As soon as I removed the new Savage Arms Model 12 Varminter Low Profile from its box it was obvious that I was holding a premium varmint rifle in my hands. From the tip of its stainless steel fluted barrel to the black recoil pad fitted to the butt of its laminated stock, this rifle reeks of serious, no compromise purpose.

Included with the rifle was a 100 yard test target shot by one of the Savage technicians that showed a .724 inch 3-shot group. This was achieved using Federal ammunition loaded with a 69 grain Sierra MatchKing bullet.

The 2004 Savage Arms catalog says this about the main features of their 12 series varmint rifles, and the short action Low Profile model in particular:

"With a host of features like free-floating, button rifled barrels and dual pillar bedding (and) the revolutionary AccuTrigger . . . this series gives the hard-core hunter an unsurpassed selection of varmint rifles to choose from . . . the 12 Varminter Low Profile, has all the features you asked for in a varmint rifle. With a heavy fluted stainless barrel and a low profile, brown laminated stock, we've added an extra wide beavertail forend for more stability."

Other notable features include a three-position tang mounted safety, detachable sling swivel studs, extra large bolt knob, and fluted comb. The AccuTrigger is adjustable from 1.6 to 6 pounds.

The Savage AccuTrigger is a tremendous breakthrough for which Savage Arms deserves all the credit they have received, and more. If you have not experienced an AccuTrigger you simply do not know how good a factory-installed trigger can be.

The bolt action Low Profile is available with a 4-round internal box magazine or as a single shot with an extra stiff receiver (no magazine cutout on the bottom). The test rifle is of the latter persuasion. Following are the basic specifications of the Model 12 Varminter Low Profile test rifle.

• Action - Savage 110 type short bolt action, single shot
• Caliber - .223 Remington (.204 Ruger and .22-250 also available)
• Rifling twist - 1 in 9 (.223 Rem.)
• Overall length - 46.25 inches
• Barrel length - 26 inches
• Weight - 10 pounds (approximately 13 pounds equipped as tested)
• Stock - brown hardwood laminate, satin finish
• Sights - None; drilled and tapped for scope mounts
• Finish - stainless steel
• 2004 MSRP - $752

I quickly mounted a Mueller Optics 8.5-25x50mm Eraticator varmint scope in high Weaver rings on the big Savage rifle. After mounting and bore sighting the scope, I was anxious to get to the range to shoot the new rifle. Rocky Hays, custom gunsmith and frequent participant in Guns and Shooting Online projects volunteered to assist with some of the shooting chores.

The first thing both Rocky and I noticed at the range was how easy it was to load the single shot Model 12. Just open the bolt, drop a cartridge into the receiver, and slide the bolt closed. There is almost no resistance when the bolt chambers the cartridge. The smoothness of this operation feels very different from chambering a round from a typical magazine fed bolt action rifle.

Not only is the Savage Low Profile easy to load and operate, it is extremely accurate. The first two shots (with the 60 grain Hornady bullet and IMR 3031 powder) were almost in the same hole, and the third shot only a little distance away, for a group size of 1/2 inch!

As it stands right now, the Savage Model 12 Low Profile is the most accurate rifle ever tested for Guns and Shooting Online.

Note: The complete review of this rifle can be found on the Product Review Page.