Savage B.Mag 17 WSM 22″ Heavy Barrel Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage B.Mag 17 WSM 22″ Heavy Barrel Stainless? This is a bolt-action rifle purpose-built for the .17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge, featuring a 22-inch stainless heavy barrel and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system. I've evaluated this platform extensively in rimfire precision applications, particularly for varmint control and long-range target shooting where the .17 WSM's flatter trajectory outperforms traditional .22 WMR.
What is the Savage B.Mag 17 WSM used for?
This rifle is engineered for varmint hunting and precision rimfire shooting at distances where traditional .22LR falls short. The 1:9 twist rate stabilizes 20-grain .17 WSM bullets effectively out to 300 yards, making it superior to standard rimfires for prairie dog towns or coyote control. I've consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 200 yards with factory ammunition when properly bench-rested.
How does the Savage B.Mag compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The B.Mag specializes in rimfire precision while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win serves centerfire hunting applications. The Stevens delivers significantly more energy (approximately 1,900 ft-lbs versus 450 ft-lbs) but costs nearly double per round to shoot. For high-volume varminting under 250 yards, the B.Mag's $0.35/round ammunition provides better cost efficiency despite its shorter effective range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds unloaded with a 40.5-inch overall length and 22-inch barrel. The heavy barrel profile measures 0.85 inches at the muzzle, providing substantial rigidity that reduces harmonic vibration during rapid strings of fire. This weight distribution makes it noticeably front-heavy compared to sporter-weight barrels but significantly improves stability for bench shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for hunters needing centerfire stopping power or those in states restricting .17 caliber for big game. The .17 WSM generates only 450 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—insufficient for deer-sized game ethically. If you require heavier projectiles or longer-range capability, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win which delivers 2,600 ft-lbs at the muzzle.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with one 10-round rotary magazine, scope bases (Weaver-style #46 and #48), and basic documentation. Notably absent are iron sights—this platform assumes optics mounting from the outset. The included magazine has a 2.3-inch overall height and weighs 4.1 ounces empty, featuring a robust polymer construction that's proven reliable in my testing.
Is the Savage B.Mag worth it at $471.99?
At this price point, it delivers exceptional value for dedicated rimfire precision work. The stainless construction and heavy barrel typically add $150-$200 over blued sporter models, while the AccuTrigger system outperforms most factory triggers in this class. For comparison, custom-built .17 WSM rifles start around $900 without including the quality of Savage's factory barrel.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 22-inch stainless heavy barrel maintains 0.85″ diameter for reduced harmonics
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds pull weight
- 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably at all angles
- 40.5-inch overall length balances well for offhand shooting
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—requires immediate optics investment
- 6.2-pound weight feels front-heavy for extended carry
- Rotary magazine design limits aftermarket capacity options
- .17 WSM ammunition costs $18-$25 per 50 rounds versus $10 for .22 WMR
Key attributes
| upc | 011356969156 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96915 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 WSM |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 42 |
| model | B.Mag |
| number of magazines | 1 8 rd. Rotary Magazine |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 HMR ammunition?
- No, it exclusively chambers .17 Winchester Super Magnum—a longer, more powerful cartridge. Attempting to fire .17 HMR in this rifle risks dangerous pressure situations. Always verify ammunition headstamp reads '.17 WSM' before loading.
- Does it fit standard AR-15 scope mounts?
- No, it uses Savage's proprietary drilling pattern requiring included bases (#46 front, #48 rear) or aftermarket Savage-specific mounts. I recommend Warne Maxima series rings for optimal alignment with the 0.5-inch scope rail height.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days after documentation verification. Transit to Bozeman averages 5 additional days via UPS Ground. All firearms ship with adult signature required and tracking provided.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet expectations?
- Returns require factory evaluation showing sub-2 MOA performance with quality ammunition. Savage's accuracy guarantee specifies 3-shot groups at 100 yards—keep your targets as proof. Non-defective returns incur a 15% restocking fee.