Savage 25 Walking Varminter Rifle .17 Hornet 22 in.
Pros & cons
What works
- 6.9 lb weight — 1.3 lb lighter than comparable heavy-barrel varmint rifles
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 4 pounds — factory set at 3.5 pounds
- 22-inch medium/heavy barrel maintains 0.75-inch diameter at muzzle for stability
- 4-round detachable magazine — faster reloads than blind magazine designs
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases — adds $40-60 to initial setup cost
- Limited aftermarket stock options compared to Savage 10/110 actions
- .17 Hornet ammunition costs $1.10-1.50 per round — 40% more than .223 Remington
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull — requires modification for custom fit
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage 25 Walking Varminter Rifle .17 Hornet 22 in.? It's a bolt-action varmint rifle built on Savage's Model 25 action, specifically chambered for the .17 Hornet cartridge with a 22-inch carbon steel barrel. The rifle weighs 6.9 pounds and features Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system. This configuration balances portability with the ballistic advantages of the .17 Hornet round, making it suitable for mobile predator control and prairie dog shooting.
What is the Savage 25 Walking Varminter used for?
This rifle is optimized for varmint and predator control at distances up to 300 yards. The .17 Hornet cartridge delivers flat trajectory with minimal recoil, making it ideal for coyotes, prairie dogs, and groundhogs. With its 22-inch barrel and 6.9-pound weight, it's designed for hunters who cover ground on foot rather than shooting from fixed positions.
How does the Savage 25 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage 25 outperforms the the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic for varmint work due to its specialized chambering and trigger system. The .17 Hornet generates approximately 45% less recoil energy than .308 Winchester while maintaining effective terminal performance on small game. However, the Stevens 334 offers greater versatility for larger game, making the Savage 25 the better choice specifically for dedicated varminters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle measures 42.5 inches in overall length with a 22-inch barrel diameter of 0.750 inches at the muzzle. At 6.9 pounds (110.4 ounces), it balances well for off-hand shooting while remaining light enough for extended carrying. The synthetic stock has a length of pull measuring 13.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for hunters needing versatility across multiple game species or those operating in brush-heavy terrain. The .17 Hornet's lightweight bullets lose energy quickly when encountering vegetation, making it less effective than heavier calibers in wooded areas. Additionally, hunters who primarily shoot from blinds or vehicles would be better served by heavier, more stable rifle platforms.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable box magazine and basic owner's documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope bases or mounting hardware, adding approximately $40-60 to the initial setup cost. The packaging includes a trigger lock compliant with current firearms safety standards.
Is the Savage 25 worth it at $639.99?
At $639.99, this rifle offers excellent value for shooters specifically needing its varmint-oriented capabilities. The AccuTrigger system alone represents a $150-200 upgrade over basic factory triggers, while the .17 Hornet chambering provides ballistic advantages over .22 Hornet conversions. For hunters who already own a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for birds and need a dedicated groundhog rifle, this fills a specific niche effectively.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356197405 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 19740 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 Hornet |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49.2000 |
| model | 25 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 9.55 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Savage scope bases?
- Yes, the Model 25 uses Savage's standard short action scope mounting pattern. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws with a hole spacing of 6.5 inches center-to-center. We recommend EGW or Warne bases specifically designed for Savage short actions.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 42.5-inch overall length requires a 44-inch or larger rifle case for transport. Most standard 42-inch cases will be too short by approximately 2.5 inches. We recommend Plano All-Weather cases or similar products with internal dimensions of 44 inches or greater.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via Ironclad Armory's certified carriers within 3-5 business days after FFL verification. Transit time averages 7-10 days depending on destination FFL location. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery to the licensed dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects only. Firearms cannot be returned for fit or preference issues due to federal regulations. All returns must undergo inspection by our armorers before refund processing, which typically takes 10-14 business days.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- The Model 25 action has limited aftermarket stock support compared to Savage's Model 10/110 series. Boyd's and Stocky's offer limited options starting around $250, but customization requires inlet modification. The action screw spacing is 5.062 inches center-to-center.