Introduction
The heart pounds in your chest. The air hangs thick with the scent of the swamp, the low growl of anticipation resonating from the distant darkness. Your hand grips the cold steel of your rifle, its weight a familiar comfort. The target: a massive, razorback hog, a beast notorious for its cunning and destructive power. What rifle do you trust when you’re in the field, looking to secure your next hunt? The answer, for many discerning hunters, comes down to a combination of reliability, accuracy, and the right cartridge. This brings us to a champion: the Savage 110 Hog Hunter, chambered in the formidable 350 Legend. This pairing is not just a weapon; it’s a carefully engineered tool designed to conquer the challenges of hog hunting.
Hog hunting, a thrilling pursuit that is also a vital method of wildlife management, presents unique obstacles. Wild hogs, descended from escaped domestic swine, are prolific breeders, causing extensive damage to crops, forests, and even ecosystems. Effective hog hunting requires a rifle that delivers consistent accuracy, sufficient power, and the durability to withstand the rigors of the hunt. The Savage 110 Hog Hunter, combined with the modern 350 Legend cartridge, has risen in popularity to answer this call. This article explores why this duo has become a favorite amongst hunters and why it might be the ideal choice for your next hog hunting adventure.
Understanding the Savage 110 Hog Hunter
The Savage 110 is more than just a model; it’s a platform. For decades, Savage Arms has been renowned for producing reliable, accurate, and affordable rifles. Built on this foundation, the Hog Hunter takes these qualities and combines them with features specifically designed for the demands of the hunt. It’s a rifle crafted to endure harsh environments, providing hunters with a dependable tool they can trust in the face of challenging conditions.
The Hog Hunter variant isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a purpose-built tool, a rifle born from necessity. Every design feature is geared toward optimal performance in rugged environments and in pursuit of formidable game like feral hogs. The combination of precision and ruggedness is a key characteristic that hunters look for.
The heart of the Savage 110 Hog Hunter lies in its core features, and the design decisions have been made to deliver performance.
Barrel Features
One of the standout features is its heavy barrel. Typically made from carbon steel or stainless steel, this barrel is designed for accuracy. The heavier construction provides better heat dissipation, which helps to maintain accuracy even during sustained firing. The barrel is also threaded, which is a crucial characteristic for hunters wanting to use a suppressor. The thread allows for easy attachment of devices that will reduce the firearm’s report, or muzzle flash. Whether you are in a state where suppressors are permitted or not, this feature provides flexibility.
Stock Characteristics
The stock plays an equally important role in the overall performance. Typically, Hog Hunters are built with a synthetic stock. This type of stock is known for its durability and resistance to the elements. Synthetic materials are not easily affected by changes in weather, unlike traditional wood stocks. The synthetic stock adds to the rifle’s reliability. Some models may include a camo finish to help you blend into your hunting environment.
Action Mechanics
Savage rifles are famous for their actions. The bolt action, in particular, is a cornerstone of its design. Its smooth operation ensures quick and reliable cycling of rounds. This is essential in a hog hunting scenario, where follow-up shots can be critical. This action is also generally known for its inherent reliability in various situations. The bolt action is a vital component, ensuring smooth and dependable operation in the field.
Sighting and Mounting
Many Savage 110 Hog Hunter models have an integrated scope rail. This allows for quick and easy scope mounting. These can be easily equipped with a variety of optics, including red dots, low-power variable scopes, or traditional scopes. This flexibility allows the hunter to tailor their setup for the particular hunting environment or personal preference.
Trigger Design
Finally, the rifle boasts a trigger system that is a key differentiator, often called the AccuTrigger. This trigger is known for its adjustable pull weight and crisp break. It gives the shooter precise control over shot placement, promoting accuracy. This can improve accuracy, which is extremely important in the unpredictable environment of hog hunting.
The 350 Legend Cartridge: Power and Precision
The 350 Legend isn’t just another cartridge; it’s a carefully crafted, modern solution. It’s designed to bridge the gap between power and manageability, specifically for hunting and target shooting. This cartridge is rapidly gaining traction, and has become a favorite among hunters looking for versatility and performance.
The roots of this cartridge lie in the desire for an effective, straight-walled cartridge option for hunters in states with specific regulations. Many states restrict hunting to straight-walled cartridges, and the 350 Legend was created to fit the mold. It provides hunters with a modern option that meets this criteria without sacrificing performance. This cartridge uses a wider diameter bullet and is optimized for accuracy and stopping power at moderate ranges.
