Savage Mark II TR Review

In December 2009 Savage introduced two new rimfire rifles. The Savage Mark II TR and the Mark II TRR. These two rifle are basically the same with with exception that the TRR offers a full length scope and accessory rail. They are also offering these two models in their 93R17 series which is chambered for 17 HMR. This review will focus on the Savage Mark II TR in 22 LR.

To begin with I was in search for a 22 LR for traing purposes. I am learning to shoot long range and needed someting to train with that was considerably less expensive than the.308 to shoot and that I did not need to reload ammunition. Plus one can never have to many 22 LR.While on this search I certain criteria. This narrowed my choices down to CZ rimfire series and the Savage. I had decided on the Savage Mark II FV and was going to replace the stock with a Sharp Shooters Supply tactical stock. That is when I ran across a posting in one of my favorite forums Snipers Hide. After visiting the Savage web site I felt this was a must see rifle while at Shot Show. After handling this rifle two different days a Shot Show I decide this was going to be my new training rifle. Unfortunately, I could not get a straight answer from any the Savage reps at to when it would be available. I called a local dealer and with several tries and different suppliers still no ETA. After visiting several shops I contacted Garretson's in Greeley and with in a few minutes I was informed I could have one in a couple of days.

The Savage Mark II TR specifications: This rifle sports a heavy barrel that has 5 flutes, 22" long and is made of Carbon Steel. The rifling is a 1:16 twist. I have not been able to confirm what it is finished with. The stock is laminated wood that is painted and has a small texture. It has 3 studs for the sling and bipod attachment. The butt pad is about 1/4" thick rubber. The trigger is the Accutrigger that so many have come to appreciate. It has a two piece scope mount installed and comes with one 5 round magazine. It weighs in at 7.5 lbs. List price is $469. Street price has been reported from $420 to $450.

This rifle is going to stand out on any rifle rack that is if any store is going to be able to keep them on the shelf. This rifle is very "Sexy" or you can go with "Tacticool" what ever you choose people will be gathering around to see what your are shooting.

One thing to notice is the tatical bolt knob. When you look this up on the Savage web site you will see the standard bolt knob but the TR actually comes with the tactical knob. This is definately a nice improvement over standard bolt knobs. Much simpiliar to reach and manipulate. The bolt came very dry. Even after lubing it the bolt is "sticky". This is more than likely due to the the coating utilized on the metal parts. However, after about 310 shots the bolt is loosening up. I am sure if the correct parts were polished this would work smother. It is not unbearable and can be worked fairly efficiently.

Barrel has 5 flutes. This may or may not actually help disperse some heat it does however lighten the barrel. The crown is target recessed. I am sure this definately adds to the accuracy of the rifle.

Savage has again added their Accutrigger. This trigger is adjustable on the Mark II series from 2-1/2 lb to 4-1/2 lb. The trigger is crisp with a clean break. Since I do not have a trigger guage I am guessing it set between 3 to 3-1/4 lb pull. The entire action, trigger and trigger guard appear to be all metal. I did not find any plastic parts.

The stock is a painted and textured. The texture is very light but adds some grip. This is a laminated stock made by Boyd's for Savage. The stock seems very similar to a McMillan A3 for both hand angle and forend with. There is very little twist if any and seems to really facilitate utilzing a sling. This a very comfortable stock hold and really balances the rifle. The butt plate is a nice 1/4" thick rubber vs the hard plastic we tipically find on .22s. This really helped keep the rifle in the proper position.

After removing the rifle from the box I proceeded to clean and relubricate. For this project I decided to mount a Falcon Menace 4-14 x 44 scope with a FFP MLR reticle and MIL adjustments. This scope offers a similar reticle to the USO I have mounted on the .308. I also added a Harris bipod and a sling. With the scope mounted and all the accessories it weighed in at 10.4 lbs. For the first range trip I decided to utilize the Winchester Super X High Velocity bulk pack. Basically I wanted to use the cheap stuff to "break in" the barrel plus I just wanted see how it would perform on cheap ammo. I have a selection of other ammo ranging from CCI to Wolff Match to test in this rifle. This range session was chilly 38 degrees at 8000 ft in the Colorado mountains.

To zero the scope the target was set at 25 yd. The first five shots had a maximum spread of .73 with a vertical spread of .64 and a horizontal spread of .48.

The best ten shot group at 25 yd had a maximum spread of .55 with a vertical spread of .54 and a horizontal spread of .44.

I also shot a 50 yd target with a ten shot group that had a maximum spread of 1.60 with a vertical spread of 1.26 and a horizontal spread of 1.43. Eliminate me moving all around and the worst five shots and this becomes maximum spread of .22 with a vertical spread of .21 and a horizontal spread of .19. I got way to excited as the first four shots were touching each other and started throwing shots every where.

The capability of the rifle to shoot is there. I can not wait to see what happens with the Wolff Match or the Eley Sport. I also plan on trying the CCI and some Remington Target. With my asthma and the cold weather and me in general not being the greates shot in the world I am sure this will be better for others. Total Shots for the day was 150. I did experience 9 feed jams where the bullet actually got deformed. Will see if this continues with use of the other ammo. The bolt started working smother. This is going to be a great little trainer. I am very happy with my purchase and look forward to finding out what this rifle will do as it breaks in.

Here we go for second range trip. This trip was a bit warmer at 44 degrees and was shot at 5000 ft at the WHAC home range. This trip was to specifically determine how different brands of ammo will perform. I also brought along a second shooter to really test the rifle. Between the two of us we shot another 160 rounds. We again started with the Winchester HV bulk pack and worked our way up the line of ammo.

We started off with the Winchester Xpert High Velocity bulk pack at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .59 with a vertical spread of .30 and a horizontal spread of .56. Still had several jams with ammo.

Next up was the CCI Mini Mags at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .38 with a vertical spread of .39 and a horizontal spread of .24.

Next up was the Remington Subsonic at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .46 with a vertical spread of .44 and a horizontal spread of .34. Both of us had a flyer on each group but the CCI was still definitely tighter

Remington Target was next up at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .50 with a vertical spread of .31 and a horizontal spread of .44.

Eley Sport at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .32 with a vertical spread of .25 and a horizontal spread of .25.

Wolf Match at 25 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .18 with a vertical spread of .19 and a horizontal spread of .12. I have never shot this brand before but it was being mentioned constantly. Now I see why.

Eley Sport at 50 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .77 with a vertical spread of .76 and a horizontal spread of .34. Sun was setting and the temp was dropping fast. We did not take much time in shooting either of these 50 yard targets.

Wolf Match at 50 yards. The best ten shot group had a maximum spread of .84 with a vertical spread of .82 and a horizontal spread of .41.