Savage Impulse: The Ultimate Multi-Purpose Rifle Action

Designed around a lightning-fast straight-pull bolt action, the Savage Impulse platform was engineered with versatility in mind to meet the needs of today’s diverse hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts. With models tailored for everything from predator hunting to long-range competition, there is an Impulse model available today to meet the needs of nearly any hunter or target shooter.

We’ll review the innovations of the Impulse action, showcase the different available models, and walk you through which Impulse is best suited for your hunting and shooting needs. There’s an Impulse built for everyone, and after reading this blog, you’ll be able to find the one for you!

Straight-Pull Innovation

At the heart of every Savage Impulse rifle is its signature straight-pull bolt system. Unlike traditional bolt actions, the straight-pull design allows shooters to cycle the action with a simple pull-and-push motion. This results in faster follow-up shots, smoother operation, and less disruption to your shooting position. The straight-pull action isn’t the only innovation in the Impulse. Some key features of this platform help it stand out in the woods and on the range, and make the Impulse series the perfect choice for a wide variety of users.

Key Features of the Savage Impulse Platform

• Hexlock Bolt System: Hexlock is the innovative, patented system at the heart of the Impulse. It uses a plunger and ball bearing system to provide a robust, secure lock-up when the rifle is fired. The six ball bearings are seated in machined slots when the bolt is brought forward. When the rifle is fired, these bearings respond to the increased chamber pressure, expanding into machined slots further to create an even stronger lock-up in the chamber.

• User-Adjustable AccuTrigger: Savage’s iconic user-adjustable AccuTrigger is standard on the Impulse line of rifles, ensuring that every hunter and shooter can adjust their trigger pull to get the performance they need out of their rifle. 

• Ambidextrous Bolt Handle: The Impulse features an ambidextrous bolt handle that can be swapped from the right side to the left side, allowing both right-handed and left-handed shooters to be comfortable and confident when shooting the Impulse. 

• AccuFit: Featured on all non-chassis Impulse rifles, the AccuFit system allows you to custom-fit the Impulse to your preferred comb height and length of pull. The included spaces ensure you can adjust your stock to be the perfect fit, so you’re more comfortable and accurate in the field.

• AccuStock: AccuStock ensures that your Savage Impulse stock stays secure and rigid, with minimal flex that would hinder your accuracy in the field. AccuStock features an aluminum bedded rail that contacts the action in three dimensions, keeping the action rigidly in place and reducing the impacts from recoil and the environment to improve your accuracy.
  
  

With these innovations, the Savage Impulse excels in speed, accuracy, and adaptability—perfect traits for a wide variety of hunting and shooting sports applications.

Which Impulse is Right For You?

One of the most versatile ways the Savage Impulse series excels is its adaptability to different hunting scenarios. Whether you're stalking deer in thick timber, calling coyotes at night, or hiking alpine ridgelines for elk, there’s a model built for the job. In many cases, some Impulse models are great for multiple types of hunting! So, which one is right for you? Here’s a rundown on the different types of hunting and shooting each Impulse model excels at!

Big Game Hunting

Impulse Big Game

• Chamberings: 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 243 Win, 30-06 Sprg, 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 7mm PRC

• Features:

  • Cerakote barreled action for increased weather resistance

  • Savage Woodland Camo stock

  • Fluted, threaded barrel

  • Integral 20-MOA rail

The Impulse Big Game is tailored for hunters who demand rugged dependability and the ability to make quick follow-up shots on large animals like elk, deer, or bear. Available in several standard and magnum calibers, there’s not much in North America that the Impulse Big Game can’t take down.

Impulse Driven Hunter

• Chamberings: 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 30-06 Sprg, 300 Win Mag

• Features:

  • Integral 20-MOA rail

  • 1/2x28 threaded barrel

  • AccuFit stock

  • 18”, 20” barrels

The Impulse Driven Hunter is a no-nonsense, rugged rifle that is perfect for the run-and-gun big game hunter. It features a shorter, lighter-weight barrel that’s threaded for attaching your favorite muzzle devices. With speed and power, the Impulse Driven Hunter is a great choice for fast-paced hunts.

Predator and Varmint Hunting

Impulse Predator

• Chamberings: 22-250 Rem, 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win
  
  

• Features:

  • 5/8x24 threaded barrel

  • Mossy Oak Terra Gila camo stock

  • 10-round AICS detachable magazine

For predator hunters who need stealth, speed, and precision, the Impulse Predator provides all three. The 10-round AICS pattern magazines provide plenty of capacity for multiple predators, and the threaded barrel is perfect for fitting on a suppressor for nighttime and stealthier hunting. 

