis Universal Receiver Design
  22. 17:01Axis 2 Refresh: Stock, Bolt Handle, Finishes
  23. 17:28Axis 2 Pro Lineup and Suppressor Integration
  24. 18:09Axis Stock Development: Ergonomics and Rigidity
  25. 19:40Axis Bolt Handle Design and 3D Printing
  26. 20:413D Printing in R&D for Faster Product Launch
  27. 21:02Leveraging Consumer Feedback for Product Improvement
  28. 21:24Sales Impact of New Axis Enhancements
  29. 21:43Hornady V-Match Ammunition Spotlight
  30. 22:12Sales Perspective on Cartridge Offerings

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Savage Axis rifle a good entry-level option?

The Savage Axis is considered a great entry-level rifle because it offers excellent value. It uses the same quality barrels as the more expensive 110 models and benefits from efficient manufacturing processes, including a universal receiver design, which helps keep costs down without sacrificing performance.

How has Savage Arms incorporated consumer feedback into its rifle designs?

Savage Arms actively listens to consumer feedback. For example, the redesign of the Axis stock involved three years of development, incorporating user input on ergonomics, pistol grip design, and stock rigidity to create a more comfortable and functional rifle.

What are the key features of the Savage 110 Elite Precision rifle?

The Savage 110 Elite Precision is designed to be a near-custom rifle straight from the factory. It features blueprinting actions, high-tech coatings like black nitride or Cerakote for durability, and advanced bolt technology with dual ejectors for enhanced feeding reliability, making it suitable for competitive shooting.

How has technology changed long-range shooting?

Modern technology has dramatically simplified long-range shooting. Features like accurate rangefinders, ballistic apps on smartphones, and high-quality factory ammunition have replaced the need for extensive manual logging of conditions and handloading, making precision shooting more accessible.

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