New .338 Lapua Magnum Target Rifle from Savage
Want to go big…on a budget? Then check out the new Savage Model 112 in .338 Lapua Magnum. MSRP for this new rifle is just $1177 and “street price” should be considerably lower. That’s tempting. Most factory target rifles chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum are quite expensive (and you could easily spend four grand or more on a full custom .338 LM). The new single-shot Model 112 Magnum Target from Savage Arms provides a much more affordable platform for the powerful cartridge. (In the photo below at the bottom of this story, you can see the .338 LM compared to .308 Win and 6mmBR. The .338 LM is definitely a brute of a cartridge.)
The new rifle features a single-shot Magnum Target Action coupled to a 26″ heavy barrel fitted with a big muzzle brake. The Target AccuTrigger adjusts to a minimum pull-weight of 6 ounces. Rifle weight, without scope, is 12 pounds. The gray/brown laminated stock features a near-vertical grip with a moderate amount of drop in the buttstock. We’ve used this same-type stock on other Savages. It is comfortable and works well with a bipod. However, you may want to add a “bag-rider” in the rear for better tracking.
More .338 Lapua Options from Savage
The new Model 112 Magnum in .338 Lapua Magnum is currently offered in a right-hand, single-shot version only. If you prefer a .338 LM rifle with a magazine, Savage offers three other rifles chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum which all feature 5-round detachable box magazines:
1. Model 110 BA, Law Enforcement Series, $2638 MSRP.
2. Model 10/110 FCP HS Precision Stock, $1726 MSRP.
3. Model 11/111 Long Range Hunter, $1380 MSRP.
This is cool!
I have always resisted the temptation.
Why would they put a muzzle brake on a target rifle?
Recoil
It’s a light gun.
Recoil
It’s a 12lb. Gun.
To reduce recoil on the 12lb. gun.
Its noted as a target rifle yet it can not be shot in any NRA competition with a muzzle brake.
Guy,
The gun industry doesn’t restrict the term target rifle solely to conventional prone or F-class shooting. Just like the term “National Match”, it is used to denote a firearm designed for accuracy. A 338 Lapua is one cartridge that needs a brake, especially in a 12-pound gun. I applaud Savage for making a 338 that isn’t an uber-tactical rig. I would prefer the gun have a 28″ barrel of longer, but at least they’re doing something unique. If you want to sling up a 12 pound 338 Lapua with no break, go right ahead. I’ll applaud your effort, but I’ll stick with the Palma rifle or the 6BR.
Its good with IBS and NBRSA.
Obviously its no choice for NRA competition with a brake. There are several f-class shooters shooters now using the .338,,,,,,,not this one.
And exactly what would you use it for? Cartridge is no good for ICFRA F class competition and the brake excludes it from much more? Furthermore, why only a 26″ barrel?
I see it as being a cheap source for a donor single shot 338LM action.
While it may be “good” (accepted) by IBS and NBRSA, I have never seen a 338 LM anything listed on a match equipment list for either association. Their longest events are 1000 yards and 338 LM does not start to shine until well past 1000 yards.
The official Savage name is “112 Magnum Target”. IMO, its labeled “target” because its single shot and “112 Magnum Target” sounds a lot more interesting, and focused, than simply “112 Magnum”.
Actually it’s a cheap “learner” rifle for UR shooting. I should say, “might be” since I have yet to find anyone that has them in stock.
The actual gun, as opposed to the photo, has the strong, solid top receiver of the single shot competition rifles, a real plus. For “Target” use it is, not to be confused with high round count “competition.” As a single shot, it’s neither tactical nor hunting optimized, though inherently more accurate than a repeater. Having built a 10kg F-class LM and used it in a two day match in balmy Houston, I can attest that wet-rag-scalding barrel heat is the .338 LM demon, heat unlike anything out there. By shot 4 to 5 your barrel is as hot as the 20th round of a .284. Recoil is of course stout, but knowing that you are so rapidly destroying your barrel’s throat negates concentration.
More or less to say you have one without paying 2000$, or to show up your buddies at the range who have something like a 300 win mag or 300 rum( and think they’re all that;)
I think its awsome..
I like the looks better than the amputee like stocks that are the in thing today.
I like the singel shot, solid receiver.
I am left handed so RH action is just honky dorie that way I can see what i am doing.
Brake nice, 20 rnds per session good idea.
All in all a winner for sure.
I like it. As an owner of a high end 338LM rifle where I don’t want to wear out the barrel due to the cost of the barrel alone I will be looking into this. Want a longer barrel on this 112 Magnum? Buy an aftermarket barrel for $400. Don’t like the muzzle break? Buy an aftermarket barrel. Mine with an excellent muzzle break kicks like a wild Mustang so I can only imagine what it would be like without it.
Target in the name could relate to the “target Accutrigger” versus the standard Accutrigger more commonly found on the other Savage rifles. Also figure in the laminate stock, not as much as Manners or H&S but a good laminate stock is upwards of $350, unless of course your looking at Boyds.
Personally I like what Savage has done. As one person stated will be a good affordable donor but as it currently sits it looks fun for plinking AR500 plates at…..whatever yardage you want.
Some posters clearly see the beauty of single shot rifles, and the function of this particular rifle.
The others are clueless. They should relax and buy something else.
I have this rifle and it kicks less than my 308 LOL. I don’t know if it’s the muzzle brake or what but it almost feels like it can not even feel the kick. I’m thinking of taking off the brake just so I can feel like a what they normal 338 Lapua kicks like.
I just bought one because the price was right with 50 rounds of ammo, a lifetime warranty, two snap-caps, shipping, a set of reloading dies, it was just over $1000. I bought it because it had a wood stock, and I love single shot bolt actions. At the price of ammo, a single shot bolt action saves you enough for a few Margaritas after the range to lie about your big P…. , no Lapua.