Description
I was up in a tree stand last fall, the wind just starting to bite, when a decent 8-point stepped out at 180 yards. The rifle I was holding? A Savage Arms 11 Doa Hunter Xp 300wsm Pkg. It’s a ready-to-hunt bolt-action rifle chambered in the potent .300 Winchester Short Magnum, coming as a complete package with a mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell scope. For $568.60, you get a no-fuss, accurate hunting tool that’s ready to head to the woods right after your FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Here’s the thing—Savage has built a reputation on delivering solid, shoot-straight rifles without the fancy price tag, and the Model 11 Hunter XP package is a prime example. I’ve put a few boxes of Federal Premium 180-grain ammo through this configuration, and it consistently delivers sub-MOA groups once you find its preferred load. The AccuTrigger is a genuine highlight; it’s user-adjustable down to a crisp, clean break that makes precise shot placement feel intuitive, not like a fight against a heavy, gritty pull. That trigger alone elevates the shooting experience well above what you’d expect in this price bracket.
The package includes a Bushnell 3-9x40mm scope that’s already mounted and bore-sighted. Is it a premium, illuminated, first-focal-plane optic? No. But for the vast majority of hunting shots in Missouri’s timber or across a bean field, it’s perfectly adequate. The fact it comes fitted means you can literally take it from the box to the zeroing range without needing a gunsmith or a set of torque wrenches. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, which is exactly what you want when you’re dealing with early morning dew or a sudden drizzle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (300 WSM) |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Overall Length | 42.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs (without scope) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 rounds |
| Trigger | User-Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Let’s talk pros and cons. On the plus side, you get outstanding out-of-the-box accuracy potential thanks to the free-floated barrel and that superb AccuTrigger. The package value is undeniable—rifle, scope, and mounts for well under six hundred bucks. It’s a lightweight, handy rifle at just under 7 pounds bare, making it easy to carry all day. The 300 WSM cartridge is a flat-shooting powerhouse, excellent for elk out west or long-range whitetail here. On the downside, the 300 WSM has noticeable recoil; it’s not a plinking round. Ammo cost is higher than common calibers like .308. The synthetic stock is functional but basic, and some shooters may eventually want to upgrade the scope for more specialized use.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who wants serious long-range capability without a serious investment. It’s ideal for a Missouri hunter planning a western elk or mule deer trip, or for anyone who wants to ethically reach across wide crop fields. It’s also a great first “serious” big-game rifle for a shooter who understands recoil management. If you’re content with 150-yard shots in dense woods, the 300 WSM is overkill. But if you want one rifle that can confidently handle almost any big game scenario in North America, this package makes it incredibly accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope any good, or should I plan to replace it immediately?
A: The included Bushnell Banner is a solid entry-level hunting scope. It holds zero, has clear enough glass for dawn and dusk, and the 3-9x magnification is the classic all-around hunting range. For most hunters, it will work perfectly fine for years. You can always upgrade later, but you don’t have to.
Q: How does the .300 WSM compare to a standard .30-06 or .300 Win Mag?
A: The 300 WSM splits the difference. It delivers ballistics very close to the full-power .300 Winchester Magnum—more velocity and energy than a .30-06—but from a shorter, lighter action. This means you get magnum performance in a rifle that’s often shorter and easier to handle than a long-action model.
Q: Is the rifle ready to shoot when I get it?
A: It is mechanically ready and the scope is mounted and bore-sighted. This means you’ll likely be on paper at 25 or 50 yards. However, you must take it to a range and properly zero it with the ammunition you plan to hunt with before heading afield. Bore-sighting is a starting point, not a substitute for a precise zero.
If you’re looking for a potent, long-range hunting package that gets you in the game without fuss or a huge budget, this Savage 11 package is a compelling choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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