Description
Picture this: you’re scanning the edge of a Missouri hayfield at last light, waiting for a prairie dog to pop up. You need a rifle that’s light enough to carry all day, accurate enough for a small target at 150 yards, and cheap enough to feed without guilt. That’s the niche the .17 HMR cartridge was born for, and the Savage B-Series BNS-SR .17 HMR, 18″ Carbon Sporter Barrel, Wood Laminate, 10rd is built to fill it without emptying your wallet.
Answer Capsule: The Savage BNS-SR is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .17 HMR. It features an 18-inch carbon steel sporter contour barrel, a laminated wood stock, and a 10-round rotary magazine. Designed for precision small-game hunting and varmint control, it offers Savage’s renowned out-of-the-box accuracy at a practical price point of $453.35.
Here’s the thing—Savage has a long history of making accurate, no-fuss rifles that work. The B-Series continues that tradition. The heart of this rifle is its sporter-contour barrel. At 18 inches, it keeps the overall package handy and well-balanced for off-hand shots or carrying through brush, while the carbon steel construction is plenty durable for a rimfire. The real value play? It’s a shooter right from the start. The barrel is button-rifled and crowned at the factory, a process that consistently delivers the tight groups the .17 HMR is capable of. You’re getting a lot of performance for a rifle priced just over four hundred and fifty dollars.
The laminated wood stock isn’t just for looks—though the gray/black laminate does have a sharp, modern look. It’s far more stable and resistant to warping from moisture than plain hardwood, which is a genuine benefit for a field rifle that might see dew, rain, or temperature swings. It’s also drop-in ready for popular aftermarket optics from brands like Vortex, Leupold, or Bushnell, thanks to its pre-drilled and tapped receiver. Just add a set of rimfire-specific rings and you’re set. The 10-round rotary magazine is a standout feature. It feeds smoothly, sits flush, and gives you plenty of capacity for a long session at the prairie dog town without constant reloading.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel | 18″ Carbon Steel, Sporter Contour |
| Stock | Laminated Wood |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Overall Length | Approx. 37.5″ |
Pros & Cons: The pros are clear: excellent accuracy per dollar, a stable and attractive laminate stock, and that high-capacity rotary mag. The .17 HMR itself is a pro—it’s laser-flat shooting and devastating on small pests, but with minimal report and recoil. The tradeoffs? Well, the .17 HMR ammo costs more than .22 LR, so your practice sessions get pricier. The trigger, while crisp, is a basic design and isn’t adjustable like some higher-end models. And while the laminate is tough, the rifle’s total weight comes in around 6 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some synthetic-stocked options.
Who is this for? This rifle is for the budget-conscious varminter, the farmer needing a reliable tool for crop protection, or the hunter who wants a precise, lightweight small-game rifle for squirrels or rabbits. It’s also a fantastic entry point for a new shooter looking to step up from a .22 LR to learn windage and holdover on a flatter-shooting cartridge. It’s a practical, workmanlike tool that prioritizes function and value over bells and whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .17 HMR suitable for coyotes?
A: It can be with precise shot placement, but it’s generally considered underpowered for ethical coyote hunting at longer ranges. It’s a superb cartridge for smaller varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and raccoons.
Q: What type of scope base does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Savage 11/110 round rear receiver scope base pattern, which is widely available from manufacturers like EGW or Weaver.
Q: How does it compare to a Ruger American Rimfire?
A: Both are great values. The Savage often has an edge in out-of-the-box accuracy for many shooters and features the 10-round rotary magazine. The Ruger uses interchangeable magazine inserts to mimic its 10/22 mags, which is a plus if you already own that platform. It’s a close call on value.
If you need a dedicated, accurate varmint rifle that delivers performance without pretense, the Savage BNS-SR represents serious bang-for-your-buck. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. Check our site for current availability.
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