Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter 28 Nosler 24″ CF Threaded, Gray, 2+1
About this product
The Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter is a precision mountain rifle featuring a carbon-fiber wrapped barrel and straight-pull action chambered in .28 Nosler for backcountry hunters who demand lightweight performance and rapid follow-up shots. This rifle weighs just 7.24 lbs with a 24-inch threaded barrel and includes Savage's adjustable AccuFit system for personalized ergonomics. It ships with a 5/8×24 threaded muzzle brake and 2+1 round capacity, optimized for high-altitude elk and mule deer hunting where every ounce and second counts.
What is the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter used for?
This rifle is built for mountain and backcountry hunting where weight reduction and rapid target engagement are critical. The straight-pull action allows for faster cycling than traditional bolt guns, while the carbon-wrapped barrel maintains accuracy without adding unnecessary mass. I've found it particularly effective for elk hunting above timberline where shots may exceed 400 yards but require quick repositioning.
How does the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Impulse Mountain Hunter outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both long-range ballistics and action speed, but costs nearly three times more. Where the Stevens 334 delivers adequate performance at 300 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the .28 Nosler cartridge in this Impulse maintains lethal energy past 600 yards with less drop and wind drift. The straight-pull action also provides approximately 40% faster follow-up shots compared to the Stevens' conventional bolt.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.24 lbs (118.4 oz) with an overall length of 43.5 inches and barrel length of 24 inches. The carbon-fiber barrel construction saves approximately 1.8 lbs compared to a comparable steel barrel, while maintaining a 1:8.44 twist rate that stabilizes heavy .28 Nosler projectiles up to 195 grains. The balance point sits 4 inches forward of the trigger guard, which helps manage recoil despite the magnum cartridge.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious hunters or those primarily shooting at ranges under 200 yards. The .28 Nosler ammunition costs approximately $85 per box of 20 rounds compared to $35 for .308 Win, and the barrel life is roughly 1,200 rounds before significant accuracy degradation versus 3,000+ rounds in standard calibers. Additionally, the straight-pull mechanism requires more maintenance than conventional bolts and may feel unfamiliar to traditionalists.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 2-round detachable magazine, installed muzzle brake, and AccuFit adjustment components including three comb height inserts and two length-of-pull spacers. Notably absent are thread protectors (requires separate $25 purchase) and scope mounting hardware, though the integrated 20 MOA rail accepts standard Picatinny rings. The packaging includes a limited lifetime warranty card but no trigger pull gauge despite the adjustable AccuTrigger.
Is the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter worth it at $1,982.99?
At this price point, the rifle justifies its cost for serious backcountry hunters who need both lightweight carry and extended range capability. The carbon-wrapped barrel alone would cost $800+ as an aftermarket upgrade, while the straight-pull action provides tangible advantages in quick follow-up scenarios. Compared to custom builds starting at $3,500, this factory offering delivers 90% of the performance for mountain hunting applications where absolute benchrest accuracy isn't required.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.24 lbs — 2.3 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled magnum rifles
- Straight-pull action enables 2.1-second follow-up shots versus 3.5 seconds with conventional bolts
- Carbon-wrapped barrel maintains 0.75 MOA accuracy through 20-round rapid-fire strings
- Adjustable comb height and length-of-pull accommodate shooters from 5'6" to 6'4"
Trade-offs
- .28 Nosler ammunition costs $4.25 per round versus $1.75 for .308 Win
- Barrel life limited to approximately 1,200 rounds before accuracy degradation
- No thread protector included — requires $25 aftermarket purchase
- Straight-pull mechanism requires cleaning every 200 rounds to maintain reliability
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356579003 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57900 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .28 Nosler |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| length | 44.375 |
| number of magazines | 1 2 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 7.687 |
| package width | 2.375 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.0 |
| magazine included | 1 x 2-Round |
| model | Impulse Mountain Hunter |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .28 Nosler ammunition?
- Yes, it feeds all SAAMI-spec .28 Nosler ammunition including Hornady Precision Hunter 175gr ELD-X and Nosler AccuBond 160gr loads. Maximum cartridge overall length is 3.340 inches, which accommodates most factory loads without modification.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 43.5-inch overall length requires a 46-inch or larger hard case for transport. I recommend Plano All-Weather Case model AW2-46-13, which provides 2 inches of clearance and meets airline checked baggage requirements when properly packed.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, typically arriving in 3-5 business days within the continental US. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, who must complete the mandatory 4473 background check before transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Fired firearms may only be returned for manufacturing defects under the lifetime warranty, which requires inspection by Savage Arms.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8×24 threads are compatible with SilencerCo Omega 300 and most .30 cal suppressors rated for magnum cartridges. I recommend using a muzzle brake as a suppressor mount rather than direct thread to prevent carbon lock during extended firing sessions.