Savage Arms® is proud to announce its Model 110 Trail Hunter Lite V2 has been named the winner in the under-$1,000 category of Ballistic's Best Hunting Edition 2026, published by Athlon Outdoors. The award recognizes the rifle as the top performer in its price category following an extensive evaluation of 2026 bolt-action hunting rifles.
Ballistic's Best puts rifles through a standardized testing process that evaluates nine categories, including accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, trigger quality, recoil management, and overall value. With only one winner selected per category, the recognition highlights the Trail Hunter Lite V2's performance in a competitive field of hunting rifles.
Chambered in 7mm PRC for the evaluation, the Savage Model 110 Trail Hunter Lite V2 stood out for its consistent accuracy. According to the review, the rifle repeatedly produced five-shot groups under one minute of angle (MOA) across all shooters, with individual groups measuring 0.605, 0.646 and 0.773 inches. The results demonstrate the rifle's precision in the hands of multiple experienced evaluators.
The Trail Hunter Lite V2 builds on the established Model 110 platform with updates designed to improve performance and reliability. The revised bolt face features dual ejectors and an updated extractor to support stronger, more consistent ejection and more reliable extraction. An updated magazine system further enhances feeding reliability.
Additional features include a Hogue OverMolded stock, a Tungsten Cerakote-finished action and barrel, a straight-fluted barrel threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake, and Savage's user-adjustable AccuTrigger. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $719, the Trail Hunter Lite V2 combines these performance-focused features with an accessible price point for hunters.
"Earning recognition from Ballistic's Best is a meaningful achievement for Savage Arms and a testament to the performance and value we strive to deliver to hunters," said Beth Shimanski, VP of Marketing at Savage Arms. "The 110 Trail Hunter Lite V2 builds on the proven Model 110 platform with purposeful updates that deliver the accuracy and reliability hunters expect in the field."
The full Ballistic's Best Hunting Edition 2026 review, including the testing methodology, rifle evaluations and accompanying video, is available at Athlon Outdoors.
For more information on the Savage 110 series and other Savage Arms products, please visit savagearms.com or contact your local dealer.
Headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts, Savage has been producing firearms for more than 130 years. Savage is one of the world's largest manufacturers of hunting, competition and targeting shooting centerfire and rimfire rifles, and shotguns. Their firearms are best known for accuracy, performance and innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit that originally defined the company is still evident in its ongoing focus on continuous innovation, craftsmanship, quality and service. Learn more at www.savagearms.com.