Savage 93R17 FV 21″ Heavy Barrel Bolt-Action Rifle
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About this product
The Savage 93R17 FV is a bolt-action rimfire rifle built for repeatable precision in varmint and small-game applications. It features Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system mated to a 21-inch heavy-profile carbon steel barrel, delivering the stable platform necessary for sub-MOA rimfire work at an accessible price point. This rifle occupies a specific niche: a dedicated .17 HMR platform designed for mechanical consistency rather than being a multi-caliber trainer.
What is the Savage 93R17 FV used for?
The Savage 93R17 FV is used for controlled, precision shooting at small varmints and predators at ranges where .22 LR becomes inconsistent. The 1:9" twist rate of the 21-inch heavy barrel is engineered specifically for the high-velocity .17 HMR cartridge, providing exceptional stability for shots on prairie dogs or crows out to 150-200 yards. Its 5-round detachable box magazine allows for quick follow-ups, while the synthetic stock resists the moisture and abrasion encountered in field use.
How does the Savage 93R17 FV compare to the CZ 457 Varmint?
The Savage 93R17 FV offers a better out-of-the-box trigger and lower entry cost, while the CZ 457 Varmint provides superior fit and finish and a more robust aftermarket. The AccuTrigger in the Savage is user-adjustable down to a crisp pull weight as low as 2.5 lbs, a feature typically found on centerfire rifles, whereas the CZ's trigger, while good, lacks the same degree of factory adjustability. However, the CZ's action is smoother from the factory, its stock bedding is often more precise, and it boasts a far wider selection of chassis and stock upgrades, making it the better choice for a shooter planning significant customization, as explored in our comparison of dedicated rimfire platforms.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 93R17 FV weighs approximately 5.8 lbs (92.8 oz) unscoped, with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The 21-inch heavy barrel is the primary contributor to its heft and stability, adding significant mass forward of the action to dampen vibration and mitigate barrel heat. This weight distribution makes it a steady bench or bipod rifle but can feel muzzle-heavy for extended offhand shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
The Savage 93R17 FV is not for a shooter seeking a lightweight, compact walking varminter or a multi-role .22 LR trainer. At nearly 6 pounds bare, it's heavier than many compact centerfire rifles and over a pound heavier than Savage's own Mark II FV-SR in .22 LR. The dedicated .17 HMR chambering also means higher per-round ammunition costs compared to .22 LR, making it a poor choice for high-volume plinking. If your primary need is a low-cost, high-round-count trainer, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for centerfire practice, though the cost disparity in ammunition is significant.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle with its matte black synthetic stock and matte blued metal finish, one 5-round detachable box magazine, and the factory-installed scope bases (Weaver-style #46 front and #16 rear). The rifle ships without optic rings, a scope, or a case. The action comes factory-drilled and tapped, requiring only the installation of your chosen rings and optic, a process that typically takes under 15 minutes with basic gunsmithing tools.
Is the Savage 93R17 FV worth it at $315.99?
At $315.99, the Savage 93R17 FV is worth it for a shooter who wants a dedicated, accurate .17 HMR platform without entering the $600+ price bracket of custom rifles. You are paying primarily for the heavy barrel profile and the excellent AccuTrigger system—two components critical for precision that are often expensive upgrades. The trade-off is the utilitarian synthetic stock and a bolt lift that can feel gritty until broken in (around 200-300 rounds). For a purpose-built varmint rifle at this price, it delivers exceptional mechanical value where it counts.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Features the user-adjustable AccuTrigger, tunable down to a 2.5 lb pull weight.
- 21-inch heavy barrel provides significant mass (approx. 2.1 lbs) for shot-to-shot stability.
- Factory-drilled and tapped with bases installed, saving $25-40 on initial mounting hardware.
- 5-round detachable magazine allows for rapid reloads in under 3 seconds with practice.
Trade-offs
- Matte black synthetic stock lacks adjustable cheek riser or length-of-pull spacers—a $100+ Boyd's stock is a common upgrade.
- Bolt lift can be stiff and gritty for the first 200-300 rounds, requiring a deliberate break-in period.
- Weighs 5.8 lbs unscoped, making it over 1.5 lbs heavier than a lightweight sporter-style .22, less ideal for long carries.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654967009 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96700 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 41.7500 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 93R17FV |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.35 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket .17 HMR magazines?
- Yes, it is compatible with Savage factory 5-round and 9-round magazines designed for the 93 series in .17 HMR. Aftermarket options from companies like DIP Inc. also exist. The magazine catch is robust and typically requires less than 2 seconds for a secure swap.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, with an overall length of 40.5 inches, it will fit in any rifle case with an interior length of 42 inches or greater. A standard Plano All-Weather 42" case provides ample room for the rifle and a mounted optic.
- What thread pattern are the scope base screws?
- The factory-installed scope bases use 6-48 screws, which is the standard thread size for most rimfire and many centerfire scope bases. Torque them to 15-18 inch-pounds using a quality inch-pound torque wrench to avoid stripping the aluminum bases.
- Can I convert it to fire .22 WMR or .22 LR?
- No, you cannot. The Savage 93R17 is chambered specifically for the .17 HMR cartridge. The bolt face, magazine well, and barrel are dimensioned exclusively for this round. Converting would require a new barrel, bolt head, and magazine, which is not cost-effective. You would need to purchase a separate rifle like the Savage Mark II for .22 LR.