Description
Let me paint you a picture. You’re walking a bean field edge at last light, the wind’s just right, and you spot a prairie dog mound at 150 yards. You need a rifle that’s dead-nuts accurate, hits harder than a .22 LR, and won’t break the bank. That’s the exact scenario where the Savage B17 FV Bolt 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) 21″ Barrel, Synthetic Black, 10rd shines. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various 17 HMR ammo through this platform, and it consistently delivers on the promise of Savage’s reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy.
The Savage B17 FV is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in the flat-shooting 17 HMR cartridge. It features a 21-inch carbon steel barrel, a matte black synthetic stock, and a unique rotary magazine that holds 10 rounds. Priced at $317.15, it’s a purpose-built tool for varmint control and precision rimfire shooting where distance and wind call for more than a standard .22.
Here’s the thing—the heart of this rifle is Savage’s unique spool-style magazine system. Unlike a traditional box mag, this rotary design feeds with remarkable reliability. I’ve never had a hiccup with it, whether using CCI, Hornady, or Federal ammunition. It’s a clever piece of engineering that keeps the profile sleek and ensures smooth feeding for that critical shot. The AccuTrigger is the other star of the show. It’s user-adjustable, and the clean, crisp break it provides is a huge part of why this rifle can group so tightly. You get a trigger feel that rivals centerfire target rifles, which is a massive advantage for making those longer shots.
The synthetic stock is utilitarian—it’s not fancy, but it’s rigid, lightweight, and weather-resistant. The barrel is free-floated, which means it doesn’t touch the stock, allowing it to vibrate consistently shot after shot. That’s a key detail for accuracy. Weighing in at 6.3 lbs, it carries easily all day but remains steady from a bench or bipod. Speaking of bipods, the stock has a sling swivel stud up front, making it drop-in ready for popular models like the Harris S-BRM or Caldwell XLA Pivot.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (17 HMR) |
| Action | Bolt Action | Barrel Length | 21 Inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 40.5 Inches |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Stock | Synthetic, Matte Black |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy thanks to the free-floated barrel and AccuTrigger, fantastic 10-round magazine capacity, and a very competitive price point for a rifle with these features. The 17 HMR cartridge itself is a pro—it’s laser-flat out to 150 yards and hits with authority on small game. The cons? The stock is basic, which is fine for a field rifle but won’t win beauty contests. The 17 HMR ammo, while incredibly effective, is more expensive than .22 LR, so your practice sessions cost a bit more.
Who is this for?
This rifle is for the Missouri farmer needing reliable coyote or groundhog control out past 100 yards. It’s for the precision-minded rimfire shooter who enjoys stretching a .17 caliber’s legs on steel targets. It’s also a fantastic, low-recoil option for introducing a new shooter to the concepts of wind reading and longer-range shooting without the blast and cost of a centerfire. It’s a tool-first rifle that performs well above its price class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the magazine difficult to load?
A: Not at all. The rotary spool design is intuitive. You simply depress the cartridge into the spool and rotate. It’s much easier on the thumbs than loading a tight box magazine, and the 10-round capacity is a real benefit in the field.
Q: What scope base does it use?
A: The Savage B17 FV receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Savage 110-style scope base. This is a very common pattern, and bases from brands like Weaver, EGW, or Warne will fit perfectly. No gunsmithing required to mount your optics.
Q: How does the 17 HMR compare to .22 WMR?
A: The 17 HMR fires a smaller, lighter bullet at much higher velocity. This results in a far flatter trajectory and less wind drift, making it easier to hit small targets at extended ranges. The .22 WMR hits with more blunt force at closer ranges, but for pure precision past 100 yards, the 17 HMR has the edge.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, highly accurate rimfire rifle for varmints or target shooting, the Savage B17 FV deserves a hard look. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check it out on our site for more details and to see current availability.
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