Description
I was out at the farm last fall, trying to clear out a persistent colony of ground squirrels that had turned the back forty into Swiss cheese. My usual .22 LR just wasn’t cutting it for the longer shots across the pasture—the wind was playing havoc with those little pills. That’s when I grabbed my Savage B17 FV-SR .17 HMR, 16.5″ Barrel, Synthetic Overwatch Stock, Black Carbon, 10rd. The difference was immediate. The hyper-flat trajectory of the .17 HMR round, launched from Savage’s purpose-built action, turned those 100-yard pokes into confident, ethical shots. This rifle isn’t just another plinker; it’s a dedicated, precision small-game and varmint tool that punches way above its weight class—and its $369.22 price tag.
Here’s the thing—the B17 is built from the ground up for the .17 HMR cartridge. Savage didn’t just re-chamber a .22 Magnum action. They designed a brand new, fully enclosed receiver and a unique rotary magazine that feeds the tiny, necked-down rounds with flawless reliability. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through mine, and I’ve yet to experience a single feed or extraction hiccup. The 10-round capacity is a huge advantage when you’re on a active pest control mission, letting you stay on target longer. The action is smooth, the bolt lift is crisp, and the whole package just feels solid. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse that fits out of the box and gets to work.
The 16.5-inch heavy, fluted barrel is the heart of the FV-SR model’s appeal. It’s threaded 1/2″-28, making it ready for a suppressor or muzzle brake right from the factory—a huge value-add. The shorter, stiff barrel profile contributes to the rifle’s outstanding accuracy and makes it incredibly handy for shooting from a truck window or a tight blind. Paired with the synthetic Overwatch stock, which features an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull spacers, you can get a really solid, repeatable weld. The stock’s textured finish provides a secure grip in all conditions, and the overall package weighs in at a very manageable 6.3 pounds, so it’s easy to carry all day.
Let’s talk about what this rifle does best. The .17 HMR is a laser beam. With minimal holdover out to 150 yards and devastating terminal performance on small critters, it fills a niche between the .22 WMR and the .223. For Missouri coyotes at reasonable ranges, prairie dogs, or even just stretching your skills on paper, the B17 FV-SR is a blast to shoot. Recoil is virtually nonexistent, making follow-up shots quick and easy. The AccuTrigger is, as always, a standout feature—a clean, crisp, user-adjustable pull that removes one of the biggest variables from precision shooting.
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 16.5″ Heavy, Fluted, Threaded (1/2″-28) |
| Overall Length | 35.5″ |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10-Round Rotary |
| Stock | Synthetic Overwatch, Adjustable |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for the price, a fantastic factory trigger, reliable Savage-built rotary magazine, and a suppressor-ready barrel. The threaded muzzle is a real bonus. The adjustable stock lets you tailor the fit. Cons? The .17 HMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR, so your practice sessions cost more. The synthetic stock is functional but doesn’t have the premium feel of a laminate or wood—though that keeps the cost down and the weight low.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the serious varminter, the farmer protecting livestock, or the shooter who wants to hone their wind-reading and longer-range rimfire skills without stepping up to a centerfire. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a rugged, accurate, and ready-to-roll tool for small to medium-sized pests. If you’re tired of lobbing .22 LR rounds and guessing at the wind, the B17 FV-SR provides a tangible step up in capability. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel really threaded for a suppressor?
A: Yes. The “SR” in FV-SR stands for “Suppressor Ready.” The 16.5-inch heavy barrel comes from the factory with 1/2″-28 threads, compatible with many popular .17 caliber suppressors and muzzle devices. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, and suppressor ownership involves additional NFA paperwork and a tax stamp.
Q: What kind of scope should I put on it?
A: Given the .17 HMR’s flat trajectory, a scope with adjustable parallax (down to 50 yards or so) and a medium to high magnification range is ideal. I’ve had great results with optics from Vortex and Athlon in the 4-12x or 6-18x range. You’ll want a solid one-piece base and rings to handle the minimal recoil and maximize accuracy.
Q: How does it compare to a bolt-action .22 WMR?
A: The .17 HMR generally has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than the .22 WMR, making it easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges. The Savage B17’s dedicated action and magazine system is also typically more reliable with the .17 HMR cartridge than a converted .22 Mag action. It’s a more modern, purpose-built solution for the hyper-velocity rimfire niche.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, highly accurate rimfire rifle that extends your effective range on pests and targets, the Savage B17 FV-SR deserves a close look. See the full details on our site.
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