Best Savage .22 Rifles [4 Top Models]

So you’re looking for a new .22 rifle and you’ve settled on the Savage brand, but you don’t know where to go from there. Honestly, I can’t blame you as Savage as so many solid options to choose from and you don’t want to make a purchase mistake (especially at some of these prices).

Fortunately enough, this blog is going to summarize the top 4 Savage .22 rifles available to hunters and target shooters today. These particular picks produce consistent results and fall directly in line with a reliable, accurate, and awesome looking .22! What else can you ask for?

Before you take that final step and decide to add one to your gun safe, take a look at all the information below. I’ve create an easy-to-digest comparison chart that showcases each option side by side. Furthermore, each product review below highlights both the pros and cons, and you even have a final sections that walks you through the top things to consider and today’s most popular FAQs. Enjoy and good luck this season!

Savage .22 Rifle Comparison Chart

Take a look at this handy comparison chart below summarizing the best Savage .22 rifles available on the market today:

Best Savage .22 Rifle

Savage Arms A22 Target Semi-Auto Rifle

When it comes to a good .22 rifle, accuracy is hard to come by so when you find something that’s deadly accurate you have to get it! As a result, I chose the Savage Arms A22 rifle as the Best Savage .22 Rifle due to it’s unmatched accuracy at this very reasonable price point.

Savage sought out to do one key thing when it came to the A22, and that’s to make an incredibly accurate model that both hunters and target shooters could rely upon year after year.

The A22 houses so many great features, it’s almost too many to count. Not only does the A22 look great with a sleek grey laminated composite stock, but it’s added key thumbhole adds a new level of quality design with the increased benefit of improved shooting. And it doesn’t end there!

The Savage 22 is further enhanced with the fluted target barrel that contains a 1:16 rate of twist. While it does come in a little heavier than I’d personally like, I don’t think you’d want to reject this level of engineering to shave off a few ounces (Just get in the weight room!).

Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Savage A22 Target Semi-Auto rifle – no matter if you’re target shooting, plinking, or relying on it deep in the woods on some late year hunts.

Pros

• Highly Accurate
• Fluted Target Barrel
• Well-Designed Stock
• AccuTrigger
• Over-Sized Bolt Handle
• 10 Round Magazine

Cons

• Weight (7 lbs.)
• Price

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Best Varmint Savage .22 Rifle

Savage Arms Mark II FV Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifle

Savage says that the Mark II FV is a good combination for both target shooters and varmint hunters, but I truly think it’s built specifically for small-game hunters that need a little bit of everything. Due to it’s solid price point, lightweight design, and reliable results the Mark II FV is our pick for the Best Varmint Savage .22 Rifle.

Take a deeper dive into the Mark II and you’ll notice that it’s a relatively simple design. While I’m not super excited about the construction (especially when compared to the A22) it does give a very rugged feel which might be appreciated by those looking for the all performance, no frills .22.

The Mark II’s synthetic stock holds a lengthy 21″ barrel at only 5.5 lbs., which is great for anyone spending hours heading deep into the woods. This barrel length alongside Savage’s AccuTrigger® enables hunters to obtain increased accuracy with custom adjustments.

While the .22’s bolt features dual extractors for positive extraction, I really wish it came with something more than a detachable 5-round magazine. Yes, it allows for quick and easy loading but I’m just accustomed to a larger magazine.

Pros

• Price
• Durability
• Accuracy
• Weight (5.5 lbs.)

Cons

• Stock Design
• 5 Round Magazine

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Best Youth Savage .22 Rifle

Savage Mark II GY .22 LR Bolt Action Youth Rifle

If you’re raising a hunter or target shooter, you need to equip them with a solid .22 rifle that’s going to provide hours of fun and enjoyment. Not only are .22’s a great entry gun, this particular model offers parents a great price with added safety features. These two top features make it Savage’s Best Youth .22 Rifle available today.

When it comes to purchasing a youth rifle, or any youth gun, you want to make sure safety is the number one thing to consider. Savage exceeded expectations by equipping the Mark II GY .22 with the well-known and safe AccuTrigger, while also integrating a 2-stage safety. Not only does this provide comfort for the parents, but this features create a solid foundation for anyone learning to shoot a gun.

One added benefit to this particular model is the 10 round magazine. Personally, I think this is a great characteristic to have as it minimizes the amount of time fumbling with new shells. It allows the child to focus on safety and fun, rather than reloading the weapon over and over again.

While Savage makes several quality youth .22 rifles, I just don’t think you can beat the Mark II. Not only is this particular model widely praised in the gun community, but the small adjustments made to create a youth option were very well done.

