The Savage B22 was designed to bring Savage’s rimfire lineup into the modern era. While the old Mark II was loved, it felt like a rifle from 1950. The B22 series features a more ergonomic stock, a higher comb for scope use, and a rotary magazine. The FV model shown here specifically targets the precision shooter or the stationary varmint hunter, featuring a heavy “varmint” barrel and a synthetic stock.
Specifications
- Caliber: .22 LR (Also available in 22 WMR and 17 HMR)
- Barrel: Varies
- Capacity: 10-round rotary magazine, can also take the 25 round mags
- Trigger: Savage AccuTrigger
- Weight: Approximately 6 lbs
Usability
The ergonomics of the B22 FV are a significant step up from previous generations. The top-tang safety is a highlight; it is naturally ambidextrous and easy to engage or disengage without breaking your grip.
For many, the AccuTrigger remains a much liked upgrade over factory rimfire triggers. It is crisp, safe, and easily adjustable to a light pull weight. Another massive practical win is the inclusion of Weaver bases. Most rimfire rifles in this price range still use the flimsy 3/8 inch dovetail rails that are prone to scope rings creeping back from firing. Having actual bases installed from the factory makes mounting a high-quality optic much more secure.
The Magazine Issue
While the rifle excels in accuracy and controls, the 10-round rotary magazine is a point of frustration. Compared to the industry-standard Ruger 10/22 rotary mags, the Savage versions feel cheap and are more difficult to load. The combination of cheap pot metal and plastic feels terrible. If you are out in the cold with numb fingers, loading these can become a genuine chore.
It does take the bigger 25 round Butler creek mags that the A22 also shares.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
The B22 has a decent following but it does not have nearly the aftermarket parts availability of more popular rimfire rifles.
Competitors
The B22 FV sits in a crowded market:
- Ruger American Rimfire: Better magazines and similar pricing, but usually lacks the heavy barrel at this price point.
- CZ 457: The go-to for rimfire precision shooters. Accurate and generally considered a higher tier of fit and finish, though more expensive.
- Savage Mark II FV: The older brother. It’s cheaper and uses stick mags, but the ergonomics are much worse.
Conclusion
The Savage B22 FV is a highly accurate tool for the price. If you want a heavy-barreled rimfire that can punch tiny groups at 50 yards and comes with a decent trigger out of the box, this is it. However, you have to decide if you can live with the finicky rotary magazines. If you can get past the crap mags, the rifle’s performance in the field is hard to beat for the money.
I think for someone who owns an A22, the B22 might be a fun gun to add that shares mags with.
