Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter .300 WSM 24″ CF Threaded
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter?
The Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter is a straight-pull bolt action rifle chambered in .300 WSM, featuring a 24-inch Proof Research carbon fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel and a threaded muzzle (5/8-24). It's designed for high-altitude hunting where weight savings and rapid follow-up shots matter, weighing just 7.39 lbs to reduce fatigue during extended stalks. The aluminum receiver incorporates a 20 MOA rail for long-range optics, while the AccuTrigger adjusts from 1.5 to 4 lbs for precision tuning.
What is the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter used for?
This rifle is built for mountain hunting elk, mule deer, or sheep where every ounce counts and shots may exceed 400 yards. The straight-pull action allows faster cycling than a traditional bolt, critical when a second shot on wounded game is needed, while the carbon fiber barrel maintains accuracy despite temperature shifts common in alpine environments. I'd pair it with a suppressor like the SilencerCo Omega 300 to manage .300 WSM's significant recoil and report.
How does the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Savage Impulse outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in action speed and long-range capability, but costs $1,200 more. The Stevens 334's conventional bolt action is slower to operate, and its .308 Winchester cartridge drops 22 inches more at 500 yards compared to the .300 WSM, making the Savage superior for ethical long-range shots on large game. However, the Stevens 334 weighs 6.8 lbs and costs under $500, making it a better choice for budget-conscious hunters in wooded terrain under 300 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.39 lbs (118.2 oz) with an overall length of 44.5 inches, balancing maneuverability in tight cover with a 24-inch barrel for velocity. The barrel's carbon fiber wrap shaves 1.8 lbs compared to a solid steel contour of the same length, while the AccuStock synthetic stock adjusts length-of-pull from 13.5 to 14.5 inches to fit various shooters. Its 5/8-24 threaded muzzle accepts standard .30 caliber suppressors or brakes without adapters.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you hunt primarily in dense timber or prioritize low ammunition cost, as the .300 WSM round averages $3.50 per round versus $1.20 for .308 Winchester. The straight-pull mechanism requires a firm, consistent rearward pull that may challenge shooters accustomed to traditional bolt lifts, and the aluminum receiver, while lightweight, lacks the rigidity of steel for extreme precision shooting beyond 800 yards. For close-range brush hunting, consider the the Stevens 334 .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with an installed OmniPort muzzle brake, one 3-round detachable magazine, and AccuFit spacers for stock adjustment. No optic, sling, or tools are included—plan to budget $200+ for a quality rail-mounted scope and $50 for a sling. The manual covers NFA compliance for threading suppressors, but consult the our blog on Title II regulations before purchasing a can.
Is the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter worth it at $1,982.99?
Yes, if you regularly hunt open country at elevation and value swift follow-up capability. The Proof Research barrel alone retails for $900+ when purchased separately, and the straight-pull action shaves 1.5 seconds off follow-up shots compared to a conventional bolt. For hunters covering 10+ miles daily in the Rockies, the 7.39 lb weight justifies the premium over heavier alternatives, but if your shots are under 200 yards, the the Stevens 334 delivers similar performance for one-quarter the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.39 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than a steel-barreled equivalent like the Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon
- Straight-pull bolt cycles in 1.2 seconds vs 2.7 seconds for traditional bolts
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 1.5 to 4 lbs — 0.5 lb finer tuning than Timney triggers on most factory rifles
Trade-offs
- .300 WSM ammunition costs $3.50/round — 65% more than .308 Win for practice
- Proprietary magazines cost $42.99 each — no aftermarket alternatives available
- Aluminum receiver flexes 0.002 inches under heavy load — not ideal for >800 yard benchrest shooting
Key attributes
| upc | 011356578969 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57896 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| 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 | 10.1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Impulse Mountain Hunter |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .30 caliber suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8-24 threading accepts all .30 cal suppressors like SilencerCo Omega 300 or Dead Air Sandman S. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .300 WSM's 64,000 PSI pressure—most quality models handle it, but check specifications. Thread engagement is 0.625 inches, so use a crush washer or shim kit for proper alignment.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, but require a case at least 46 inches long internally due to the 44.5-inch overall length. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for transport—allows extra space for a scope and bipod. The synthetic stock resists minor impacts, but avoid cramming it into undersized luggage.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers ship within 3 business days via UPS Ground, taking 5-7 days to reach Bozeman. We require a signed copy of your FFL's license before dispatch—email it to [email protected]. Alaska and Hawaii shipments add 4-6 days via USPS Priority.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, within 30 days for a full refund if unfired and in original packaging. Fired firearms undergo a gunsmith inspection—if a defect is found, we cover return shipping and repair under Savage's warranty. Contact [email protected] for a return authorization number before shipping.
- Does this work with PMAGs or other magazines?
- No, it uses Savage's proprietary detachable magazine—order spares directly from Savage (part #19570) or our site. Each magazine holds 3 rounds of .300 WSM and costs $42.99. Aftermarket options are limited, so I recommend keeping two extras for hunting trips.