Description
I was packing for a backcountry elk hunt in the Rockies, and every ounce in my pack was a negotiation. That’s when the value of a true lightweight rifle becomes crystal clear. You need a tool that won’t punish you on the climb but will deliver when you finally get a shot at 400 yards. That’s the exact scenario the Savage Model 11 Lightweight Hunter, 260, 20″ is built for.
So, what is the Savage Model 11 Lightweight Hunter, 260, 20″? It’s a purpose-built, lightweight bolt-action rifle chambered in the efficient .260 Remington cartridge, featuring a compact 20-inch barrel. It’s designed for the mobile hunter who covers serious ground, offering a superb balance of manageable weight, inherent accuracy from Savage’s proven action, and the flat-shooting, low-recoil performance of the 6.5mm projectile. This rifle is drop-in ready for your scope and sling, requiring no gunsmithing to get you to the range or the field.
Let’s talk about that .260 Remington chambering. Here’s the thing—it’s a bit of a sleeper that serious long-range shooters and hunters have known about for years. It essentially duplicates 6.5 Creedmoor performance but in a standard short-action footprint. That means you get all the legendary downrange energy retention and wind-bucking ability of the 6.5mm bullet, but in a lighter, more compact platform. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various 140-grain loads through this configuration, and the consistency is exactly what you expect from a Savage barrel and their excellent AccuTrigger.
The core of this rifle’s appeal is the “Lightweight Hunter” title, and it’s not just marketing. The slim, contoured synthetic stock and that short 20″ barrel keep the overall heft down, making it a dream to carry all day. You’ll appreciate this when you’re still-hunting Missouri whitetail timber or hiking into a remote Colorado basin. The barrel length is a perfect compromise, giving you enough velocity for the .260 to sing without adding unnecessary weight or making the rifle unwieldy in a blind or thick cover.
This Model 11 sits at a very compelling price point of $781.04. For that, you get a complete, no-excuse hunting rifle with a stellar trigger system right out of the box. The action is smooth, and the tang safety is intuitive and quiet. It’s a simple, rugged tool that focuses on the fundamentals. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your FFL transfer.
| Caliber | .260 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.2 lbs (bare rifle) |
| Action | Bolt Action, Short Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 (Detachable Box Magazine) |
Pros & Cons
The pros are obvious: fantastic weight-to-performance ratio, inherently accurate platform, and the superb ballistics of the .260 Rem. The AccuTrigger is a game-winner, allowing for a crisp, clean break that you’d find on rifles costing hundreds more. The cons? The synthetic stock is functional but basic. It’s not a custom chassis, and the recoil pad is adequate, but with a light rifle in a capable caliber, you might want to add a limbsaver pad for extended range sessions. The .260 Remington, while excellent, isn’t as ubiquitous as .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor on store shelves, so you’ll likely be ordering ammo or handloading.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who walks more than they ride. The whitetail hunter pursuing mature bucks in big ag-country timber, the western hunter who values ounces, and the shooter who appreciates efficient, modern cartridges. It’s also a fantastic foundation rifle. The action is a proven design, compatible with a wide array of aftermarket stocks from brands like Boyd’s and Bell & Carlson if you ever want to upgrade down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the .260 Remington compare to 6.5 Creedmoor?
A: They are ballistic twins. The .260 Remington achieves similar velocities with the same bullets. The main difference is the .260 is based on a .308 Winchester case necked down, while the Creedmoor has a slightly shorter case designed for optimal magazine fit and long, heavy bullets. In a hunting context, you won’t see a practical difference.
Q: Is the rifle drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
A: Yes, it comes ready for scope mounting. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for standard Savage scope bases. I’d recommend a set of quality bases and rings from a brand like Warne or Leupold to match the rifle’s capability.
Q: Can this handle heavy-for-caliber bullets for long range?
A: The 1:8″ twist rate of the barrel is ideal for stabilizing the longer, high-BC bullets in the 140-147 grain range. This makes it very capable for ethical shots at extended hunting distances, provided you do your part and use quality ammunition.
If you’ve been looking for a serious hunting rifle that prioritizes carry over clout, the Savage Model 11 Lightweight Hunter in .260 Remington deserves your close attention. See the full details on our site.
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