Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR: The Ultimate Youth Rifle for Foundational Shooting Skills

For parents and guardians seeking to introduce young shooters to the world of firearms safely and effectively, the Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR stands out as an unparalleled choice. This single-shot, bolt-action youth rifle, model 13617, is meticulously designed to provide a foundational shooting experience, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and ease of use. It’s the perfect answer for questions like "What is the best first rifle for my child?" or "How can I teach firearm safety and marksmanship to a beginner?"

The Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR is more than just a scaled-down rifle; it's a thoughtfully engineered training tool that prioritizes the learning process. Chambered in the ubiquitous and affordable .22 Long Rifle caliber, it minimizes recoil and noise, making the initial shooting experience comfortable and encouraging. Its intuitive design and robust features foster confidence and skill development in nascent marksmen.

Why the Savage Rascal 22 LR is the Ideal Choice for New Shooters

When considering a firearm for a young or beginner shooter, several factors are paramount: safety, comfort, ease of learning, and long-term value. The Savage Arms Rascal addresses each of these with precision:

Designed for Uncompromising Safety and Effective Learning

• Single-Shot Action: The Rascal's single-shot design is a cornerstone of its educational value. It requires the shooter to load one round at a time, promoting deliberate action, focus, and adherence to fundamental safety rules like "always know your target and what is beyond it" and "keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction." This measured approach instills discipline and responsible firearm handling from the very first shot.
• Two-Position Safety: A clearly marked, easy-to-operate two-position safety mechanism further enhances the rifle's safety profile. This feature is critical for teaching beginners the importance of engaging the safety until they are ready to fire, reinforcing safe firearm manipulation practices.
• Chambered in .22 LR: The legendary .22 LR cartridge is renowned for its minimal recoil and mild report, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. This allows new shooters to concentrate on core shooting fundamentals—stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and breath control—without being distracted or intimidated by recoil or loud noise.

Built for Precision and Accuracy from the Start

Accuracy is key to building confidence in any shooter, and the Savage Rascal 22 LR is equipped to deliver from day one:

• Savage AccuTrigger: This proprietary, user-adjustable trigger system is a standout feature, providing a crisp, clean break with no creep. For a new shooter, a predictable trigger pull is invaluable for developing consistent shot placement and preventing flinching, which can plague early shooting experiences. The ability to fine-tune the trigger pull weight helps tailor the rifle to the individual's comfort and preference.
• Adjustable Peep Sights: The rifle comes standard with highly effective adjustable peep sights. Peep sights are excellent for teaching basic sight picture and alignment, and their adjustability allows for zeroing the rifle precisely, ensuring shots land where intended. This direct feedback is crucial for a young shooter to understand the cause-and-effect relationship between sight picture and impact.
• 16.12" Carbon Steel Barrel with Target Crown: The precisely manufactured 16.12-inch barrel, made from durable carbon steel, contributes significantly to the rifle's inherent accuracy. A target crown at the muzzle protects the rifling from damage, preserving the barrel's ability to consistently guide the bullet, thereby enhancing precision.
• Optimal 1:16" Twist Rate: The 1:16" right-hand twist rate is perfectly matched for stabilizing common .22 LR ammunition, ensuring optimal bullet flight and consistent accuracy, whether plinking at cans or aiming for tight groups on paper targets.

Youth-Friendly Ergonomics: Designed for Comfort and Control

A rifle that fits well is a rifle that shoots well. The Savage Rascal is specifically proportioned for its intended audience:

• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at a mere 2.71 pounds, the Rascal is incredibly lightweight, making it easy for smaller frames to handle, shoulder, and aim without fatigue. This light handling is vital for maintaining focus during shooting sessions.
• Compact Overall Length: With an overall length (OAL) of 30.63 inches, the rifle is compact and manageable, ideal for youth navigating shooting benches or standing positions.
• Youth-Optimized Length of Pull: An 11.25-inch length of pull (LOP) is specifically tailored for shorter arms, ensuring a comfortable and natural shooting posture. A proper LOP is critical for effective recoil management (even with minimal .22 LR recoil) and consistent sight alignment.
• Durable Synthetic Gator Camo Stock: The robust synthetic stock in a distinctive Gator Camo pattern is not only eye-catching but also incredibly durable and weather-resistant, able to withstand the bumps and scrapes that often come with outdoor activities and enthusiastic young users. The right-hand configuration ensures comfortable and intuitive operation for right-handed shooters.

Real-World Applications: Where the Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR Excels

The versatility of the Savage Rascal extends beyond basic training, making it a valuable asset for various shooting activities:

Mastering Marksmanship and Shooting Fundamentals

The Rascal is the quintessential tool for teaching the foundational principles of marksmanship. Its single-shot nature encourages deliberate thought before each shot, reinforcing the importance of the shooting fundamentals. It's an excellent platform for learning about sight picture, breath control, and trigger squeeze without the complexities of magazine changes or semi-automatic actions.

