Savage 25 Varminter-T .17 Hornet 24″ Laminate Thumbhole RH
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjustable down to ~2.5 lbs with a clean, crisp break.
- 24-inch button-rifled barrel with 1:14" twist stabilizes .17 Hornet bullets optimally.
- Laminated thumbhole stock provides exceptional stability for prone or bench shooting.
- 60-degree bolt throw enables faster follow-up shots than a standard 90-degree design.
Trade-offs
- Niche .17 Hornet caliber limits ammo availability—plan on reloading for best results.
- 7.9 lb weight is significant for a 'lightweight' varminter, less ideal for all-day carry.
- Proprietary 4-round magazine is expensive to replace (>$50) and has no aftermarket equivalents.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage 25 Varminter-T .17 Hornet is a mobile, precision bolt-action rifle specifically designed for advanced varmint control and extreme-range small-game hunting. It features a unique laminates and ergonomics configuration built around the high-velocity .17 Hornet cartridge. This isn't a general-purpose .223 Remington or .243 Win; it's a dedicated long-range pelt-saver for the shooter who understands terminal ballistics.
What is the Savage 25 Varminter-T used for?
This rifle is engineered for eliminating varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and crows at distances exceeding 300 yards. The primary use-case is precision shooting where minimal pelt damage and a flat trajectory over open terrain are critical. It uses the .17 Hornet cartridge, which produces velocities over 3650 fps with factory ammo, delivering explosive terminal performance on small targets while maintaining exceptional downrange energy. This makes it a more precise alternative to louder, barrel-heating cartridges for sustained shooting sessions.
How does the Savage 25 Varminter-T compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Savage 25 Varminter-T is more specialized for long-range varminting, while the Stevens 334 .243 Win is a more versatile, multi-purpose hunting rifle chambered in a widely available cartridge. The .17 Hornet offers significantly less recoil, dramatically lower ammunition cost per round for high-volume shooting, and superior ballistic performance for targets under 10 pounds beyond 250 yards. However, the .243 Win retains far greater energy and utility for larger game like deer, making the Stevens 334 the better choice for a hunter needing a single rifle to cover both varmints and medium game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 25 Varminter-T weighs approximately 7.9 pounds (3.6 kg) unloaded, which includes the weight of the laminate thumbhole stock and the 24-inch barrel. Its overall length is 43.5 inches, with a length of pull measuring 13.75 inches. This balances field portability with the necessary weight to manage the cartridge's minimal recoil and provide a stable shooting platform off bipods or bags. The barrel's medium-contour profile measures 0.750 inches in diameter at the muzzle, adding stiffness for accuracy without becoming unwieldy.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for those seeking a cheap, general-purpose plinker or their first-and-only big-game rifle. The .17 Hornet is a niche, high-velocity varmint cartridge with limited factory ammunition availability and specific reloading components compared to a .223 Remington. It's also not ideal for shooters who want a lightweight, compact mountain rifle; its 43.5-inch length and 7.9-pound weight are configured for precision from a fixed position, not stalking through dense brush.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a 4-round detachable box magazine, factory-installed two-piece Weaver-style scope bases, and a basic safety lock. It does not include scope rings, a scope, or a case. Unlike the ready-to-hunt packages common on models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, this is a bare rifle for experienced shooters who will mount their own preferred optics, typically high-magnification variables or dedicated varmint scopes with adjustable parallax.
Is the Savage 25 Varminter-T worth it at $867.99?
Yes, at $867.99, this rifle presents a compelling value for a dedicated varminter who prioritizes mechanical accuracy and a specialized cartridge over versatility. The price gets you a true varmint-grade barrel, the excellent Savage AccuTrigger (adjustable down to roughly 2.5 pounds), and a stable laminate stock—a combination that would cost $300-$400 more if assembled from aftermarket parts on a basic action. It is priced as a high-specification tool, not an introductory firearm, and justifies its cost through performance in its specific, demanding role.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356197399 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 19739 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 Hornet |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.9500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 10.3 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- What scope base pattern does it use?
- The receiver is factory drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws with a standard Savage short-action two-piece Weaver-style base pattern. This is compatible with standard Savage 110-series bases from manufacturers like EGW, Warne, or Leupold. Specific base part numbers are typically the SA-3 or SA-4 series from most makers.
- Can the AccuTrigger be disabled or locked?
- No, the AccuTrigger system is not designed to be completely disabled or rendered inoperable as a safety feature. The trigger pull is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 pounds to 6 pounds using the provided tool. Tampering with it to defeat the internal blade safety is strongly discouraged and voids the warranty.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 1-2 business days. Shipping transit time depends on the carrier and destination, typically adding 3-7 business days. The total timeline from order to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder receiving the firearm generally ranges from 5 to 12 business days, excluding any FFL processing delays.
- Does it work with Savage Model 10 magazines?
- No. The Savage 25 action uses a unique, proprietary 4-round detachable box magazine. It is not compatible with the center-feed magazines used by the Savage Model 10, 11, or 12 series rifles. Replacement magazines must be specifically sourced for the Savage 25 short-action platform.
- Can I return it if I don't like the thumbhole stock?
- Due to federal regulations and Ironclad Armory's policy, firearms cannot be returned once they have been transferred by your FFL, unless a verifiable manufacturing defect is present. It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm the rifle's configuration, including the thumbhole stock design, prior to completing the transfer. Consider our [Fit & Function](/blog/fit-and-function/) guide for more details.