Tag Archives: 7prc

Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter 7 PRC

July 14, 2024Product review, Shooting hardware7prc, impulse, mountain hunter, savagecoldboremiracle

Preface

Every so often there is a new development in the firearms industry, sadly it is a practice that is definitely against the norm. But thank goodness for those that keep trying. Today we are looking at a newer design from well known manufacturer Savage Arms. Savage has long been a great US firearms producer, and today we are are looking at one of their new rifles, the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter chambered in 7mm PRC.

Savage Impulse Action

The Savage Arms Impulse rifle is based on the Impulse action, which is very different from typical rifle actions. The Impulse uses a straight-pull bolt design, supposedly to reduce loading time and simplify movements. Straight-pull actions are nothing new, but Savage engineers went about it in an incredibly interesting way.

savage impulse bolt — the bolt-head of the Savage Impulse, note extractor and locking balls

The bolt is operated by a lever at the rear, in the same position as other bolt handles. But when pulled to the rear the handle pulls an internal linkage. At the front of the bolt, where it engages with the action there are 6 ball-detents that are pushed out to the receiver to lock the bolt in place. So as the bolt-handle is pulled, the balls collapse into the bolt-body allowing it to be pulled to the rear. And when pushed forward, after chambering a round, the balls are then cammed into place locking the breech of the rifle closed.

savage impulse — note bolt stop/release, and left-hand bolt handle attachment point

The bolt also allows ambidextrous operation. The handle can be moved from one side of the bolt to the other, allowing lefties to use the rifle as well.

The bolt itself is kept from rotating by a keyed slot in the bolt-body, and it also has a button on the bolt-shroud to run the bolt without dropping the striker. Otherwise the trigger must be pulled to extract cartridges from the chamber. Just below that is the tang-mounted safety. The design makes the action slightly larger than comparable actions, both the bolt-body diameter and length seem bigger than that of traditional bolts.

the Savage Impulse bolt (front) compared to a Ruger long-action bolt

The Savage Impulse Rifle

Aside from the action the Impulse rifle is very Savage, the Mountain Hunter model seems to come with some added benefits. Up front there is a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel from Proof Research, this one being chambered in the venerable 7mm PRC cartridge. The muzzle is threaded 5/8-24 and features a radial muzzle break to take down recoil.

The twenty-two inch barrel uses the typical Savage barrel nut, and is nested neatly in the synthetic AccuStock. Underneath the action you’ll find a detachable box mag that holds two 7 PRC rounds, my rifle came with two magazines. On top of the receiver is a 20-MOA picatinny rail for mounting your scope of choice. The Savage standard AccuTrigger is adjustable from 1.5 to 4 pounds, though I felt no need to adjust it from its factory settings.

Muzzle brake detail (loosened for photograph)

Aluminum bedding is part of the stock to improve rigidity, and a soft rubber recoil pad at the back for comfort. The entire outfit comes in just over seven and a quarter pounds, which is very acceptable for a long-action hunting rifle.

Range Preparation

In order to outfit this rifle for some proper testing, I knew it needed a few important accessories. For a scope, I settled on the Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 which I have used extensively with excellent results. The scope was mounted using an Area 419 one-piece scope mount, which is more than a typical hunting rifle needs but I was feeling fancy.

7 PRC — the detachable magazine with two 7PRC cartridges inside

After the fancy had passed, I grabbed a Harris Bipod and stuck it to the front of the rifle. I had a few boxes of Hornady Precision Hunter 175 ELDX and Match 180 ELDM ammunition which would do for testing the rifle. I also wanted to shoot the rifle suppressed, so I grabbed a few different suppressors. But ended up using mainly the Guardian Defense 30M.

With everything ready, I loaded the truck and headed into the Utah wilderness where this rifle was meant to roam.

Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter Review

Shootability

The weight and balance of the Impulse was exactly what I’d anticipated. It has all the feel of a good lightweight hunting rifle. Running the straight bolt took some time getting used to. Mainly becauseit took a bit to overcome the muscle memory I’d built up. Pulling the bolt straight to the rear was indeed faster than a typical bolt, but I did find a few things I didn’t like.

