Description
I was chasing a prairie dog at 250 yards with a .22 WMR, watching the little puff of dirt kick up behind him. That’s when I decided I needed something flatter, faster, and meaner for those long, windy fields. The Savage B. Mag 17 WSM Blue/Laminate, Heavy Barrel, Fluted is the answer to that specific itch. It’s a purpose-built, bolt-action rifle chambered in the scorching .17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge, designed to stretch small game and varmint distances well beyond what traditional rimfires can handle. The heavy, fluted barrel keeps things cool and steady, while the classic blue-on-laminate look gives it a timeless feel that works as hard as it looks.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your plinking .22. The .17 WSM is a different animal, launching a 20-grain bullet at over 3,000 feet per second. That means laser-flat trajectories and explosive terminal performance on critters like ground squirrels, crows, and prairie dogs. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of CCI and Winchester ammo through this platform, and the consistency is impressive for a factory rifle. The AccuTrigger is a standout feature, offering a crisp, user-adjustable pull that lets you manage the rifle’s considerable potential for precision. It’s a system that fits out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to get a clean, predictable break that serious shooters demand.
The heavy barrel profile, with its distinctive fluting, does more than just look good. It adds rigidity for better harmonics and dissipates heat faster during those long afternoons when the varmints are active. Paired with the stiff, classic-style laminate stock, you’ve got a stable platform that forgives a less-than-perfect rest. The overall package weighs in at a manageable 6.8 pounds, making it easy to carry across a pasture but heavy enough to settle down for a steady shot. The detachable box magazine holds 5 rounds of that potent .17 WSM, which is plenty for methodical shooting. At $468.67, it sits in a sweet spot between basic rimfires and centerfire varmint rigs, offering phenomenal reach without the cost and recoil of a .223.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Barrel | Heavy, Fluted |
| Stock | Laminate |
| Finish | Blued |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: you get incredible flat-shooting performance, a fantastic factory trigger, and a rugged, heat-managing barrel in a handsome package. The .17 WSM round itself is a legitimate 250+ yard varmint cartridge. Cons? Ammo is more specialized and costly than .22 LR or .22 WMR, so you won’t be burning through bricks of it casually. It’s also louder with more report—ear protection is a must. The laminate stock is durable but not lightweight, so if you’re counting every ounce, note the 6.8-pound heft.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the serious varminter or small game hunter who’s tired of lobbing .22 rounds and guessing at windage. It’s for the shooter who has a long, open field or pasture and needs to reach out with authority and precision. If you’re looking to upgrade from a standard rimfire or want a dedicated, low-recoil, long-range pest control tool without stepping up to a centerfire, this Savage B. Mag is built for you. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the .17 WSM compare to a .223 Remington for varmints?
A: The .17 WSM gives you similar effective range on small varmints with virtually no recoil and much lower ammunition cost than most .223 loads. It’s a fantastic middle ground between traditional rimfires and centerfires.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor or muzzle device?
A: This specific model does not come from the factory with a threaded muzzle. The barrel is crowned and finished as-is for optimal accuracy.
Q: Can I use .17 HMR or .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
A: Absolutely not. The Savage B. Mag is chambered exclusively for the .17 Winchester Super Magnum. It is not safe to fire any other cartridge. Always use the correct, specified ammunition.
If the idea of a rimfire that performs like a scaled-down centerfire speaks to your needs, check out the full details on this Savage.
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