Savage Model 110

The Savage Model 110 was a collection of parts that could be produced and assembled cheaply. It was the antithesis of the “milled from a block of steel” concept. The rifle debuted at $109.95 and was initially available only in .270 and .30/06. Its walnut stock had awkward lines and rough hand checkering, and the action suffered from a poor trigger. Still, the 110 worked, shot well, and most importantly—people could afford it. Remarkably, it was also made for left-handed shooters, which was extremely rare at the time.

By 1965, the line had expanded to include the .22/250. As a dedicated woodchuck hunter, I acquired one. Some features of the Savage Model 110 were simply unacceptable, so I replaced the factory stock with a Fajen, ground the trigger down to an unsafe two pounds, and had the nonfunctional rear-sight knot milled off the barrel.

Still, that rifle was a true shooter. Over fifty years later, I can still recall the handload I used, its velocity, and the size of the groups it produced. Nicholas Brewer may have been aiming for cheap, but in doing so, he also achieved something remarkably accurate.

The Legacy and Survival of Savage Arms

Despite its success with the Model 110, Savage Arms fell on hard times. The company relied on outdated machinery, produced uninspired designs, and saw its skilled workers retire without replacements. During a 1972 visit to the Savage plant, I saw their rifling machine—proudly in use since 1898.

Ownership changed hands multiple times, often to less capable leaders. By 1988, Savage was hemorrhaging $25 million annually and was on the verge of shutting down.

Two things saved the company. The first was Ron Coburn, who took over just before the end. He reviewed the product line and asked, “What can we make that works?” The engineers answered, “The Model 110.” From that moment, the company focused entirely on the 110—still their primary offering. Ron Coburn and Nicholas Brewer’s parts-based design brought Savage back from the brink.

Source: BY DAVID E. PETZAL – Field & Stream

Passionate about hunting rifles like the Savage Model 110? Visit our lodge in Argentina and enjoy premium wingshooting adventures, great company, and delicious local cuisine.