Its likely that both of these things are simply training that can be over come. But none-the-less; Multiple times while running the bolt, the bolt-shroud actually touched my nose. Just barely of course, but it seems to me that the bolt of the Impulse is significantly longer than others. I could definitely see in the heat of a hunting moment where you might crash the bolt into your face.

Secondly, the camming of the bolt-handle was a little more friction than I’d like. Occasionally it gave the sensation that you were pulling the gun into your shoulder before the bolt started moving.

Accuracy

I have always liked Savage rifles for their accuracy. The Impulse seemed to fit well into that group. Average groups with match ammunition were sub MOA, with the better groups measuring .6-.7 MOA. That is more than enough accuracy for most typical hunts. And I have no doubt that the Impulse could shoot better with a little more ammunition exploration and handloading.

Reliability

Other than the little issues I outlined above, the Impulse worked almost without fail. The reason I say almost is because we did have a couple feeding issues. I am very confident that these issues were based more on my misunderstanding of the rifle’s operation. And I expect that after a few trips to the range with this rifle you will figure out the rhythm of the Impulse and this wont be an issue.

Value

With a street price just under two thousand dollars, the Impulse isn’t an inexpensive rifle. It certainly has all the features you would expect for a rifle at that price though. What I don’t think it has is that certain something that makes me want it over my other guns. Things like detachable box mags, 20 MOA scope base, threaded carbon fiber barrel and so forth are all fantastic. I just don’t know that I would spend that much money on the Impulse over something else of a comparable price. For example, I absolutely loved the Springfield Armory Redline 2020 which cost’s a bit more than the Impulse. And if it didn’t shoot terrible accuracy I would have kept it. I have a Bergara HMR Carbon that does everything the Impulse and Redline do. And for over four hundred dollars less than the cheaper of those two.

Ergonomics

While I didn’t really care for the bolt manipulation of the Impulse, I am fully prepared to accept it is simply my preference. The rest of the rifles ergonomic features were perfectly acceptable in my opinion. The stock textures and grip areas are well contoured making the rifle easy to shoot and maneuver.

Final Thoughts

After spending some time shooting the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter, I feel I have a pretty good grasp of its potential. While some of its functions might not be my cup of tea, I certainly wouldn’t feel under-gunned with it. And I would be perfectly confident taking it as my primary hunting rifle on a Rocky Mountain elk hunt.

The added complexity and size of the Impulse don’t particularly add anything for me. So while I might feel confident shooting and hunting with it, I don’t think I would spend the money on one myself. Not with other options available for a more economic price.

As I mentioned at the top, the firearms industry is a bit hostile towards innovation and new ideas. And even though I don’t find the Impulse as appealing as others, I can still applaud Savage for trying it. Who knows, perhaps they will continue refining the Impulse and come out with something I like more than my traditional bolt guns. Either way, if you are interested in the Impulse, get behind one and see if you like the action. The rest of it seems pretty much textbook Savage Arms, which is a good thing.

-CBM

Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7mm PRC

March 14, 2023Product review, Shooting hardware7prc, Christensen Arms, fft, ridgelinecoldboremiracle

INTRODUCTION

The Ridgeline FFT is the latest model in Christensen’s Ridgeline series of rifles. The FFT stands for Flash Forged Technology, a new process used to produce its carbon fiber stocks. Christensen claims this new tech further reduces the rifle’s weight for the ultimate lightweight hunting rifle.

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Being foremost a hunter, I am always interested in the latest new thing. And with Christensen being located here in my own state of Utah, I was even more excited to see them leading the way with new ideas. While I’m not sure if a lighter rifle will improve my shooting, at least I won’t be as fatigued when I come home empty-handed.

