Savage B.Mag 17 WSM 22in Heavy Fluted Barrel Laminate RH
About this product
The Savage B.Mag 17 WSM 22in Heavy Fluted Barrel Laminate RH is a purpose-built bolt-action varmint rifle chambered for the high-velocity 17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge. This platform utilizes a heavy 22-inch fluted barrel and a gray laminate beavertail stock to create a stable foundation capable of exploiting the cartridge's 3,000+ feet-per-second muzzle velocity potential. The design incorporates standard Savage features like the adjustable AccuTrigger and a drilled-and-tapped receiver, making it a turnkey solution for small-game hunters and prairie dog shooters who prioritize flat trajectory over terminal impact weight.
What is the Savage B.Mag 17 WSM 22in Heavy Fluted Barrel Laminate RH used for?
This rifle is used for long-range varmint control on species like coyotes, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels. Its core purpose is to place a 20-grain or 25-grain bullet traveling over 3,000 feet per second with extreme precision at distances exceeding 200 yards, where wind drift and bullet drop become critical factors for standard .22 caliber rimfire. The laminate stock provides the stability needed for off-hand or bipod shooting in open terrain, while the 1:8" twist rate stabilizes the long, light projectiles inherent to the .17 caliber.
How does the Savage B.Mag compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Savage B.Mag chambered in 17 WSM is better for pure varminting under 250 yards due to lower recoil, noise, and ammunition cost, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is superior for larger predators or mixed-bag hunting where a heavier bullet is required. A key differentiator is ammunition cost, where 17 WSM runs around $0.40 per round versus $1.25+ for quality .243 Win hunting loads. For volume shooting on a prairie dog town, the B.Mag's lighter recoil and cheaper ammo translate to less shooter fatigue and lower operational cost, but the .243 Win offers far greater versatility for taking deer-class game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs approximately 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length from butt to 22-inch barrel muzzle. The heavy barrel profile, even with fluting, contributes to the weight, which helps settle the rifle down for precise shots; it's roughly 1.2 pounds heavier than a sporter-profile .22 rimfire like the Ruger 10/22. The threaded muzzle accepts standard 1/2"-28 thread pattern devices, and the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for standard Weaver-style scope bases.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for general plinkers, beginners seeking a first rifle, or hunters pursuing game larger than coyote. The 17 WSM cartridge is a niche round with limited ammunition variety and higher cost than .22 LR, making it a poor choice for casual range days. Furthermore, the laminate stock and varmint barrel profile create a front-heavy balance that can be awkward for shooting from unsupported positions, a characteristic that novice shooters often find cumbersome compared to a balanced field rifle.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle with one 8-round detachable rotary magazine. Unlike more expensive packages from brands like Bergara, Savage typically does not include scope bases, rings, or a hard case with their B.Mag series. Expect basic documentation and a trigger adjustment tool for the AccuTrigger, but you must budget separately for optics, a mount, and a quality suppressor or muzzle brake if you plan to use the threaded barrel; a suitable scope base for this action costs around $25-40.
Is the Savage B.Mag worth it at $599.99?
At $599.99, the Savage B.Mag is worth it for dedicated varmint hunters who have already committed to the 17 WSM cartridge ecosystem. The price positions it as an entry into a specialized performance bracket, offering better long-range ballistics than any .22 LR and less recoil than a .223 Remington centerfire. If your primary need is a versatile, multi-purpose rifle, a standard Stevens 334 in .308 Win at a similar price point is a more practical investment, but for the shooter who wants to reach out to 300 yards on small targets with minimal holdover, this configuration delivers.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Delivers 3,000+ fps muzzle velocity — flatter trajectory than any .22 LR for varmints out to 250 yards.
- 22-inch heavy fluted barrel weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded — provides stability for off-hand shooting without excessive heft.
- AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds — allows fine-tuning for precision work.
- 8+1 round rotary magazine capacity — higher than most bolt-action rimfires for extended sessions.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary action design — incompatible with aftermarket Savage 10/110 stocks, limiting customization.
- 17 WSM ammunition costs ~$0.40/round — 4x the price of .22 LR, making high-volume practice expensive.
- Front-heavy balance due to varmint barrel — awkward for carrying during long stalks compared to sporter profiles.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356969705 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96970 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 WSM |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 42 |
| model | B.Mag |
| number of magazines | 1 / 8 rd. Rotary Magazine |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 9.35 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel has a threaded muzzle. It uses a standard 1/2"-28 thread pattern, which is directly compatible with most .17 caliber rimfire suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo or Dead Air. You will need to file a Form 4 with the ATF and pay the $200 tax stamp before taking possession of the suppressor.
- Does it come with scope rings or bases?
- No, the Savage B.Mag does not include scope rings or bases in the box. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #6-48 screws, accepting most Weaver-style or Picatinny rail bases for short-action rifles. I recommend a one-piece base from Warne or EGW for maximum rigidity; installation requires a torque screwdriver set to 15-20 inch-pounds.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer takes 5-7 business days after order processing. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx Ground for firearm shipments, and the package requires an adult signature upon delivery. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide them with your order information and arrange the transfer, which typically incurs a $25-$50 fee.
- Can I return it if I haven't fired it?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, minus a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. The firearm must be in its original packaging with all accessories and paperwork, and you are responsible for arranging and paying for shipping back to our facility through an approved carrier. Once a firearm has been fired, it is considered used and is not eligible for return.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- No, the Savage B.Mag action has a unique footprint and magazine system that is not compatible with standard aftermarket stocks designed for Savage 10/110 series rifles. The detachable rotary magazine is integral to the stock's design. Your options for stock replacement are essentially limited to custom gunsmithing or finding a specialty stock maker who supports this specific, less-common action.