Savage Action Lengths: Long Action vs Short Action

Let’s talk about Savage action lengths! A rifle’s action length plays an important role in its function and performance.  Whether you’re an experienced firearm enthusiast, new to shooting, or simply curious about firearms, we’ll break down everything you need to know about action lengths, the advantages of long and short actions, and how to determine Savage action lengths.

Action Length

The main difference between long and short action rifles lies in the length of the rifle's receiver and the corresponding cartridges they are designed to handle. Long action rifles handle longer cartridges, while short action rifles handle shorter cartridges.

Long Action Rifles

These rifles have a longer receiver, allowing them to accommodate longer cartridges. This length varies depending on the rifle, but it generally provides enough space to accommodate longer cartridges and allow for smooth bolt operation. They are typically used for cartridges with larger case capacities and longer overall lengths. Long action rifles are commonly used for cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, and similar cartridges designed for hunting larger game at longer ranges. 

The longer receiver provides more space for the bolt to travel, which can contribute to smoother cycling and potentially better accuracy, especially with longer cartridges. Longer cartridges can provide higher muzzle velocities and perform better at longer ranges; however, they often generate more recoil compared to their short action counterparts. Long action rifles are commonly used among big game hunters for elk, moose, and bear at longer ranges. Long action rifles are also used for long-range target shooting where shooters may prefer cartridges with high muzzle velocities and flat trajectories. 

Short Action Rifles

These rifles have a shorter receiver, designed to accommodate shorter cartridges. This length varies depending on the rifle, but it generally provides sufficient space to accommodate shorter cartridges while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. Short action rifles are generally lighter and more compact than long action rifles. They are commonly used for cartridges like the .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, and other cartridges with shorter case lengths. Short action rifles are often preferred for applications where weight and maneuverability are important, such as hunting in dense brush or tactical shooting situations. 

With the short case lengths and lower muzzle velocity, short action rifles typically produce less felt recoil than long action rifles, however, there are short action magnum cartridges that blur the lines of the performance and recoil difference between long and short cartridges. The shorter bolt travel in short action rifles can result in faster cycling, which can be advantageous in situations where rapid follow-up shots are needed. Short action rifles are popular for hunting medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and wild boar at moderate ranges as well as target shooting.

In short, long action rifles excel in scenarios where long-range performance and versatility with larger cartridges are crucial, while short action rifles are favored for their lightweight, compact design and suitability for medium-range hunting and tactical applications.

Savage Action Lengths: How to Tell If a Savage Rifle Has a Long or Short Action

One of the most common questions we get is about action length in our centerfire rifles, specifically the Axis and Model 110s. Knowing if your rifle has a long or short action is important, especially when it comes to finding the right bases to mount an optic. Let’s dive into Savage action lengths and how to tell if a Savage rifle has a long or short action. 

Savage Axis: Long or Short Action?

Does the Savage Axis have a long or short action? All Savage Axis models have a long action. The overall action length will be 6.961” for all calibers.

Model 110: Long or Short Action

Does the Model 110 have a long or short action? This is less straightforward than Axis, but still simple to determine.  Let’s talk about three ways you can determine the action length of a Model 110. 

Method 1: Measure the Action

• 9.25” Action = Long Action
• 8.40” Action = Short Action

Method 2: Model Name

Prior to 2018, the name of the Model 10/110 indicated if it was a short or long action.

• Three-digit model name (Model 110, 111, 112, 116, etc.) = Long Action
• Two-digit model name (Model 10, 11, 12, 16, etc.) = Short Action

We simplified the naming conventions of the Model 110 family in 2018 with the introduction of AccuFit stocks. If your Model 110 has an adjustable LOP stock or AccuFit, the model name method won’t help you determine if it’s a long or short action because post-2018 Model 110s have short or long actions with respect to the cartridge. 

However, if you have a Model 10, you can be reasonably confident that it is a short action using this method.

Method 3: Caliber

If you have a Model 110 with AccuFit (post-2018), you can determine the action length from the cartridge it’s chambered for. This method works for all Model 110s, regardless of the year of manufacture as well.

• Long Cartridge = Long Action
• Short Cartridge = Short Action

Check out the next section for a list of centerfire cartridges to help you with this method of determining Savage action lengths!

List of Centerfire Cartridges

This list of centerfire cartridges is by no means comprehensive. This list only encompasses those centerfire cartridges for which Savage currently offers chambered rifles, as of 2024. 

Long Action Cartridges

• 25-06 Rem
• 270 Win
• 28 Nosler
• 280 Ackley Improved
• 30-06 Springfield
• 300 PRC
• 300 Win Mag
• 338 Lapua
• 375 Ruger
• 7mm PRC
• 7mm Rem Mag

Short Action Cartridges

• 204 Ruger
• 22 Hornet
• 22 Nosler
• 22-250 Rem
• 222 Rem
• 223 Rem
• 243 Win
• 260 Rem
• 270 WSM
• 300 Blackout
• 300 WSM
• 308 Palma
• 308 Win
• 338 Federal
• 350 Legend
• 400 Legend
• 450 Bushmaster
• 6 Norma BR
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 6.5 PRC
• 6.5 x 284 Norma
• 6.8 SPC
• 6mm ARC
• 6mm Creedmoor
• 7mm-08 Rem

There you have it! The long and the short of Savage action lengths is that they are determined by the model and caliber of the rifle. Whether you're considering your next hunting rifle or looking to upgrade your precision shooting setup, understanding the differences between these action lengths is crucial. Savage Arms has built a reputation for innovation and quality, offering rifles tailored to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the versatility of a long action or the compactness of a short action, rest assured that Savage has you covered with firearms designed for accuracy, reliability, and performance. So, choose your action length wisely, hit the range or the field, and let Savage take your shooting experience to new heights!

If you have any questions, please refer to your owner’s manual and call our customer service team at 1-800-370-0708 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm ET)