Savage Mark II
The Savage Mark II is the benchmark .22 LR bolt-action rifle in the American market — featuring Savage's AccuTrigger as standard, a detachable rotary magazine, and accuracy that routinely beats its price class. Whether you're competing in rimfire rifle divisions, hunting small game, or training fundamentals with an economical platform, the Mark II is the most recommended .22 bolt gun available.
Read our full Savage Mark II Buying Guide ↓
What Makes the Mark II Stand Out
Two things separate the Mark II from the competition: the AccuTrigger and inherent accuracy. The AccuTrigger — Savage's user-adjustable trigger system — is standard on the Mark II and adjustable from approximately 1.5 to 6 lbs without gunsmithing. Most competing .22 bolt guns at the same price ship with triggers that require aftermarket work to match what Savage includes from the factory. Combined with a free-floated barrel and tight manufacturing tolerances, the Mark II consistently produces sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition — accuracy that competing platforms at similar prices cannot reliably match.
Mark II Model Guide
Mark II F — The standard Mark II with a synthetic stock. The most popular configuration and the right starting point for most buyers. Lightweight, weather-resistant, and full AccuTrigger quality.
Mark II FV — The varmint Mark II with a heavy barrel. The heavier profile reduces heat buildup during sustained strings and improves front-end balance for supported shooting. The choice for benchrest shooters and precision rimfire competitors.
Mark II BTV — A heavy-barrel Mark II with a thumbhole laminate stock. The thumbhole stock provides an aggressive wrist angle preferred by many benchrest and precision rimfire shooters. One of the most competition-ready Mark II configurations.
Mark II TR (Target) — The competition-chassis Mark II. A fully adjustable chassis stock, heavy barrel, and the AccuTrigger tuned for precision rimfire competition. The top of the Mark II lineup for competitive shooters.
Mark II GL (Left-Handed) — A left-hand action Mark II for left-handed shooters. The bolt handle and ejection port are on the left side for natural left-hand operation.
Mark II vs. Ruger American Rimfire
The Mark II and Ruger American Rimfire are the two most compared .22 bolt guns in the accessible price range. The Mark II wins on trigger quality — the AccuTrigger is user-adjustable; the Ruger American Rimfire's trigger is good but not adjustable. The Ruger American Rimfire wins on barrel interchangeability (swap between .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR with one receiver). For pure .22 LR performance, the Mark II is the stronger platform. For a versatile multi-caliber rimfire system, the Ruger is the better choice.
Caliber and Ammunition
The Mark II is chambered in .22 LR. For maximum accuracy, quality target ammunition — CCI Standard Velocity, Lapua Center-X, Eley Tenex, or Federal Gold Medal — consistently produces the best groups. Standard velocity ammunition typically produces better accuracy than high-velocity loads in bolt-action rimfires due to more consistent velocities.
FAQ
Does the Savage Mark II have the AccuTrigger?
Yes — the AccuTrigger is standard on all Mark II configurations. It's adjustable from approximately 1.5 to 6 lbs without tools and is the primary reason the Mark II outperforms competing .22 bolt guns at similar price points.
How accurate is the Savage Mark II?
The Mark II is widely regarded as one of the most accurate factory .22 LR bolt guns available. Sub-MOA groups at 50 yards with quality ammunition are achievable and common. Groups under half an inch at 50 yards are typical with premium target ammunition.
What magazines does the Savage Mark II use?
The Mark II uses Savage's proprietary rotary detachable magazine. Standard capacity is 10 rounds.
Is the Savage Mark II good for competition?
Yes — the Mark II FV, BTV, and TR configurations are competitive in rimfire rifle events including NRL22, precision rimfire competitions, and benchrest. The AccuTrigger and heavy barrel options give the Mark II genuine competitive capability without expensive aftermarket work.
