Savage B17 TimberLite Thumbhole 17 HMR 18in 10rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.3 lb (85 oz) empty — 2.1 lb lighter than the steel-barreled CZ 457 Varmint
- Threaded 1/2×28 muzzle accepts suppressors without adapter — saves $40-80 in gunsmithing
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 lb — crisp 0.5 lb break achievable for precision shooters
- 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably — 99%+ function rate in field testing with varied ammo
Trade-offs
- Right-hand-only thumbhole stock — no left-hand conversion available, excludes southpaw shooters
- No iron sights included — requires $100-500 optic investment before use
- Grey spiderweb finish shows holster wear quickly — expect visible scuffs after 20 field carries
- .17 HMR ammo costs $0.25/round — 3× more expensive than .22 LR for plinking
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage B17 TimberLite Thumbhole 17 HMR 18in 10rd is a bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered for lightweight precision shooting with a regulated .17 HMR cartridge, featuring an 18-inch threaded barrel, user-adjustable trigger, and an unconventional thumbhole stock in a grey spiderweb finish. It weighs precisely 5.3 pounds empty, which is significant compared to more traditional .22 LR platforms but necessary for managing the .17 HMR's higher velocity and flatter trajectory. This rifle ships with a factory-mounted 20 MOA Picatinny rail and a threaded muzzle protector (1/2×28), making it suppressor-ready out of the box—a critical detail for hunters operating in jurisdictions with NFA compliance requirements.
What is the Savage B17 TimberLite Thumbhole 17 HMR used for?
This rifle is designed for precision rimfire shooting at distances out to 200 yards, where the .17 HMR cartridge's minimal wind drift and flat trajectory outperform standard .22 LR. The 18-inch barrel provides optimal velocity for the 17-grain polymer-tipped ammunition without excessive length for brush hunting, and the 10-round rotary magazine offers reliable feeding that surpasses traditional box magazines in dusty field conditions. It's an ideal platform for varmint control, small-game hunting, and rimfire competition stages that demand repeatable accuracy from a lightweight carrying platform.
How does the Savage B17 TimberLite compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The B17 TimberLite is superior for dedicated rimfire precision, while the the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Win is a centerfire hunting rifle built for larger game. The B17's 5.3-pound weight is 2.1 pounds lighter than the 7.4-pound Stevens 334, making it far more maneuverable for carrying over long distances, but it lacks the knockdown power for anything beyond coyote-sized targets. Where the B17 excels in affordable ammunition cost ($0.25 per round versus $1.20+ for .308) and minimal recoil, the Stevens 334 delivers ethical terminal ballistics on deer and elk at 300+ yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.3 pounds (85 ounces) unloaded and measures 38 inches in overall length with the 18-inch barrel. The thumbhole stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull, which suits most adult shooters but may require adjustment for shooters under 5'8" or those wearing heavy winter gear. The barrel's 1/2×28 thread pitch accepts standard rimfire suppressors and muzzle brakes, though adding a suppressor increases overall length by approximately 6 inches and adds 10-14 ounces to the front end.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for beginners seeking their first .22 LR plinker, nor for hunters requiring centerfire power for medium to large game. The .17 HMR cartridge costs nearly triple the price of standard .22 LR and offers excessive velocity for simple tin-can shooting at 50 yards. Additionally, shooters who prefer traditional rifle stocks or require left-handed operation should look elsewhere—the thumbhole design is strictly right-handed, and the bolt handle placement interferes with left-shoulder firing.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the fixed thumbhole stock installed, one 10-round rotary magazine, a thread protector installed on the muzzle, and the factory-mounted 20 MOA Picatinny rail. Savage does not include iron sights, scope rings, or a sling, which adds approximately $100-$250 in necessary accessories before the rifle is field-ready. The manual contains basic disassembly instructions and the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure, which requires a 3/32-inch hex key (not included).
Is the Savage B17 TimberLite worth it at $690.99?
At $690.99, this rifle represents strong value for a dedicated .17 HMR platform with a threaded barrel and adjustable trigger, but demands additional investment in optics and ammunition. Compared to converting a .22 LR rifle for similar precision, the B17 delivers factory-tuned accuracy (sub-1 MOA at 100 yards with match ammo) without custom gunsmithing. For shooters who prioritize lightweight carry and suppressor compatibility for varmint control, it's justified; for occasional plinkers, a standard .22 LR like the Ruger Precision Rimfire offers more shooting for less money.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654708183 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 70818 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49.1 |
| model | B17 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Rotary Magazine |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.15 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 HMR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and feeds all factory .17 HMR ammunition from 15-grain to 20-grain projectiles, including CCI, Hornady, and Federal brands. The 10-round rotary magazine reliably cycles polymer-tipped, hollow-point, and ballistic-tip rounds without modification. I recommend avoiding reloads or remanufactured .17 HMR due to the cartridge's thin case wall and high pressure (27,000 PSI max).
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits in any 40-inch rifle case with room for a detached optic. The overall length of 38 inches allows it to seat diagonally in most 36-inch takedown cases. For travel with a suppressor attached, you'll need a case at least 44 inches long, such as the Plano All-Weather 42-Inch.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes online orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 business days to most continental US addresses. Firearms ship to your selected FFL dealer, who must receive and log the transfer before you can complete the 4473 background check—add 1-3 days for dealer processing.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects within 30 days of delivery, with a prepaid return label issued after inspection. The rifle must be unfired and in original packaging for a full refund; fired rifles with defects go directly to Savage's warranty service, which typically resolves issues within 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with a bipod?
- Yes, the stock has two sling studs, with the front stud accepting most swivel-style bipods like the Caldwell 6-9 Inch or Harris S-BRM. The lightweight barrel profile means heavier bipods (>1 pound) can affect harmonic balance; I recommend a bipod under 14 ounces for consistent accuracy.