If you are looking for a bolt-action .22 from Savage, you are inevitably going to end up choosing between two brothers: the venerable Mark II and the modern B22. Both share the same “DNA”—legendary barrels and the AccuTrigger—but they feel like rifles from different centuries.
At a Glance: The Differences
| Feature | Savage Mark II | Savage B22 |
| Safety | Side-mounted lever | Ambi Top-Tang |
| Magazine | Stamped Metal “Stick” | Plastic Rotary |
| Optic Mount | 3/8″ Dovetail (Usually) | Factory Weaver Bases |
| Stock Design | Traditional/Low Comb | Modern/High Ergonomics |
| Receiver | Round | Slab-sided |
Ergonomics and Safety
This is where the B22 takes a massive lead. The stock on the B22 was designed for modern shooters who use scopes; the comb is higher, the grip is more vertical, but to be honest: neither stock feels very premium.
More importantly, the Top-Tang Safety on the B22 is a huge win for field use. It is perfectly ambidextrous and can be operated with your thumb without moving your hand from the firing position. The Mark II’s side safety is functional, but it feels dated and a bit clunky by comparison.
The Magazine Debate: Sticks vs. Rotary
This is the most polarizing part of the comparison.
- The B22 uses a 10-round rotary magazine designed to sit flush with the stock. While it looks better and doesn’t snag on your gear, as I’ve noted before, they are a pain to load. They feel cheap, and the tension can be finicky.
- The Mark II uses the old-school metal stick magazines. They are ugly, they stick out of the bottom of the gun, and the edges can be sharp. However, they are dead-simple to load and generally very reliable.
The Verdict: If you value ease of loading, the Mark II wins. If you value a sleek rifle that doesn’t snag in the brush, the B22 wins.
Mounting Optics
The B22 wins here on practicality. It comes from the factory with Weaver bases already installed. This allows you to use standard, high-quality rings. Most Mark II models still ship with the old 3/8 inch rimfire dovetail. While it works for cheap plinking scopes, it is notorious for allowing scopes to slide under recoil (yes, even .22 LR recoil) and limits your ring choices unless you spend extra money on an aftermarket Picatinny rail.
Accuracy
In my experience, this is a wash. Both rifles use essentially the same barrel technology. Whether you buy an FV (heavy barrel) in a Mark II or a B22, you are getting a rifle capable of sub-inch groups at 50 yards with the right ammo. The AccuTrigger is available on both, so the trigger pull won’t be the deciding factor.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Savage Mark II if: You are on a stricter budget, you prefer the simplicity of metal stick magazines, or you plan on replacing the stock anyway (where the Mark II has a much larger aftermarket).
Buy the Savage B22 if: You want a modern-feeling rifle, you value a tang safety, you want bigger capacity mags, and you don’t mind a bit of a struggle at the bench when it comes time to reload your magazines. It is the better “out of the box” experience for scope mounting.
