Savage Predator Hunter Range Testing A .223 Remington

Savage Predator Hunter Range Testing A .223 Remington

Stan Trzoniec

Always looking for something unique to take to the fields in the Northeast while in search of the wily wood chuck, the Savage Model 10 Predator .223 Remington seemed to have what it takes for summertime fun. The stock was synthetic for weather resistance, and the action was the company’s tried-and-true Model 10 complete with AccuTrigger. The test sample .223 Remington was the perfect match for small-game hunting.

Over the years Savage has come a long way in satisfying the needs of the serious small-game and varmint hunter with a wide variety of models. While Savage was known in the past as an average gun company when compared to the likes of Remington, Winchester or Ruger, under the leadership of Ron Coburn (now retired), the company escaped bankruptcy and has been on an uphill climb to success ever since. New methods of manufacturing, new ideas in design and the desire to to provide rifles at reasonable prices have resulted in many options tailored for a wide variety of shooters. That in itself is a hard nut to crack, but having a separate category of specialized rifles narrows the field for anyone having one type of game or hunting style in mind.

As a dyed-in-the-wool ’chuck hunter since adolescence, I am always on the lookout for something I can carry around for day-long forays after this varmint. Sure, once a colony of ’chucks is found, I can sit, enjoy a few hours at one spot or another, then move on.

In such situations, a “walking varminter” is preferred; with emphasis on the ability to carry it without getting fatigued in warmer weather. Something on the order of 7 to 8 pounds is good; after all, I am not walking across county lines, but rather just to the next field. The more I looked at the specifications of the Model 10 Predator Hunter, the more I liked it.