Savage 25 Walking Varminter Rifle .17 Hornet 22 in.

The Savage Model 25 Walking Varminter in .17 Hornet with a 22-inch barrel is a purpose-built rifle that balances mobility with precision for field varmint work. Chambered in the flat-shooting .17 Hornet, this bolt-action delivers 3,650 fps muzzle velocity and minimal wind drift, making it ideal for prairie dogs and ground squirrels at ranges out to 300 yards. The Savage 25 Walking Varminter Rifle .17 Hornet 22 in. features a fixed synthetic stock, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, and a detachable box magazine for quick reloads. Per Savage Arms specs, the carbon steel barrel is button-rifled for consistent accuracy, and the matte black finish reduces glare in the field. This right-handed rifle weighs just 7.25 pounds, allowing you to cover ground without fatigue.

Manufacturer	Savage Arms
Model	25 Walking Varminter
Material	Synthetic stock, carbon steel barrel
Compatibility	.17 Hornet ammunition only
Finish	Matte black
Weight	7.25 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• AccuTrigger — User-adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs, letting you dial in a crisp break without creep. That means fewer pulled shots on 12-inch prairie dogs at 250 yards.
• Button-Rifled Carbon Steel Barrel — 22-inch length optimized for .17 Hornet velocities, with a 1:12 twist rate for stabilizing 20-grain V-Max bullets. Why it matters: tighter groups, less vertical stringing in wind.
• Detachable Box Magazine — Single-stack, 5-round capacity with a steel latch. Reloads are fast, and you don’t need to fumble with floorplates when you’re prone over a bipod.
• Fixed Synthetic Stock — Matte black with a raised cheekpiece and textured grip panels. No flex under heavy bipod load, so your point of impact stays consistent shot to shot.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the shooter who walks miles of pasture or prairie dog towns. You want a lightweight rig that doesn’t sacrifice precision for portability. If you’re tired of carrying a 10-pound bench gun and missing shots because you’re winded, the Walking Varminter fits. It’s also for reloaders who love the .17 Hornet’s low recoil and cheap brass — you can load 100 rounds for under $20.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lightweight at 7.25 lbs, AccuTrigger adjusts down to 2.5 lbs, .17 Hornet shoots flat to 300 yards, detachable magazine for quick reloads, synthetic stock resists weather.

Cons: One honest drawback: the synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull or cheek riser. If you’re tall or use a thick scope, you may need a cheek pad or spacer kit.

Comparison

Feature	Savage 25 Walking Varminter .17 Hornet	Ruger American Ranch .17 Hornet	CZ 527 American .17 Hornet
Barrel Length	22 in.	18 in.	22 in.
Weight	7.25 lbs	6.4 lbs	6.8 lbs
Trigger	AccuTrigger (2.5–6 lbs)	Ruger Marksman (3–5 lbs)	Single set trigger
Magazine	Detachable 5-round	Rotary 4-round	Detachable 5-round
Stock	Fixed synthetic	Synthetic with spacers	Walnut
Price	$639.38	$579.00	$899.00
Accuracy Guarantee	Sub-MOA (per Savage)	Sub-2 MOA	Sub-1.5 MOA

The Savage beats the Ruger on barrel length and trigger adjustability, and undercuts the CZ by $260 while offering a synthetic stock that won’t warp in rain. For a walking varminter, the Savage is the best balance of weight, accuracy, and cost.

FAQ

What is the optimal bullet weight for this rifle?

The .17 Hornet prefers 20-grain bullets for best accuracy and velocity. Savage’s 1:12 twist stabilizes 20-grain V-Max or 20-grain Hornady NTX. Heavier 25-grain bullets may keyhole beyond 200 yards.

Does this rifle come with scope rings?

No, the Savage 25 Walking Varminter does not include rings or a base. You’ll need a Weaver or Picatinny rail (Savage part #21878) and low rings for a 40mm objective scope.

Is the AccuTrigger safe for field carry?

Yes. The AccuTrigger has a built-in safety blade that prevents discharge unless the trigger is intentionally pressed. Set it to 3.5 lbs for field use; lower settings are for bench shooting only.

Can I use this rifle for coyote hunting?

Yes, but only with precise shot placement. The .17 Hornet delivers 200 ft-lbs at 200 yards, enough for coyotes inside 150 yards. Use a 20-grain controlled-expansion bullet like the Hornady V-Max for reliable terminal performance.

What is the magazine capacity?

Standard is 5 rounds. Aftermarket 10-round magazines do not exist for this model. The magazine is steel with a polymer floorplate and drops free when the paddle is pressed.

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Last updated: April 2026