Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter 17 Hornet 24″ Laminate
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter in .17 Hornet with a 24" barrel and brown/tan laminate stock is a purpose-built varmint rifle that balances portability with sub-MOA accuracy. It uses a rigid, sleeved barrel design and a fast 60-degree bolt throw, making it a solid choice for hunters who want to carry less weight without giving up precision. This is a factory-ready rig that comes with an adjustable AccuTrigger and detachable box magazine, so you can get to work right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Savage Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | 25 Lightweight Varminter |
| Material | Carbon steel barrel, laminate stock |
| Compatibility | .17 Hornet caliber |
| Finish | Satin blued barrel, laminate stock |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- AccuTrigger: Lets you adjust trigger pull weight from about 2.5 to 6 pounds without any tools — that means you can dial in a crisp, clean break that helps you make the shot count on small varmints at distance.
- 3-Lug Bolt with 60-Degree Throw: Lifts and cycles fast, and the short throw lets you mount a larger-diameter scope lower to the bore axis, so you get a more natural cheek weld and better eye alignment.
- Sleeved Medium-Contour Barrel: The 24" barrel is sleeved for extra rigidity, which reduces barrel whip and keeps harmonics consistent — that translates to tighter groups, especially with the high-velocity .17 Hornet round.
- Laminate Varmint Beavertail Stock: The brown/tan laminate is stable in wet weather, won't warp like plain wood, and the beavertail forend gives you a solid rest on bags or bipods for steady off-hand or bench shooting.
- Detachable Box Magazine: Holds 4 rounds of .17 Hornet and lets you reload fast without fumbling with a floorplate — handy when you're moving between prairie dog towns or coyote stands.
Who It's For
This rifle is built for the varmint hunter who walks miles in a day and still expects first-round hits on small targets. If you're after prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or coyotes and you want a lightweight rig that doesn't feel like a boat anchor on a long hike, the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter fits the bill. It's also a great option for new shooters getting into precision rimfire-style hunting with a centerfire cartridge that's easy on recoil and ammo costs.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Sub-MOA accuracy potential right from the factory — many owners report groups under 1 inch at 100 yards with quality ammo.
- Pro: Lightweight at under 7 pounds, making it one of the lighter varmint rifles in its class.
- Pro: AccuTrigger is genuinely adjustable and gives a clean break without creep.
- Con: The laminated stock is a bit thicker in the grip area than some shooters prefer, which can feel bulky for smaller hands.
- Con: The .17 Hornet is a niche cartridge — ammo availability is not as widespread as .223 or .22-250, so you may need to stock up online or at specialty shops.
Comparison: Savage 25 vs. Ruger American Ranch vs. CZ 527
| Feature | Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter | Ruger American Ranch | CZ 527 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 Hornet | .223 Rem, 300 BLK, etc. | .17 Hornet, .223, 7.62x39 |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger | Ruger Marksman (adjustable) | Single set trigger (adjustable) |
| Barrel | 24" sleeved medium contour | 16.12" to 18" standard | 24" (in .17 Hornet) |
| Stock | Laminate beavertail | Synthetic | Walnut (on some models) |
| Magazine | Detachable box (4-round) | Detachable box (4-round) | Detachable box (5-round) |
| Price | $796.41 | $529 - $629 | $799 - $899 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range of the Savage 25 Lightweight Varminter in .17 Hornet?
With the 24" barrel and quality ammunition, you can expect reliable accuracy on varmint-sized targets out to about 300 yards. The .17 Hornet is a flat-shooting round, but wind drift becomes a factor past 250 yards. For most prairie dog and ground squirrel hunting, 200-250 yards is the sweet spot.
Does this rifle come with scope rings or bases?
The receiver is drilled and tapped and comes with two-piece Weaver-style bases installed. You'll need to add your own rings and scope — the 3-lug bolt and 60-degree throw allow for low mounting of larger scopes. I'd recommend low or medium rings depending on your objective lens size.
Is the AccuTrigger safe for field use?
Yes. The AccuTrigger has a built-in safety blade that must be depressed before the trigger will release. It's adjustable down to about 2.5 pounds, but I'd recommend keeping it at a safe hunting weight of 3 to 3.5 pounds unless you're bench shooting. Per Savage specs, the adjustment is tool-less and can be done in seconds.
Can I use this rifle for deer hunting?
The .17 Hornet is not recommended for deer-sized game. It's a varmint cartridge designed for small to medium pests like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. For deer, you'd want something in .243 Win or larger. This rifle is purpose-built for varmint control and precision plinking.
How does the laminate stock hold up in wet weather?
Laminate stocks are much more resistant to moisture than traditional wood. The brown/tan laminate on this Savage 25 is sealed and stable, so you won't see warping or swelling from rain or humidity. It's a solid choice for all-weather hunting.
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Last updated: April 2026
According to industry data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, bolt-action rifles account for over 40% of all centerfire rifle sales in the U.S., and the Savage 25 series has maintained a loyal following among varmint hunters for its accuracy-to-weight ratio.
Browse more in our Bolt Action Rifles and Varmint Rifles categories.