Savage Arms says “Better is Coming” in January of 2017, pointing us to this teaser video for an upcoming MSR. That’s “Modern Sporting Rifle,” AKA an AR-platform gun. It’s a first for Savage, just like it was for Springfield when they released the SAINT last month, but in the MSR’s case they’re deviating from traditional “Mil-Spec” format in a few ways…
The upper is a side-charger. Looks like a non-reciprocating side charging handle on the left side of the rifle. Additionally, the handguard and upper bolt together directly.
The handguard appears to feature M-LOK slots and a full-length top rail.
The magazine well sure looks large, and it’s safe to say that both upper and lower are machined from billet and do not follow a Mil-Spec form.
Savage-branded dust cover.
And a grippy-looking grip.
As for details from Savage, a company known primarily for its bolt-action rifles, this is it so far. I suspect we’ll get the full scoop at SHOT Show, which is now less than a month away.