Pros

• 2-Stage Safety
• Affordable Price
• 10 Round Magazine
• Safe AccuTrigger

Cons

• Wood Stock
• Weight (6.9 lbs.)

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Best New Savage .22 Rifle

Savage A22 BNS-SR

In all honesty, this particular pick has the least amount of data and research behind it, but someone has to choose the best new option on the market and that’s what we’ve done! The Savage A22 BNS-SR comes equipped with a solid A22 foundation, but with added features, and for this reason I chose this as the Best New Savage. 22 Rifle.

The first thing you’ll notice when it comes to the A22 BNS-SR is the new wood-laminated barrel that’s built with a very comfortable ergonomic design. The stock fits snuggly in place, increasing your accuracy, while the key areas are gnarled for added feel and security.

While the barrel is only 18″, it is composed of high quality carbon steel for increased durability in a lightweight build. This alongside an automatic straight blowback action creates a smooth transition to the next shot with minimal concern.

As a final note, at a price of $530 it is one of Savage’s more expensive .22 rifle models, but honestly, I think it’s probably one of the best looking options on the market. Now, it’s just up to you to see if these features and this price point match up with what you’re wanting in your next .22 Savage!

Pros

• Ergonomic Stock Design
• Carbon Steel Barrel
• Consistent Performance
• Reliable Accuracy

Cons

• Barrel Length (18″)
• Price

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What To Consider When Purchasing A Savage .22 Rifle

Price

Most .22 rifles are going to cost somewhere between $150-$400 with high-end models topping out around $600-$1,000.

Now, there’s a lot of debate as to whether or not an expensive .22 rifle is worth this much as most hunters grew up plinking with a simple, cheap hand-me-down model. However, if you’re really looking for the most efficient setup out there, that’s backed by a reputable brand, and don’t forget about the sweet designs, then you might want to splurge on something a little more pricey.

All in all, .22’s, when compared to other calibers, aren’t going to warrant prices above $1,000 unless you’re looking at competition specific upgrades and features. Simply put, the .22 rifle is a basic rifle model and one that doesn’t require high prices for solid quality.

Style (Bolt Action vs. Semi-Auto)

According to GunDigest…

The bolt-action rifle out performs semi-autos in precision work.

GunDigest

If you go to any gun/shooting forum most individuals are going to tell you bolt action models are going to be more accurate. Well… better said, bolt actions are going to give you a better opportunity to be more accurate for the following reasons:

• Minimal gas loss as the chamber is closed for the duration of the shot.
• Bolt action chambers are usually built tighter.
• They are more rigid and produce less flex.
• The barrel diameter is equal to a bolt action’s receiver.
• Longer magazines lead to longer loads.

Accuracy

Accuracy isn’t the first thing people think about when it comes to a .22, but a good brand and model, along with a steady hunter, can be produce surprising results. Unfortunately, there’s just no good way to predict how accurate a .22 will be, even if you scan the reviews of every single website on the internet. Personally, I would recommend going to a sporting goods store and choosing one that feels right. Doing this, and pairing it with a reliable brand of optics it most likely going to put you in the best possible position.

Durability

When it comes to durability, brand and material are really going to determine how long your next .22 is going to last you. Top brands such as Savage, Ruger, Winchester are going to give you reliable performance at a price that’s going to match its capabilities. Of course, a more expensive model from these brand will most likely last you a long time, but overall there’s going to be minimal differences.

Additionally, if you’re trying to decide whether to purchase a traditional wooden stock or one that’s composite, I (along with probably everyone else) am going to recommend a composite model. Composite models aren’t going to chip, scratch or crack, and are going to be much more weather resistant.

Purpose

With so many different styles, models, and features now present within the .22 rifle, it’s tough to consider which one is best for you. Before you go out and purchase one, try to think about how and where you’re going to use it the most. Doing so, with the help of the few categories below, might lead you down a much easier path – giving you the exact .22 rifle you need for your next adventure.

1. Suppressed
2. Plinking
3. Long-Range Target Precision
4. Hunting

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Savage .22 Rifle FAQs

How To Sight In A .22 Rifle With Open Sights?

Most hunters/firearm owners are fairly comfortable adjusting standard scopes or red dots, but many have forgotten how to do this with traditional open sights. Check out the video below to learn more!

Quick Tip: Move the rear sight in the direction you want the bullet to go.

Can A .22 Rifle Kill A Deer?

Yes, you can (technically) kill a deer with .22 rifle; however, doing so is very difficult and is not considered ethical by many hunters.

