Mastering Precision Rimfire Shooting: A Deep Dive into the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV Bolt Action Rifle

For enthusiasts and practical shooters seeking a fusion of pinpoint accuracy, dependable performance, and remarkable value in a rimfire package, the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV Bolt Action Rifle chambered in .17 HMR stands as an exceptional choice. This rifle is meticulously designed to meet the demands of discerning varmint hunters, competitive plinkers, and anyone who appreciates the satisfaction of consistent, sub-MOA groups from a lightweight, hard-hitting cartridge. If you're wondering, "What is the best rifle for small game hunting with minimal recoil?" or "How can I achieve tighter groups at extended rimfire ranges?", the Savage B17 FV provides compelling answers, making it a highly recommended option for various shooting disciplines.

The Savage Arms B17 FV is more than just a rifle; it's a precision instrument built for performance. It solves the common challenges faced by shooters: the need for a flat-shooting cartridge to minimize holdover at varying distances, a rifle system that promotes consistent shot placement, and a durable platform capable of withstanding the rigors of field use. Its unique combination of features, including the revolutionary AccuTrigger™ and a heavy, free-floating barrel, directly addresses these requirements, ensuring every pull of the trigger is an opportunity for success. This model, the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV, is readily available for those ready to elevate their rimfire experience.

Unpacking the Power of the .17 HMR Cartridge

At the heart of the Savage Arms B17 FV's formidable capabilities is its chambering in the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) cartridge. Introduced in 2002, the .17 HMR quickly redefined rimfire performance, offering velocities and trajectories previously unheard of in this category. Typically propelling a 17-grain bullet at blistering speeds exceeding 2,500 feet per second, the .17 HMR delivers a remarkably flat trajectory that significantly simplifies aiming out to 150-200 yards.

Why is the .17 HMR so effective for varmint control and small game hunting?

• Blazing Velocity: The high velocity translates to minimal bullet drop, making it easier to hit small targets at varying distances without extensive holdover calculations. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with elusive varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or coyotes at shorter to moderate ranges.
• Exceptional Accuracy: Due to its design and the light, aerodynamic bullets it fires, the .17 HMR boasts inherent accuracy, often rivaling centerfire cartridges at rimfire distances. This makes it a favorite among shooters who demand precision.
• Minimal Recoil: Despite its impressive speed, the .17 HMR produces negligible recoil, making it incredibly comfortable to shoot for extended periods. This is beneficial for new shooters, youth, or anyone looking to avoid fatigue during high-volume shooting sessions.
• Terminal Performance: The small, frangible V-MAX bullets commonly used in .17 HMR ammunition expand rapidly upon impact, delivering decisive terminal performance on small pests and varmints.

For those engaging in pest control or seeking to fill their freezer with small game, understanding the .17 HMR's ballistic advantages is crucial. The Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV capitalizes on these strengths, providing a stable and accurate platform to unleash the full potential of this high-performance rimfire round.

Engineering Precision: Key Features of the Savage Arms B17 FV

The Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV is engineered with specific features that directly contribute to its reputation for outstanding accuracy and reliability. These elements work in concert to provide a superior shooting experience.

The Game-Changing Savage AccuTrigger™

One of Savage Arms' most celebrated innovations, the user-adjustable AccuTrigger™, is a cornerstone of the B17 FV's precision. What makes the AccuTrigger™ so impactful for shot consistency?

• User Adjustability: Unlike many factory triggers, the AccuTrigger™ allows the shooter to precisely adjust the pull weight from a light, crisp break to a slightly heavier pull, without requiring a gunsmith. This customization ensures a personalized feel that minimizes trigger-induced flinching or pulling.
• Clean Break: The design virtually eliminates creep and overtravel, resulting in a very clean and predictable break. This predictability is vital for maintaining proper sight alignment through the shot, directly translating to tighter groups on target.
• Enhanced Safety: The integrated AccuRelease™ blade prevents the firearm from discharging unless the trigger is intentionally squeezed, even if dropped. This dual-stage safety system offers peace of mind without compromising performance.

For any shooter aiming to maximize accuracy, a superior trigger is paramount. The AccuTrigger™ on the Savage B17 FV empowers shooters to achieve their full potential by providing a crisp, customizable, and safe trigger pull that directly impacts consistent shot placement. This feature alone adds significant value, making the rifle an excellent investment for precision-minded individuals.

