Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP .243 Win 22-inch with Vortex 3-9×40
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP.243 Win 22-inch with Vortex 3-9×40 is a factory-integrated bolt-action package providing a bore-sighted, out-of-the-box-ready hunting rifle chambered in .243 Winchester for under $650. This pairing of Savage's proven 110 action with a Vortex Crossfire II scope constitutes a direct, no-fuss solution for new hunters who value practical field readiness over component-level customization. It arrives with the scope mounted and adjusted for a 100-yard zero, allowing immediate verification at the range.
What is the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP used for?
The Apex Hunter XP is designed primarily for white-tailed deer and varmint hunting at distances up to 350 yards. The .243 Winchester cartridge offers low recoil for shooters acclimating to centerfire rifles, while the included 3-9×40 riflescope provides adequate magnification for field identification and shot placement. Its synthetic stock and matte finish prioritize year-round durability in varied weather conditions encountered during spot-and-stalk or stand hunting.
How does the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Apex Hunter XP offers superior immediate functionality with its included and mounted optic, whereas the Stevens 334 .243 Win (found here) is a bare rifle requiring a separate scope purchase and mounting. The Savage's key advantage is its user-adjustable AccuTrigger and bore-sighted package, saving approximately 1 hour and $100-$150 in initial gunsmithing costs and accessory sourcing, but both rifles utilize the same parent action design and share a 1:9.25 twist rate.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.72 lbs (3.5 kg) unloaded and measures 42.25 inches (1073 mm) in overall length. Its 22-inch (559 mm) sporter-profile barrel provides a balanced swing for offhand shots, and the adjustable stock accommodates pull lengths from 13.5 to 14.5 inches, a range suitable for most adult shooters wearing winter hunting gear. The package, as shipped in its factory box, has exterior dimensions of 48x12x8 inches and weighs 14.1 lbs total.
Who is this NOT for?
This package is not for the precision reloader seeking sub-MOA consistency across varied handloads, nor the suppressor user, as the barrel is not threaded. The trigger, while adjustable, lacks the crisp glass-rod break of dedicated aftermarket units like the Timney Elite Hunter, and the synthetic stock does not allow for a custom cheek weld or precision bedding adjustments for true long-range work beyond 400 yards. It’s a tool, not a precision instrument.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope mounted and bore-sighted on its one-piece rail, a 4-round detachable box magazine, a set of standard 1-inch scope rings, and warranty paperwork. A crucial but often overlooked detail is the inclusion of the appropriate Torx wrench for adjusting the AccuTrigger's pull weight from 2.5 to 6 lbs, which is stored in the stock's grip compartment. No additional tools, sling, or case is provided.
Is the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP worth it at $644.99?
At $644.99, the Apex Hunter XP presents significant value for a first-time deer hunter seeking a functional, scoped rifle without the confusion of component selection. The separate cost of a comparable bare rifle like the Stevens 334 ($450) plus a Vortex Crossfire II and professional mounting ($250+) exceeds this package price. The trade-off is accepting the factory's optic and mounting choices, which are adequate but not upgrade-optimized for serious long-range shooters who might prefer a dedicated chassis system.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory bore-sighted scope saves 60-90 minutes of initial gunsmith setup time.
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 lbs with included tool—no aftermarket trigger needed for most shooters.
- 4-round detachable magazine enables rapid unloading without cycling the bolt 4 times.
- Total package weight of 7.72 lbs is 1.3 lbs lighter than a comparable wood-stocked .243 hunting rifle.
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded—impossible to mount a suppressor without $200+ gunsmith work.
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable cheek riser, forcing improper head position for some shooters using high-mounted optics.
- One-piece rail is not QD (Quick Detach), complicating scope removal for transport or cleaning.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356573032 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57303 |
| action | Short |
| barrel finish | Carbon |
| barrel length | 22'' |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4-Round |
| color | Black |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| magnification | 3-9x |
| model | 110 Apex Hunter XP |
| number of magazines | 1 / 4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| sights | None, Scope |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| length | 49.4000 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| shipping weight | 10.35 |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the 22-inch carbon steel barrel is not threaded. This is a critical omission for hunters in states where suppressor use is legal for hearing protection. Adding threading via a competent gunsmith would cost approximately $150-$200 and require removing and remounting the optic, nullifying the bore-sight.
- Does the Vortex scope come with lens caps?
- Yes, the Vortex Crossfire II includes push-on objective and ocular lens caps. They are basic but functional polymer caps, not the flip-up style. For extended field use in brush, I recommend upgrading to Butler Creek or Tennebras flip-up caps for approximately $25.
- Can I mount a different optic on the included rail?
- Yes, the one-piece rail is a standard Picatinny/Weaver interface. You can remove the included Vortex scope and rings. However, the rail is attached with #8-40 screws torqued to 20 in-lbs at the factory; you will need a proper set of gunsmithing screwdrivers to avoid stripping the heads during removal.
- How long does assembly take out of the box?
- Functional assembly is zero minutes—the rifle is fully assembled. You should, however, spend 15 minutes verifying the bore-sight at 25 yards, then confirm zero at 100 yards with your chosen ammunition. The only true assembly required is inserting the 4-round magazine, which takes 3 seconds.
- Is the scope warranty valid if removed from the rail?
- Yes, Vortex's VIP Unlimited Lifetime Warranty is fully transferable and unaffected by removal. It covers defects and damage regardless of the firearm it's mounted on. Keep your proof of purchase; warranty service typically has a 2-week turnaround directly through Vortex in Wisconsin.