Savage Arms Model 10 ML-II: Savage's Modern Muzzleloader Offers Smokeless Performance

Guns Magazine, Feb, 2002 by Sam Fadala

A rifle of controversy, the Savage Model 10ML has been completely redesigned -- not because of flaws, but to please government mandates and alleviate concern from game departments. The ATF did not know which pigeonhole the Model 10ML belonged in, and game departments were not certain that the rifle belonged in "primitive" seasons.

Was it really a muzzleloader? The answer, of course, is yes. The rifle is a muzzleloader. Every powder charge and every bullet goes down front end first, not through the breech. But there is an interesting complication. Savage deems this bolt-action muzzleloader -- which appears very much like its parent cartridge rifle -- safe with smokeless powder. The heart of the original l0ML was retention of the bolt's locking lugs, which secured a stainless steel module much as if it were a rimless cartridge. The module in turn secured a No. 209 shotgun primer. But Savage was faced with a problem: build a muzzleloader requiring a FFL for shipping as well a suspicious eye cast by game departments, or come up with changes. The decision favored changes.

New Design

Enter the .50-caliber Savage Model 10ML-II with bolt now serving as a striker (no locking lugs). Extensive proof tests by Savage pledged the new rifle smokeless-powder worthy, just like the original. In fact, the rifle functions more fluidly than the original, mainly because no module is required. A No. 209 shotgun primer slides into a recess in the bolt face as slick as glass. Since the bolt is now a striker, a breech plug is required that is screwed into the breech area with fine threads and which is removable for cleaning from the breech. This is good because it allows swabbing the bore free of fouling in no time when using either blackpowder or smokeless, yet it is not quite as handy as the first model that required no breech plug, the module taking its place.

Safety is the byword. Printed on the left-hand side of the barrel are the words, "USE ONLY FACTORY RECOMMENDED LOADINGS AND POWDER." The right-hand side of the barrel warns, "UNDERSTAND OWNER'S MANUAL AVAILABLE FROM SAVAGE ARMS." Savage's Website also provides information: www.savagearms.com. The remainder of the safety story is written in high-grade workmanship.

This rifle reflects all the best in modem materials. Along with stainless-steel barrel and action, the black composite stock -- homely compared to a piece of nice wood -- is Herculean strong. Checkering provides a slightly better hand grasp on pistol grip and forend, while the butt-stock is dressed with a recoil pad that may as well be made of granite. It is not a recoil pad, actually, but rather a slip-proof rubber platform that is very unlikely to slide off your shoulder.

Cosmetically, the Savage 10ML-II is a good-looking rifle. The stainless-steel trigger guard, barrel and action sharply contrast with the midnight-black stock. The only appointment that should be done away with is the little Savage Indian imprisoned in the grip cap. It is hardly recognizable and looks like it's made from the foil around a stick of chewing gum. The Savage name and Indian chief logo on the bolt, however, look good. The rifle balances perfectly, carries easily, and recoils straight back, rather than levering up into the cheekbone.

Staying with the outside of this front loader, the black synthetic ramrod is just what it should be -- straight and essentially unbreakable. It rests in a stainless-steel thimble screwed to the bottom of the barrel. Another plus on the side of safety is the length of the ramrod, which matches the distance from base of breech to muzzle. In order to verify that the rifle has no charge or projectile in the breech, insert the rod. If it goes all the way home to the bottom of the breech (only the tip showing at the muzzle), then the bore is clear. If the rod protrudes above the muzzle, something is down there. The ramrod has a wasp-waist jag tapped and threaded for accessories. Likewise, the off-end brass tip is also threaded for accessories.

Typical of modern muzzleloaders, the new Savage wears sling swivel eyes for the easy addition of a carrying strap. The rifle is also drilled and tapped for a scope sight. Hooray for the open iron sights, which are sturdy, clean and easy to adjust. The rear sight moves for elevation via a frontmounted screw. A double-headed screw just beneath the leaf, which has a U-notch, handles windage. The front sight rides on a ramp with dovetail for gross windage, which should not be necessary considering the range of adjustment enjoyed by the rear sight. The serrated three-position sliding tang safety shows a red dot in the far forward fire position. The middle stop allows bolt movement for fitting a No. 209 primer or removing one, while preventing trigger function. The most rearward safety location locks the bolt entirely, also blocking the trigger. A cocking indicator shows a red dot when the rifle is in battery. The dot drops out of sight when the trigger is pulled.

How It Works

Functionally, the Model l0ML-II works very much like a Remington Model 700ML or Ruger Model 77/50. Both of these rifles are based on their famous bolt-action cartridge rifles. The same thing goes for the Savage. Locking lugs on the bolt are removed, turning it into a striker, while the breech is sealed with a breech plug. The usual precautions pertain, such as total removal of grease or oil from the bore, breech plug and vent liner. Anti-seize lubricant applied to vent liner and breech plug threads is vital for easy removal later for cleaning. I have found Kleen Bore TW-25B a good choice. The next step is ensuring an unloaded firearm, which is accomplished with the ramrod as explained earlier. With bolt open and free of a primer, the loading procedure begins. It's time for the powder charge, and here is where the fly lands in the oatmeal. The manual states, "Your Savage Model 1 OML-II rifle can be loaded with charges of black powder, Pyrodex or prescribed loads of certain smokeless powders." A maximum charge of 150 grains (volume, not weight) of blackpowder or Pyrodex is maximum, with smokeless loads by weight "on a smokeless powder scale," according to the manual. The Lee powder dipper set is also allowed.