Heavy Barrel for Unwavering Accuracy

The "FV" in B17 FV stands for "Heavy Varmint," denoting the rifle's 21-inch heavy contour barrel. This is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a critical component for achieving and maintaining high levels of accuracy.

• Reduced Barrel Whip: A heavier barrel is inherently stiffer, which minimizes "barrel whip" or vibrations that can negatively affect bullet trajectory. This rigidity ensures the barrel remains stable from shot to shot, promoting consistency.
• Improved Heat Dissipation: During extended shooting sessions, especially common when varmint hunting or plinking, a heavier barrel absorbs and dissipates heat more effectively. This prevents heat-induced point-of-impact shifts, allowing the rifle to maintain its accuracy even after multiple rapid-fire shots.
• Enhanced Stability: The added weight of the heavy barrel shifts the rifle's balance forward, which aids in stability when shooting from a bench rest or bipod. This front-heavy balance helps reduce muzzle jump and makes it easier to keep the target in the scope's view.

The 21-inch length of the barrel is optimized for the .17 HMR cartridge, allowing sufficient time for the powder to fully combust and propel the lightweight bullet to its maximum velocity, thereby leveraging the cartridge's inherent ballistic advantages. The matte blued finish on the barrel and receiver not only provides a sleek appearance but also offers a durable, non-reflective surface ideal for field conditions.

Reliable Bolt Action Mechanism

The Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV utilizes a classic bolt action mechanism, renowned for its simplicity, robustness, and accuracy potential.

• Superior Lock-up: Bolt action rifles are known for their strong, consistent lock-up between the bolt and the receiver, which contributes to shot-to-shot consistency and inherent accuracy.
• Reliable Cycling: The manual operation of the bolt ensures reliable feeding and ejection, minimizing potential malfunctions. This dependability is crucial whether you're in a high-stakes hunting scenario or simply enjoying a day at the range.
• Safety and Control: The direct control over the loading and unloading process offers a high degree of safety and allows the shooter to maintain complete awareness of the firearm's status.

Detachable Box Magazine

The Savage B17 FV comes with a 10-round detachable box magazine. Why is a high-capacity detachable magazine beneficial?

• Quick Reloads: Detachable magazines allow for swift and easy reloads, enabling continuous shooting sessions without interruption, particularly useful during varmint population control or extended plinking.
• Convenience: Loading spare magazines beforehand saves time and hassle at the range or in the field.
• Easy Unloading: Unloading the rifle safely is as simple as removing the magazine and cycling the action to clear the chamber.

This practical feature ensures that shooters can focus more on their aim and less on cumbersome reloading procedures.

Durable Matte Black Synthetic Stock

The rifle is fitted with a durable, full-size matte black synthetic stock designed for right-hand shooters.

• Weather Resistance: Unlike wood stocks, synthetic stocks are impervious to changes in temperature and humidity, preventing warping or swelling that could negatively impact accuracy. This makes the B17 FV an ideal choice for hunting in diverse environments.
• Lightweight Durability: The synthetic material keeps the rifle's overall weight manageable while offering excellent resistance to scratches, dents, and abrasions common during field use.
• Ergonomics: The stock is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, promoting consistent shooting posture and control.

Real-World Applications: Where the Savage B17 FV Excels

The Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV is a versatile rifle that shines in several real-world scenarios, answering specific needs for different types of shooters.

Precision Varmint Hunting

If your primary goal is effective and humane varmint control, the Savage B17 FV is an outstanding tool. Its flat-shooting .17 HMR caliber combined with its inherent accuracy makes it perfect for targeting:

• Prairie Dogs: At ranges commonly encountered in open plains, the .17 HMR's flat trajectory minimizes guesswork. The rifle's accuracy ensures headshots or vital zone hits are consistently achievable.
• Ground Squirrels & Gophers: For smaller, more elusive targets, the B17 FV provides the precision needed to connect, even at distances where traditional .22 LR rifles might struggle.
• Rabbits & Hares: Ethical harvesting of these small game animals benefits greatly from the B17 FV's accuracy and the terminal performance of the .17 HMR.
• Coyotes (at close to moderate ranges): While some prefer larger calibers, for coyotes within 100-150 yards, a well-placed shot from the .17 HMR can be effective, especially when precision is prioritized.

