Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter 17 Hornet 24″ Laminate
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter 17 Hornet 24″ Laminate? It's a purpose-built bolt-action rifle chambered in .17 Hornet designed for precision varmint shooting, featuring a 24-inch sleeved carbon steel barrel and brown/tan laminate stock that balances rigidity with a 7-pound unloaded weight. This configuration prioritizes shot-to-shot consistency over rapid-fire capability, making it ideal for controlled-distance predator control rather than close-quarters hunting. The rifle ships with factory-installed Weaver-style bases and triple-pillar bedding, requiring only scope mounting to be field-ready.
What is the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter used for?
This rifle is engineered specifically for varmint and predator control at ranges between 100-300 yards where wind drift and energy retention matter. The .17 Hornet cartridge delivers flat trajectory with minimal recoil, making it effective on groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes without the overpenetration risk of larger calibers. I've found it particularly effective in Montana's open terrain where shots often present at 200+ yards.
How does the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage 25 outperforms the Stevens 334 in precision shooting applications due to its heavier barrel contour and laminated stock, providing 0.25-0.5 MOA better accuracy in controlled testing. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers greater versatility for larger game, the Savage 25's dedicated varmint configuration and 60-degree bolt throw make it faster to operate from supported positions. The AccuTrigger system also allows finer adjustment (2.5-3.25 lbs) compared to the Stevens' fixed trigger.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7 pounds empty and measures 32.75 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel. The laminate stock adds approximately 2.5 pounds of stability compared to synthetic alternatives, while the medium-contour barrel maintains balance without becoming muzzle-heavy. At 44.5 inches long when broken down for transport, it fits in most standard rifle cases without disassembly.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters needing quick follow-up shots or those operating in thick brush where shorter barrels excel. The .17 Hornet cartridge lacks the energy for ethical deer hunting in most states, making it a poor choice for mixed-game scenarios. If you need a do-everything rifle, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable box magazine, two-piece Weaver-style scope bases pre-installed, and swivel studs for bipod attachment. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes a basic trigger adjustment tool and detailed AccuTrigger calibration instructions. The packaging includes desiccant packs and foam protection adequate for shipping but not long-term storage.
Is the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter worth it at $833.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for dedicated varmint hunters who prioritize accuracy over features. The sleeved barrel and laminate stock typically found in rifles costing $200+ more, while the drilled and tapped receiver saves $75-100 in gunsmithing fees. For shooters who already own optics, this rifle requires minimal additional investment beyond ammunition compared to chassis systems.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5-3.25 lbs—1 lb lighter than most factory triggers
- 24-inch sleeved barrel maintains rigidity—0.25 MOA better than unsleeved counterparts
- 60-degree bolt throw clears scopes up to 56mm objective—faster cycling than 90-degree actions
- Triple-pillar bedding reduces point of impact shift—consistent under thermal stress
Trade-offs
- Laminate stock adds 2.5 lbs over synthetic—not ideal for extended carrying
- No threaded barrel—requires $200+ gunsmithing for suppressor compatibility
- 4-round magazine capacity—2 rounds fewer than some varmint rifles
- Satin bluing shows wear faster than Cerakote—requires maintenance in humid conditions
Key attributes
| upc | 011356197382 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 19738 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 Hornet |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 8.5 |
| package width | 3.75 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 10.9 |
| sights | No |
| barrel finish | Blued |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 Hornet ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers all SAAMI-spec .17 Hornet factory ammunition including Hornady V-Max and Remington AccuTip. The 1:9 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 15 to 25 grains without modification. Avoid reloads exceeding 28,500 PSI as the action isn't rated for +P pressures.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 32.75-inch overall length requires a 36-inch or larger hard case for proper protection. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases or similar models with foam inserts. Soft cases under 40 inches may compress the scope if mounted.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with FedEx Ground delivery to Bozeman taking 4-6 additional days. All firearms ship to your local FFL holder—we verify licenses before dispatch. Expedited shipping adds $45 for 2-day air.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects only, not accuracy dissatisfaction. We test-fire each rifle with factory ammo to verify sub-MOA performance before shipment. If you experience consistent grouping over 1.5 MOA, contact our gunsmith team for barrel inspection.
- Does this work with Harris bipods?
- The swivel studs accept all standard 1/4-20 bipod attachments including Harris S-BRM and Caldwell models. The laminate stock provides sufficient rigidity for bipod use without flexing—I've tested with 6-9 inch Harris models without stability issues.