Description
Picture this: you’re on a Missouri farm, and the telltale flash of a groundhog’s tail disappears down a burrow at 100 yards. You need a round that flies flat and hits hard, a rifle that’s light enough for a young shooter or a long walk, and a platform that doesn’t demand a second mortgage. That’s the scenario where the Savage B17 Compact .17 HMR, 18″ Barrel, Synthetic Black Stock, Blued, 10rd makes its case.
The Savage B17 Compact is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in the hyper-velocity .17 HMR cartridge. It features an 18-inch blued barrel, a synthetic black stock, and a 10-round rotary magazine. Designed for precision small-game hunting and varmint control, it offers a lightweight, compact package with minimal recoil and exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy. This rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s talk about what makes this rifle work. The heart of the B17 is its unique, spool-shaped rotary magazine. Unlike a traditional box mag, this design feeds the long, slender .17 HMR rounds with absolute reliability—no more frustrating jams when you’re lined up on a prairie dog town. It’s a system proven in Savage’s centerfire Axis series, adapted here for rimfire perfection. The 10-round capacity means more time on target and less time fumbling for loose rounds in your pocket. At a trim 5.5 lbs, this rifle won’t weigh you down during a full day afield.
The compact 18-inch barrel is the sweet spot for the .17 HMR. It allows the round to reach its optimal velocity while keeping the overall rifle length manageable for shooting from a truck window or a tight blind. The blued finish provides classic corrosion resistance, and the synthetic stock shrugs off moisture, mud, and rough handling without a second thought. Here’s the thing—the AccuTrigger is standard. This isn’t a gritty, vague pull; it’s a clean, user-adjustable break that lets you manage the shot, not just yank it. That translates directly to tighter groups on paper and more ethical shots in the field.
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 18 Inches |
| Overall Length | 37.5 Inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Action | Bolt Action |
Pros: The .17 HMR cartridge offers laser-like trajectory and devastating terminal performance on varmints. The AccuTrigger is a legitimate upgrade for precision. The 10-round rotary magazine is supremely reliable. At $263.00, it represents serious value in a dedicated varmint rig. The synthetic stock and blued metal make for a no-fuss, all-weather tool.
Cons: The .17 HMR round is more expensive than .22 LR, so high-volume plinking gets pricey. It’s not a caliber for larger game. The compact stock dimensions, while great for youth or smaller-framed shooters, may feel short for larger adults—though spacers can often be added.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs to protect livestock feed from marauding groundhogs. It’s for the father looking for a capable, low-recoil first rifle to teach a teenager real marksmanship fundamentals. It’s for the predator caller who wants to reach out and touch a coyote without the bulk of a centerfire. It’s a dedicated tool for a specific job, and it performs that job without drama. Mount a scope like a Vortex Crossfire II or a Bushnell Rimfire, and you have a system that fits out of the box and is ready for work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .17 HMR suitable for anything larger than varmints like squirrels or prairie dogs?
A: No, it is not recommended. The .17 HMR is a high-velocity, fragmenting round designed for small game and varmints up to coyote size with precise shot placement. For anything larger, such as deer, a centerfire cartridge is required by law and for ethical hunting.
Q: Can the stock be adjusted for length of pull?
A: The synthetic stock on the Compact model is a fixed youth/compact length. However, aftermarket spacers are available to add length, or the barreled action can be dropped into a full-size stock for a more custom fit for an adult shooter.
Q: What type of scope base does this rifle use?
A: The Savage B17 is drilled and tapped for a standard Savage 110 pattern scope base. This is a common footprint, and bases from brands like Weaver, Leupold, and EGW are widely available and easy to install, requiring no gunsmithing.
Ready to add this precise, reliable varminter to your rack? The Savage B17 Compact .17 HMR is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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