Description
You’re scanning the treeline for a groundhog that’s been decimating your garden. The shot is 125 yards, maybe a touch more with the breeze. You need a round that flies flat and hits with authority, but you also need a rifle that’s a steady partner from the bench. That’s the scenario where the Savage 93R17 BTV, 17HMR, 21″ Heavy Barrel, Blued, Brown Laminated Thumbhole Stock, 5Rd, Detachable Box Magazine earns its keep. It’s a purpose-built varmint rifle chambered in the hyper-accurate .17 HMR cartridge, featuring a heavy-contour barrel for stability and a ergonomic thumbhole stock for superior control. This setup is designed for the shooter who demands precision on small targets at extended ranges, all for a price point of $422.90.
When it comes to putting a single, precise hole in a target or ethically taking small game, the foundation is a rigid barrel and a solid lockup. Savage’s 21-inch heavy barrel is the centerpiece here. It dampens vibration, resists heating, and provides the consistent harmonics needed for the .17 HMR’s blistering 2,550+ fps velocity to translate into tiny groups. The blued finish is classic, durable, and reduces glare—a practical touch for a hunter waiting in a blind. The real story, though, is how it all comes together. The AccuTrigger is a game-changer, offering a crisp, user-adjustable pull that lets you break the shot without disturbing your sight picture. No gunsmithing required to benefit from this premium feature; it’s ready to deliver match-grade performance right out of the box.
The brown laminated thumbhole stock isn’t just for looks—it’s a functional asset. The laminate construction is incredibly stable, impervious to weather changes that can warp traditional wood, and the thumbhole design promotes a natural, repeatable cheek weld and hand position. This translates directly to better recoil management and faster follow-up shots, not that the mild .17 HMR has much recoil to manage. The detachable box magazine is another win for practicality. Reloading is a simple swap, and carrying spares is easy. At 6.75 pounds unloaded, the rifle has a solid, planted feel on bags or bipod without being a burden to carry afield.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel | 21″ Heavy Contour, Blued |
| Stock | Brown Laminated Thumbhole |
| Magazine | 5-Round Detachable Box |
| Overall Length | 41.5″ |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy thanks to the barrel and AccuTrigger combo, a rock-solid and ergonomic stock that aids shooting form, and the flat-shooting performance of the .17 HMR cartridge. The detachable magazine is a functional upgrade over many rimfire sporter designs. On the downside, the .17 HMR round is more expensive than .22 LR, so high-volume plinking gets costly. The heavy barrel and laminate stock also make it a bit heavier than a sporter-weight .22, which is a trade-off for the stability it provides on target.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the Missouri varminter, the precision rimfire enthusiast, or the shooter who wants to practice centerfire fundamentals without the cost. It’s ideal for dispatching pests like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and raccoons at 150+ yards. It’s also a fantastic training tool for wind-reading and marksmanship. The thumbhole stock and heft make it a natural fit for benchrest shooting or hunting from a stationary position. If your goal is to hit a one-inch target at 100 yards consistently, this Savage is built for that task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of scope base does this rifle use?
A: The Savage 93R17 uses a standard 11mm dovetail receiver, making it compatible with a wide range of rimfire-specific rings from brands like Warne, Leupold, and Vortex. No special bases are needed.
Q: Is the .17 HMR suitable for coyotes?
A: That said, while the .17 HMR is capable with perfect shot placement, it is not generally recommended for ethical coyote hunting. It is a premier cartridge for varmints and pests fox-sized and smaller. For coyotes, a centerfire rifle is a more appropriate choice.
Q: Can I use .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
A: No. The Savage 93R17 is chambered specifically for .17 HMR. Never attempt to fire .22 WMR or any other cartridge in this rifle. Always use only the ammunition for which your firearm is chambered.
Ready to add this precise varmint tool to your collection? The Savage 93R17 BTV is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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