The Savage Arms B17 FVSS: Precision and Performance for the Modern Rimfire Enthusiast

Are you searching for a dependable, accurate, and feature-rich rimfire rifle that excels in a variety of shooting scenarios? Look no further than the Savage Arms B17 FVSS. This bolt-action rifle, chambered in the popular and potent .17 HMR caliber, is engineered to meet the demands of discerning shooters, whether you're a seasoned varmint hunter, a dedicated target shooter, or a new enthusiast looking to hone your skills. The B17 FVSS combines Savage's renowned accuracy-enhancing technologies with durable construction, delivering a rifle that's not only a joy to shoot but also built to last. For those wondering, "What's the best rifle for small game hunting?" or "Which .17 HMR rifle offers the best value and accuracy?", the Savage B17 FVSS consistently emerges as a top contender, readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns.

Unpacking the Savage Arms B17 FVSS: A Deep Dive into Its Core Strengths

The Savage B17 FVSS (SKU: 70802, UPC: 062654708022) is more than just a standard rimfire rifle; it's a carefully crafted instrument designed for precision and reliability. Every component, from its innovative trigger system to its robust construction, plays a vital role in its outstanding performance.

The Legendary Savage AccuTrigger: Precision at Your Fingertips

One of the most celebrated features of any Savage Arms rifle, and certainly a highlight of the B17 FVSS, is its user-adjustable AccuTrigger. This revolutionary trigger system allows shooters to customize the trigger pull weight to their exact preference, ranging from a crisp, light pull for precision shooting to a heavier setting for field safety.

• Problem Solved: Traditional factory triggers often suffer from creep, excessive weight, or inconsistency, making accurate shot placement challenging. The AccuTrigger eliminates these issues.
• User Outcome: Shooters experience a clean, crisp break with no creep, significantly reducing the potential for flinching or pulling shots off target. This translates directly into tighter groups and improved accuracy, particularly critical for long-range rimfire engagements or precise varmint removal.
• Operational Benefit: The integrated AccuRelease blade acts as a secondary safety, preventing the rifle from firing unless the blade is intentionally depressed along with the trigger. This enhances safety without sacrificing performance, a feature highly valued by both new and experienced shooters.

Heavy Barrel Design: The Foundation of Rimfire Accuracy

The Savage B17 FVSS features a 21-inch heavy, button-rifled barrel, a crucial element in its exceptional accuracy.

• Rigidity and Consistency: A heavy barrel profile increases rigidity, minimizing barrel whip and vibrations during firing. This rigidity helps maintain consistent harmonics, leading to more repeatable accuracy shot after shot.
• Heat Dissipation: While rimfire cartridges generate less heat than centerfire, a heavier barrel still offers improved heat dissipation. This is particularly beneficial during extended shooting sessions, preventing accuracy degradation that can occur as barrels warm up.
• Matte Stainless Finish: The barrel boasts a matte stainless steel finish. This not only provides a sleek, non-reflective appearance ideal for hunting but also offers superior corrosion resistance compared to blued finishes. This durability makes the B17 FVSS an excellent choice for use in diverse weather conditions, ensuring longevity and consistent performance over years of use.
• Optimal Twist Rate: With a 1:9" twist rate, the barrel is perfectly optimized for the .17 HMR cartridge, ensuring proper stabilization of the lightweight, high-velocity bullets. This specific twist rate contributes significantly to the cartridge's reputation for flat trajectories and impressive accuracy out to considerable rimfire ranges.

Robust Synthetic Stock: Durability Meets Ergonomics

The B17 FVSS is equipped with a matte black synthetic stock, designed for resilience and shooter comfort.

• All-Weather Performance: Unlike traditional wood stocks, synthetic materials are impervious to changes in temperature and humidity. This means the stock won't warp, swell, or shrink, maintaining consistent point of impact regardless of environmental conditions. This is a significant advantage for hunters who face varied outdoor elements.
• Lightweight and Durable: The synthetic stock contributes to the rifle's manageable 6.20 lbs weight, making it comfortable to carry in the field during long hunts. Its rugged construction can withstand the bumps, scrapes, and impacts often encountered in outdoor environments, ensuring the rifle remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Ergonomic Design: The stock is engineered for a comfortable and secure grip, promoting natural pointability and consistent cheek weld. This ergonomic design aids in recoil management (minimal as it is with .17 HMR) and contributes to overall shooting comfort and precision.

Detachable Rotary Magazine: Quick Reloads, Streamlined Design

The B17 FVSS comes with a 10+1 capacity detachable rotary magazine.

• High Capacity: A 10-round capacity is generous for a rimfire rifle, allowing for extended shooting sessions or multiple follow-up shots without frequent reloads, which is particularly useful in varmint control scenarios.
• Reliable Feeding: Rotary magazines are known for their reliable feeding characteristics, presenting cartridges smoothly and consistently into the chamber. This reduces the likelihood of malfunctions, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
• Easy Handling: Being detachable, the magazine can be quickly removed for safe unloading or rapid reloads, a practical feature for both range use and field applications. Its flush-fitting design integrates seamlessly with the rifle's profile, preventing snagging.

The Power of .17 HMR: Why This Caliber Shines

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) caliber has rapidly gained popularity since its introduction, and for good reason. It’s an ideal pairing with the Savage B17 FVSS, enhancing the rifle's capabilities significantly.

