Savage 93R17 BV .17 HMR 21 in Heavy Barrel, Laminate Stock
About this product
What is the Savage 93R17 BV? It's a bolt-action rimfire rifle designed for mechanical precision in the .17 HMR cartridge. It pairs a 21-inch heavy barrel with Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger in a rigid laminate stock. This combination targets shooters who demand repeatable accuracy from a rimfire platform, not just casual plinking.
What is the Savage 93R17 BV used for?
The Savage 93R17 BV is used for precision varmint control and benchrest-style target shooting. Its .17 HMR chambering delivers a 2,550 fps muzzle velocity with a 17-grain V-Max bullet, making it effective on ground squirrels and prairie dogs out to 200 yards. The heavy barrel profile mitigates heat-induced point-of-impact shift during extended shooting sessions, which is critical when you're waiting for a prairie dog to re-emerge.
How does the Savage 93R17 BV compare to a Stevens 334?
The Savage 93R17 BV is better for long-range rimfire precision than a centerfire rifle adapted to the role. Compared to something like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, the 93R17 offers substantially lower ammunition cost—roughly $0.35 per round versus $1.20+—making high-volume target practice and varminting financially sustainable. The Stevens platform is superior for deer-sized game, but for sub-250-yard varmints, the .17 HMR's flatter trajectory and minimal recoil make the Savage the more specialized, cost-effective tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 93R17 BV weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 41.5 inches in overall length. The 21-inch barrel has a 0.920-inch diameter at the muzzle, a true heavy varmint contour. This weight-forward balance, with a stock that measures 13.75 inches from the trigger to the end of the recoil pad, steadies the rifle on bipods or bags, but makes it less ideal for carrying afield all day compared to lighter sporter barrels.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time shooter or someone seeking a lightweight, quick-handling walking gun. The 6.8-pound weight and 41.5-inch length make it cumbersome in dense brush. If your primary use is off-hand shooting at moving targets or carrying the rifle for miles, a lighter, shorter-barreled sporter like many .22 LR options would serve you better. This is a bench or prone-position rifle.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 5-round detachable steel box magazine, and a standard owner's manual. The receiver comes from the factory drilled and tapped for a standard 6-48 scope base screw pattern, but no bases, rings, or optics are included. You'll need to budget for a quality scope—I recommend a 4-12x or 6-18x variable with an adjustable objective for parallax correction at rimfire distances.
Is the Savage 93R17 BV worth it at $446.99?
At $446.99, it's worth it for the shooter who values out-of-the-box accuracy over fancy finishes. You're paying for the heavy barrel and AccuTrigger system, not cosmetic details. For comparison, a similarly equipped CZ 457 Varmint would run you $150-$200 more. If your goal is sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition from a no-frills, mechanically sound platform, this rifle delivers. If you prioritize a sleek, finely finished walnut stock, look elsewhere and pay the premium.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 lbs - allows precise trigger tuning for benchrest
- 21-inch heavy barrel with 0.920" muzzle diameter - reduces harmonic vibration for consistent shot placement
- 5-round detachable steel magazine - reliable feeding and quicker reloads than internal magazines
- Drilled and tapped receiver with 6-48 screw pattern - direct optic mounting without adapter plates
Trade-offs
- Weighs 6.8 lbs - 1.5 lbs heavier than a sporter-profile .17 HMR like the Ruger American Rimfire, making it less suitable for extended carry
- Laminate stock has sharp edges at the fore-end - requires light sanding for a polished feel, adding a 20-minute finishing step
- Blued finish is basic - more prone to surface rust in humid conditions than a nitride or cerakote finish without proper maintenance
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 062654967344 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96734 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 42 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 HMR ammunition?
- Yes, the Savage 93R17 BV is chambered for the standard .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) cartridge. It will safely cycle any commercially loaded .17 HMR round from manufacturers like Hornady, CCI, and Federal. The chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications, with a 5-round magazine capacity optimized for this high-velocity rimfire cartridge.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, but you'll need a case at least 42 inches long internally. Given its 41.5-inch overall length, a standard 42-inch takedown or scoped rifle case will provide a snug fit. I recommend a case with at least 1.5 inches of interior width to accommodate the 0.920-inch diameter heavy barrel profile without compression.
- What scope base does it use?
- The receiver uses a standard 6-48 screw pattern for scope bases. Most major manufacturers like Warne, EGW, and Leupold offer one-piece or two-piece bases for the Savage 93 action. I typically install a Weaver-style 1-inch, 2-piece base set (Part #'s often 403B/403BM) which provides reliable mounting for rings up to 1-inch in diameter.
- Can I adjust the AccuTrigger myself?
- Yes, Savage includes a simple tool for adjusting the AccuTrigger's pull weight. The factory setting is typically around 3.5 pounds, but it can be adjusted down to approximately 2.5 pounds or up to 6 pounds. The adjustment is made via a hex key on the front of the trigger assembly—a 30-second operation with the rifle cleared and the action open.