Got that awesome phonecall today.
“Your permit has come in mate”
Off I went to the LGS to pick up my new toy.
Savage A22R Pro Varmint.
$650
Initial impression, nice.
On closer inspection… If I paid full retail of $1200 or so dollars, I would feel a bit ripped off.
Fit and finish is good, $650 good, not $1200 good.
A little chip near the tang.
I will touch it up with a sharpie because I really DGAF about minor cosmetic issues. But … For $1200 it would be unacceptable.
The magazine is not well moulded and gappy in fit.
.
If it functions well, not a problem at the price I paid. Just not a magazine that says “excellent”.
Rear bolt shroud feels flimsy and wobbles a bit. Polymer.
I can’t help but use my Lithgow at $990 as a benchmark. Best .22 I own by quite a ways.
Unique action aside , the Savage is not even close.
However.
For the current price point, excellent value. Looks cool, balances and shoulders well.
Action is smooth and nicely machined. Lever is currently quite tight.
A quick play with the action and lever system indicates a good rate of fire is achievable. I would think there are several styles to do it they will suit different people.
Pic Rail is nice and seems decent quality.
Barrel and action was nicely centered and free floated.
The trigger has an unusually large shoe. Seems to fill the gap of the accutrigger thingie.
Polymer trigger housing.
At $1200 this gun is a rip off.
At $500 or so for the base model and $650 for the heavy barrel , these are easily one of the best value .22’s going around at the moment. Get one.