I’ve always felt .223 gets overlooked. The ubiquitous cartridge is everywhere, which causes people talk about ANYTHING else. So I’d like to take a step back and rethink some merits of this cartridge and rifles optimized for it.
The Model 25 sits in a unique category in Savage’s lineup. It doesn’t seem to share much in common with their 10/110 or Axis models. This is a very unique and high quality feeling rifle that sets itself apart.
This is a dedicated “micro” action. By that I mean, it’s optimized for .223 length cartridges. In turn… you end up with a very agile rifle, not some .308 length action that’s adapted down. It’s very purpose built and it’s apparent when you handle the 25.
I’ve spent time on the model 10 in .223 and ….. well it’s just clunky and underwhelming. A large action adapted to a smallish round.
They make it in a few different stock options, laminate and polymer. As well as a few calibers; .223 Rem, .204 Ruger, .22 Hornet, .17 Hornet
This model has the 24 inch 1-9 .223 barrel. Making the rifle slightly front heavy. But still only 8 lbs.
Trigger is quite good, safety is positive enough. Action is VERY satisfying to run. Optics sit at an optimum height. Really feels like you can get down on this rifle snugly.
And that stock…….. beautiful laminate. The profile of the thumb hole makes the rifle feel like an extension of the shooter. Forend is wide enough for bag work, but not too blocky for walking and field positions.
Jeweling on the bolt is a nice touch.
Now for the only criticism I have….. the magazine. I love Savage rifles and how they group, but nearly every Savage rifle I’ve spent time on, has had some sort of magazine issue. This and another 25 I’ve shot, BOTH have had repeated malfunctions with the bolt overriding the cartridge.
For my testing purposes, it was an occasional annoyance, but never seemed to bother me all that much due to the nature of this rifle.
So in short, don’t plan on using this rifle to fight your way out of the groundhog apocalypse.
Well now the fun part. This rifle is such a tight shooter! Some quick and basic loads I made up and fired at 50 yards. I tested 50 grain through 73 grain with some different powders.
Surprisingly, 73s stabilized well, which would make this rifle a fine candidate for some long range target fun! Added benefit of low powder cost and light recoil.
Then the flip side being light weight 50 grain varmint bullets at 3400 fps. The dual purpose really appeals to me. Coyotes and groundhogs stand no chance.
Or you can just shoot cheap 55 grain bulk ammo! Although this rifle just begs for the good stuff…Not too many centerfire calibers are as cheap and widely stocked as .223.
In summary, yes it’s more money than most of us think a Savage should cost… but the juice is worth the squeeze I believe. It’s a rifle you’ll WANT to shoot a lot without worrying on costs or recoil. A great feeling action, in a great feeling stock, with a versatile and ubiquitous cartridge.
www.savagearms.com
The Model 25 sits in a unique category in Savage’s lineup. It doesn’t seem to share much in common with their 10/110 or Axis models. This is a very unique and high quality feeling rifle that sets itself apart.
This is a dedicated “micro” action. By that I mean, it’s optimized for .223 length cartridges. In turn… you end up with a very agile rifle, not some .308 length action that’s adapted down. It’s very purpose built and it’s apparent when you handle the 25.
I’ve spent time on the model 10 in .223 and ….. well it’s just clunky and underwhelming. A large action adapted to a smallish round.
They make it in a few different stock options, laminate and polymer. As well as a few calibers; .223 Rem, .204 Ruger, .22 Hornet, .17 Hornet
This model has the 24 inch 1-9 .223 barrel. Making the rifle slightly front heavy. But still only 8 lbs.
Trigger is quite good, safety is positive enough. Action is VERY satisfying to run. Optics sit at an optimum height. Really feels like you can get down on this rifle snugly.
And that stock…….. beautiful laminate. The profile of the thumb hole makes the rifle feel like an extension of the shooter. Forend is wide enough for bag work, but not too blocky for walking and field positions.
Jeweling on the bolt is a nice touch.
Now for the only criticism I have….. the magazine. I love Savage rifles and how they group, but nearly every Savage rifle I’ve spent time on, has had some sort of magazine issue. This and another 25 I’ve shot, BOTH have had repeated malfunctions with the bolt overriding the cartridge.
For my testing purposes, it was an occasional annoyance, but never seemed to bother me all that much due to the nature of this rifle.
So in short, don’t plan on using this rifle to fight your way out of the groundhog apocalypse.
Well now the fun part. This rifle is such a tight shooter! Some quick and basic loads I made up and fired at 50 yards. I tested 50 grain through 73 grain with some different powders.
Surprisingly, 73s stabilized well, which would make this rifle a fine candidate for some long range target fun! Added benefit of low powder cost and light recoil.
Then the flip side being light weight 50 grain varmint bullets at 3400 fps. The dual purpose really appeals to me. Coyotes and groundhogs stand no chance.
Or you can just shoot cheap 55 grain bulk ammo! Although this rifle just begs for the good stuff…Not too many centerfire calibers are as cheap and widely stocked as .223.
In summary, yes it’s more money than most of us think a Savage should cost… but the juice is worth the squeeze I believe. It’s a rifle you’ll WANT to shoot a lot without worrying on costs or recoil. A great feeling action, in a great feeling stock, with a versatile and ubiquitous cartridge.
25 Varminter-T | Varmint Hunting Rifle | Savage Arms
Hunt varmints with precision using the 25 Lightweight Varminter-T, featuring a 24" barrel, adjustable AccuTrigger, and a wood laminate thumbhole stock.
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