Beauty and Beast: Final Review of the Savage Stealth Evolution Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor

Five testers have put 150 rounds through this Savage Stealth Evolution in 6.5 Creedmoor. We've shot paper, steel, and a whole bunch of clay pigeons at ranges anywhere from 100 yards to 650 yards. All of this to bring you a thorough final review of the Savage precision rifle that catches the eye and tugs at your wallet.

Direct links to rifle parts and accessories:
1. Bushnell HDMR-II: https://amzn.to/2kTqKmF
2. Weaver 6-Hole 34mm Picatinny Rings: https://amzn.to/2JsgTPk
3. Protektor Rear Bag: https://amzn.to/2M7lWGE
4. Blackhawk Sportster Bipod: https://amzn.to/2tDfEqW

Short version: My guest testers and I loved the Stealth Evolution. It was capable and confidence-boosting. Even with factory ammunition, the rifle lured us in with a combination of repeatable, first-shot precision, a solid stance, and invisible comfort. After a string, all I wanted to do was load up and fire more.

We attempted (and conquered) some difficult challenges, starting with the Unknown Distance Challenge. Placing five Champion Duraseal clay pigeon holders at unknown ranges in a large field, we had ten shots to wipe them all out.The second challenge pitted me, Kyle, against five clay pigeons at 650 yards at Tulsa Red Castle Gun Club. We also shot a hand-sized group at 600 yards into a human silhouette target and knocked down steel animals from 200 meters to 500 meters.

The Savage Stealth Evolution re-enters a market that is full of excellent chassis rifles, like the Ruger Precision Rifle, the Tikka T3x TAC A1, and a host of others. What sets it apart is its attractive appearance in bronze Cerakote, compatibility with the growing Savage aftermarket, and the sense that it is not simply a collection of good parts, but a complete, squared-away rifle. One that you're not likely to want or need to upgrade (even though you can).

Don't forget that the Savage Stealth and Evolution both arrive with factory blueprinted actions, 5R rifling, threaded muzzles, 2-lb Accutriggers, detachable magazines, MDT LSS chassis, and twist rates optimized for heavy VLD bullets. The Evolution adds the bronze Cerakote, a top cover for the handguard, an entended 20-MOA base, and the superlative Magpul PRS Gen 3 buttstock. Available in .223 Remington, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum, you can pick the rifle that suits your needs from target and varminting to long-range hunting. Whatever you decide to do, though, do it supported. This thing is kinda awkward offhand.

Special Notes: The rifle is topped by a Bushnell HDMR-II in 34mm Weaver Skeleton rings. The bipod is a Blackhawk Sportster TraverseTrack 6-9". Most of the ammo we shot was Federal American Eagle 140-grain Open-Tip Match. It's much, much better ammunition than its price tag indicates. Try a box. Then buy a crate.

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- Kyle Broderick, The Social Regressive