First Impressions: Savage MSR Recon

by
posted on January 2, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
first_impressions_recon_f.jpg

Savage enters the “black rifle” market with its MSR-15 and MSR-10. In all, the company is releasing four different rifle builds—two chambered in .223 Rem. and two chambered in .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor. The MSR-15s include the Patrol and the the Recon. The MSR Hunter, the big game-capable rifle in the bunch, is chambered in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. So is the MSR Long Range. All rifles are built with mil-spec uppers and lowers; some use mil-spec trigger groups. But the most interesting aspect of this new bunch of rifles is the fact that Savage has leaned on sister company Blackhawk to outfit the guns with proprietary furniture.

The MSR-15 Patrol, for instance, wears a Blackhawk telescoping buttstock, pistol grip and hand guards. The Recon, a rifle I used recently on a Texas whitetail hunt, wears a Blackhawk collapsible buttstock and pistol grip, and unique, aluminum hand guardsl. It’s a cool look—and it’s practical, too, as the aluminum provides a smooth, sure grip almost the entire length of the 16-inch barrel. The gun sports a kind of 3-gun look—and I like it.

Are they accurate? Oh yeah. In Texas, the Patrol and Recon we used shot half-minute groups with Federal ammo. I don’t think buyers will be disappointed with any of these rifles. 

Latest

Lasagna Soup Lede 3
Lasagna Soup Lede 3

Recipe: Venison Lasagna Soup

Lasagna is comfort food for many, and an energy-rich meal for hunters spending the entire day afield. To shorten the cook time and enjoy the same flavors, try this excellent lasagna soup recipe from Brad Fenson.

New for 2025: Chiappa 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown

Chiappa has continued its tradition of producing fine modern firearms with a pedigree in the past, with the 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown, a lever-action worth a closer look.

How To Use Trail Cameras to Find More Bucks and Bulls

Get some tips from Scott Haugen on how to optimize your trail cam grid this season.

New for 2025: Davidson's Exclusive Bergara B-14 FSP Hunter Stainless

Davidson’s has collaborated with Bergara to produce the first complete Bergara rifle with a stainless-steel barreled action available in the USA.

New for 2025: Leica USA Rangemaster CRF Max

Leica Sport Optics USA has unveiled the Leica Rangemaster CRF Max. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision and reliability, the CRF Max combines Leica’s optical performance with cutting-edge digital integration and a new heads-up display.

Boone and Crockett Club Poaching Data Published

Did you know that the majority of wildlife violations never result in citations? Sure, with so much ground to cover, it may be easy to guess that most violations committed deep in the backcountry will never see the light of day, but the scale is still quite surprising. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.