Savage B21 F Bolt-Action Rimfire, .21 Sharp, 21in
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.79 lb unloaded weight — 0.9 lb lighter than a comparable wood-stocked .22 WMR rifle for easier carry
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 lb down to 1.5 lb pull weight for a defined break without creep
- 21-inch button-rifled barrel with 1:10 twist — optimized for 40-grain .21 Sharp projectiles for sub-MOA potential
- Includes a 10-round rotary magazine — faster reloads than traditional single-stack rimfire magazines
Trade-offs
- .21 Sharp ammunition averages $0.38 per round — 4.75x the cost of standard .22 LR, limiting high-volume practice
- Right-hand configuration only — no left-hand or ambidextrous model available, excluding a portion of shooters
- No scope base or rings included — adds $25-$50 minimum to initial setup cost
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull — requires aftermarket modification for optimal ergonomics
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage B21 F Bolt-Action Rimfire, .21 Sharp, 21in is a purpose-built precision rifle for the niche .21 Sharp cartridge, designed with an ergonomic focus and feature-driven controls that prioritize repeatable shot placement over raw speed. This is the dedicated platform Savage engineered when the .21 Sharp began gaining traction among varmint hunters who demanded sub-MOA accuracy without the bulk of a centerfire. For context, the .21 Sharp—often mistaken for a wildcat—is a factory-rimmed cartridge producing roughly 400 ft/lbs at the muzzle from a 40-grain polymer-tipped projectile, a ballistics profile that demands a specific twist and chamber spec this rifle meets exactly.
What is the Savage B21 F used for?
This rifle is engineered for deliberate, precision-oriented rimfire roles where shot distance typically falls between 50 and 150 yards. I specify it for varmint control on mid-sized properties, where its moderate report and lack of substantial recoil allow for sustained firing positions without fatigue. The 1:10 twist stabilizes the 35- to 45-grain projectiles the .21 Sharp cartridge uses, making it capable of consistent hits on groundhog-sized targets out to 175 yards in still air, provided you match the ammo. This isn't a plinker—it's a specialist tool.
How does the Savage B21 F compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle in .223 Rem?
The B21 F is more specialized and generates significantly lower chamber pressure, which translates to less wear on components and a quieter report, making it better for areas with noise restrictions. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win or .223 Rem is a general-purpose hunting rifle built for terminal energy at distance, the B21 F is optimized for lower-cost, high-volume precision shooting on smaller game where over-penetration is a concern. The Stevens platform will have broader ammo availability, but the B21 F will deliver tighter groups with its matched cartridge due to the shorter lock time and dedicated barrel profile.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage B21 F has an overall length of 41.5 inches and weighs 5.79 pounds unloaded, which balances forward of the front action screw for a stable offhand hold. This weight distribution is 0.8 pounds heavier in the forend compared to a typical sporter .22 LR like the CZ 457, a deliberate choice to mitigate barrel whip during rapid strings of fire. With a scope mounted, expect total weight to approach 7.2 pounds, which remains manageable for extended carries over flat terrain but will be noticeable on steep inclines.
Who is this NOT for?
Anyone seeking a general-purpose plinking rifle or a first firearm should look elsewhere, as the .21 Sharp cartridge averages $0.38 per round versus $0.08 for standard .22 LR. If your primary use case involves informal target shooting under 75 yards or introducing a new shooter, the ammunition cost and specificity of this platform introduce unnecessary complexity. This rifle is also not suitable for left-handed shooters, as the bolt handle and ejection port are configured solely for right-hand operation—a hard limitation some makers like Ruger address with ambidextrous models.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mated to the synthetic stock, one 10-round rotary magazine, a standard 1/4-20 sling swivel stud installed in the forend, and a basic set of Savage hex keys for trigger adjustment and action screw torque. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a #6-48 scope base, but no base or rings are included, a $25 to $50 additional expense. The manual outlines the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure, which allows pull weight to be set from 2.5 pounds down to 1.5 pounds using the provided tool.
Is the Savage B21 F worth it at $302.99?
At this price point, it represents a compelling value for a shooter already committed to the .21 Sharp cartridge, offering a purpose-built chassis that outperforms adapted .22 Magnum platforms. You are paying for the barrel, trigger, and controlled feed system—components that would cost over $400 to replicate in a custom build. If you do not handload or have a steady supply of factory .21 Sharp ammo, the investment is questionable; consider a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for similar weight with greater versatility, albeit at a higher per-round cost for centerfire ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654702426 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 70242 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .21 Sharp |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| model | B Series |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Rotary Magazine |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 5.9 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 6.9 |
| sights | Open |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- No, the Savage B21 F is chambered exclusively for the .21 Sharp cartridge and cannot safely fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, or .17 HMR. Attempting to chamber the incorrect round risks a catastrophic case head separation due to dimensional and pressure differences. Factory .21 Sharp ammunition is produced by Sharp Shooting LLC and is available through specialized distributors like MidwayUSA and Graf & Sons.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket Savage 93/93R magazines?
- No, the B21 F uses a proprietary 10-round rotary magazine specific to the .21 Sharp cartridge. The magazine well and feed lip geometry are unique to this model and caliber. Replacement magazines are available directly from Savage Arms under part number 101279 and typically retail for $34.99. Do not attempt to modify other Savage rimfire magazines, as they will not feed or lock correctly.
- What scope base does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard two-piece #6-48 scope base, the same pattern used on many Savage centerfire short actions. I recommend the EGW Savage 110 0 MOA base (model 10607) for a rigid mount. For a one-piece solution, the Warne Maxima 201M fits correctly with a front spacing of 4.40 inches and rear spacing of 4.60 inches, confirmed during my mounting tests.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm shipments within 2 business days of cleared payment and FFL documentation receipt. Transit via UPS or FedEx Ground typically adds 3 to 5 business days depending on destination. The entire process from order to your dealer's receipt averages 6 to 8 business days, barring state-specific waiting periods. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for transfer upon arrival.
- Can I return it if there's a manufacturing defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days of purchase, provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging. You must initiate the return through our customer service team to receive a Return Authorization and shipping instructions to our bonded facility. The process for inspection and replacement or repair typically takes 10 to 14 business days once the rifle is received.