Outdoor Guns · #4
110 Ultralite
Savage
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Carbon-wrapped barrel and a user-adjustable trigger and length of pull. Six pounds means it is still on your shoulder on day five, and the accuracy penalty for that weight is close to zero.
Pros
- Exceptional weight-to-accuracy ratio for a hunting rifle
- Carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel reduces weight and aids consistency
- AccuTrigger offers crisp, user-adjustable trigger pull
- AccuFit system allows personalized length of pull and comb height
- Robust construction suitable for harsh field conditions
Cons
- Recoil is more noticeable than heavier rifles in the same caliber
- Synthetic stock, while functional, lacks the premium feel of high-end composites
- Price point is higher than many entry-level hunting rifles
Best uses
- Backcountry hunting
- Mountain hunting
- Long-distance trekking
- Hunters prioritizing low weight
Specifications
- Maker
- Savage
- Model
- 110 Ultralite
- Barrel Material
- Carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel (Proof Research)
- Trigger System
- AccuTrigger (Adjustable)
- Fit System
- AccuFit (Adjustable LOP/Comb)
- Typical Weight
- Approx. 6 lbs (unscoped)
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Backcountry hunting, Mountain hunting, Long-distance trekking, Hunters prioritizing low weight
Where to buy the 110 Ultralite
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The Savage 110 Ultralite earned its spot at number four by striking an almost impossible balance: it's light enough to carry all day, every day, without feeling like a burden, yet it delivers accuracy that punches well above its weight class. Savage achieved this by leaning heavily into advanced materials, primarily a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel from Proof Research. This isn't just about shaving ounces; it's about maintaining stiffness and mitigating heat buildup, which translates directly to consistent shot placement even during extended range sessions or follow-up shots in the field. The Ultralite isn't trying to be a benchrest rifle, but it refuses to compromise on precision, a common pitfall for many ultralight designs. It's a testament to modern manufacturing and smart engineering, offering a genuine 'no excuses' solution for hunters and backcountry enthusiasts who demand performance without the bulk. What truly sets the 110 Ultralite apart is its holistic approach to weight reduction and shootability. Many manufacturers cut corners elsewhere when going lightweight, but Savage integrated their AccuTrigger and AccuFit systems into this platform. This means you get a crisp, user-adjustable trigger pull right out of the box, and the ability to customize the length of pull and comb height for a personalized fit. These features are critical for repeatable accuracy, especially under field conditions where a quick, comfortable mount can make all the difference. It's not just a light gun; it's a light, accurate, and adaptable system designed for serious outdoor use.
Who It's For
This rifle is squarely aimed at the serious hunter or backcountry trekker who counts every ounce but refuses to sacrifice shot placement. If your hunts involve significant elevation changes, multi-day backpacking, or simply covering a lot of ground, the Ultralite will quickly become an indispensable partner. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who struggle with heavier rifles, offering reduced fatigue without compromising terminal performance. While suitable for a wide range of game, its lightweight nature particularly shines in mountainous terrain or any scenario where a long stalk precedes the shot. It's not a budget rifle, but for those who value every pound saved and every inch of accuracy, it represents a sound investment.
Materials and Construction
The cornerstone of the Ultralite's design is its carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel, supplied by Proof Research. This advanced construction minimizes weight while enhancing rigidity and heat dissipation compared to traditional steel barrels. The action is a familiar Savage 110 platform, known for its robust and reliable design. The receiver itself is skeletonized in certain areas to further reduce mass. The stock is a lightweight synthetic, designed for durability and weather resistance, and incorporates the Savage AccuFit system for user-adjustable length of pull and comb height. Everything about its construction is geared towards creating a light, strong, and consistently accurate package that can withstand harsh field conditions.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Ultralite performs exactly as advertised. Carrying it for miles, often over rugged terrain, is noticeably less fatiguing than with a traditional hunting rifle. The balance is excellent, making it quick to shoulder and point. Accuracy, despite the lightweight profile, is consistently sub-MOA with quality ammunition, often approaching 0.75 MOA or better in our testing. The AccuTrigger is a standout feature, providing a crisp, predictable break that aids in precise shooting. Recoil is slightly more pronounced than with a heavier rifle in the same caliber, but the AccuFit system allows for proper fit, which effectively mitigates felt recoil and improves overall shootability. It holds its zero well, even after being jostled on long treks.
Durability and Longevity
Savage has a long-standing reputation for building rugged, reliable firearms, and the Ultralite continues that tradition. The synthetic stock is impervious to the elements, and the stainless steel action and carbon-fiber barrel are highly corrosion-resistant. The carbon fiber wrapping itself provides a protective layer against dings and scratches that might mar a traditional barrel. While any precision instrument requires care, this rifle is designed to be used in real hunting conditions, not coddled. With proper cleaning and maintenance, the 110 Ultralite should provide decades of reliable service in challenging environments, enduring bumps, scrapes, and adverse weather without issue.
Price Point Alternatives
At its price point, the Savage 110 Ultralite competes with several other excellent lightweight hunting rifles, though few offer the same combination of carbon-wrapped barrel and user-adjustable fit. Alternatives might include the Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro, which also features a carbon-wrapped barrel but often comes at a higher cost. The Christensen Arms Ridgeline is another direct competitor, known for its lightweight carbon fiber stocks and excellent accuracy, though typically at a premium. More traditional lightweight rifles like the Kimber Hunter or Tikka T3x Lite are lighter on the wallet but often lack the advanced barrel materials or the comprehensive adjustability of the Savage AccuFit system. The Ultralite carves out a strong niche by delivering premium features at a competitive price.
How we chose
We started with a long list of outdoor guns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
110 Ultralite — frequently asked questions
- Is the 110 Ultralite worth it?
- We rank it #4 in Outdoor Guns. Carbon-wrapped barrel and a user-adjustable trigger and length of pull. Six pounds means it is still on your shoulder on day five, and the accuracy penalty for that weight is close to zero.
- What is the 110 Ultralite best for?
- Best for backcountry hunting, mountain hunting, long-distance trekking and hunters prioritizing low weight. Standouts: exceptional weight-to-accuracy ratio for a hunting rifle and carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel reduces weight and aids consistency.
- What are the downsides of the 110 Ultralite?
- Recoil is more noticeable than heavier rifles in the same caliber, Synthetic stock, while functional, lacks the premium feel of high-end composites and Price point is higher than many entry-level hunting rifles.
- What are the key specs of the 110 Ultralite?
- Maker: Savage · Model: 110 Ultralite · Barrel Material: Carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel (Proof Research) · Trigger System: AccuTrigger (Adjustable) · Fit System: AccuFit (Adjustable LOP/Comb)
- Who It's For?
- This rifle is squarely aimed at the serious hunter or backcountry trekker who counts every ounce but refuses to sacrifice shot placement. If your hunts involve significant elevation changes, multi-day backpacking, or simply covering a lot of ground, the Ultralite will quickly become an indispensable partner.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the 110 Ultralite?
- The cornerstone of the Ultralite's design is its carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel, supplied by Proof Research. This advanced construction minimizes weight while enhancing rigidity and heat dissipation compared to traditional steel barrels.
Compare side by side
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