Savage 111 Long Range Hunter .338 Lapua 26″ Rifle

Description

I was on a friend’s ranch out past Columbia, trying to spot a steel plate at a distance the rangefinder stubbornly called “unknown.” That’s the moment you want a rifle built for the task, not adapted to it. The Savage 111 Long Range Hunter in .338 Lapua is that rifle. It’s a purpose-built, long-range hunting and precision rifle centered on the formidable .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, featuring a 26-inch carbon steel barrel, Savage’s adjustable AccuTrigger, and a pillar-bedded stock designed for stability at extreme distances. It’s a system engineered to make first-round hits possible when the yardage gets serious.

Look, the .338 Lapua isn’t for everyone—it’s a substantial round with substantial capability. But if your hunting grounds are the wide-open plains or mountainous terrain where shots can stretch out, or you’re building a serious long-range skill set, this platform makes a ton of sense. I’ve put a couple of boxes of hand-loads through one, and the consistent performance is what sticks with you. The rifle comes out of the box ready for optics, and the action is smooth enough that you won’t be fighting it. At a price point of $1072.72, it represents a very accessible entry into a caliber that often demands a much higher investment.

The heart of the system is that 26-inch barrel. It’s long enough to let the slow-burning powders in .338 Lapua loads do their work efficiently, translating to higher muzzle velocities and a flatter trajectory. That extra barrel length, combined with the cartridge’s ballistic coefficient, is what helps you reach out past 1000 yards with authority. The rifle weighs in at about 9.5 pounds, which is manageable for a rifle of this power, but you’ll definitely want a good bipod. I’d recommend a Harris or an Atlas for stable field shooting.

Savage’s AccuTrigger is a standout feature. You can adjust the pull weight to your preference, and the clean, crisp break eliminates a major variable in long-range shooting. The stock is pillar-bedded, which increases rigidity and consistency by creating a solid, repeatable connection between the action and the stock. This isn’t a flimsy hunting stock; it’s designed to provide a stable platform, and it’s compatible with many standard long-action scope bases and rings from brands like Warne or Leupold.

Caliber	.338 Lapua Magnum
Barrel Length	26″
Overall Length	47.5″
Weight	9.5 lbs
Action	Bolt Action
Magazine Capacity	3+1

Pros: The value proposition is huge for a .338 Lapua rifle. The out-of-the-box accuracy potential is excellent for the price. The adjustable AccuTrigger is a genuine performance enhancer. The pillar-bedding is a thoughtful touch that aids consistency. It’s a no-fuss, ready-to-work rifle right from the start.

Cons: Ammunition cost is high—this is not a plinking rifle. Recoil is significant, requiring proper technique and a good muzzle brake or suppressor (the barrel is threaded). The weight and length make it less ideal for dense woods or quick maneuvering. It’s a specialist’s tool.

So who is this for? It’s for the hunter pursuing elk, moose, or bear in open country where long shots are a real possibility. It’s for the precision shooter who wants to learn the fundamentals of extreme long-range shooting without a five-figure custom rifle. It’s for someone who understands that the rifle is just one part of a system that includes optics, ammunition, and a lot of practice. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle brake or suppressor?

A: Yes, the 26-inch barrel comes from the factory with a threaded muzzle (5/8″-24 thread pitch), making it straightforward to add a recoil-reducing muzzle brake or a compatible suppressor.

Q: What kind of scope base does it use?

A: The Savage 111 Long Range Hunter uses a standard Savage long-action scope mounting footprint. It’s drilled and tapped, compatible with common bases from brands like EGW, Weaver, or Nightforce for a standard 30mm or 1-inch tube scope.

Q: How does the AccuTrigger work?

A: It’s a user-adjustable trigger system. Using a special tool (often provided), you can safely adjust the pull weight within a specified range to find the setting that gives you a crisp, clean break you’re most comfortable with for precision work.

If you’re ready to step up to a dedicated long-range hunting platform, the Savage 111 Long Range Hunter in .338 Lapua is a compelling place to start. See the full details on our site.