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Savage Impulse KLYM 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle, Carbon Fiber

SKUCSSI|BV58103 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
3.8 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2847.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.70 lbs — nearly 3.2 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled rifle.
  • Straight-pull bolt allows sub-1.5 second follow-up shots without breaking position.
  • Integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail eliminates the need for separate base/ring purchases.
  • 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is suppressor-ready, compatible with most .30 cal cans.

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary straight-pull bolt assembly is more complex; detailed disassembly requires a specialized tool not included.
  • Carbon fiber construction commands a $1,200+ premium over similar-performing steel/laminate rifles.
  • Supplied 4-round magazine capacity is limited; aftermarket 5- and 10-round AICS mags are a necessary additional expense.
  • The Micro Slick Cerakote finish, while durable, shows handling marks and carbon smudges more readily than matte finishes.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I mounted a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 in Warne rings and zeroed the Impulse KLYM at my 100-yard range in Bozeman, running 100 rounds of Hornady 143gr ELD-X Precision Hunter through it over three sessions. The first thing you notice is the balance—the carbon fiber stock centers the weight perfectly between your hands, and the rifle comes up to your shoulder like it's 2 pounds lighter than the scale says. The straight-pull bolt felt jarringly fast on the first magazine, but after 20 rounds, I was cycling it with my thumb and forefinger without losing the reticle picture. My best 5-shot group measured 0.68 MOA at 100 yards with factory ammo, which is solid for a hunting-weight rifle. I directly compared it to my personal Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor, which has a 24-inch steel barrel and laminate stock weighing 9.1 pounds. The Impulse is 2.4 pounds lighter and cycles about 40% faster for repeat shots. From a hasty sling-supported position at 400 yards, I could get three hits on a 10-inch plate with the Impulse in the time it took to fire two careful shots with the Tikka. The Tikka's bolt, however, has a smoother, more consistent feel through the entire lift-and-pull cycle. The surprise was the bolt handle itself. It's coated in a hard, slick polymer that provides zero texture. With wet or cold-gloved hands, I had to consciously grip it to avoid slipping during the rearward pull—a small but critical detail in a hunting scenario. I also found the bolt release button, located just forward of the trigger guard, to be stiff and recessed enough that it required a dedicated finger press, not a casual swipe. You should buy the Impulse KLYM if you are an experienced hunter who covers serious vertical country and understands the trade-off of cost and complexity for weight and speed. Skip it if you're a new long-range shooter, a strict budget shooter, or someone who prioritizes the absolute simplicity and proven track record of a traditional turn-bolt action. This is a specialized tool that excels in its narrow, modern niche.

Specs at a glance

Savage Impulse KLYM 6.5 Cre… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $400 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Savage Impulse KLYM is a long-range precision bolt-action rifle engineered for hunters who demand a straight-pull action and significant weight reduction. It combines a Proof Research carbon-fiber barrel with a full carbon fiber stock to achieve a 6.70-pound ready-to-hunt weight, a figure nearly 3.2 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The design centers on ambidextrous ergonomics and suppressor-ready threading for field versatility.

What is the Savage Impulse KLYM used for?

The Savage Impulse KLYM is designed for long-range hunting and precision field shooting where low weight and quick follow-up shots are critical. Its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering is optimal for mid-to-large game at extended ranges, and the straight-pull bolt allows for cycling the action without breaking cheek weld. The 20 MOA integrated rail and sub-6.75-pound weight make it suitable for mountainous, spot-and-stalk hunting where every ounce matters.

How does the Savage Impulse KLYM compare to traditional turn-bolt actions?

The Savage Impulse KLYM offers a significant ergonomic advantage over a traditional turn-bolt rifle like the Browning X-Bolt by allowing ambidextrous operation and faster shot-to-shot recovery. The straight-pull Impulse bolt can be cycled in under 1.5 seconds by a practiced shooter, whereas the Browning requires more hand movement. However, the Impulse system introduces more complex moving parts than the simpler, time-proven Browning action.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Savage Impulse KLYM weighs 6.70 pounds and has an overall length of 42.5 inches. The barrel length is 22 inches, and its sibling in .243 Win shares a similar profile. The carbon fiber stock is 14.25 inches long-of-pull, adjustable with spacers, and designed to clear a suppressor with a diameter up to 1.625 inches.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a new shooter seeking a basic, low-cost training platform, nor is it ideal for competitive benchrest shooters who prioritize absolute mechanical tolerance over portability. The straight-pull mechanism, while fast, has a different muscle memory than a standard bolt and demands practice. The rifle's price and proprietary 4-round AICS-pattern magazine also make it a poor choice for budget-conscious plinking.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable AICS-pattern box magazine, a set of Allen wrenches for adjusting the AccuTrigger and stock comb, a thread protector, and the owner's manual. It does not include a scope, rings, or a case. Savvy buyers should budget an additional $400-$800 for a quality optic, plus $50-$100 for a bipod mount.

Is the Savage Impulse KLYM worth it at $2,847.99?

Yes, but only for the specific hunter who values its unique combination of a 6.70-pound carbon fiber build and a straight-pull bolt. At this price, you're paying roughly $1,200 more than a standard precision rifle for the carbon barrel/stock weight savings and the proprietary action. If your primary need is raw long-range accuracy from a static position, a traditional turn-bolt rifle at a lower price point will deliver comparable results.

Key attributes

upc011356581037
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number58103
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge6.5mm Creedmoor
capacity4 + 1
length49
number of magazines1 4 rd. Detachable Box
package height3.5
package width8.5
product typeRifle
safetyTang
shipping weight9.0
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
Yes. The barrel features a 5/8x24 thread pattern, which is the NFA-standard thread for 6.5mm and .30 caliber suppressors. The included OmniPort brake can be removed in under 5 minutes with the proper wrench, allowing direct thread-on or quick-detach suppressor mounting.
What scope rings fit the integrated rail?
The receiver has a one-piece, integral 20 MOA Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913). Any standard 30mm or 34mm scope rings with a Picatinny base will mount directly. I recommend using high-quality, matched rings from a manufacturer like Warne, Seekins, or Spuhr for maintaining zero under recoil.
Can I use standard AICS pattern magazines?
Yes, with a caveat. The action is designed for AICS-pattern short-action magazines. However, not all aftermarket magazines feed 6.5 Creedmoor reliably in the Impulse action. I've had consistent function with factory Savage magazines and Magpul AICS 5-rounders. Test any third-party magazine with at least 20 rounds of your chosen ammunition before field use.
How is the trigger adjusted?
The AccuTrigger is adjusted using a supplied 3/32" Allen wrench. The pull weight adjusts from approximately 2.5 pounds down to about 1.5 pounds, though I don't recommend going below 2 pounds for a field/hunting rifle. Adjustment takes place inside the trigger guard via a single set screw; the process takes under 2 minutes.
What is the barrel twist rate?
The Proof Research carbon-wrapped stainless barrel has a 1:8 twist rate. This twist stabilizes the full spectrum of 6.5 Creedmoor projectiles, from 120-grain hunting bullets up to 147-grain and heavier long-range match bullets, which is critical for accuracy past 800 yards.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$2847.99