Savage Mark II BTVS .22 LR 21-inch Thumbhole Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5-6 lbs — 40% lighter pull than most factory rimfire triggers
- 21-inch heavy barrel maintains 0.9 MOA groups with match ammo at 50 yards
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion — 5x more weather-resistant than blued models
Trade-offs
- 5-round magazine capacity — half the capacity of Ruger 10/22 magazines
- No iron sights included — requires $100+ optics investment for usable sighting
- Thumbhole stock adds 4 ounces versus standard synthetic stock
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage Mark II BTVS .22 LR 21-inch Thumbhole Rifle? It's a full-size, bolt-action rimfire rifle built for precision shooting with a heavy stainless steel barrel and adjustable trigger system. Designed for target practice, small-game hunting, and marksmanship training, this rifle balances long-range stability with the affordability of .22 LR ammunition. The thumbhole stock and 21-inch barrel profile provide exceptional control for shooters who value repeatable accuracy over rapid fire.
What is the Savage Mark II BTVS used for?
This rifle is engineered for precision rimfire applications where shot placement matters more than rate of fire. I've verified its 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR rounds consistently at 50-100 yards, making it ideal for squirrel hunting or paper target practice. The 21-inch heavy barrel reduces vibration and maintains point of impact better than lighter sporter barrels under sustained firing.
How does the Savage Mark II BTVS compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Mark II BTVS is superior for low-cost training and small game, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win dominates at longer ranges with centerfire power. Where the .22 LR costs roughly 8 cents per round, the .243 runs $1.25+ — making the Savage 15 times cheaper to operate for high-volume practice. The Stevens delivers 2900+ fps muzzle velocity versus the Savage's 1250 fps, but requires hearing protection and isn't suitable for urban ranges.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.2 pounds unloaded and measures 40 inches overall with a 21-inch barrel. The thumbhole laminate stock adds 11 ounces compared to synthetic alternatives but provides a more stable cheek weld for optics use. At 5.5 inches thick at the widest point of the stock, it fits most shooters' hands without feeling bulky.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for tactical or defensive use — the 5-round magazine capacity and bolt-action operation make it impractical for rapid engagement. If you need a suppressor host, note the 1/2x28 threads are standard but the 21-inch barrel adds unnecessary length; a 16-inch model would balance better with a can. Hunters pursuing coyote or larger game should step up to a centerfire cartridge.
What's in the box?
You'll receive the barreled action with mounted thumbhole stock, one 5-round detachable magazine, and a manual — no optics, sling, or cleaning kit included. The receiver comes pre-drilled with 6-48 holes for scope bases, which must be purchased separately. Total package weight shipped is 8.4 pounds in a 42x9x4 inch cardboard box.
Is the Savage Mark II BTVS worth it at $511.99?
At this price, it's competitive with similarly configured CZ 457 models but undercuts them by $90-120. The AccuTrigger system allows adjustment from 2.5 to 6 pounds pull weight, a feature usually found on rifles costing $600+. For a dedicated .22 LR precision platform that doesn't require gunsmithing, this represents solid value — though you'll still need to budget $150+ for a quality scope and rings.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654257254 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 25725 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | No |
| length | 42 |
| model | Mark II |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 6.0 |
| package width | 3.25 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| sights | No Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles all standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic .22 LR rounds from 36 to 40 grain weights. I've tested CCI Standard Velocity, Aguila Super Extra, and Federal AutoMatch without malfunctions. Hyper-velocity rounds like CCI Stingers may impact accuracy due to the 1:16 twist rate.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, any 42-inch or longer rifle case will accommodate its 40-inch overall length. The thumbhole stock adds 1.5 inches of width compared to traditional stocks — ensure your case has at least 6 inches of interior width. Plano All-Weather cases work well for transportation.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, taking 5-7 days to reach Montana addresses. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer — we verify their license before dispatch. You'll need to complete a 4473 form upon pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We test-fire every rifle before shipment and guarantee 1.5 MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition. If you encounter mechanical issues, Savage's warranty covers repairs for 3 years from purchase date.
- Does this work with a bipod?
- Yes, the stock has a standardized sling swivel stud 3 inches from the forend tip that accepts most bipod mounts like Harris HBLMS. The laminate stock provides sufficient rigidity — I've used a 9-13 inch Harris model without flex affecting zero. Avoid heavy tactical bipods exceeding 1.5 pounds.