10 Things to Know About the New Savage Arms MSRs
OutdoorHub Reporters 01.03.17
When I heard rumors that Savage Arms was releasing some new AR-15s and AR-10s, I asked my contact at the company to send me more information to share with loyal OHUB fans. But when he emailed me 12 pages of product descriptions and spreadsheets of technical specifications, I told him to tap the brakes.
Instead, I asked my friend for the top 10 things he wants OHUB readers to know about the four new models of Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) from Savage Arms. Here’s the scoop:
- Savage has been building industry-leading firearms for more than 100 years. Shooters worldwide recognize the brand’s name as synonymous with accuracy and value, primarily within the bolt-action rimfire and centerfire categories. But few customers realize that Savage has also been in the AR business, off and on, for years, quietly creating high-quality barrels for other manufacturers, all the while honing the process to a fine art.
- Savage Arms now offers a variety of rifles dubbed MSR 10 and MSR 15 for “Modern Savage Rifle.” These compact semi-autos boast custom upgrades packaged as standard features. Savage’s initial release is two models of AR-15 platform rifles chambered in .223 Wylde, two models of AR-10 platform rifles in .308 Win., and two more AR-10s in 6.5 Creedmoor, equaling six rifles in total. Savage Arms will launch this product line to dealers at the 2017 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 17-20.
- All Savage MSRs offer high-demand, upgraded features such as button-rifled barrels with accuracy-enhancing 5R rifling, a long-lasting Melonite QPQ finish, Savage’s trademark zero-tolerance headspace control, new BLACKHAWK! furniture and much more. On the AR-15 platform, the new MSR 15 Patrol and MSR 15 Recon are both chambered in .223 Wylde, which enhances out-of-the-box accuracy and allows safe, reliable function with both .223 Rem. and 5.56x45mm ammunition.
- Savage’s new MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range are aimed at big-game hunting and long-range shooting. The .308 Win. is a fine all-around choice for big game, not to mention a top traditional pick of long-range shooters. A relative newcomer, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a long-range performer developed for target shooting, but ideal in hunting applications as well. Both models are built on compact, lightweight frames. They are equipped with custom-forged uppers and lowers for a unique look, and adjustable gas blocks for fine-tuning if shooting suppressed. Additionally, the MSR 10 Long Range is equipped with a side charging handle.
- The MSR 10 Long Range is capable of connecting with targets at extreme ranges well out of reach of standard ARs. The BLACKHAWK! AR Blaze two-stage target trigger fuels crisp, clean releases unheard of on factory ARs. Also equipped with an adjustable gas block, the MSR 10 Long Range features a Magpul PRS target-adjustable buttstock for quick and easy tweaking to fit any shooter or position. The rifle’s non-reciprocating side-charging handle is infinitely easier to operate than standard rear-charging configurations when shooting from a prone position or with a large scope, yet the rear charging handle is still fully functional.
- The MSR 10 Hunter is light enough to carry anywhere, yet features calibers with plenty of punch to stop big game. The rifle also features an adjustable gas block and ergonomic BLACKHAWK! pistol grip and crisp BLACKHAWK! AR Blaze trigger. Realizing the rifle won’t just be used for hunting, Savage retained the M-LOK fore-end, which leaves the door open to accessorizing the platform for tactical pursuits.
- Both the MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range feature a compact AR-10 design that feels and handles more like an AR-15. Savage tailored barrel length to caliber and purpose. The .308 Win. version of the MSR 10 Hunter sports a 16 1/8-inch barrel (and weighs just 7.5 pounds), while the 6.5 Creedmoor Hunter carries an 18-inch barrel. MSR 10 Long Range barrel lengths are 20 inches for the 308 Win. and 22 inches for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
- Savage’s new MSR 15 Recon comes standard with upgrades serious shooters demand, including a BLACKHAWK! AR Blaze trigger, free-floating M-LOK fore-end and upgraded Savage barrel with a .223 Wylde target chamber. Its 5R rifling and a Melonite QPQ finish ensure the most consistent, accurate performance in any conditions, while the Recon’s custom-forged lower receiver and BLACKHAWK! KNOXX AR Pistol Grip and AXIOM Carbine Stock impart a look that stands out from the crowd.
- The new Savage MSR 15 Patrol is a step up from the many rack-grade M4 clones popular today. With an upgraded barrel featuring a .223 Wylde target chamber, 5R rifling and a Melonite QPQ finish, the rifle delivers accuracy well beyond mil-spec. A BLACKHAWK! handguard, pistol grip and adjustable buttstock further separate the Patrol from all other MSRs. Both the MSR 15 Recon and Patrol accept all standard AR accessories built to mil-spec from all manufacturers, such as the variety of tactical accessories from Savage’s sister company, BLACKHAWK!.
- Better triggers definitely separate Savage’s new lineup from the competition. A crisp, light, dependable trigger is vital to achieving optimum accuracy. The MSR 15 Recon and MSR 10 Hunter have premium BLACKHAWK! AR Blaze™ trigger systems with exclusive surface technology that reduces creep while permanently ensuring a smooth pull and clean break, with no lubrication. Aimed at the extreme distance shooter, the MSR 10 Long Range is outfitted with a BLACKHAWK! AR Blaze two-stage target trigger, the quality of which is typically only found on custom-built match rifles.
With 12 pages of product descriptions and technical specifications, this list of 10 interesting tidbits just scratches the surface of the new Savage MSR Lineup. For more information, click here.
Author’s note: Check out the photo series below showing the Savage MSR 15 Patrol in action. Communications Manager for Savage Arms JJ Reich used the MSR 15 Patrol chambered in .223 Wylde fueled with 64-grain Federal Power-Shok hunting ammunition to harvest a 9-point Texas buck. This caliber/bullet combo is deadly on smaller-body whitetails thriving in the Lone Star State.