Recreational Plinking and Target Practice

For sheer recreational enjoyment, the Savage Rascal 22 LR is hard to beat. The affordability of .22 LR ammunition means hours of fun can be had at minimal cost. Whether it's shooting reactive targets, tin cans, or paper bullseyes, the Rascal provides endless entertainment and an opportunity to hone skills in a relaxed environment.

Introductory Small Game Hunting

For the aspiring young hunter, the Rascal 22 LR can serve as an excellent entry-level rifle for ethical small game hunting. Its accuracy, lightweight design, and the effective range of the .22 LR cartridge make it suitable for pursuing game such as squirrels and rabbits, under proper supervision and adherence to local hunting regulations. It provides a valuable lesson in patience, tracking, and responsible wildlife harvesting.

Building Confidence in Shooting Sports

Participation in shooting sports offers numerous benefits, from developing concentration and discipline to fostering a deeper appreciation for firearms safety and outdoor activities. The Savage Rascal is a gateway to these pursuits, helping young shooters build confidence in their abilities and potentially sparking a lifelong passion for shooting and hunting.

The Savage Arms Legacy: A Name Synonymous with Quality and Innovation

Savage Arms has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable, accurate, and innovative firearms. With a history rooted in delivering high-performance products, they understand the needs of shooters, from seasoned professionals to absolute beginners. The Rascal 22 LR embodies this commitment, offering advanced features like the AccuTrigger—a hallmark of Savage's dedication to precision—in a package tailored specifically for youth. When you choose a Savage Arms rifle, you're investing in a product backed by decades of engineering excellence and a profound understanding of what makes a firearm effective and enjoyable.

Responsible Firearm Ownership: A Core Principle with the Rascal

Introducing a firearm to a young person is a significant responsibility, and the Savage Arms Rascal facilitates this process by being inherently beginner-friendly. However, it is paramount that adult supervision, comprehensive safety education, and secure storage always accompany its use. Topics such as the four fundamental rules of firearm safety, safe storage practices (e.g., using gun safes or lockboxes), and proper range etiquette should be thoroughly taught and reinforced before, during, and after any shooting activity. The Rascal is a tool for learning; responsible adults are the key to its safe and effective application.

Your Partner in Shooting Sports: The Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR at DEGuns

The Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR, model 13617, represents an exceptional value proposition for anyone looking to provide a young or new shooter with a safe, effective, and enjoyable introduction to shooting. Its blend of safety features, accuracy-enhancing technologies, and youth-specific ergonomics makes it a top-tier choice for educational and recreational purposes. These Savage Arms products, including the versatile Rascal, are readily available at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality firearms and accessories. When you're ready to invest in a foundational rifle that truly delivers on its promise of safety, learning, and fun, the Savage Rascal is the answer. It’s an investment in skill development and a lifelong appreciation for responsible firearm use.

Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR Specifications

Feature	Detail	Additional Context
Brand	Savage Arms	Renowned for quality and innovation in firearms.
Model	Rascal	Specifically designed youth model.
Caliber	22 LR	Low recoil, affordable, ideal for training.
Capacity	1rd	Single-shot for enhanced safety and learning.
Action	Bolt	Simple, reliable, and encourages deliberate operation.
Barrel Length	16.12"	Optimal for accuracy and manageability in youth rifles.
Barrel Finish	Matte Blued	Durable and reduces glare.
Muzzle	Target Crown	Protects rifling for consistent accuracy.
Twist Rate	1:16" RH	Perfectly suited for stabilizing .22 LR bullets.
Stock Material	Synthetic	Lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant.
Stock Finish	Gator Camo	Distinctive and appealing aesthetic.
Stock Finish Group	Natural Camouflage	Blends into various environments.
Hand	Right Hand	Configured for right-handed shooters.
Size	Youth	Ergonomically designed for smaller frames.
Length of Pull	11.25"	Comfortable fit for young shooters.
Overall Length (OAL)	30.63"	Compact and easy to handle.
Weight	2.71 lbs	Extremely lightweight for effortless handling.
Sights	Adj Peep	Adjustable for precise aiming and training.
Trigger	AccuTrigger	User-adjustable, crisp, and safe trigger pull.
Safety	Two-Position	Simple and intuitive to operate.
Receiver Material	Carbon Steel	Robust and durable construction.
Receiver Finish	Matte Blued	Matches barrel for a consistent look.
Application	Field	Suitable for various outdoor shooting activities.
SKU	13617	Manufacturer's Stock Keeping Unit.
MPN	13617	Manufacturer Part Number, same as SKU.
UPC	062654136177	Universal Product Code for identification.