From a ballistics perspective, the 350 Legend is remarkably effective. It offers a relatively flat trajectory, meaning the bullet’s path has less drop, allowing for more accurate shots at greater distances. This means you can take those crucial shots with more confidence. Its power on target is also noteworthy, with the capability to deliver substantial energy even at extended ranges. The 350 Legend typically delivers more energy than older cartridges like the .30-30 Winchester, while maintaining a lower recoil. This means follow-up shots are easier.
The advantages for hog hunters are numerous. In addition to its compliance with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, the 350 Legend offers a favorable balance of power and control. With the 350 Legend, you don’t have to choose between excessive recoil and sufficient energy. It provides a manageable recoil impulse, which is crucial for fast follow-up shots. When confronting dangerous game like hogs, the ability to place accurate, quick follow-up shots can be the difference between success and potential danger. The 350 Legend also offers an affordable option. Ammunition is readily available and generally less expensive than other popular hog hunting rounds.
A Perfect Match: Savage 110 Hog Hunter and 350 Legend
The pairing of the Savage 110 Hog Hunter and the 350 Legend is more than just a random coincidence. It’s a deliberate pairing of features designed to deliver optimal performance in the field. This combination is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Savage 110’s ruggedness and accuracy beautifully complement the 350 Legend’s ballistics. The rifle’s features, such as the heavy barrel and adjustable AccuTrigger, contribute to the consistent accuracy. The 350 Legend then provides the power to ethically take down hogs. The rugged stock can withstand bumps and scrapes, and the reliable action allows for smooth operation. This system is ideal for the challenges presented by hog hunting.
When the two are combined, the Savage 110 Hog Hunter and 350 Legend offer hunters a blend of features that make for effective hog hunting. With a balance of accuracy and the ballistics that come with the 350 Legend, hunters can go out into the field confident that they have the right tool.
In the field, this combination shines. The rifle’s handling is generally comfortable and intuitive, making it easy to shoulder and acquire targets quickly. The 350 Legend delivers sufficient knock-down power and accurate performance at typical hog hunting ranges.
Examining the Upsides and Downsides
While the Savage 110 Hog Hunter chambered in 350 Legend is a superb combination, it’s worth considering the pros and cons.
The pros are numerous. The primary advantage is the accuracy. The heavy barrel, paired with the AccuTrigger, provides consistent accuracy, which is essential for ethical shot placement. The rifle’s reliability is another significant advantage. The robust design, along with the smooth bolt action, ensures the rifle functions flawlessly, even in harsh conditions. The Hog Hunter’s durability is matched with its affordability, making it a more accessible choice. The low recoil of the 350 Legend makes it a comfortable gun to shoot, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The compatibility with the 350 Legend is a key advantage. The threaded barrel adds to the overall value by accommodating muzzle devices.
The downsides, though relatively few, are worth considering. The heavy barrel, while advantageous for accuracy, does contribute to the overall weight of the rifle. This can be a factor during long hunts. The 350 Legend’s effective range is somewhat limited compared to more powerful cartridges. While the Hog Hunter comes standard with a scope rail, certain models might not have the proper size rings.
Field Experiences and Performance
While objective data is valuable, firsthand experience paints a more comprehensive picture. Many hunters rave about the Savage 110 Hog Hunter in 350 Legend. The general consensus is that the rifle performs well.
Hunters report that the rifle handles well in various hunting situations. The stock is typically comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, even when navigating dense brush. Many also praise its accuracy, with consistent groupings at common hunting ranges.
Hunters report that the 350 Legend offers excellent effectiveness on hogs. The bullet penetrates deep enough to get to vital organs while also delivering consistent results.
While the Savage 110 Hog Hunter has little need of modifications, some hunters may choose to customize their rifles with upgraded scopes or other accessories.
Conclusion
The Savage 110 Hog Hunter chambered in 350 Legend is a thoughtfully designed hog hunting setup. It expertly blends the ruggedness, accuracy, and reliability of the Savage 110 platform with the potent, straight-walled performance of the 350 Legend. This combination offers hunters a versatile, accurate, and affordable solution for the challenges of hog hunting.
In its core, the Savage 110 Hog Hunter in 350 Legend is a recommended rifle for hog hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning, this combination is worth considering for your next adventure.
Optional Call to Action
Have you hunted with the Savage 110 Hog Hunter in 350 Legend? Share your experiences in the comments below. Where is the best place to purchase this rifle? Most reputable gun stores or online retailers will be able to provide you this and other guns. For an optimal setup, consider adding a quality scope, a bipod, and a sling. This package has the potential to transform your hog hunting game!
