If the Savage B22 is the modern, sleek newcomer, the Savage Mark II is the grizzled veteran that refuse to retire. Originally based on the Lakefield Arms design from Ontario, Canada, the Mark II has been the “first real rifle” for thousands of hunters. It is famously no-frills, but it has a reputation for punching way above its price tag when it comes to raw accuracy.
Overview
The Mark II family is massive, ranging from the basic “F” (synthetic) to the “G” (wood) and the tactical “FV-SR” (threaded, short heavy barrel). Regardless of the model, the core remains the same: a simple, reliable bolt action paired with a barrel that usually outshoots the person behind the trigger.
Specifications
- Action: Bolt Action
- Caliber: .22 LR, .17 HM2
- Capacity: 5 or 10-round detachable stick magazines
- Trigger: Standard or AccuTrigger (depending on model)
- Weight: 5 to 6 lbs depending on barrel profile
- Barrel Length: Varies
Usability
The Mark II shows its age in the ergonomics department. Unlike the B22’s ambidextrous tang safety, the Mark II uses a side-mounted thumb safety. It’s functional but harder to use.
Takedown for cleaning is easy enough but a full detail strip is a bit of a pain.
Mags
One of the most frequent debates among Savage owners is the stick magazine.
- The Good: They are much easier to load than the B22 rotary mags. You can see your round count easily, and they feed very reliably.
- The Bad: Side pressure on the mag while you’re running the bolt can cause misfeeds. They are made of stamped metal with surprisingly sharp edges. They also protrude from the bottom of the rifle which can stop you from holding the rifle comfortably at the balance point. If you use the 10-round versions, they tend to wobble all loosey goosey in the magwell.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
Because the Mark II has been around so long, the aftermarket is robust:
- Stocks: Lots of choices here from Boyd’s to MDT.
- Trigger: Rifle Basix is popular but there’s also JARD
Competitors
- Ruger American Rimfire: More modern features, but often more expensive.
- Savage B22: The Mark II’s younger brother. Better stock and safety, but many people (myself included) actually prefer the Mark II’s stick mags over the B22’s rotary ones.
- Marlin XT-22: Very similar in price and performance, though Marlin’s availability has fluctuated over the years.
Conclusion
The Savage Mark II is the definition of “utility.” It isn’t the prettiest rifle at the range, and the magazines can be literal “finger-biters” if you aren’t careful, but it puts lead exactly where you point it. For a budget-friendly small game hunter or a dedicated target trainer, it remains one of the best values on the market.
