Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP .204 Ruger 20″ w/ Vortex 3-9×40
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP .204 Ruger 20″ is a factory-configured bolt-action rifle package built for precision varminting and field shooting with an included Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 optic. This rifle combines Savage's AccuTrigger system with a properly twisted 20-inch barrel to maximize the .204 Ruger cartridge's 4,200+ fps velocity potential. At 7.67 pounds and 40.25 inches overall length, it balances portability with shooting stability for extended range sessions.
What is the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP used for?
This rifle is engineered for prairie dog towns and coyote control where shots range from 75 to 300 yards. The .204 Ruger cartridge delivers minimal recoil with explosive terminal performance on small-to-medium game, while the 20-inch barrel maintains maneuverability in brush or from vehicle mounts. With a 1:12 twist rate, it stabilizes 32-40 grain projectiles ideally for wind-bucking accuracy.
How does the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win for varmint-specific applications due to its superior trigger system and included optics package. While the Stevens 334 (.243 Win, 20in) costs approximately $150 less, it lacks the AccuTrigger's user-adjustable pull weight (settable from 2.5 to 6 pounds) and requires separate optic purchase and zeroing. The Savage's .204 Ruger chambering also produces 40% less recoil energy than .243 Winchester, enabling faster follow-up shots on prairie dog colonies.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle measures 40.25 inches in overall length with a 20-inch carbon steel barrel contributing to its 7.67-pound unloaded weight. The synthetic stock provides a 13.5-inch length of pull (adjustable via spacers) and 1.5-inch height at comb for proper scope alignment. Compared to heavier varmint rifles like the Ruger Precision Rimfire (9.2 pounds), the Savage balances portability for walking stands with enough mass to steady off bipods.
Who is this NOT for?
This package is poorly suited for hunters pursuing deer-sized game or those needing extreme long-range capability beyond 400 yards. The .204 Ruger's 45-grain maximum projectile weight falls short of most states' big game regulations, while the sporter-profile barrel heats quickly during sustained fire—group dispersion increases by 1.5 MOA after 10 rounds in under 90 seconds. For larger game, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win with appropriate optics.
What's in the box?
You receive the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP rifle with factory-mounted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope, one 4-round detachable magazine, and three stock spacers for length-of-pull adjustment. The scope comes pre-boresighted to hit paper at 100 yards, though I always recommend final zeroing with your chosen ammunition—expect to expend 8-12 rounds for a precise 100-yard zero. Missing are thread protectors for the ½x28 muzzle threads, a $15 aftermarket necessity for suppressor hosts.
Is the Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP worth it at $679.99?
At $679.99, this package delivers exceptional value for new varminters avoiding the $300+ additional cost of separate optic purchase and gunsmith mounting. The Vortex Crossfire II alone retails for $199, making the rifle essentially $480—comparable to base-model Stevens 334 rifles but with superior trigger tuning. For shooters prioritizing out-of-box readiness over custom builds, this package eliminates the typical 2-hour gunsmith visit for optic installation and initial zeroing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope ($199 value) pre-mounted and boresighted
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds—1.5 pounds lighter pull than Stevens 334 factory trigger
- 20-inch barrel balances maneuverability with 4,250 fps muzzle velocity using 32gr VMAX loads
Trade-offs
- No muzzle thread protector included—requires $15 aftermarket cap for suppressor compatibility
- Sporter barrel heats rapidly—1.5 MOA dispersion increase after 10 rounds in 90 seconds
- 4+1 capacity below modern standards—extended magazines cost $35-50 extra
Key attributes
| upc | 011356573018 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57301 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .204 Ruger |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| safety | Thumb |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AR-style magazines?
- No, it uses Savage's proprietary detachable box magazine system—specifically the 4-round Model 110 magazine. Aftermarket options from Magpul and Savage increase capacity to 10 rounds, but standard AR magazines won't interface without custom machining.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, any 42-inch or longer rifle case accommodates its 40.25-inch length. Plano All-Weather cases (model 52-inch) provide 3 inches of extra space for optic clearance and run approximately $75 at major retailers.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-5 days via FedEx Ground. Total delivery to your FFL typically completes in 5-7 business days after order confirmation.
- Can I return it if the optic won't hold zero?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects, but firearms require FFL reshipment at customer expense (~$50). Vortex optics carry a lifetime warranty—contact them directly for scope-specific issues with a 2-week average turnaround.