Savage 93R17 GLV Left-Hand 21″ Heavy Varmint Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt configuration — eliminates right-hand manipulation awkwardness for southpaw shooters
- 21-inch heavy varmint barrel (0.92" muzzle diameter) — reduces harmonic vibration for consistent 0.75 MOA groups
- AccuTrigger adjustable down to 2.5 pounds — 40% lighter pull than standard Savage triggers
- 5-round detachable magazine — faster reloads than fixed magazine alternatives
Trade-offs
- 6.8-pound weight — 1.2 pounds heavier than sporter-weight .17 HMR rifles, cumbersome for extended carrying
- Walnut stock lacks adjustable comb — requires aftermarket cheek riser for optimal optic alignment ($45-75 addition)
- No iron sights included — mandates optic purchase and mounting ($100+ minimum investment)
- .17 HMR ammunition cost — $0.35/round versus $0.10/round for .22 LR, making high-volume practice expensive
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage 93R17 GLV Left-Hand 21″ Heavy Varmint Barrel? It's a purpose-built left-handed bolt-action rimfire rifle designed for precision varminting and small-game hunting with exceptional mechanical consistency. Built around a 21-inch heavy-contour barrel and Savage's renowned AccuTrigger system, this rifle delivers the kind of repeatable accuracy that matters when targeting prairie dogs or squirrels at 100+ yards. The walnut-finish Monte Carlo stock provides classic aesthetics with functional checkering, while the satin blued carbon steel construction ensures durability in field conditions.
What is the Savage 93R17 GLV used for?
This rifle is specifically engineered for precision rimfire varmint control and small-game hunting where shot placement trumps firepower. The 1:9 twist rate stabilizes .17 HMR ammunition perfectly for consistent terminal performance on ground squirrels, raccoons, and similar-sized pests out to 150 yards. I've found the heavy barrel maintains zero through extended strings of fire—critical when you're working through a colony of prairie dogs where follow-up shots need to land exactly where intended.
How does the Savage 93R17 GLV compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage 93R17 GLV outperforms the Stevens 334 in rimfire-specific precision engineering despite both being bolt-action rifles. Where the Stevens 334 is a centerfire platform adapted for multiple calibers, the 93R17 is purpose-built for .17 HMR with a tighter 1:9 twist rate versus the 334's 1:10 twist, resulting in superior stabilization for the high-velocity rimfire cartridge. The AccuTrigger system also provides a cleaner break (adjustable down to 2.5 pounds) compared to the Stevens' fixed trigger, giving experienced shooters better control during precision shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 41.5 inches in overall length with the 21-inch barrel. The heavy varmint barrel profile measures 0.92 inches at the muzzle—substantially thicker than standard sporter barrels—which reduces harmonic vibration and maintains consistent point of impact during extended shooting sessions. The length of pull measures 13.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably while the left-hand configuration positions the bolt handle naturally for southpaws.
Who is this NOT for?
Right-handed shooters should avoid this rifle—the left-hand bolt configuration makes operation awkward and slow for dominant-right users. This isn't a plinking rifle either; the 6.8-pound weight and 21-inch barrel make it cumbersome for casual shooting compared to lighter options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. The .17 HMR cartridge also costs nearly triple what .22 LR runs, making high-volume training impractical for budget-conscious shooters.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with one 5-round detachable box magazine, plus swivel studs pre-installed for bipod or sling attachment. The receiver comes drilled and tapped for Weaver-style bases (bases not included), and the satin blued finish is properly degreased from the factory. Unlike some budget rifles, the AccuTrigger comes properly adjusted from the factory at approximately 3.5 pounds—usable immediately but still adjustable down to 2.5 pounds for experienced shooters.
Is the Savage 93R17 GLV worth it at $321.99?
At $321.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for left-handed shooters needing precision rimfire performance. The combination of the heavy varmint barrel, adjustable AccuTrigger, and proper left-hand configuration would typically cost $100+ more if pieced together from custom options. Compared to converting a right-hand rifle, you're paying about $50 premium for the factory-left-hand operation—worth every penny for shooters who've struggled with wrong-handed bolts their entire lives.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654967177 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 96717 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 HM2 |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 42 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 93R17 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .17 HMR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambered specifically for .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire ammunition with a 1:9 twist rate that stabilizes all factory loads from 15.5 grain to 20 grain bullets. I've tested Federal, Hornady, and CCI ammunition without any feeding or extraction issues through 500 rounds of testing.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 41.5-inch overall length requires a 42-inch or longer hard case—most standard 40-inch cases won't accommodate this rifle. I recommend Plano All-Weather 42-inch cases or similar, which provide 2 inches of clearance for optics while keeping the overall package manageable for transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via Ironclad Armory's standard shipping, plus your local FFL's processing time. Expedited 2-day shipping is available for an additional $35, which gets the rifle to your FFL within 48 hours of processing.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet expectations?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired rifles in original condition, but once fired, returns are only accepted for mechanical defects verified by their gunsmiths. Accuracy guarantees typically require testing with at least 3 different ammunition types—expect to provide targets showing 5-shot groups at 50 yards for evaluation.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 1/2x28 threaded muzzle allows direct suppressor attachment for most .17 caliber models, though the 21-inch barrel length creates overall length concerns for some NFA configurations. I've successfully run a SilencerCo Sparrow on this platform with sub-MOA accuracy using CCI 20 grain subsonic ammunition.