I have been hunting these Rocky Mountains for over a few decades, so I’d like to think this rifle was built for guys like me. As such, I was eager to see how it measured up to the quality customs and other carbon rifles I am used to. My initial thoughts on handling the Ridgeline FFT were that I would be quite pleased with the rifle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber	7mm PRC
Barrel	416 Stainless carbon wrapped
Barrel length	22 inches
Barrel twist	1 in 8”
Capacity	3 + 1
Trigger	Trigger Tech
Muzzle	⅝ inch x 24 threaded with Stainless side-port Brake
Stock	Carbon Fiber Sporter

PROS & CONS

PROS

Very lightweight, starting at 5.3lbs
Match Grade chamber hand-lapped barrel
Threaded muzzle with brake
High-quality Trigger Tech trigger included
Remington 700 compatible receiver for accessories
Sub MOA guarantee from factory
Twenty-two inch barrel makes it very maneuverable

CONS

Action not as smooth as expected
Twenty-two inch barrel gives up some velocity

RANGE TESTING

I’d anticipated receiving this rifle for some time, I’d even received some ammunition already for it thanks to the good folks at Hornady. Since the action of the Ridgeline is compatible with Remington 700 parts, I grabbed a Leupold scope base I had in my toolbox and tightened it down on the Burnt Bronze action.

For a rifle scope, I decided to install my US Optics TS20X. I had a set of 34mm rings that put the scope just the right height for me, so I adjusted it for proper eye relief and torqued it down properly.

I put a touch of lube on the contact points of the bolt body to slick it up and installed a bipod on the rifle before heading out. I prefer the solitude of the mountains over shooting ranges, so I dressed up for the cold and grabbed the rest of my stuff as I headed up the hills.

In my bag, I had a couple of boxes of ammunition from Hornady, both the Precision Hunter 175 ELDX load and the Match 180 ELDM. I also carried my Desert Tech DTSS suppressor to see how the rifle shot when suppressed and a Magnetospeed chronograph to measure velocity.

The first thing I wanted to get established was a good zero, so after setting my target at one hundred yards, I settled down on my shooting mat to get comfortable with the FFT.

I pushed three cartridges down into the magazine, which had plenty of room. It looked like you could seat the bullets really quite long and still have them fit and feed from the magazine. I ran the bolt forward to chamber the first round, closing the bolt into the battery as I peered through the scope.

I fired the first shot and two more to confirm impact; I was going to need to shift my impact about one MRAD right and up a touch. After doing so, I shot a couple of groups to see how the rifle performed, all while paying attention to the recoil impulse through the stock.

I would only shoot three shots and let the rifle sit for a few minutes. I didn’t really want to get it hot. Being a hunting rifle, I think it’s likely such a rifle would be carried a lot more than shot. After shooting a few groups, I paused to evaluate my findings.

I was surprised by how mild the recoil felt; surely, the muzzle brake was reducing a good portion of the impact. The accuracy was not spectacular, though I think it may need a minute to settle this bore down. I noticed that the three-shot groups would always have two together and the third one off just a bit.

I fired a few more rounds to finish off the two boxes, and I figured it would be good practice to see how the Ridgeline did on the open distances that these Rocky Mountains are famous for.

I picked a few targets, the first one at 530 yards opposite my canyon perch. After entering all the ballistic data into my Trasol Ballistic application, it came back with a firing solution which I dialed into the turret.

As I lay still in the snow, I looked at the snow stacked on top of my target. I held into the wind and pressed the trigger shoe till the shot broke. I could see a very significant impact on the target, knocking the snow off in a powdery cloud.

RELIABILITY

The Ridgeline FFT was very reliable at feeding and firing the PRC cartridges. I never experienced any issues other than the occasional magazine bind when you put them in poorly. The minimal controls of the rifle all worked fine, and I also noticed that the bolt lift that had seemed a little stiff back at home, didn’t seem to bother me from the shooting position.

ACCURACY

At first, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the rifle’s accuracy. I do think that shooting it more has helped; perhaps the bore needs a little break-in before it shoots its best. It did seem to prefer the Precision Hunter 175-grain ammunition over the 180-grain Match ammunition.

The Ridgeline does have an eight-twist barrel, which is the minimum for the 180-grain ELDM, so it’s possible that it could be on the verge of stability.

