Description
You’re three miles back on a Missouri ridge at first light, glassing a distant oak flat. The shot, when it comes, will be long, the pack-out longer. Every ounce in your hands is an extra pound on your shoulders by dusk. That’s the scenario the Savage Arms Model 116 Lightweight Hunter .270 Winchester 20″ Stainless Steel Barrel Black Synthetic Stock 4rd was built for. It’s a purpose-driven, mountain-ready bolt-action rifle that strips weight without sacrificing the core reliability needed for backcountry success.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a delicate specialty rifle. It’s a practical tool built around Savage’s proven Model 116 action, now paired with a 20-inch stainless steel barrel and a minimalist synthetic stock to hit a field-ready weight hunters appreciate. The .270 Winchester chambering is the classic American do-it-all cartridge, capable of cleanly taking whitetail, mule deer, and elk at responsible ranges. At a total weight of just 6.5 lbs, this rifle makes a tangible difference when you’re covering ground all day.
Key Features
The heart of the system is the user-adjustable AccuTrigger. This isn’t marketing fluff; it’s a tangible feature that lets you set the pull weight to your preference, promoting accuracy when the crosshairs settle. The 20-inch barrel is the perfect balance for this build—long enough to let the .270 Win achieve efficient velocity, short enough to keep the rifle nimble in thick timber or a truck cab. It’s made of stainless steel, which shrugs off the moisture of an early morning frost or a sudden rain shower without a second thought.
The black synthetic stock is where the “Lightweight Hunter” name earns its keep. It’s durable, weatherproof, and designed to shed pounds. The barrel is free-floated, meaning it doesn’t touch the stock, which improves consistency shot-to-shot. This rifle is drop-in ready for optics, with a drilled and tapped receiver ready for standard scope bases. Popular one-piece mounts from brands like Warne or Leupold are a straightforward fit, getting you from the box to the bench in short order.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .270 Winchester |
| Barrel | 20″, Stainless Steel, Sporter Contour |
| Overall Length | 40.5″ |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine) |
| Action | Bolt Action, Centerfire |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The standout advantage is the total package weight of 6.5 lbs—a genuine benefit for spot-and-stalk or mountainous hunting. The stainless steel construction offers real-world corrosion resistance. The adjustable AccuTrigger provides a clean, crisp break that enhances shooter control. And at $523.66, it delivers serious backcountry capability without a boutique price tag.
Cons: The lightweight build and shorter barrel will increase felt recoil compared to a heavier, longer-barreled rifle. The synthetic stock is purely functional—it won’t win beauty contests. The 4-round capacity is standard for the class but less than some hunters prefer.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the rifle for the hunter who measures distance in vertical feet, not just yards. It’s for the Missouri whitetail hunter who also dreams of Western elk or Alberta moose and needs one rifle that can do it all without breaking their back or their budget. It’s for the practical shooter who values reliable performance over cosmetic frills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .270 Winchester still a viable cartridge for modern hunting?
A: Absolutely. The .270 Win remains one of the most effective and flat-shooting deer cartridges available. With modern bullet construction, its capability extends to larger game like elk within reasonable ranges. It’s a classic for a reason.
Q: How does the short 20-inch barrel affect performance?
A: You’ll lose some muzzle velocity compared to a 24-inch barrel—typically 75-125 fps depending on the load. For most hunting scenarios inside 300 yards, the difference in trajectory and energy is minimal. The gain in handiness and weight savings is often worth the trade-off.
Q: What type of scope base does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Savage 110 long-action scope base pattern. This is a common footprint, and bases from manufacturers like EGW, Talley, and Weaver are widely available and ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
If you need a no-fuss, reliable hunting rifle built to cover tough country, the Savage Model 116 Lightweight Hunter is a solid choice. See current availability and pricing at firearms-missouri.com.
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