Recreational Target Shooting and Plinking

For those who enjoy spending time at the range, the B17 FV offers an incredibly satisfying shooting experience:

• Affordable Precision: The .17 HMR ammunition is generally more affordable than centerfire rifle cartridges, allowing for extended shooting sessions without breaking the bank. Yet, it delivers precision typically associated with much more expensive setups.
• Learning Marksmanship: The rifle's manageable recoil and crisp AccuTrigger™ make it an excellent platform for new shooters to learn fundamental marksmanship skills without developing a flinch.
• Informal Competition: For friendly competitions or challenging yourself with progressively smaller targets, the B17 FV's accuracy makes it a top contender. Many shooters enjoy seeing how small of a group they can achieve with this rifle at 100 yards.

Pest Control Around the Farm or Property

For landowners dealing with persistent pests that threaten crops or property, the B17 FV offers a discreet and effective solution. Its relatively low report compared to centerfire rifles, combined with its precision, allows for targeted pest removal with minimal disturbance.

Why Choose the Savage Arms B17 FV?

In a market flooded with rimfire options, what truly sets the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV apart?

• Unmatched Value: Savage Arms has built a reputation for delivering rifles that punch above their weight in terms of accuracy and features for their price point. The B17 FV is a prime example of this philosophy, offering features typically found on much more expensive firearms.
• Out-of-the-Box Accuracy: Thanks to the AccuTrigger™ and the heavy barrel, many shooters report achieving sub-inch groups at 100 yards with various ammunition types right out of the box, with minimal effort. This "tack-driving" performance is a significant draw.
• Reliability You Can Trust: The robust bolt action design, combined with Savage's manufacturing quality, ensures consistent and reliable operation, shot after shot.
• Designed for the .17 HMR: The rifle's design is optimized to extract the maximum performance from the .17 HMR cartridge, ensuring that you're getting the most out of your ammunition.
• Availability: This highly sought-after model, the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV, is available through reputable retailers like DEGuns, making it accessible to enthusiasts across the country.

Maintenance and Care Tips

To ensure your Savage Arms B17 FV continues to deliver peak performance for years to come, regular maintenance is essential.

• Barrel Cleaning: Due to the high velocity of the .17 HMR, copper fouling can build up. Regular cleaning with a good quality bore cleaner and brushes will maintain accuracy. Always clean from the breach end if possible.
• Action Lubrication: Keep the bolt and receiver rails lightly lubricated with a quality gun oil to ensure smooth operation.
• Magazine Care: Periodically clean and inspect the detachable magazine for any debris that could impede feeding.
• Storage: Store the rifle in a dry environment, ideally in a gun safe or case, to prevent rust and damage.

By following these simple steps, you can preserve the precision and reliability that the Savage Arms B17 FV is renowned for.

Who Is This Rifle For?

The Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV is ideal for:

• The dedicated varmint hunter who demands precision and flat trajectory for small, fast-moving targets.
• The recreational shooter looking for an accurate, low-recoil rifle for enjoyable target practice and plinking.
• New shooters or youth who need a forgiving platform to develop marksmanship skills without the intimidation of heavy recoil.
• Anyone seeking an affordable entry into precision rimfire shooting, without compromising on quality or performance.

In conclusion, the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV Bolt Action Rifle is a testament to Savage's commitment to delivering accurate, reliable, and feature-rich firearms at an accessible price point. Its fusion of the potent .17 HMR cartridge, the innovative AccuTrigger™, and a heavy, precision barrel makes it a standout choice for anyone serious about rimfire performance. Whether you're eradicating pests, honing your marksmanship, or simply enjoying the thrill of tight groups, the B17 FV offers an unparalleled experience. Discover the difference precision makes with the Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV, available at DEGuns.

Savage Arms B17 FV Specifications

Feature	Description
Model	Savage Arms 70801 B17 FV
Caliber	.17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
Action	Bolt Action
Capacity	10+1 Rounds (Detachable Magazine)
Barrel Length	21 inches
Barrel Type	Heavy Barrel (FV - Varmint)
Receiver Finish	Matte Blued
Barrel Finish	Matte Blued
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Color	Matte Black
Hand	Right Hand
Trigger	Savage AccuTrigger™ (User Adjustable)
Overall Length	Approximately 40 inches
Weight	Approximately 5.5 lbs (unloaded)
UPC	062654708015