According to Christensen’s website, there is a 50-round barrel break-in process.

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OVERALL FEEL

I really like the overall feel of this rifle; it is comfortable, balanced, and of course, very light. I suppose if you twisted my arm for something to change, I wouldn’t mind a more vertical grip area.

But the rifle’s balance is superb; the carbon barrel cut at twenty-two inches makes it very easy to maneuver. And it feels great in the hands. The recoil is very manageable if you don’t mind the noise from the brake. It’s a very shootable rifle.

shooting the Christensen Arms 7mm PRC in the Rocky Mountains

FEATURES

CARBON FIBER

Probably the defining characteristic of Christensen rifles. Undoubtedly, all the carbon fiber used in this rifle significantly reduces the weight, with scope, rings, base, bipod, and everything but the ammo it comes in at eight-pounds ten-ounces.

TRIGGER TECH TRIGGER

As usual, the Trigger Tech trigger was immaculate, giving a clean and very predictable break every time. A good trigger like this is essential for making good shots on animals, mainly if they are far away.

MUZZLE BRAKE

The Burnt Bronze Cerakoted muzzle brake is very effective at reducing recoil felt by the shooter. It is timed using a crush washer to ensure the brake ports vent pressure to the side of the shooter and not into the ground in front of them. This feature reduces the likelihood of dirt and debris getting sent into the face of the shooter.

The brake is also easily removed, revealing the stainless threads beneath. The thread pitch is ⅝ inch x 24, which is a very common thread pitch for mounting suppressors and other muzzle devices.

MAGAZINE

The Ridgeline magazine is designed to hold three 7mm PRC cartridges. It does this well, in my experience. It also allows enough room to load three cartridges and still push it down to close the bolt with the full three rounds in the magazine.

The follower is made of polymer, but the floorplate itself is made from carbon fiber yet again.

Christensen Arms 7mm PRC full photo with bipod

HOW WE TESTED

For me, the most important performance indicator for any rifle is the ability to accurately hit the point of aim. It has taken a few rounds to get this rifle shooting as tight as I would like it to. But now that it is shooting better, I think it is adequate for the kind of hunting I do here in these same mountains.

To confirm the accuracy of the Ridgeline FFT, I again shot a few three-shot groups at one-hundred yards. The average of those three groups came out to an inch, and with groups like that, I would feel more than confident shooting big game animals out to five-hundred yards in good conditions. That makes this rifle very capable for hunting these steep canyons.

I will say, however, I do wish it shot just a little better accuracy-wise. There is no reason I shouldn’t be able to shoot this rifle accurately to a mile, but for that, I’d prefer it shot half-minute or even better.

The bolt did loosen up a bit after much shooting, though I was a little surprised to see some of the Cerakote rubbed off in the bolt raceway. Not a huge deal to me but not what I’d expect.

AMMO USED

The ammo available for the rifle review was from Hornady. I used the Precision Hunter 175 ELDX ammunition, which seemed to be the rifles favorite. The other ammunition tested was the Hornady Match line of ammo that utilizes the 180-grain ELDM bullet.

Conclusion

This is the second Christensen Ridgeline I have had, and while they are definitely nice rifles, I often feel like I am left wanting a little more consistency from them. The rifle feels fantastic, and the function is excellent.

It would be hard to imagine a better rifle to haul all over these mountains. The lightweight and balance make it perfect for a guy who has to claw his way up snowy draws and wade through deep willow thickets.

The hunters I hunt with every year are the kind of guys who would love a rifle like this. But they are also the astute type that will demand exceptional performance; a one MOA accuracy guarantee isn’t exactly exceptional anymore. I’d like to see a ½ MOA guarantee on rifles at this price point, as I’ve seen plenty of far less expensive rifles shoot ½ MOA without much coercion.

Hopefully, I’ve helped inform you enough to make a choice if you are considering the Ridgeline FFT. Everything has pros and cons, so evaluate what’s most important to you and run with it.

-CBM