The new Savage B.MAG rifle is a completely new compact rimfire bolt-action gun designed specifically for the new .17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge. The .17 WSM is a rimfire round that is capable of speeds to an amazing 3,000 fps. Click here for more on this new cartridge.
The B.MAG is an entirely new rifle, not merely a warmed-over existing rimfire gun. According to Bill Dermody of Savage, there are “exactly zero” parts on the B.Mag that interchange with the company’s other rimfire rifles. In fact, Dermody suggested that the features of this new rifle more closely resemble their centerfire cartridge rifle line than the rimfire line.
This rifle uses a short action bolt with rear locking lugs for additional strength to handle the higher pressure .17 WSM. The rifle also has a “cock on close” action and hidden action screws.
Savage B.Mag Specifications
| Caliber | 17 WSM |
| Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Overall Length | 40.5″ |
| Rate of Twist | 1:9 RH |
| MSRP at Launch | $349 |
| MSRP (current) | $429 |
The B.MAG uses a thread-in headspacing system that is very similar to the more expensive centerfire rifles in the Savage catalog. According to Savage reps at the SHOT Show, this headspacing system significantly enhances accuracy.
The B.MAG comes with the extremely popular AccuTrigger, which is a user-adjustable trigger that Savage uses on most of their rifles above the entry-level, budget guns. It does not require special tools for adjustment by the owner.
An eight-round, rotary magazine is standard on this rifle. The magazine is detachable and feeds from the center of the mag. It should be a relatively simple thing to make a larger capacity magazine, but there are no announced plans to do so. An extended magazine might be of some benefit to varmint hunters who are eliminating large numbers of pests at long range. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something like the Hot Lips magazines for the 10/22 from Butler Creek.
A black synthetic stock is standard with a matte blued finish on the metal parts. A soft rubber butt pad caps the end of the stock. The B.MAG doesn’t have a lot of recoil, but the rubber butt pad is still a nice addition.
The B.MAG has a 22″ barrel. According to one Savage rep I spoke to, the total weight of the guns should be less than 4.5 pounds when the guns ship. Specific information on the barrel (twist rate, etc.) has not yet been announced. At the time of this writing, the gun is not yet listed on the Savage website.
Considering the speeds, and therefore pressures, the new .17 Winchester Super Magnum is generating, I am not surprised that this rifle might more resemble a centerfire gun than a rimfire. The Savage B.MAG certainly appears to be built with safety and durability in mind.
According to Dermody, the Savage B.MAG is expected to ship in the second quarter of 2013. Talking to Winchester Ammunition reps, they were certain the guns and ammunition would be hitting Walmart shelves by the first week of April. The suggested retail price of the rifle is $349. While a bit more than many rimfire rifles, the price is certainly more affordable than most centerfire cartridge rifles.
Updated: April 3, 2022
14 replies on “Savage B.MAG Rifle – .17 Winchester Super Magnum”
Got a new b mag but was not able to get ammo at place I bought gun. Finally after two weeks found a couple goes of ammo at a gun show priced jacked up to 35 a box but got it to fire rifle for first time. Eveythin went well with the
E fireing no problems except found. Little difficult to lod ammo into magazine.
Purchased a B-mag for my wife for Christmas. She is very pleased with this firearm. Franklin Armory has recently produced a rifle in the same 17 WSM.
Agree with Jim Cox’s comments regarding the ammo and its scarcity. Ammo is a bit hard to find although all new rounds are. I purchased additional mags direct and was told that production is ramping up to meet demand. I do believe this round is going to become very popular due to its accuracy and performance.
I have a 17 wsm b-mag and I have a night vision scope but I can’t get it to work on any base I have found so far . The base of the scope is too short. The space between were the shell comes out is all most the same as the base of the scope. It will not line up with the groves . Anybody have any ideas?