A .22 rifle does pack enough killing power to take down large animals, especially a .22 WMR which comes in at 30-50 grains and a velocity of 1,530-2,200. The grain amount and velocity provides plenty of takedown, but still not dependable enough especially when compared to a .243, .270, or 7mm – the three most popular calibers chosen for deer hunting.

Aside from these particular areas of consideration, you still might not be able to. According to Hunting Sage, most states have made it illegal to kill a deer with a .22 rifle. As a result, before you even go down the road of considering a .22, I would first recommend reading over your state’s regulations because you just might find the end answer you’re looking for.

How To Clean A Remington 597 .22 Rifle?

If you have a Remington 597 .22 rifle you already know it’s not the easiest to clean. To make the process as easy as possible, I’ve tracked down a handy video that walks through all the necessary steps. Furthermore, I’ve listed out a step-by-step guide in list from as well:

Disassemble

1. Put the safety mechanism in the “ON” or “SAFE” position.
2. Pull the operating handle rearward to engage last shot hold-open.
3. Pull the magazine latch rearward and remove the magazine from
4. the firearm. Visually check the chamber and action again to make
5. sure the rifle is completely unloaded.
6. Pull rearward on operating handle and release the bolt forward.
7. Remove the front and rear takedown screws, using a 1/8″ Allen Wrench. See Picture 12.
8. Lift and remove the action from the stock.

To Clean The Receiver/Barrel

1. Remove two guide rail screws from rear of receiver.
2. Cycle bolt several times until bolt guide rails protrude from rear
   of receiver.
3. Pull bolt guide rails out. Care should be taken with guide rail springs.
4. Pull out on operating handle to remove handle from bolt.
5. Remove bolt from receiver.
6. Brush the inside of the receiver and end of the barrel with gun cleaning solvent and wipe dry.
7. Apply a light application of Rem™ Oil to the inside of the receiver.

Clean The Barrel

1. Point the rifle in a safe direction.
2. Put the safety mechanism in the “ON” or “SAFE” position.
3. Pull the operating handle rearward to engage last shot hold-open.
4. Pull the magazine latch rearward and remove the magazine from the firearm. Visually inspect chamber and
   action to make sure rifle is completely unloaded.
5. Use the instructions and equipment provided in a good cleaning kit such as Remington® Sportsman™
   Cleaning Kits. For recommendations, see your dealer or Remington Authorized Gunsmith.
6. Attach cleaning patch saturated with Brite Bore™ to cleaning rod tip.
7. Pass patch through bore several times to remove loose residue and fouling.
8. Select the correct caliber cleaning brush and attach the brush to the cleaning rod.
9. Spray bore brush with Brite Bore.
10. Push the cleaning rod through the barrel several times.
11. Remove the brush from the rod, attach tip with cleaning patch and push through the bore.
12. Repeat several times, using a new cleaning patch each time until the patch is clean.
13. Push a clean patch saturated with Rem™ Oil through the barrel.
14. Push a clean dry patch through the barrel to remove excess lubricant.
15. Apply a light application of Rem™ Oil to the outside of the barrel with a soft clean cloth.

Clean The Housing Assembly

1. Put the safety mechanism in the “ON” or “SAFE” position.
2. Spray the housing assembly with Rem™ Action Cleaner and
   allow to dry.
3. Spray the housing assembly with Rem™ Oil at parts shown. See Picture 15. Let stand for 15 minutes. Spray again to wash off components. Wipe or blow off excess lubricant.

Clean The Magazine Assembly

1. Depress the sides of the magazine box and pull the magazine bottom downward and off of the magazine. As the spring becomes exposed, hold it with your thumb to prevent it from flying out.
2. Remove the magazine spring.
3. Remove the magazine follower.
4. Clean the magazine and follower with brush or cloth in warm water and
   household dishwashing detergent. Do not use lubricant in magazine.
5. Reassemble the magazine follower into the magazine.
6. Insert the magazine spring into the magazine with the coils aligned as
   shown.
7. Position the posts of the magazine box bottom into the last coil of the magazine spring.
8. Push the magazine box bottom onto the magazine box until the bottom snaps into place

What Is The Most Powerful .22 Long Rifle?

The most powerful .22 long rifle on the market today is going to be the Savage Mark II FV.

I’ve chosen this because of the simple, bolt-action design that houses a heavy fluted-barreled. While this doesn’t directly impact power, it does do a great job at containing a heavy bullet with a high muzzle velocity (which is where your real power is going to come from). My favorite combination is the Mark II with a the CPHP .22 LR Ammo by CCI as it produces reliable accuracy with heavy power.