• Blazing Velocity: The .17 HMR is renowned for its incredibly high velocity, typically pushing 17-grain bullets in excess of 2,500 feet per second. This makes it one of the fastest rimfire cartridges available.
• Flat Trajectory: The high velocity translates into an exceptionally flat trajectory, especially within common rimfire ranges (up to 200 yards). This flatter flight path makes range estimation less critical and greatly simplifies aiming, particularly for small, distant targets. For a hunter asking, "What caliber is best for prairie dogs at 100-150 yards?", the .17 HMR is a consistent answer due to its flat shooting nature.
• Minimal Recoil: Despite its impressive velocity, the .17 HMR produces negligible recoil. This makes the B17 FVSS incredibly pleasant to shoot, allowing for longer shooting sessions without fatigue and making it an excellent choice for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
• Precision and Varmint Control: The combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and small, aerodynamic bullets makes the .17 HMR exceptionally accurate. It's a devastatingly effective round for small game and varmints like squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and even coyotes at closer ranges, providing humane and efficient dispatch.

Who Is the Savage B17 FVSS For? Real-World Applications

The Savage Arms B17 FVSS is a versatile rifle designed to excel in various roles, catering to a wide range of shooting enthusiasts.

• Varmint Hunters: If your passion is controlling pest populations like prairie dogs, groundhogs, or even coyotes, the B17 FVSS in .17 HMR is an outstanding choice. Its accuracy, flat trajectory, and effective terminal ballistics for small to medium-sized varmints make it a highly efficient tool. Hunters often ask, "What rifle is good for varmint hunting that isn't too expensive?" and the B17 FVSS offers a compelling answer.
• Small Game Hunters: For harvesting small game such as squirrels, rabbits, or even certain bird species where legal, the precise accuracy of the B17 FVSS ensures clean, ethical shots without excessive damage to meat.
• Target Shooters & Plinkers: Looking to punch paper with impressive consistency or enjoy recreational shooting sessions? The B17 FVSS delivers. Its AccuTrigger and heavy barrel enable tight groups, while the affordable nature of .17 HMR ammunition (compared to centerfire) makes extended range time economical. It's ideal for those seeking, "An accurate rimfire rifle for fun at the range."
• New Shooters & Youth: The rifle's minimal recoil, adjustable AccuTrigger, and overall user-friendly design make it an excellent platform for introducing new shooters to the sport. Its full-size design still accommodates adult shooters comfortably, while its light recoil is non-intimidating for beginners.
• Preppers & Homesteaders: For those who prioritize self-sufficiency, a reliable and accurate rimfire rifle like the B17 FVSS can be a valuable asset for pest control around the property and for sustainable food sourcing.

Optimizing Your Shooting Experience with the B17 FVSS

Beyond its inherent features, the Savage B17 FVSS offers avenues for further optimization to enhance your shooting experience.

Optics Integration

The receiver of the Savage B17 FVSS is drilled and tapped, ready for easy mounting of your preferred optics. Given the .17 HMR's flat trajectory and the rifle's inherent accuracy, pairing it with a quality scope is highly recommended to unlock its full potential. A 3-9x or 4-12x variable power scope is often ideal for varmint hunting and target shooting, providing ample magnification for precise shot placement at varying ranges.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining your Savage B17 FVSS is straightforward, contributing to its longevity and consistent accuracy.

• Barrel Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the barrel, especially after extended shooting sessions, will prevent carbon and copper fouling build-up, which can degrade accuracy. Use appropriate .17 caliber cleaning rods, patches, and solvents.
• Action Care: Keep the bolt and receiver clean and lightly lubricated to ensure smooth operation. The bolt can be easily removed for cleaning.
• Stock Care: The synthetic stock requires minimal care beyond wiping it down to remove dirt and debris. Its robust nature makes it largely impervious to the elements.

Why Choose Savage Arms? A Legacy of Accuracy and Value

Savage Arms has a long-standing reputation for producing accurate, reliable, and affordable firearms. The B17 FVSS is a testament to this legacy. When considering a firearm purchase, trust in the manufacturer is paramount. Savage Arms stands by its products, offering innovations like the AccuTrigger that genuinely enhance the shooter's experience and performance. Their commitment to quality and value ensures that when you invest in a Savage B17 FVSS, you are acquiring a rifle that will serve you well for years to come.

This specific model, the Savage Arms B17 FVSS with its 21-inch heavy stainless steel barrel and AccuTrigger, is a highly sought-after configuration known for delivering exceptional performance for its price point. It addresses the common user desire for "an accurate and reliable 17 HMR rifle without breaking the bank." Its robust construction and intelligent design make it a standout choice in the rimfire market.

For the best selection and trusted service, the Savage Arms B17 FVSS (UPC: 062654708022) is available at DEGuns, a reputable source for quality firearms and accessories.

Key Specifications: Savage Arms B17 FVSS Rifle

Feature	Specification	Detail / Benefit
Model	B17 FVSS (70802)	Precision-engineered bolt-action rimfire rifle
Caliber	.17 HMR	High-velocity, flat-shooting, low-recoil cartridge
Capacity	10+1	Detachable rotary magazine for quick, reliable feeding
Action	Bolt Action	Simple, reliable, and inherently accurate
Barrel	21" Heavy	Matte Stainless, Button-Rifled, 1:9" Twist for accuracy
Trigger	AccuTrigger	User-adjustable, crisp break, enhanced safety
Stock	Synthetic	Matte Black, Durable, Weather-Resistant, Ergonomic
Finish	Matte Stainless	Barrel & Receiver for corrosion resistance and low glare
Hand	Right Hand	Standard configuration for most shooters
Overall Length	39"	Balanced and maneuverable for field and range
Weight	6.20 lbs	Lightweight enough for comfortable carry
Sights	Drilled & Tapped	Ready for easy scope mounting (optics not included)
Application	Field / Varmint	Optimized for small game hunting and pest control
Length of Pull	13.50"	Standard length for comfortable shooting posture