Savage Impulse Predator in 243

TXCOONDOG

TXCOONDOG

Well-known member
I've been kicking around the idea for a while and then I found one for $350.00 less than anywhere else so I bought it. Right off, I didn't like the undersized bolt knob and change it out for a much larger knob and what a difference in cycling the bolt. Just finished taking it apart and cleaning, adjusting the trigger to 2lbs, playing around with the accu-fit system (lop and comb), torquing to specs, installed a scope and screwing on a Ti can.

One thing for sure, the brass extraction is very positive and the faster you work the bolt, the further it slings the brass
into no mans land.

Ordering some 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tips to try out this next season. Working on some fire forming loads using 55gr Nosler SP FB and R15 to do a barrel break-in before starting load development.
SavageImpulsePredator243.jpg
SavageImpulseBoltKnob.jpg
 
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Yes, it's the straight pull. I wanted one when I first heard about them. I found it for $900 to my FFL so I ordered it. It was a little awkward at first and the bolt knob did not feel right. I ordered a larger one pictured above and it made a big difference. I took it to the range today to start fire forming brass and the break-in process.

I managed to get 25 rounds down range with a mild load (3000 FPS) of R15 using the 55gr Nosler FBSP before it started pouring rain. The more I shot it, the more it become nature to pull straight back and push forward. The last five shots went into 3/4" group (center to center) @ 100 yds so it appears to show some accuracy potential.

Of course, it's much faster to work than my bolt guns, but nowhere near as fast as my AR 10 in 243 :)
 
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I know a guy who had one in 300 win mag. He liked it and it shot pretty good. He came into some money issues so I tried to buy it from him, but someone else beat me to it.
 
The barrel is headspace in an extension and with a removal of a screw and loosening of two screws in the receiver, it would make barrel swapping a piece of cake, provided you have other extension, recoil lug and barrel headspace in another caliber. Bolthead swap (toolless) is simple too.


PS: There is a video series about the impulse, barrel swap and misc upgrades on YouTube.
 
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I have it in 22-250. I like mine but there are some issues with the bolt. If i try to cycle it too fast it jams and sometimes the bolt does not fully lock shut, you try to fire it, the trigger is locked. If i pull the bolt back a little ways to not eject the shell and then slam it forward it works. It works good 90% of the time. I plan on sending it back to savage but their turn around wait time is several months now. I have had good luck with older savages but the last 2 i have bought both have bolt issues.
 
Man that would definitely mess me up for awhile after using normal bolts forever. I’m not familiar with the action design at all, and I’m sure it’s safe but something in my head would keep me from using one. Just having the bolt handle camming down into the receiver makes me feel better about lining my face up behind the bolt!

Probably just me being old school?
 
DoubleLungRage said:
Straight pull rifles have been used in other countries for years. Nothing new about them, just not hat popular over here.
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Yep. I know. I’ve known about the Blaser straight pulls forever. I still feel the same way about them though. Just never seen the action up close and personal like. My opinion is only based on my self professed status as a mildly gifted borderline genius! 🤣
 
Did you install a SRS Acra rail? Did you use a tap in the aluminum rail or? I ordered a SRS Acra rail and going to tap it for 10-32
 
Infidel 762 said:
I used this; “Hunter” 3 inch Rail – Henderson Precision

I drilled and tapped through the factory stock.
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Never used Henderson. Salmon River Soultions has many different lengths and styles (Acra, picatinny, Acra and picatinny combo, etc). They are contoured to fit the contour of a hunting stock to ensure as many points of contacts as possible, and anything with the word "Tactical" is flat to mate up with chassis, etc that are milled flat.

Thanks for the info and response.
 
TXCOONDOG said:
Never used Henderson. Salmon River Soultions has many different lengths and styles (Acra, picatinny, Acra and picatinny combo, etc). They are contoured to fit the contour of a hunting stock to ensure as many points of contacts as possible, and anything with the word "Tactical" is flat to mate up with chassis, etc that are milled flat.

Thanks for the info and response.
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I am not sure. they have different versions and lengths. IIRC I selected the "hunter" version in the shortest length possible. I want it to connect to the ball head and that is all. I have one installed on my 110 and it has a contoured spacer between the stock and plate, it is not flat but has a small gap, this i went direct to the stock. It is pretty solid and has no play.
 
TXCOONDOG said:
Never used Henderson. Salmon River Soultions has many different lengths and styles (Acra, picatinny, Acra and picatinny combo, etc). They are contoured to fit the contour of a hunting stock to ensure as many points of contacts as possible, and anything with the word "Tactical" is flat to mate up with chassis, etc that are milled flat.

Thanks for the info and response.
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i think i have the same bolt know as you too.

Here is a video from last night working the bolt pretty fast on the second coyote;

 
Infidel 762 said:
i think i have the same bolt know as you too.

Here is a video from last night working the bolt pretty fast on the second coyote;

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Mine is the long knob (1.90") in the dragon scale pattern from Anarchy Outdoors. Nice Double. I'll try working the bolt fast and see if I get the same issues.

Not sure when I'll get around to it as I took a direct hit from Hurricane Beryl ..... nothing too bad, just need to reset fence posts with new fencing and remove blown down trees, etc. At least I have power but the well pump motor is burnt up (no water running water) and it will be a few days before a new one come's in.

Dig a few holes with manual post hole digger, come in to cool down and play in the forums :)
 
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TXCOONDOG said:
Mine is the long knob (1.90") in the dragon scale pattern from Anarchy Outdoors. Nice Double. I'll try working the bolt fast and see if I get the same issues.

Not sure when I'll get around to it as I took a direct hit from Hurricane Beryl ..... nothing too bad, just need to reset fence posts with new fencing and remove blown down trees, etc. At least I have power but the well pump motor is burnt up (no water running water) and it will be a few days before a new one come's in.

Dig a few holes with manual post hole digger, come in to cool down and play in the forums :)
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No, mine is the grenade pattern but I got it from the same place; Anarchy Outdoors. I'm glad you are safe and did not blow away:)
 
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