Savage Mark II TR .22 LR 22-inch Heavy Fluted Barrel

About this product

The Savage Mark II TR is a full-size bolt-action .22 LR rifle with a 22-inch heavy fluted barrel and Adjustable AccuTrigger system designed for affordable precision training and small-game hunting. For shooters who recognize that skill development happens at the rimfire level before moving to centerfire, this platform provides the mechanical foundation without unnecessary cost. I evaluate every trainer against the single question: does it force you to build proper habits, or does it let you get away with sloppy fundamentals that will fail under recoil?

What is the Savage Mark II TR used for?

The Savage Mark II TR's primary function is as an economical, high-fidelity training platform for developing and maintaining marksmanship fundamentals before transitioning to centerfire rifles. Its 7.5 lb weight and 40-inch overall length replicate the handling characteristics of a full-size tactical rifle, while the .22 LR cartridge eliminates flinch anticipation and cuts ammo costs to roughly 8 cents per round versus 80 cents for .308 Winchester. I've used it extensively for teaching new shooters positional drills and for confirming my own zero before a season on the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, where the fundamentals must be automatic.

How does the Savage Mark II TR compare to a Ruger Precision Rimfire?

The Savage Mark II TR prioritizes a lighter, more traditional handling profile for field and positional training, while the Ruger Precision Rimfire (RPR) is built as a dedicated bench rifle with a fully adjustable chassis system. The RPR's chassis allows for nearly infinite LOP and comb height adjustments, making it superior for static, square-range precision shooting, but its 9.2 lb weight makes it cumbersome for off-hand or mobile drills where the Savage's 7.5 lb synthetic stock shines. For the shooter who intends to stay at a bench, the RPR is the better tool; for the shooter who practices transitions between prone, kneeling, and barricades, the Mark II TR's balance and lighter weight create a more realistic training analog.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.50 lbs with an empty magazine and measures 40 inches from the buttpad to the target crown. Its 22-inch heavy fluted barrel has a major diameter of approximately 0.920 inches at the breech, tapering to the muzzle, with fluting that reduces weight by an estimated 4-6 ounces and increases surface area for faster cooling during sustained fire strings. When paired with a common optic like a Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40, total system weight climbs to about 8.6 lbs, which closely mimics the feel of a scoped centerfire hunting rifle.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is a poor choice for the shooter seeking ultimate benchrest accuracy or a suppressor-ready host straight from the box. Its 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition well but can struggle with the longest match-grade subsonic projectiles, and the barrel is not threaded—adding threads requires a gunsmith and about $120-180, plus a 4-6 week wait during Form 1 processing if you're turning it into an SBR. If your primary goal is shooting 0.3 MOA groups from a rest or running a .22 LR suppressor, start with a factory-threaded model like the CZ 457 Varmint.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action seated in the matte black synthetic stock, one 5-round detachable steel magazine, the factory-installed one-piece 11mm optics rail secured with four 6-48 screws, and the owner's manual with the AccuTrigger adjustment tool. Unlike many competitors, Savage does not include thread protectors, scope rings, or a bore snake, so budget an additional $50-150 for mounting hardware and basic cleaning supplies. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped, eliminating the need for a separate base purchase, a detail that saves about $30 and 15 minutes of installation time.

Is the Savage Mark II TR worth it at $583.99?

At $583.99, the Mark II TR represents a strong value for the shooter who will exploit its training capabilities but a marginal one for the casual plinker. The core value proposition is the AccuTrigger system, which allows you to set the pull weight between 1.5 lbs and 6 lbs to match your centerfire rifle's break, a feature absent from nearly all other rimfire bolt guns in this price range. When you consider that a single case of .308 Winchester match ammunition costs more than this rifle, the ROI for deliberate practice is undeniable. For someone who just wants a fun .22 for the ranch, a simpler rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win might offer more versatility, but for the dedicated trainer, the Mark II TR's feature set justifies the price.