Savage B17 Precision Rifle 17 HMR 18 in Black
About this product
The Savage B17 Precision Rifle 17 HMR 18 in Black is a purpose-built, bolt-action rimfire chassis rifle engineered for maximum accuracy from a fully adjustable platform. This is an MDT chassis system mated to Savage's proven B17 action, explicitly designed for serious shooters who demand .17 HMR ballistics in a configuration that mirrors precision centerfire discipline. You are paying for a heavy, 18-inch threaded barrel, an infinitely adjustable MDT aluminum chassis, and Savage's excellent AccuTrigger—all combined into a factory rifle that needs only an optic to be match-ready.
What is the Savage B17 Precision Rifle used for?
The Savage B17 Precision is used for learning and executing the fundamentals of precision rifle shooting without the cost and recoil of a centerfire cartridge. The direct answer is that this is a trainer and small-game/varmint rifle designed for benchrest, positional shooting, and formal rimfire competition. Its 18-inch heavy barrel and 1:9 twist rate are optimized to stabilize the popular 20-grain .17 HMR projectile out to 200 yards, while the 7.38-pound weight and adjustable chassis provide the stable platform essential for spotting your own misses. I use this configuration for teaching wind-calling and trajectory compensation to new long-range students—the .17 HMR's flat trajectory and wind sensitivity are perfect for learning.
How does the Savage B17 Precision compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win?
The Savage B17 Precision offers a superior ergonomic foundation for learning rifle mechanics, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win provides greater terminal energy for hunting at a lower base cost. The direct comparison: the B17's fully adjustable MDT aluminum chassis is a clear step up from the Stevens' standard synthetic stock, offering comb height and length-of-pull adjustments critical for a perfect cheek weld and eye relief. However, for a shooter whose primary goal is deer hunting at moderate ranges, the .243 Winchester chambering in the Stevens 334 delivers significantly more power. The B17 is demonstrably better for deliberate, repeatable practice; the Stevens is the more practical hunting tool right out of the box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage B17 Precision weighs 7.38 pounds (1180 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 38.5 inches when the stock is in its mid-position. The direct answer is that it's a substantial rimfire, with weight biased forward by the heavy-profile 18-inch barrel, creating a stable 15-inch sight radius from the receiver's integral Picatinny rail to the front of the chassis. The chassis itself, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, provides 1.5 inches of comb height adjustment and 2 inches of length-of-pull adjustment via interchangeable butt spacers. This allows the rifle to fit a shooter with a 12.5-inch to a 14.5-inch length of pull, accommodating everything from youth shooters to full-size adults for proper prone and bench positioning.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the casual plinker who wants a light, handy .22 LR for walking fence lines. The direct answer is that it's a poor choice for anyone seeking a traditional sporter-style rimfire rifle or for someone on a strict budget who doesn't intend to use the adjustable chassis features. At over 7 pounds before adding an optic, it is heavy and purposefully unwieldy for offhand shooting. If your use case is informal target shooting under 50 yards or you prefer a classic walnut stock, consider a standard Savage Mark II or even a Stevens 555 shotgun for a different kind of target discipline. This is a tool for a specific, technical task.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete Savage B17 Precision rifle, one 10-round rotary magazine, a thread protector for the 1/2"-28 threaded muzzle, and the necessary Allen wrenches for chassis and trigger adjustment. The direct answer is that it comes ready to mount an optic—the one-piece Picatinny rail is installed from the factory. Notably absent is a user manual with detailed MDT chassis adjustment instructions; you'll need to download that from MDT's website. Savage also includes a small cable lock for transport compliance. It's a complete, functional package, but you must supply your own scope, rings, and a bipod or bag to realize its full potential.
Is the Savage B17 Precision worth it at $633.99?
At $633.99, the Savage B17 Precision is worth the investment for a shooter committed to formal rimfire precision disciplines or seeking the ultimate .17 HMR varminting platform. The direct answer is yes, because a comparable custom build using an aftermarket MDT chassis, a barreled action, and a gunsmith's labor would cost over $1,200. You are paying a premium over a standard Savage B17 sporter (~$400) for the machined aluminum chassis and Adjustable Comb Height system. If your budget allows only for the rifle itself with nothing left for a quality optic, you are better served buying a less expensive rifle and allocating more funds to your glass. For the intended user, this rifle's value is in its out-of-the-box readiness for serious work.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Fully adjustable MDT ACC chassis—offers 1.5" of comb height and 2" of length-of-pull adjustment for a perfect fit.
- Heavy 18-inch, 1:9 twist barrel threaded 1/2"-28—provides rigidity for accuracy and suppressor readiness.
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger (1.5-4 lbs)—enables a crisp, light pull weight ideal for precision shooting without a gunsmith.
- Integrated one-piece Picatinny rail—ensures a solid, repeatable mounting surface for optics with a 15-inch sight radius.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary 10-round rotary magazine only—not compatible with more common and higher-capacity AICS pattern mags.
- Heavy at 7.38 lbs unloaded—becomes a 10+ lb system with optic and bipod, limiting offhand utility.
- No manual for MDT chassis adjustments—requires a download from MDT's website for detailed fitting instructions.
- Matte black finish on barrel is utilitarian—shows handling wear and carbon fouling more readily than a coated finish.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 062654708480 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 70848 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 18" Heavy Threaded Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49.5 |
| model | B17 Precision |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Rotary Magazine |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | No |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Savage B17 Precision compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
- No, the Savage B17 Precision is not compatible with standard AICS pattern magazines. It uses Savage's proprietary B17 rotary magazine system, and the chassis is designed specifically for that magazine well. You must use Savage's factory 10-round rotary magazines, which are available from Ironclad Armory and other retailers. The magazine release is a standard button-style located just behind the magazine well.
- Does this rifle have a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
- Yes, the Savage B17 Precision has an 18-inch heavy barrel threaded 1/2"-28 at the muzzle, which is the standard thread pitch for .17 caliber rimfire suppressors. The rifle ships with a flush-fitting thread protector. For use with a suppressor, you will need to purchase a rimfire-rated suppressor like the SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask separately and complete the required ATF Form 4 paperwork, which typically involves a 9-12 month wait for approval.
- What is the maximum effective range of the .17 HMR in this rifle?
- The maximum effective range for consistent accuracy on varmint-sized targets with this rifle is approximately 150-200 yards. The 1:9 twist barrel stabilizes common 17 and 20 grain bullets exceptionally well, but the lightweight .17 HMR projectile is highly susceptible to wind drift beyond 100 yards. For pure target shooting on paper, you can engage targets at 300 yards, but you will need to compensate for significant bullet drop, roughly 45 inches at that distance with a 100-yard zero.
- Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted without a gunsmith?
- Yes, Savage's AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from the factory-stated range of 1.5 to 4 pounds using the included Allen wrench. The adjustment is made via a small set screw accessible through the trigger guard. I recommend a pull-weight gauge for precise measurement. It is a safe, self-contained mechanism—adjusting it does not void the warranty. Most shooters will find a setting between 2 and 2.5 pounds ideal for precision work with this chassis rifle.