Savage A22 – A Rimfire Rifle That Punches Above Its Weight
When it comes to .22 rifles, the market is packed with options—everything from lever-action classics to bolt-action precision rigs. But if you’re after a semi-automatic rimfire that blends affordability, versatility, and a touch of modern flair, the Savage A22 deserves a hard look. In this Savage A22 review, we’ll dive into what makes this rifle tick, how it holds up for different uses, its pricing sweet spot, and the various flavors it comes in. Whether you’re plinking cans, hunting small game, or teaching a newbie the ropes, the A22 has something to offer—though it’s not without a few quirks.
What Is the Savage A22?
The Savage A22 is a semi-automatic .22 Long Rifle (LR) rifle that hit the scene in 2016, building on the success of its siblings, the A17 (.17 HMR) and A22 Magnum (.22 WMR). Unlike those higher-pressure cousins, which use a delayed-blowback action to tame their zippy rounds, the A22 keeps it simple with a straight blowback design—perfectly suited to the milder .22 LR. It’s a rifle that aims to compete with the likes of the Ruger 10/22, but with Savage’s signature twists: a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, a 10-round rotary magazine, and a threaded barrel system borrowed from their centerfire lineup.
At its core, the A22 sports a 22-inch carbon steel barrel (on most models), a synthetic or hardwood stock depending on the version, and a steel receiver topped with a Picatinny rail for optics. It weighs in around 5.25 to 7.5 pounds, depending on the configuration, making it light enough for a day in the field but hefty enough to feel substantial on the bench. The barrel is button-rifled and headspaced with a lock nut—a nod to Savage’s reputation for accuracy on a budget. Out of the box, it’s a no-frills shooter with a lot of potential.
Hands-On with the Savage A22: How It Feels and Shoots
Picking up the base model Savage A22, you’ll notice it’s got a utilitarian vibe. The synthetic stock (standard on most versions) isn’t flashy, but it’s grippy and functional, with textured panels on the forearm and pistol grip. The 13.75-inch length of pull fits most adults comfortably, though shorter shooters might need to adjust their stance. The comb is a bit high for iron sights—Savage includes a beefy adjustable rear and a tall front post—but most folks will slap a scope or red dot on that rail anyway.
The star of the show is the AccuTrigger. If you’ve shot a Savage before, you know the deal: it’s crisp, adjustable from about 2.5 to 6 pounds with a simple tool, and has a built-in safety blade to prevent accidental discharge. Out of the box, mine broke at just over 3 pounds—clean, with minimal creep. It’s not a match-grade trigger, but for a budget semi-auto, it’s a cut above what you’d expect.
Cycling the action is smooth, thanks to the oversized bolt handle, though there’s no last-round bolt hold-open—a minor gripe shared with the Ruger 10/22. The 10-round rotary mag sits flush with the stock, pops out with a tug on the release lever, and feeds reliably once you get the hang of loading it. Fair warning: the spring is stiff, and stacking rounds takes a little finesse to avoid rim overlap. After a few range trips, it becomes second nature.
On the range, the A22 shines as a plinker. I ran it through a mix of ammo—CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and some bargain-bin Winchester bulk—and it ate everything without a hiccup after the first 50 rounds of break-in. Groups at 50 yards hovered around 1 to 1.5 inches with the CCI, tightening up to just under an inch with a 3-9x scope dialed in. That’s not bolt-action precision, but for a semi-auto in this price range, it’s more than respectable. The 22-inch barrel gives it a slight velocity edge over shorter-barreled rivals, making it a solid pick for stretching shots out to 100 yards.
Uses: Where the Savage A22 Fits In
The Savage A22 is a jack-of-all-trades rimfire, and that’s its biggest strength. Here’s how it stacks up for common uses:
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Plinking: This is the A22’s bread and butter. The semi-auto action lets you rip through mags as fast as you can pull the trigger, and the .22 LR’s cheap ammo (think $0.06-$0.10 per round) means you can shoot all day without breaking the bank. Set up some steel targets or soda cans, and it’s pure fun. The lightweight design makes it easy to tote around, though the lack of a bolt hold-open slows down mag swaps a touch.
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Small Game Hunting: For rabbits, squirrels, or other critters, the A22 is a capable tool. That 22-inch barrel and decent accuracy make it lethal out to 75-100 yards with the right ammo (hollow points like CCI Stingers work well). The threaded barrel (on most models) is a bonus—slap on a suppressor, and you’ve got a stealthy hunter that won’t spook every animal in the woods. At 5.5 pounds or so, it’s light enough for a morning stalk, though a sling (with included studs) helps.
