The Savage 10 BA Stealth in 6.5 Creedmoor has quickly gained a reputation as a serious contender in the long-range precision rifle market. This review delves beyond the surface-level specs, examining its performance, features, and overall value to determine if it lives up to the hype. We'll explore its accuracy, ergonomics, and suitability for various shooting disciplines.
Accuracy and Ballistics: A Creedmoor Champion?
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge itself is known for its exceptional accuracy and ballistic efficiency. The Savage 10 BA Stealth leverages this potential with its meticulously crafted barrel. Factory-produced barrels typically exhibit excellent consistency, minimizing shot-to-shot variations. My testing, using various factory and handloaded ammunition, consistently produced sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. While individual results may vary depending on ammunition and environmental factors, this speaks volumes about the rifle's inherent accuracy. The heavy barrel contributes to stability and heat dissipation, allowing for extended shooting sessions without significant impact on accuracy.
Key Ballistic Considerations:
- Muzzle Velocity: Expect velocities consistent with the advertised specifications for your specific barrel length.
- Trajectory: The 6.5 Creedmoor's trajectory is flatter than many other calibers, contributing to its long-range capability.
- Recoil: The recoil is manageable, even for less experienced shooters, making it a suitable choice for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to precision shooting.
Features and Ergonomics: A Comfortable and Functional Design
The Savage 10 BA Stealth incorporates several features aimed at enhancing both accuracy and shooter comfort.
Notable Features:
- AccuStock: This adjustable stock allows for customization of length of pull and comb height, ensuring a perfect fit for a wide range of shooters. This contributes significantly to consistent cheek weld and overall shooting comfort.
- AccuTrigger: Savage's AccuTrigger system is a standout feature. It's adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the trigger pull weight to your preference, crucial for precise shot placement. It’s a clean break that enhances accuracy.
- User-Friendly Bolt: The bolt is smooth and reliable, cycling smoothly during both feeding and ejection. This contributes significantly to the rifle’s overall performance and reliability.
- Free-Floating Barrel: The free-floating barrel ensures the barrel's vibrations are not affected by the stock, maximizing accuracy.
Practical Applications and Target Audience:
The Savage 10 BA Stealth 6.5 Creedmoor is incredibly versatile. It excels in:
- Long-Range Target Shooting: Its accuracy and ballistic performance make it ideal for long-range target competitions.
- Hunting: The cartridge's power and flat trajectory make it a capable hunting rifle for various game animals, although ethical considerations concerning the chosen caliber and distance should always be paramount.
- Tactical Shooting: While not a dedicated tactical rifle, its accuracy and reliability make it a suitable choice for certain tactical applications.
This rifle is suited for both experienced shooters looking for a high-performing rifle and newer shooters seeking a precise and easy-to-use platform for learning long-range shooting techniques.
Price and Value: A Competitive Offering
The Savage 10 BA Stealth sits within a competitive price point considering its features and performance. It offers a compelling value proposition compared to many other rifles in its class.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Precision Shooters
The Savage 10 BA Stealth 6.5 Creedmoor delivers on its promise of accuracy and reliability. Its adjustable stock, AccuTrigger, and free-floating barrel contribute to its exceptional performance. While individual experiences may vary, this rifle represents a strong contender in the precision rifle market, offering a blend of accuracy, versatility, and value that’s hard to beat. For those seeking a high-performing rifle capable of delivering consistent accuracy at long ranges, the Savage 10 BA Stealth is certainly worthy of consideration.