Impulse Hog Hunter

• Chamberings: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 30-06 Sprg, 300 Win Mag

• Features:

  • OD Green AccuFit stock

  • Threaded barrel

  • Integral 20 MOA rail

The Impulse Hog Hunter is perfect for hunting predators and varmints, like wild hogs, anywhere from thick brush to open fields. Its rugged design stands up well to long days and nights in the field, and the ability to outfit it with a suppressor makes it a great choice for staying quiet in the stand.

Backcountry Hunting

Impulse Mountain Hunter

• Chamberings: 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 WSM, 6.5 PRC, 270 Win, 30-06 Sprg, 28 Nosler, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 PRC, 7mm PRC

• Features:

  • PROOF Research carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel

  • Omniport muzzle brake

  • AccuFit stock

  • Integral 20 MOA rail

For backcountry hunters who count every ounce, the Impulse Mountain Hunter brings speed, accuracy, and performance in a lightweight package. The Impulse Mountain Hunter weighs in near 7 pounds, making it a lighter weight option for those long mountain hikes. The PROOF Research carbon fiber barrel dissipates heat and reduces weight, while maintaining excellent performance and accuracy. If you’re hunting in the backcountry, this is the rifle you need.

Impulse KLYM

• Chamberings: 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 300 Win Mag, 300 WSM

• Features:

  • PROOF Research carbon fiber wrapped, stainless steel barrel

  • Omniport muzzle brake

  • FBT carbon fiber stock

  • Magnaswitch system

The Impulse KLYM is the pinnacle of fast, accurate, and reliable backcountry rifles. The combination of a PROOF Research carbon fiber barrel and FBT carbon fiber stock produces a rifle that’s incredibly advanced and lightweight. The Magnaswitch system allows you to quickly and easily attach and detach a compatible bipod, tripod, or pair of shooting sticks to enhance your field accuracy. It is truly a top-tier mountain rifle.

Precision Rifle Shooting

Impulse Elite Precision

• Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, 300 Win Mag, 338 Lapua

• Features:

  • MDT ACC Chassis with adjustable LOP and comb height

  • ARCA rail forend

  • Stainless steel modified Palma contour barrel

  • AICS pattern magazine

The Impulse Elite Precision is purpose-built for long-range and competition shooters. It’s packed with features perfect for PRS competition, like the MDT ACC Chassis, modified Palma contour barrel, and integrated ARCA rail. It’s a reliable, sturdy platform that will ring steel and help you blow by the competition. 

Why Choose a Savage Impulse

The Savage Impulse offers an unmatched combination of speed, ergonomics, and precision. Straight-pull rifles have been popular in Europe for decades, but the introduction of the Impulse line has brought an affordable straight-pull rifle to the US market that offers premium performance for hunters and sport shooters alike. 

What Makes the Savage Impulse Stand Out?

• Speed Without Sacrificing Accuracy: The Impulse allows you to stay on target while shooting faster than traditional bolt-action rifles, which is crucial in competitive shooting sports, driven hunting, or getting a fast follow-up shot on your hunt. Don’t get left behind with the next shot; stay out ahead of the pack with the Impulse.

• Custom Fit: Whether it’s the AccuFit stock or an MDT chassis, the Impulse can be custom fit to each individual shooter for maximum comfort and maximum precision. Shooting a rifle that fits you is just better, and there’s nothing better than a comfortable, smooth-shooting Impulse.

• Durability: Cerakote finishes, durable chassis, and the aluminum bedded AccuStock all help make different Impulse models durable, reliable, and field-tested to stand up to everything you can throw at them. The Impulse keeps powering through right alongside you.

• Variety of Chamberings: From varmint loads like 22-250 to magnum cartridges like 300 Win Mag, there’s an Impulse out there chambered in your favorite caliber. From big game and varmints to ringing steel, you’ll be able to shoot an Impulse with the cartridges that you’re right at home with. 

If you're looking for a rifle that delivers unmatched speed, rock-solid accuracy, and versatility across multiple shooting sports and hunting environments, the Savage Impulse deserves a place at the top of your list. With models ranging from predator rifles to competition-grade chassis guns, there’s truly an Impulse for everyone.