SAVAGE A22
Posted May 19, 2023
When it comes to modern rimfire rifles, the Savage A22 is one of the most popular options on the market. This rimfire rifle from Savage delivers a reliable and accurate shooting experience at an affordable price, making it a great choice for both experienced gun enthusiasts and beginner shooters. The Savage A22 is a medium-priced semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, and is an upgraded version of Savage’s popular A17 rimfire rifle.
The design of the Savage A22 has been improved from the A17 in several ways. The most significant change is the new rotary-style magazine that is now included with the rifle. This magazine holds 10 rounds of .22 LR cartridges and is reliable and easy to load and unload. This makes the rifle more user-friendly and much easier to load than a traditional box-style magazine. Additionally, the A22 also features a redesigned trigger that can be adjusted for lighter pull weights. This feature is similar to the AccuTrigger found on some of Savage’s centerfire rifles, and allows for a much more comfortable shooting experience.
The Savage A22 also features several other design improvements that make it a great option for rimfire shooting. The new stock is made from lightweight synthetic materials and features a textured grip and a buttplate with limited recoil. This stock also allows for length of pull adjustments, making it a great option for shooters of all sizes. Additionally, the barrel on the A22 is made from carbon steel and features a black finish. The barrel is also equipped with Savage’s AccuTrigger, which is designed to be adjustable and reduce trigger pull for a lighter and smoother shooting experience.
Overall, the Savage A22 is a great option for anyone looking to get into rimfire shooting. The design improvements from the A17 make it a more user-friendly and reliable rifle. The rotary magazine is an especially nice addition, as it makes loading and unloading much easier and more efficient. Additionally, the adjustable AccuTrigger and lightweight stock make it more comfortable and accurate to shoot. All of these features come in a very affordable package, making the Savage A22 a great all-around rimfire rifle.
In terms of accuracy, the Savage A22 is a great shooter. With proper care and maintenance, this rifle is capable of grouping shots tight together at 25 and 50 yards with good quality defensive ammunition. Additionally, when using bulk ammunition, this rifle can still be very accurate, and can easily keep groupings within 2 inch at 25 yards and 4 inches at 50 yards. This level of accuracy is great for a rimfire rifle in this price range, and makes the Savage A22 a great option for target shooting or small game hunting.
When it comes to reliability, the Savage A22 is also a great choice. Thanks to its reliable rotary magazine, this rifle is capable of feeding and ejecting rounds with no issues. This rifle can be prone to some jamming issues if it isn’t cleaned and maintained properly, but these issues can generally be avoided with regular cleaning and lubrication. Additionally, the upgraded trigger on the A22 is very reliable and smooth when shooting, making it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels.
Overall, the Savage A22 is an excellent choice for rimfire shooting. The affordable price and numerous design improvements make this rifle a great option for beginners as well as experienced shooters. Additionally, the accuracy and reliability of this rifle make it an excellent choice for target shooting or hunting small game. The Savage A22 truly is a great all-around rimfire rifle, and is sure to please any shooter who is looking to purchase a reliable and affordable rifle for their next rimfire shooting experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in muzzle brake helps reduce felt recoil.
- Ergonomic design allows for comfortable shooting.
- Bolt-action offers reliable accuracy and performance.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to transport and carry.
- Durable, all-weather construction with fiberglass reinforced stock.
- Magazine capacity ranges from 10 to 25 rounds, depending on the model.
Cons
- Prone to jamming or misfires after extended use.
- High price tag may be cost prohibitive to some shooters.
- Only one size option is currently available.
- Advanced shooters may find the trigger pull to be to long or too short.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the SAVAGE A22 are those looking for a high-end 22 LR semi-automatic rifle with good accuracy, durability, and versatility. The rifle is also great for target shooting, hunting, and home defense.
Those who shouldn't buy the SAVAGE A22 are those looking for a budget-friendly rifle or those not interested in a semi-automatic rifle.
Comparisons
| Feature | Savage A22 | Product A | Product B | Product C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22LR | .22LR | .22 WMR | .17 HMR |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 15 Rounds | 10 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 21" | 20" | 21" | 21" |
| Weight (lb) | 5.56 | 5.25 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Length (in) | 37.75 | 36.75 | 37.6 | 35.75 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .22LR
• Stock: Synthetic
• Barrel Length: 21"
• Overall Length: 39"
• Weight: 4.3 lbs
• Capacity: 10 Rounds
• Twist Rate: 1:16" RH
• AccuTrigger: Yes
• Safety: Manual Thumb Safety
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the SAVAGE A22 include:
- Scope and Red Dot Sight: Adding a scope and/or red dot sight to your rifle can greatly improve accuracy and range.
- Bipods: Bipods allow for steady, stable shooting from a kneeling or sitting position and help to reduce recoil.
- Magazine Extensions: Magazine extensions allow for more rounds to be stored in the SAVAGE A22 magazine.
- Buttstock and Cheek Rests: Adding a buttstock and cheek rest improves comfort while shooting and allows for quicker target acquisitions.
- Stocks: Many aftermarket stocks are available for the SAVAGE A22 to increase accuracy, comfort, and customize the look of the rifle.
- Muzzle Brakes and Suppressors: Muzzle brakes and suppressors help to reduce the sound of the firearm and make shooting more comfortable.
Accuracy
The SAVAGE A22 is an accurate 22 caliber rifle designed for small game hunting, plinking, and target shooting. Its 10 round rotary magazine and the accuracy enhancing features of the AccuTrigger system, as well as it's lightweight polymer stock, create the ideal setup for a successful hunt or day at the range. The barrel of the SAVAGE A22 is 16.5” with a medium profile, which limits the gun affect of wind and gravity on the projectile. The rifle also comes equipped with a adjustable stock comb, an adjustable length of pull, and an integral Picatinny rail for mounting optics. The review published by Guns and Ammo praised the SAVAGE A22 for its accuracy. According to their tests, the SAVAGE A22 consistently shot approximately 0.25” groups at 25 yards. The rifle is reliable enough to be used in hunting applications, and precise enough to be used in competitive target shooting.
