Savage 25 Varminter-T .17 Hornet 24″ Laminate Thumbhole RH

The Savage 25 Varminter-T .17 Hornet 24″ Laminate Thumbhole RH is a dedicated varmint rifle built for shooters who demand sub-MOA accuracy from a lightweight, carry-friendly platform. Chambered in the flat-shooting .17 Hornet, this model pairs a 24-inch medium-contour button-rifled barrel with Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger, delivering consistent, repeatable precision on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other small targets. The wood laminate thumbhole stock provides a stable, ergonomic grip for prone or field positions, while the detachable box magazine simplifies reloading and maintenance. Factory-drilled and tapped for two-piece Weaver-style bases, this rifle is ready for optics out of the box.

Manufacturer	Savage Arms
Model	25 Varminter-T
Caliber	.17 Hornet
Barrel Length	24 inches
Barrel Profile	Medium contour, button-rifled carbon steel
Stock	Wood laminate thumbhole (right-hand)
Trigger	AccuTrigger (user-adjustable)
Magazine	Detachable box magazine
Weight	Per manufacturer specs: approximately 7.25 lbs
Condition	New

Key Features

• AccuTrigger: Why it matters: Adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs, this trigger eliminates creep and over-travel, letting you break clean shots without disturbing your sight picture—critical for consistent 200-yard groups.
• 24″ Button-Rifled Barrel: Why it matters: Button rifling produces uniform bore dimensions and tight tolerances, which translates to better bullet stabilization and repeatable accuracy, especially with the high-BC .17-caliber projectiles.
• Laminate Thumbhole Stock: Why it matters: The wood laminate resists swelling and warping in changing humidity, and the thumbhole design promotes a natural, straight-back recoil path—reducing felt recoil and improving follow-up shot speed.
• Detachable Box Magazine: Why it matters: Loading and unloading is faster than internal magazines, and the box-style feed ensures reliable cartridge stacking for the .17 Hornet’s small, rimmed case.
• Drilled & Tapped for Weaver-Style Bases: Why it matters: No gunsmithing needed—mount your preferred optic directly to the receiver, saving time and money while maintaining alignment for long-range precision.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the varmint hunter who walks miles in search of prairie dogs and ground squirrels, not the benchrest competitor who sets up a stationary rig. The lightweight laminate stock and medium-contour barrel strike a balance between portability and stability—you can carry it all day and still hold steady for offhand or barricade shots. If you reload, the .17 Hornet is efficient on powder and lead, extending your range time without breaking the budget. It’s also a solid choice for new shooters graduating from rimfire to centerfire, thanks to the mild recoil and forgiving trigger.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: Sub-MOA accuracy potential with factory ammunition—per Savage’s own specs, the AccuTrigger and button-rifled barrel are designed for consistent precision.
• Pro: Laminate stock is more durable than synthetic options in extreme heat or cold, and the thumbhole grip improves ergonomics for right-handed shooters.
• Con: The .17 Hornet is a niche cartridge—ammunition availability is limited compared to .223 Rem or .22-250, and factory loads can be expensive. Reloading helps mitigate this, but it’s a consideration for those who prefer off-the-shelf ammo.

Comparison

Feature	Savage 25 Varminter-T .17 Hornet	Ruger American Ranch .223 Rem	Howa 1500 Mini-Action .17 Hornet
Caliber	.17 Hornet	.223 Rem	.17 Hornet
Barrel Length	24″	16.1″	22″
Trigger	AccuTrigger (adjustable)	Ruger Marksman (adjustable)	HACT 2-stage
Stock	Laminate thumbhole	Synthetic	Synthetic
Weight	~7.25 lbs	~6.2 lbs	~6.5 lbs
Magazine	Detachable box	Rotary	Detachable box
Price	$850.72	~$500	~$650

The Ruger American Ranch is lighter and cheaper, but its .223 Rem cartridge generates more recoil and muzzle blast, making it less ideal for extended varmint sessions. The Howa 1500 Mini-Action shares the same .17 Hornet chambering and has a smoother action, but its synthetic stock lacks the laminate’s stability and ergonomics. The Savage 25 Varminter-T offers the best accuracy-to-weight ratio for dedicated varminters who prioritize precision over price.

FAQ

What scope bases does the Savage 25 Varminter-T use?

Per manufacturer specs, the rifle is drilled and tapped for two-piece Weaver-style bases. Most standard 1913 Picatinny rings will work with these bases, but we recommend checking the base height to ensure proper clearance for your objective lens.

Is the AccuTrigger safe for field use?

Yes. The AccuTrigger includes a built-in safety blade that must be fully depressed before the trigger can be pulled. This prevents accidental discharge if the rifle is dropped or bumped, while still allowing a crisp, adjustable pull weight.

Can I use .17 Hornet for deer hunting?

No. The .17 Hornet is a varmint cartridge designed for small game and pests under 15 lbs. It lacks the energy and bullet weight for ethical deer hunting. Stick to .223 Rem, .243 Win, or larger calibers for deer.

Does the laminate stock require bedding?

Not usually. The factory laminate stock is CNC-inletted for a tight fit with the action, and the AccuTrigger assembly is free-floated. Most shooters report sub-MOA groups without additional bedding. If you’re chasing 0.3 MOA, a simple pillar bedding job can help, but it’s not necessary for varmint hunting.

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Explore more precision options in our Bolt Action Rifles category, or check out Varmint Rifles and Savage Rifles for similar builds.

Last updated: April 2026