The Savage High Country in 7mm PRC is quickly becoming a favorite among hunters seeking a lightweight, hard-hitting rifle for challenging mountain terrain. This isn't just hype; the combination of the platform and cartridge offers a compelling blend of performance and portability that sets it apart. This in-depth review will delve into the specifics, examining the rifle's strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for various hunting scenarios.
Savage High Country: A Platform Built for the Backcountry
The Savage High Country platform itself is designed with the mountain hunter in mind. Its defining features include:
- Lightweight Construction: Constructed using a blend of durable yet lightweight materials, the High Country significantly reduces fatigue during long hunts. This is crucial for navigating rugged terrain.
- Durable Finish: The rifle's robust finish is designed to withstand the elements, ensuring it performs reliably even in challenging weather conditions.
- AccuStock: Savage's AccuStock system provides a stable and consistent shooting platform, crucial for accuracy in demanding hunting situations. This minimizes recoil and improves shot placement.
- AccuTrigger: The adjustable AccuTrigger allows for customization, letting hunters fine-tune the trigger pull weight to their preferences for optimal shot control.
The 7mm PRC: A Powerful Cartridge for Mountain Hunting
The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is the heart of this rifle's performance. This relatively new cartridge delivers exceptional ballistics, making it an ideal choice for long-range shots often encountered in mountain hunting. Key advantages include:
- Flat Trajectory: The 7mm PRC boasts a flatter trajectory than many other cartridges, simplifying range estimation and shot placement at longer distances.
- High Velocity: Its high velocity contributes to a significant increase in effective range, allowing hunters to take shots they might not have with less powerful cartridges.
- Excellent Energy Retention: This cartridge maintains impressive energy at extended ranges, ensuring clean, ethical harvests.
- Reduced Recoil (Relative to other Magnums): While still powerful, the 7mm PRC offers reduced recoil compared to other magnum cartridges, aiding in faster follow-up shots and increased shooter comfort.
Savage High Country 7mm PRC: Performance and Practicality
The marriage of the Savage High Country platform and the 7mm PRC cartridge results in a hunting rifle that excels in several key areas:
- Accuracy: The combination of the AccuStock and AccuTrigger systems, along with the inherently accurate 7mm PRC cartridge, results in excellent accuracy, even at considerable distances.
- Recoil Management: While powerful, the 7mm PRC's recoil is manageable thanks to the rifle's design, making it suitable for extended hunting trips.
- Portability: The lightweight design makes carrying the rifle over challenging terrain less strenuous. This is a major advantage for multi-day hunts in remote locations.
- Versatility: The 7mm PRC is effective on a wide range of game, from smaller to larger animals, making it a versatile choice for various hunting situations.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Savage High Country 7mm PRC offers many advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:
- Cost: Like many high-quality hunting rifles, the Savage High Country can be a significant investment.
- Ammunition Cost: 7mm PRC ammunition can be more expensive than some other popular cartridges.
- Recoil (Though Manageable): While reduced compared to some magnums, recoil is still substantial; shooters should practice extensively before hunting.
Conclusion: Is the Savage High Country 7mm PRC Right for You?
The Savage High Country 7mm PRC is an exceptional choice for hunters who prioritize a lightweight, accurate, and powerful rifle for challenging mountain hunts. Its combination of features makes it a serious contender for anyone seeking a high-performance hunting rifle capable of delivering consistent accuracy and ethical harvests at extended ranges. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the cost and the need for significant practice before committing to this powerful rifle. The investment is worthwhile for experienced hunters seeking a top-tier mountain rifle, but may not be the optimal choice for beginners or those on a tighter budget.
