Savage Arms Mark I G: The Quintessential .22 Rimfire Rifle for Precision, Training, and Recreation

Are you searching for the ideal entry-level rifle that offers both exceptional accuracy and an unparalleled learning experience? Perhaps you're a seasoned shooter looking for a reliable, cost-effective plinking companion or a dedicated small-game hunter in need of a precise tool. The Savage Arms Mark I G (Model 17000) stands out as a prime candidate for all these needs and more. This meticulously crafted bolt-action rimfire rifle, chambered in the versatile .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle calibers, is engineered to deliver superior performance and instill confidence in every shot.

What makes the Savage Arms Mark I G such a highly regarded option among shooting enthusiasts and instructors alike? It’s a combination of Savage’s legendary commitment to accuracy, thoughtful design choices, and a focus on fundamental marksmanship, all wrapped in a robust, classic package. Whether your goal is to introduce a new generation to responsible firearm handling, hone your competitive shooting skills, or simply enjoy a day at the range, this rifle is designed to meet, and often exceed, expectations.

Unpacking the Core Features: Precision and Reliability at Your Fingertips

The Savage Arms Mark I G is more than just a .22 rifle; it's a testament to purposeful design. Each component contributes to its overall performance, safety, and user experience.

The Game-Changing AccuTrigger

One of the most defining and celebrated features of virtually all modern Savage Arms rifles, including the Mark I G, is the AccuTrigger. This innovative, user-adjustable trigger system revolutionizes the shooting experience, especially for a rimfire rifle designed for precision.

• Crisp, Clean Break: The AccuTrigger provides a remarkably crisp and light trigger pull without creep. This allows shooters to concentrate on sight alignment and breath control, minimizing the chances of "pulling" the shot due to a heavy or gritty trigger. For new shooters, this translates directly into faster progress and reduced frustration.
• User-Adjustable Pull Weight: Shooters can safely adjust the trigger pull weight down to an impressively light setting using a simple tool. This customization ensures that the rifle can be fine-tuned to individual preferences or specific shooting disciplines, from precision target work requiring a feather-light touch to a slightly heavier pull for field use.
• Enhanced Safety: Beyond its performance benefits, the AccuTrigger incorporates a unique safety mechanism. It features a small, integrated lever within the main trigger. Unless this internal lever is intentionally depressed, the rifle will not fire, even if accidentally dropped. This dual-stage design provides an extra layer of safety, building trust and confidence, particularly vital when teaching new shooters.

The AccuTrigger isn't just a marketing term; it's a functional advantage that significantly contributes to the Mark I G's accuracy potential and overall user satisfaction. It's often cited as a primary reason why shooters choose Savage rifles, and its inclusion on a foundational model like the Mark I G underscores Savage's commitment to quality at every level.

Caliber Versatility: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle

The Savage Mark I G boasts an impressive versatility by accommodating .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition. While the .22 LR is by far the most common and widely used, the ability to chamber the other two offers practical advantages:

• .22 LR (Long Rifle): This is the workhorse of rimfire ammunition. It's incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from casual plinking and target practice to small game hunting. Its affordability and widespread availability make it an ideal choice for high-volume shooting.
• .22 Short: Known for its extremely low recoil and quieter report, the .22 Short is excellent for very close-range plinking, pest control where discretion is paramount, or for introducing exceptionally recoil-sensitive individuals to shooting. Its reduced power can be beneficial in certain training scenarios.
• .22 Long: While less common today, the .22 Long offers a slight power increase over the .22 Short without reaching the full velocity of the .22 LR. Its inclusion signifies the rifle's broad compatibility with the historical range of .22 rimfire cartridges.

This multi-caliber compatibility ensures that the Mark I G can adapt to various shooting environments and purposes, from backyard plinking with quiet shorts to serious marksmanship with powerful LRs.

Precision Engineering: Barrel and Receiver

The 21-inch matte blued receiver and barrel are central to the Mark I G's reputation for accuracy and durability.

• Matte Blued Finish: This classic finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface, ideal for field use and reducing glare at the range. It contributes to the rifle's understated yet professional aesthetic.
• 21-Inch Barrel Length: This length strikes an optimal balance. It's long enough to allow the .22 cartridge to achieve its full ballistic potential, contributing to greater muzzle velocity and consistency, which translates directly to improved accuracy at range. At the same time, it keeps the rifle maneuverable and well-balanced, preventing it from feeling overly cumbersome.
• Recessed Crown: Though often overlooked, a precisely machined recessed crown on the barrel protects the rifling at the muzzle. This critical detail ensures that the bullet exits the barrel cleanly and consistently, without being disturbed, which is paramount for maintaining tight groups.

The Satin Hardwood Stock: Classic Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The satin hardwood stock gives the Mark I G a timeless, traditional look and feel.

• Durability and Feel: Hardwood stocks are renowned for their robustness and aesthetic appeal. They offer a solid feel in hand, which many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives, absorbing recoil impulses efficiently (though minimal in .22LR). The satin finish protects the wood while allowing its natural grain to shine through.
• Full-Size Design: Described as "Full Size," the stock is dimensioned to provide a comfortable and stable shooting platform for a wide range of shooters. Its ergonomic design ensures a natural cheek weld for consistent sight alignment and a comfortable grip.
• Right Hand Configuration: The rifle is specifically designed for right-handed shooters, with the bolt handle, safety, and stock ergonomics optimized for natural operation by a right-handed individual.

Single-Shot Capacity: A Foundation for Marksmanship

The 1-round capacity of the Savage Mark I G might seem limited in an age of high-capacity magazines, but it is a deliberate design choice that offers significant benefits, particularly for its intended audience.

