The Firearm Blog

The Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter rifle which was introduced last year is now available in Realtree Snow camo as well as Mossy Oak Brush Pattern camo. From the press release:

Every year when the weather starts to cool down, the predator hunting starts to heat up. That’s why Savage is expanding its very successful line of camouflage packages with the addition of snow camo, with the Model 10 Predator Hunter Package leading the way. These unique package guns come with full-coverage Realtree Hardwoods Snow camo on the stock, barreled action, scope and rings.

Model 10 Predator Hunter in Realtree Hardwoods Snow camo

The rifle is chambered in .223 Rem, .204 Ruger, .22-250 Rem and .243 Win. and has a suggested retail price of $760.

Jason emailed me some great photos of his new Savage Slug Warrior (Model 210F). The rifle/shotgun chambers 3″ 12 gauge shells, weights in at 7.6 lbs, has a 24″ barrel and a 2 round magazine capacity. MSRP is $587.

Click to expand the photos.

A very nice looking shotgun/rifle. Thanks Jason!

UPDATE from Jason:

SO FAR I’VE PRINTED GROUPS AS CLOSE AS 3/8 INCH WITH THE HORNADY SST AT 50 YRDS.

BUT WITH ONE THING..SAVAGE NEEDS TO CORRECT THE FEEDING OF THE ROUNDS. THEY JAM WHEN CYCLEING. OTHER THAN THAT SMALL ISSUE, I HAVE NOTHING BUT THE BEST REGUARDS FOR THE MAKERS OF SAVAGE 210F.

Sebastian linked to this very interesting article about gun laws at sea.

Is it lawful to carry firearms?

This depends of several factors.

· Flag State your yacht is registered with.
· Area you are likely to operate in.
· Type of firearm.

If I were sailing around the world I would probably want to carry a pump action shotgun in 12 gauge and a bolt action rifle in a non military caliber such as 7mm-08 Rem., .260 Rem. or .270 Win.

Why?

Semi automatics are illegal or have various arbitrary restrictions in most of the world for civilians. At best it could be confiscated, at worst you could be fined or arrested.

Bolt actions are used all over the world and most countries will allow hunters or competition shooters to bring them into the country for sporting purposes. Military calibers are banned in some countries. Better to stick with something nobody is going to object to.

A removable magazine would be a plus and so would a stainless steel action and barrel. The Savage Weather Warrior Series Model 16FCSS in 7mm-08 would be my choice. It has a four round detachable magazine. I would be surprised if any countries has a problem with a four round magazine in a bolt action.

Some type of illuminated scope with quick detachable mounts and open sights would be a must.

Savage Model 16FCSS

Next up, a shotgun. A semi-automatic would be out for the same reason as the rifle. I am pretty sure pump actions are illegal in the UK, so if I were stopping by there then that would not be an option. The alternatives such as a double barrel, bolt action or lever action shotgun do not seem to me to be a credible threat to a ship full of pirates.

I would go with the Mossberg Mariner. At most I would install a magazine extension. Pimping it out withe pistol grips, fore grip and detachable magazines would not be a good idea.

Mossberg Mariner: A good idea.

Mossberg Mariner: A bad idea.

Lastly a replica RPG might not be a bad idea! Many years ago I was watching something on TV about super yachts and there was a brief clip of police somewhere in world showing off a cache of weapons they confiscated from super yachts including what looked like an M72 LAW. I am sure the LAW was not real.

Orange tipped replica.

My experience at sea is limited. I think the above would be good enough on small yacht. The aim really is to make it hard for pirates to come close while out maneuvering them.

I have traveled on very large cargo ships and defending them from pirates would be no different from defending a building.

What do you think about my ideas? Realistically what would you carry on the high seas?

I came across a *great* photo of the Savage LE 10FP (click to increase size) by Md 25v @ RFC:

I love the green/black scope in the background matching the rifle colors!

A review @ gunblast:

Whether or not this level of accuracy is needed in a .308 built for tense social situations can be argued either way. However, it is nice to know that target-grade accuracy is there if needed for that long range shot that might mean life or death. The Savage 10FP-LE2 delivers the inherent accuracy, reliability, and precision of rifles costing thousands of dollars more, in a rifle that currently lists for only $578.

If you need several rifles to outfit a tactical shooting team for a government agency, or are just an individual wanting a precision rifle for target shooting or hunting, I highly recommend the Savage 10FP, in any of its variations. Spend the money you save on a quality scope and good ammunition. Spending more on the rifle will not buy you any more accuracy or reliability than that which comes standard on the Savage.

More here.

From Shooting Times (UK):

I have always been a sucker for a good thumbhole stock and enjoy using the smaller calibre rifles for their ease of shooting, light recoil and level of performance that is more than sufficient for an evening’s rabbit foray.

The .17 HMR fills many requirements in this area and the new offering from stalwart Savage Arms ticks all the boxes regarding looks and performance. The Savage name has always stood for good quality at a fair price, but some models had that utilitarian look which wasn’t as appealling.

Not so with the new 93R17 model — you can see the pedigree yet appreciate the refinements, giving the shooter the complete package.

More here.