Savage 93R17GV 17 HMR 21 in Hardwood Bolt-Action Rifle
About this product
The Savage 93R17GV is a 17 HMR bolt-action rifle purpose-built for varmint control and precision rimfire shooting, featuring a 21-inch heavy barrel and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system. This configuration prioritizes mechanical accuracy and field-ready handling over rapid-fire capability, slotting into a specific segment of rimfire rifles designed for extended range and small targets. The hardwood stock and traditional blued finish provide a classic aesthetic that many shooters prefer for walking fields or settled shooting positions.
What is the Savage 93R17GV used for?
The Savage 93R17GV is primarily used for varmint hunting and precision rimfire target shooting out to about 200 yards. The 17 HMR cartridge offers a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than traditional .22 LR, making it effective for ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and similar-sized pests where wind drift is a factor. The heavy varmint barrel aids in shot-to-shot consistency by mitigating heat-induced point-of-impact shift, a critical detail during prolonged shooting sessions.
How does the Savage 93R17GV compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage 93R17GV is a specialized rimfire platform, while the Stevens 334 is a centerfire rifle designed for larger game. For the shooter deciding between rimfire precision and general-purpose hunting power, the 93R17GV in 17 HMR is objectively better for sub-200-yard varminting due to its lower ammunition cost and reduced report, whereas the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is the clear choice for deer or larger game at extended ranges. This is not an overlap—it's a caliber and application fork in the road.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 93R17GV has an overall length of 40.5 inches and weighs 5.9 pounds unloaded. The 21-inch button-rifled barrel provides a 16.25-inch sight radius with iron sights (not included), and the rifle measures 5.75 inches in height from the stock comb to the bottom of the magazine well. These dimensions create a balanced, pointable rifle for offhand shots but it is not a compact package like the suppressor-ready SBRs I often test.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time shooter looking for a general-purpose .22 LR plinker, nor for anyone requiring rapid follow-up shots or high magazine capacity. The 17 HMR round costs approximately 25-30 cents per round versus 8-10 cents for .22 LR, making sustained practice more expensive. If your primary use case is informal plinking at 50 yards, the cost-to-benefit ratio favors a standard .22 LR rifle.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with a 5-round detachable box magazine, two pre-installed Weaver-style scope bases, and a set of swivel studs. Iron sights are not included, requiring an immediate optics purchase—budget for a minimum of $150 for a suitable rimfire scope and rings. The manual covers AccuTrigger adjustment, which I recommend setting between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds for a balance of safety and precision.
Is the Savage 93R17GV worth it at $321.99?
At $321.99, the Savage 93R17GV presents a strong value for its specific niche, undercutting many competing heavy-barrel 17 HMR rifles by $75-$150. You are paying for the AccuTrigger system and a solid, accurate barrel, not for fancy furniture or a smooth target action. If your goal is repeatable, small-group shooting on varmints within its effective range, this rifle delivers core performance without superfluous cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds—provides a genuine custom pull weight.
- 21-inch heavy varmint barrel stabilizes harmonics for consistent sub-1 MOA groups with match ammo.
- Weighs 5.9 lbs—0.8 lbs lighter than many comparable heavy-barrel rimfire rifles, aiding field carry.
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—adds minimum $150 for a proper rimfire scope setup before first shot.
- Bolt lift requires 65 degrees of rotation versus 60 degrees on some competitors, slowing follow-up slightly.
- Hardwood stock lacks an adjustable comb—fixed height may not align with all optic/cheek weld combinations.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 062654967016 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96701 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | No |
| length | 42 |
| model | 93R17GV |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 6.0 |
| package width | 3.25 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | No |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- Yes, the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with #6-48 threads, and the rifle ships with two-piece Weaver bases installed. This is a standard pattern compatible with most rimfire scope rings from brands like Warne, Leupold, and Vortex.
- Does it come with iron sights?
- No, the Savage 93R17GV does not include iron sights. It is designed from the ground up for optic use, which is a common configuration for varmint-specific rifles to maximize sighting precision. You must factor in the cost of a scope and rings.
- What is the magazine capacity?
- The included detachable box magazine holds 5 rounds of 17 HMR ammunition. Aftermarket 10-round magazines are available from ProMag and other manufacturers, but I've found the factory 5-rounder provides the most reliable feed in my testing.
- Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted below 2.5 pounds?
- Officially, Savage does not recommend adjusting the AccuTrigger below 2.5 pounds for safety reasons, and the adjustment mechanism has a physical stop at this setting. In a benchrest-only context, some armorers can modify it further, but this voids the warranty and is not advisable for a field rifle.