• Focus on Fundamentals: A single-shot rifle forces the shooter to make every round count. There's no rapid-fire to mask poor technique. This encourages deliberate aiming, proper breath control, and meticulous trigger manipulation for each shot. It's an invaluable tool for developing core marksmanship skills and disciplined shooting habits.
• Enhanced Safety for Beginners: For new shooters, especially youth, a single-shot action inherently slows down the shooting process. This provides more time for instructors to guide and correct, and for the shooter to safely handle the firearm between rounds. It simplifies the learning curve for loading and unloading, making it an excellent first rifle.
• Compliance with Competition Rules: Many specific target shooting disciplines, particularly those focused on precision and fundamentals, either require or strongly favor single-shot firearms. The Mark I G is well-suited for such competitions.
• Reduced Ammunition Consumption: While .22LR is inexpensive, a single-shot rifle can help manage ammunition consumption during training sessions, ensuring that each round fired is a mindful learning opportunity.

Who is the Savage Arms Mark I G For? Real-World Applications

The Savage Mark I G is an incredibly versatile rifle that addresses the needs of a diverse group of shooters.

The Ideal First Rifle for New Shooters and Youth

If you're asking, "What's the best rifle to start with?" or "How do I safely introduce my child to shooting?", the Mark I G is an exceptional answer.

• Low Recoil: The .22LR caliber produces minimal recoil, eliminating flinching and allowing new shooters to concentrate on technique.
• Affordable Ammunition: The cost-effectiveness of .22LR means extensive practice sessions are feasible without breaking the bank.
• Simplicity and Safety: The single-shot, bolt-action design is straightforward to operate and inherently safe, promoting good habits from the outset. The AccuTrigger adds an extra layer of safety, crucial for beginners.

Marksmanship Training and Skill Development

For those aiming to improve their shooting precision, regardless of experience level, the Mark I G is a powerful training tool.

• Fundamentals Focus: The single-shot nature and superb AccuTrigger compel the shooter to master the fundamentals: sight alignment, sight picture, breath control, and trigger control.
• Cost-Effective Practice: Sharpening skills with expensive centerfire ammunition can be prohibitive. The Mark I G allows for high-volume, low-cost practice that translates directly to improved performance with other firearms.
• Precision Target Shooting: The rifle's inherent accuracy makes it perfectly suitable for informal target shooting, plinking, and even entry-level competitive events.

Plinking and Recreational Shooting

Looking for a rifle that delivers endless hours of fun at the range or in appropriate outdoor settings?

• Pure Enjoyment: The classic bolt-action operation, coupled with the satisfying "thwack" of a .22 bullet hitting a target, makes for a genuinely enjoyable shooting experience.
• Low Cost, High Fun: The combination of affordable rifle and inexpensive ammunition provides maximum entertainment value without significant financial outlay.
• Reliable Performance: Savage's reputation for building durable, reliable firearms means less time troubleshooting and more time shooting.

Small Game Hunting and Pest Control

For hunters targeting small game or landowners dealing with nuisance animals, the Mark I G offers a quiet, accurate, and efficient solution.

• Ethical Hunting: The precision of the Mark I G allows for humane, ethical harvesting of small game like squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs.
• Quiet Operation: The .22LR's relatively low noise signature, especially with subsonic ammunition, makes it suitable for use in areas where noise might be a concern.
• Maneuverability: The rifle's balanced design and 21-inch barrel make it easy to carry and maneuver through brush or dense foliage.

Why Savage Arms is a Trusted Name in Firearms

Savage Arms has a long-standing history of producing accurate, reliable, and affordable firearms. Founded in 1894, the company has consistently innovated, with the AccuTrigger being a prime example of their commitment to performance and user experience. When you choose a Savage rifle, you are investing in:

• Proven Accuracy: Savage rifles are consistently lauded for their out-of-the-box accuracy, often competing with firearms at much higher price points.
• Robust Construction: Their rifles are built to last, designed to withstand the rigors of regular use in various conditions.
• Value for Money: Savage provides exceptional performance and features without an exorbitant price tag, making quality shooting accessible to more individuals.

The Mark I G embodies these core Savage values, delivering a high-quality rimfire experience that shooters can depend on for years to come.

Ensuring Responsible Firearm Ownership

Owning any firearm comes with significant responsibility. When acquiring a Savage Mark I G or any rifle, it's crucial to prioritize safety, proper storage, and ongoing training.

• Always Follow Safety Rules: Treat every firearm as if it's loaded, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and be sure of your target and what's beyond it.
• Secure Storage: Store firearms unloaded and locked, separate from ammunition, in a manner inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, especially children.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your Mark I G clean and well-lubricated to ensure its longevity and reliable function. A clean barrel is also essential for consistent accuracy.

Where to Acquire Your Savage Mark I G

The Savage Arms Mark I G (Model 17000) is a popular and well-regarded rifle, available from reputable firearm retailers. For those interested in adding this versatile and accurate rimfire rifle to their collection, it is readily available at DEGuns, where you can explore its features and make an informed purchase.

The Savage Arms Mark I G isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in skill development, enjoyment, and a deeper appreciation for the shooting sports. Its blend of classic design, modern features like the AccuTrigger, and legendary Savage accuracy makes it a standout choice in the crowded rimfire market. Whether for serious training, enjoyable plinking, or effective small-game hunting, this rifle delivers on its promise of precision and reliability.

Savage Arms Mark I G Specifications

Feature	Description
Model	Mark I G (Model 17000)
Manufacturer	Savage Arms
Caliber	.22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle (LR)
Capacity	1 Round
Action Type	Bolt-Action
Barrel Length	21 inches
Receiver Finish	Matte Blued
Barrel Finish	Matte Blued
Stock Material	Satin Hardwood
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Trigger	AccuTrigger (User-Adjustable)
UPC	062654170002