Proof Research Barrels Are on the New Savage Mountain Hunter

Model: Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter with Proof Research Barrels
Eight chamberings available
Straight-pull bolt action with an adjustable bolt handle
MSRP: $2,437

Thanks to shows like MeatEater, and the popularity of folks like Remi Warren, mountain and backcountry hunting has exploded in popularity. Droves of hunters are plunging deeper into the wilderness and climbing higher than ever before in search of big game. And these folks are adding ultralight, weather-resistant rifles to their gun libraries. The Impulse Mountain Hunter is Savage’s high-quality solution for those seeking a sturdy and light backcountry rifle. And thanks to a new partnership, carbon-fiber-wrapped, and threaded Proof Research barrels come standard on this new rifle.

Savage released the original members of the Impulse line — the Hog Hunter, Predator, and Big Game models — in 2021. The innovations the company launched to create these bad boys included Savage filing 13 new patents and successfully launching a straight-pull, bolt-action rifle into the American market. They’re solid, well-made rifles at a reasonable price point. But at 8 to 9 pounds each, they’re a bit too beefy for ultralight hunting. Savage continued to innovate, shedding about two pounds before adding the Mountain Hunter series to the Impulse line.

Savage Arms Impulse Mountain Hunter with proof research barrels — Savage Arms’ new hunting rifle, Impulse Mountain Hunter, is their lightweight version of the Impulse rifle, ideal for hunting in the mountains. *Savage Arms*

Savage released the original members of the Impulse line — Hog Hunter, Predator, Big Game — in 2021. The innovations the company launched to create these bad boys included Savage filing 13 new patents and successfully launching a straight-pull, bolt-action rifle into the American market. They’re solid, well-made rifles at a reasonable price point. But at 8 to 9 pounds each, they’re a bit too beefy for ultralight hunting. Savage continued to innovate, shedding about two pounds before adding the Mountain Hunter series to the Impulse line.

“At Savage, we not only value the input of our customers, but we also listen to it. Since 2021 when Savage launched the first Impulse variant, the number one request we’ve received is for a lightweight version ideal for hunting in the mountains,” said Beth Shimanski, the company’s director of marketing. “With extreme accuracy and breakthrough technology, the Mountain Hunter is light, sharp, and encompasses all that the Impulse family represents, thus giving our customers what they wanted.”

To cut weight while maintaining accuracy, Savage traded stainless-steel barrels for Proof Research carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels that range in length from 22 to 24 inches. Each barrel comes threaded with a muzzle brake, which saves your shoulder from a significant portion of felt recoil and makes it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots.

The Mountain Hunter also saves weight by featuring an aluminum receiver with a 20 MOA integral rail. Since the rail is integrated, that means fewer potential points of failure and fewer screws that can covertly work their way loose. Often you don’t realize it until you have a buck or bull in your crosshairs…and miss. I’ve been there. It sucks.

Like the rest of the Impulse line, the Mountain Hunter receiver is married with a straight-pull bolt, adding speed to accuracy. Combining the muzzle brake and the straight-pull action is a significant advantage when you need to hit a big animal again before it scoots into the brush. The bolt handle is adjustable and ambidextrous, a unique feature that allows you to customize your shot process.

The polymer stock has a handful of desirable features. It comes with an adjustable length of pull and adjustable comb height so you can dial in comfort, trigger finger position, and eye relief. The AccuStock three-dimensional aluminum bedding locks the receiver in place and rounds out the solid stock design.

A user-adjustable AccuTrigger comes standard with each Mountain Hunter, giving you the freedom to set your trigger between 1.5 to 4 pounds.

The Impulse Mountain Hunter’s customizable design offers ultralight hunter weight savings without sacrificing accuracy while improving repeatability. There are nine different cartridge options available. The price tag is significant, with the MSRP set at $2,437.

GOOD GEAR – Take Your Coffee on the Mountain With the BRCC X Yeti Optic Rambler Bottle

The Impulse Mountain Hunter with Proof Research Barrels: Full Specs

Left and right side view of Savage Arms Impulse Mountain Hunter — The Impulse Mountain Hunter features Savage Arms’ exclusive Proof Research carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel and rugged polymer frame. *Savage Arms*

Calibers: .308 Win, .28 Nosler, .30-06 Spring., .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem. Mag.
Action: Straight pull bolt
Ejection Port: Right
Barrel Length: 22 – 24 inches
Barrel Color: Black carbon fiber
Barrel Finish: Matte
Barrel Material: Carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel
Magazines Included: 1
Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds
Magazine Type: Detachable box magazine
Length of Pull: 12.75 – 13.75 inches
Overall Length: 44.75 – 46.75 inches
Receiver Color: Black
Receiver Material: Aluminum
Receiver Finish: Matte
Stock Color: Gray
Stock Finish: Matte
Stock Material: Synthetic
Stock Type: Sporter
Overall Weight: 7.31 – 7.34 pounds
MSRP: $2,437