Description
I was pushing through a thicket of Missouri oak scrub, the kind where every branch seems designed to grab your barrel, when I first truly appreciated a rifle built for the job. The Savage 10/110 Brush Hunter 338 Winchester Magnum, 20″ Barrel, Stainless Steel, Synthetic, 4 rd is a purpose-built, short-barreled magnum rifle designed for hunters who need to deliver decisive power in dense cover where shots are close and fast. It combines Savage’s proven 110 action, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel finish, and a compact 20-inch barrel to create a maneuverable yet potent package for heavy game.
Here’s the thing—when you’re hunting in thick brush or timber, a long, unwieldy rifle is a liability. That 20-inch barrel makes all the difference. It swings easily between trees and doesn’t catch on every vine. I’ve put a couple of boxes of 225-grain soft points through this configuration, and the balance is noticeably quicker than a standard 24-inch sporter. The .338 Win Mag cartridge, of course, needs no introduction for elk, moose, or large bear. In this compact format, it delivers its legendary power without the extra length, though you do trade a bit of muzzle velocity for that handiness. The rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for the field.
Key Features That Matter in the Field
The stainless steel barreled action is the star for our often-damp Midwestern seasons. It shrugs off morning dew and light rain without a second thought, and the synthetic stock won’t warp or swell with humidity changes. This is a rifle you can carry all day in variable conditions without babying it. The 4-round detachable box magazine is a practical touch; it allows for safe unloading in the truck and easy topping off if needed.
Savage’s AccuTrigger is a genuine benefit right out of the box. It’s user-adjustable, and the clean, crisp break it provides is a huge advantage when making a precise shot on a vital area through a small window in the brush. No gunsmithing required to appreciate a good trigger. The stock is a basic, rigid synthetic—it’s not fancy, but it’s durable and free of the glossy finish that can glare and spook game. The whole package comes in at a very fair price point of $578.56.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .338 Winchester Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Barrel Material/Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Action | Bolt Action (110 Series) |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 Rounds |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5 Inches |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
Pros: Incredibly maneuverable in tight quarters. Stainless/synthetic construction is ideal for tough, wet environments. The .338 Win Mag is definitive medicine for large game. The AccuTrigger is excellent from the factory. The price is very competitive for a magnum-capable, stainless rifle.
Cons: Recoil is substantial—this isn’t a plinking rifle. The 20-inch barrel sacrifices some velocity (expect ~50-100 fps loss). The stock is utilitarian; those wanting a premium feel will look to upgrade. Muzzle blast and report are pronounced.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Brush Hunter is for the serious woods hunter. Think the elk hunter in the Colorado timber, the moose hunter in the alder swamps, or the bear hunter in the dense Appalachian folds. It’s for the hunter who knows their shots will be inside 200 yards, where brush deflection is a real concern and the ability to get on target fast is paramount. If you’re a Western hunter taking long shots across canyons, look at a longer-barreled model. But for power and speed in the thick stuff? This configuration makes a lot of sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .338 Win Mag too much gun for white-tailed deer?
A: With proper bullet selection (like a controlled-expansion 210-225 grain), it is effective, but it’s certainly overkill. It’s a cartridge best suited for the largest North American game where its deep penetration and massive energy transfer are fully utilized.
Q: Can I mount a scope easily?
A: Yes. The action is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. Popular one-piece bases from brands like EGW or Weaver, or two-piece bases from Leupold, will fit the 110 action pattern. Use a low or medium-height ring set to keep the scope close to the bore for a good cheek weld.
Q: How does the short barrel affect performance?
A: You’ll lose some muzzle velocity compared to a 24 or 26-inch barrel—typically 50 to 100 feet per second depending on the load. For the intended close-range brush use, this trade-off for vastly improved handling is generally considered acceptable. The cartridge remains supremely powerful.
If you need a rugged, no-nonsense rifle built to deliver heavy-caliber performance where the hunting gets thickest, the Savage Brush Hunter in .338 Win Mag deserves a close look. You can find it available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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