Review: Savage A22

Savage Arms has been using rotary magazines since 1895. Almost 125 years of institutional knowledge were applied to the recent A22 rimfire rifle design. At first glance, this rifle resembles its Ruger competitor, but it performed significantly better.

Priced similarly to the baseline 10/22, the Savage design features a robust magazine with more consistent alignment within the receiver, an Accu-Trigger adjustable from 8 lbs. down to 2.5 lbs and a better-quality barrel. The result is a rifle that shoots way out of its class.

A22 Accuracy

The sporter-weight tapered barrel makes handheld shooting practical, it but retains mechanical accuracy. Here were the results for the loads I tested:

Even the largest five-shot group is passable, while the smallest equals to 0.5 MOA fired from a lightweight sporter! These groups were consistent and repeatable.

Not a single one of the loads tested malfunctioned, though we can see that standard and high-velocity ammunition produced better groups. This isn’t too surprising, considering that A22 evolved from the high-velocity A17 (.17 HMR).

Although fitted with a longer-than-usual 22″ barrel, the A22 balances like a sporter. The extra sight radius compared to most rimfire rifles makes the best out of the extensively adjustable notch and post iron sights. The accuracy potential, however, merits a good optic.

In recognition of that, newer A22s are usually shipped without iron sights at all. The stock comb height is also optimized for an optic. A two-piece Weaver rail is included in the box. The polymer stock feels rigid enough and the Schnabel forend is well shaped for off-hand shooting.

Front and rear sling swivel studs are standard, yet another plus over the baseline 10/22. Only a quarter-pound heavier than a 10/22, despite the longer barrel, the A22 handles as well in the field as it does at the range.

A22 Performance

At present, my rifle has had well over 1,000 rounds through it without cleaning and hasn’t malfunctioned yet. The magazine has a pretty stout spring.

But I found it easier to load than the 10/22 equivalent because I could press on the individual “arms” of the shell spacer with my fingers, rather than use the cartridge to depress it. This rifle comes with two 10-round magazines.

Butler Creek offers a longer 25-round model that works well. Like the 10/22, the Savage A22 doesn’t have an automatic hold-open on the last round. It does have a rather more convenient manual hold-open lever located in front of the trigger guard.

Closing the bolt is simpler, with the conventional pull-and-release of the bolt handle.

Take-down is simple, with two bolts holding the action to the polymer stock. The rear screw is normally covered by a plastic cowling, so the instruction manual came in handy. The mechanism can be reached with just a punch to remove that plastic cover.

The trigger weight is adjusted with a provided wire wrench which fits an opening at the back of the trigger guard.

Conclusion

This model is an accuracy sleeper the way the old CZ 452 was before that brand got discovered by enthusiast markmen. Highly recommended! Reliable and accurate, the A22 would also make a great gift.

What do you think of the A22? Let us know in the comments below.