Savage is still doing R&D on the .45 cal prototype we sent them, so they say. They have had it for over a year now and still haven't statrted production on it yet. it was fairly simple, same design as the 10ML 50 cal, except in 45 cal, with a 24" 1:14 twist barrel a little samller in diameter is all. They have made several prototype based on the 10ML-II design for their R&D testing.

Our inititial testing with the prototype was farily good. Accuracy was acceptable but not great, with groups average around 2"-2.5" range at 100yds. Velocity was excellent, ranging from 2,800-3,200 fps. Bullets in the 180-220 grain range seemed to give the best performance. The Barnes MZ Expanders and Red Hots shot real well. Recoil was very manageable, except with heavy charges of Lil Gun and heavier bullets and even then it was not punishing.

The people up at Savage are being tight lipped about the R&D even. I don't know if they are saving it as a surprise for the Shot Show or not. Hopefully the .45 cal will make it's debut then, only time will tell. If I do find something out I'll definately let you know.