Savage Arms Mark II Bolt Action Rifles

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, accurate way of firing off a few hundred rounds on a weekend afternoon, look no further than the Mark II by Savage Arms. The Mark II is a high quality, well-designed, inexpensive rimfire rifle that is simply a blast to shoot in either .17 caliber or .22 Long Rifle.

Savage is known for quality rifles at bargain prices and the Mark II fits right into their product line seamlessly. They’ve added a few variations to the traditional bolt-action .22 Long Rifle with most models built around Savage’s 21-inch steel barrel. The .17 caliber is only available with a 21-inch barrel, but the .22 Long Rifle has a couple of 19-inch models, one 16.5-inch version and a 22-inch barrel in one model.

Most of the Mark II models have detachable box magazines, but a handful of the higher end styles offer lower capacity tube fed magazines. The stock is synthetic on the least expensive models and laminated hardwood on pricier, long-distance models with stylized open stocks and shorter forearms.

The Mark II is available in two models in .17 caliber, the F 17 HM2 and the FV 17 HM2. At only 5.5 pounds the FV 17 HM2 has no recoil. The F17 HM2 is slightly heavier at six pounds and has a tubular magazine with a five-round capacity.

It’s easy to get lost in choosing a Mark II in .22 Long Rifle, Savage has produced 14 different models. Most have subtle differences, but a couple on the higher end are much more expensive due to laminated wood stocks.

The FXP and FVXP are both equipped with a 3x9x40mm scope. Most .22 rimfire shooters use open sights, but a moderate scope can improve your chances when hunting squirrels and rabbits at a distance. Savage’s 21-inch barrel on both models aids accuracy as well.

The shortest model is the lightweight FV-SR with a barrel length of 16.5-inches and an overall weight of just 5.5 pounds. It has a smaller five-round box magazine. The TR is at the other extreme, tipping the scales at 7.5 pounds with a 22-inch barrel. This model has a wood stock stained black and a five-round box magazine. It’s on the higher end of the price scale.

• G 22 – 10-round box magazine, modest price, laminated stock
• G Compact – five pounds, 19-inch barrel, 37 ¾ inch length, 10 round box magazine
• BTV – High end price, thumb hole laminated wood stock. 21-inch barrel, five-round box magazine – left or right hand
• BV – Attractive laminated stock, 21-inch barrel, 6 ½ pounds
• FV 22 – Base priced model, six pounds, five-round box magazine, synthetic stock
• F 22 – Lowest price model, 21-inch barrel, 10-round box magazine, synthetic stock
• GL 22 – Wood stock, drilled and tapped for scope base, 5.5 pounds
• Series 22 – Classic black synthetic stock, Picatinny optics rail, 5.5 pounds
• BTVS – Laminated thumb hole stock, 7.5-pounds, 40-inches long, Weaver style scope base
• GL Compact – Lightest at five pounds, drilled and tapped for scope base, 37 ¾ inches long, 19-inch barrel