Copyright 2026 – Stephen Redgwell
This might generate some flack, but I passed on a Savage 110 RF Core Tactical because it has a Bentz chamber. As you probably know, that chamber was designed for semi-autos, but the Savage 110 RF Core Tactical is a bolt action rifle.
My understanding is that Savage has two markets in mind for the 110 RF series – the first is rimfire precision shooters. The second is to provide centrefire shooters with a good, lower cost rimfire trainer. Regardless of the buyer, I think it deserves a real match chamber.
While the Bentz chamber is a little tighter than a standard SAAMI 22LR hunting chamber, it is a compromise. It allows feeding of most 22LR ammunition. Compared to a true match chamber, the Bentz is a loose fit.
European CIP chambers are tighter. In Vegas or at the range, the smart money will be on the CIP chamber to produce tighter groups. That means most buyers will buy either the CZ MTR or a Tikka T1x.
I have other concerns as well.
I realize that every rifle is a law unto itself, but when you buy any firearm off the shelf, it’s always a gamble. Smart buyers go with what works. With respect to competitive rimfire rifles, shooters want tight chambers, good workmanship and a proven track record. Personally, the Savage was a hard sell. There are reports of poor workmanship. Savage will have to address the problems.
What about the rest of the rifle? The 110 RF Core Tactical is a full size rifle and the stock is adjustable. It has an AccuTrigger too, with a pull weight of 1.5 to 4 lb.
The adjustable stock and AccuTrigger might sway some buyers, but peer pressure is a powerful thing. Most PRS shooters beyond factory class upgrade their stock, trigger, and follow up with a new barrel. These improvements will make the shooter more competitive. Savage says that the 110 RF series accepts the chassis and accessories made for their centrefire rifles. But the three rimfires are pretty expensive to begin with, so what will shooters think about the added expense of aftermarket add ons? I know what I thought!
Perhaps benchrest accuracy isn’t needed for PRS shooting, but you are going to have to convince competitors that a better stock, trigger and barrel aren’t needed. I have not seen many unmodified rifles at the range, so this is another reason to choose alternatives. Most of the guys I spoke with in factory class have modified their triggers at the least.
What is the price of a new Savage compared to the competition? The Core Tactical retails for about $920 USD. It is the cheapest of the three 110 RF series rifles. I am ignoring the Anschutz, Bergara and Vudoo rifles because of their cost and focus on what can economically become a factory class rifle.
The CZ 457 MTR is presently the best selling PRS rifle in the US and retails for approximately $850 USD. The Tikka T1x at $650 USD is about 30 percent cheaper than the suggested list price of the Savage and has a proven track record. The Ruger Precision Rimfire is the least expensive of the top three with a street price of about $550 USD. Talk to PRS shooters about which rifle they would buy and trust to shoot out of the box. Most will say CZ or Tikka. And certainly, the amount of aftermarket accessories available for the 457 is huge!
My feeling is that Savage is going to have a difficult row to hoe selling the 110 RF rifles. The two aforementioned issues, the higher retail price and a looser chamber, are going to deter many shooters. The $920 street price makes it harder to meet the $1600 PRS ceiling. There are also quality control issues. If I had the ear of Savage’s board room, I would suggest a real, bolt action match chamber and a lower retail price. They are competing with CZ and Tikka after all.
Which of the above rifles would you be least likely to buy? I’d like to hear from you.