Description
I was at the range last week, watching a guy struggle with a finicky semi-auto .22 that couldn’t decide if it wanted to cycle bulk pack or not. It reminded me why I keep reaching for my Savage A22 Target—it just works. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, accurate rimfire rifle that handles the punchier .22 WMR cartridge with boring reliability, this is a platform that deserves a hard look.
The Savage A22 Target, .22 WMR, 22″ Barrel, 10rd, Black is a purpose-built, semi-automatic rimfire rifle designed for precision shooting. It features a heavy-contour 22-inch barrel for enhanced accuracy, a reliable blowback action tuned for .22 Magnum, and comes with a 10-round rotary magazine, all in a matte black finish ideal for the range or field. Starting at $549.61, it sits in a sweet spot between basic plinkers and high-end target guns. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various .22 WMR loads through one, and the consistency is what stands out—no drama, just tight groups.
Let’s talk about that barrel. The 22-inch heavy sporter contour does two things brilliantly. First, it gives the .22 WMR cartridge plenty of room to burn its powder, squeezing out maximum velocity and flattening trajectory. Second, the added weight out front is a gift for offhand shooting; it settles into a bag or bipod like it’s home and dramatically reduces muzzle flip. You’ll notice the difference immediately compared to lighter, whippier barrels. This rifle is compatible with standard 3/8″ dovetail or Picatinny scope rings, making it a perfect mate for optics from brands like Vortex or Leupold. Mounting a scope is drop-in ready with the right bases—no gunsmithing required.
The heart of the system is Savage’s proven rotary magazine. Holding 10 rounds of .22 WMR, it feeds smoothly and sits flush with the bottom of the stock, giving you a clean profile. The action is a simple blowback design, but Savage has tuned it for the higher pressure of the Magnum round. In my experience, it cycles everything from 30-grain V-Max to 40-grain JHPs without a hiccup. The AccuTrigger is the real secret weapon, though. It’s a clean, crisp pull that’s user-adjustable down to a feather-light pull, letting you focus on the break and not the creep.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 WMR (.22 Magnum) |
| Barrel Length | 22″ Heavy Sporter |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Rotary) |
| Overall Length | 41.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.3 lbs |
| Trigger | User-Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Pros: The accuracy potential is excellent for a semi-auto in this price range, thanks to that solid barrel and fantastic trigger. Reliability with the .22 WMR cartridge is top-tier—it eats what you feed it. The ergonomics are straightforward and comfortable, making it easy to shoot well for extended sessions.
Cons: .22 WMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR, so your cost-per-round goes up. The synthetic stock is functional but utilitarian; if you’re after classic wood, you’ll need to look at other models. It’s also not the lightest rifle for a long carry in the woods, given its target-oriented design.
So who is this rifle for? Look, if you’re a varmint hunter who wants rapid follow-up shots on prairie dogs or foxes, the A22 Target in .22 WMR delivers reach and authority. It’s also a fantastic choice for a shooter who wants to step up from .22 LR and practice with a flatter-shooting rimfire on longer-range steel, out to 150 yards or so. Finally, it’s for anyone who values a simple, accurate, and utterly reliable tool that doesn’t need constant tinkering. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .22 Long Rifle ammunition in this .22 WMR model?
A: No, you cannot. This rifle is chambered specifically for the higher-pressure .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Using .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is unsafe and will not function correctly. Always use the ammunition specified on your firearm’s barrel.
Q: How does the AccuTrigger work, and is it really that good?
A: The AccuTrigger uses a unique blade-within-a-blade safety design. The outer blade must be fully depressed before the inner sear blade can be pulled. This allows for a very light, crisp pull weight on the sear itself without compromising safety. Yes, it’s that good—it’s one of the best factory triggers on any rimfire rifle at this price point.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect with good ammo?
A: With quality match or hunting-grade .22 WMR ammunition and a solid optic, sub-MOA groups at 50 yards are achievable, and 1-1.5 MOA at 100 yards is a reasonable expectation from a rested position. The heavy barrel and good trigger do most of the work; your job is to find the ammo it likes best.
If a dependable, accurate .22 Magnum semi-auto that focuses on performance over frills sounds like your kind of rifle, the Savage A22 Target is ready to prove itself. Check availability and see the full specs on our site.
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