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Training: New shooters love the A22’s low recoil and simple operation. The AccuTrigger builds good habits with its clean break, and the semi-auto action keeps things engaging without the fuss of manual cycling. Pair it with a red dot or low-power scope, and it’s a great first rifle for teens or adults dipping their toes into shooting. The only catch is the high comb, which might need a cheek pad tweak for smaller frames using optics.
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Competition: While it’s not a dedicated match rifle, the A22 can dabble in informal rimfire events like Appleseed or small-bore silhouette. The Precision models (more on those later) up the ante with chassis stocks and heavier barrels, but even the base version holds its own for casual contests. Just don’t expect it to outshoot a tricked-out Ruger 10/22 with aftermarket everything.
One downside? The A22’s aftermarket support lags behind the 10/22. You won’t find a flood of custom stocks or barrels, though companies like MDT and Butler Creek offer some options (e.g., 25-round mags). For most users, though, the stock setup is plenty.
Pricing: Bang for Your Buck
As of March 27, 2025, the Savage A22’s pricing is a big part of its appeal. The base model—synthetic stock, blued barrel—typically retails around $280-$350, though sales can drop it closer to $250. That’s neck-and-neck with a basic Ruger 10/22, but the A22 throws in the AccuTrigger and threaded barrel for free, giving it an edge in value. Online retailers like Sportsman’s Warehouse or Cabela’s often list it in this range, with used models dipping below $200 in good condition.
Step up to fancier versions, and the price climbs. The A22 Pro Varmint, with its fluted heavy barrel and Boyd’s hardwood stock, runs $450-$500. The Precision line—think MDT chassis and suppressor-ready threading—hits $600-$700. Still, even at the high end, you’re getting features (adjustable stocks, premium triggers) that cost extra to add to competitors. Compared to, say, a Henry Lever Action .22 ($300-$400), the A22’s semi-auto speed and modern touches justify the cost for many shooters.
Ammo keeps the long-term expense low. A brick of 500 .22 LR rounds goes for $30-$50, meaning you’re spending pennies per shot. That’s a big plus for high-volume fun or training.
Versions: Picking Your Savage A22
Savage offers a dozen A22 variants, catering to different tastes and needs. Here’s a rundown of the standouts:
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A22 (Base Model): The OG. Synthetic stock, 22-inch barrel, blued finish. Around $300. Perfect for all-around use with no fuss.
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A22 Pro Varmint: A step up with a 22-inch fluted heavy barrel, Boyd’s Pro Varmint hardwood stock, and a beefier profile (7+ pounds). Priced at $450-$500. Built for varmint sniping and bench shooting, with tighter groups thanks to the barrel heft.
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A22 Precision: The tactical pick. An 18-inch heavy barrel, MDT aluminum chassis with adjustable length of pull and comb height, and a threaded muzzle. $600-$700. Aimed at precision shooters and suppressor fans—think PRS-style rimfire matches.
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A22 BNS-SR: A 2020 release with a green/brown laminated hardwood stock, 18-inch barrel, and a “real rifle” feel. Around $400-$450. Balances durability and aesthetics for hunters who want something prettier than plastic.
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A22 Target Thumbhole: Features a thumbhole laminate stock, 22-inch barrel, and a more ergonomic grip. $500-$550. Great for deliberate shooting—think range days or small game with a twist of style.
Each version tweaks the formula—barrel length, stock material, weight—to suit specific niches. The base model is the budget king, while the Precision and Pro Varmint lean into accuracy and customization. Check Savage’s site or retailers for the full lineup, as special editions pop up occasionally.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Savage A22?
After spending time with the Savage A22, it’s clear this rifle punches above its weight class. It’s not perfect—the lack of a last-round hold-open stings, and the mags take some breaking in—but the pros outweigh the cons. (You can buy the Savage A22 Online here at B&A Gun Shop. You’re getting a reliable semi-auto with a stellar trigger, solid accuracy, and versatility that spans plinking, hunting, and training. Pricing is competitive, and the range of versions lets you tailor it to your needs without selling a kidney.
Compared to the Ruger 10/22, the A22 trades aftermarket depth for out-of-the-box features. Against a Henry Lever Action .22, it swaps nostalgia for speed. For most shooters, it’s a practical, fun, and affordable rimfire that delivers where it counts. If you’re in the market for a .22 that won’t let you down, this Savage A22 review says it’s worth a shot—literally.