A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Savage Arms: A History of Quality
The crisp morning air carries the scent of pine and gunpowder. The anticipation is palpable. You settle into your shooting position, take a deep breath, and gently squeeze the trigger. The shot cracks, and you watch the bullet arc gracefully towards its target, impacting precisely where you intended. For many shooters, the pursuit of this kind of precision is a lifelong endeavor, a quest fueled by passion, skill, and the right tools. And for those seeking exceptional accuracy without breaking the bank, few rifles compare to the Savage Mark II BV. This bolt-action marvel has earned a well-deserved reputation as a champion of affordability and performance, making it a favorite among target shooters, small game hunters, and plinkers alike.
The Mark II Series: A Benchmark
To understand the appeal of the Savage Mark II BV, it’s essential to appreciate the legacy of the company behind it. Savage Arms, an American firearms manufacturer with a history dating back over a century, has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the shooting industry. From their early rimfire rifles to their groundbreaking AccuTrigger system, Savage has always prioritized accuracy, reliability, and value. Their commitment to these principles is evident in the Mark II series, a family of bolt-action rifles that has become a benchmark in the .22 Long Rifle world.
A Rifle for Everyone
The Mark II series represents Savage’s dedication to producing high-quality firearms accessible to a wide range of shooters. The rifles are designed with user-friendliness and accuracy in mind, allowing both novice and experienced shooters to achieve impressive results. This commitment is exemplified by the Savage Mark II BV, a model that takes the core strengths of the Mark II platform and enhances them with premium features, ultimately delivering an unparalleled shooting experience.
Unveiling the Features of the Savage Mark II BV
Understanding the BV Model
The “BV” in Savage Mark II BV stands for “Bolt-action” and “Varmint,” reflecting the rifle’s design and intended use. This model stands out within the Mark II family with its blend of features geared towards precision and shooting comfort.
The Heavy, Fluted Barrel: Accuracy Defined
The heart of the Savage Mark II BV is its heavy, fluted barrel. Crafted from carbon steel, this barrel is specifically designed to handle the demands of extended shooting sessions. The fluting not only reduces weight, contributing to better balance, but it also aids in heat dissipation, reducing barrel heat which can negatively impact accuracy. The length of the barrel, typically around twenty-one inches, further enhances the rifle’s accuracy potential by allowing for optimal bullet stabilization and velocity.
The Wood Laminate Stock: Comfort and Stability
The stock of the Savage Mark II BV is a key component in its overall appeal. The rifle is outfitted with a beautiful wood laminate stock. This material combines the natural warmth and feel of wood with enhanced stability and resistance to warping caused by changes in humidity and temperature. The stock is also designed with ergonomics in mind, often including a comfortable cheekpiece that promotes proper eye alignment with the scope, and also checkering to help improve grip. The inclusion of sling swivel studs allows the shooter to easily attach a sling for comfortable carry.
Smooth Bolt-Action: Reliability and Precision
The action of the Savage Mark II BV is a smooth and reliable bolt-action system. Bolt-action rifles are known for their inherent accuracy and the Mark II BV’s action is no exception. It’s designed to provide smooth cycling, allowing for rapid follow-up shots while maintaining excellent accuracy. The bolt features a dual-locking lug system which locks the bolt firmly into the receiver, ensuring consistent headspace and contributing to the rifle’s tight groupings.
The AccuTrigger: A Game Changer
A defining characteristic of almost all Savage rifles, and absolutely key to the Savage Mark II BV’s accuracy, is the AccuTrigger system. This innovative trigger mechanism is user-adjustable and is designed to provide a crisp, clean break with minimal creep and overtravel. The AccuTrigger’s user-adjustable nature allows shooters to fine-tune the trigger pull weight to their personal preference, optimizing the rifle for maximum accuracy. This is a feature typically found on rifles costing much more, and is one of the key elements that makes the Savage Mark II BV such an incredible value.
Detachable Box Magazine: Convenience and Capacity
The Savage Mark II BV typically feeds from a detachable box magazine, providing a convenient and reliable method for loading ammunition. The magazine capacity is generally five rounds, which is more than sufficient for most shooting applications, from target practice to small game hunting.
Ready for Optics: Pre-drilled and Tapped
While the Savage Mark II BV is pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounting, it often does not come with iron sights, indicating the manufacturers intention that it be used primarily with a scope. This, however, is a great asset because the rifles comes ready for the shooters scope of choice from the start. This allows for greater flexibility in achieving the most accurate and tailored results.
Performance and Precision: Hitting the Mark
The Versatility of .22 LR
The Savage Mark II BV, chambered in .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR), provides a perfect platform for learning the fundamentals of marksmanship. The .22 LR cartridge is one of the most popular and widely available rounds in the world, offering affordable practice and enjoyable shooting experiences.
Ammunition: The Key to Accuracy
Proper ammunition selection plays a significant role in the accuracy of any rifle, including the Savage Mark II BV. The rifle thrives on quality .22 LR ammunition. Different bullet weights, styles (e.g., hollow point, solid point), and velocities can all affect the point of impact. Experimenting with different brands and loads is the best way to find the ammunition that your Savage Mark II BV shoots most accurately. A slight shift in ammunition can greatly affect the results and overall grouping.
Impressive Groupings: Real-World Results
When it comes to assessing the Savage Mark II BV’s accuracy, you’ll often see impressive results. Many shooters report achieving groupings under an inch at fifty yards, and even tighter groups with the right ammunition and a skilled shooter. These results place the Savage Mark II BV in the upper echelon of .22 LR rifles in its price range. When testing for accuracy, a stable shooting position, like a benchrest setup, is essential to remove as much shooter-induced error as possible. Environmental factors like wind can also play a role in the accuracy, and these should be accounted for as well.
Effective Range: Knowing Your Limits
The effective range of the Savage Mark II BV with the .22 LR cartridge is generally considered to be around one hundred yards for accurate target shooting. However, the .22 LR can still be effective at longer ranges for small game hunting, but the bullet drop and wind drift become more significant at these distances, requiring careful aiming and consideration.
Diverse Applications: From Target to Field
Target Shooting: Precision at its Best
The Savage Mark II BV is a versatile rifle that shines in several shooting applications. Target shooting is one of the primary areas where the Savage Mark II BV excels. The rifle’s accuracy, the heavy barrel, and the AccuTrigger make it well-suited for precision target practice and even informal competition. Many shooters enjoy using this rifle to refine their skills.
Small Game Hunting: Ethical and Effective
The Savage Mark II BV is also a popular choice for small game hunting. The .22 LR cartridge is ideal for taking down pests and small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and other similarly sized animals. The rifle’s accuracy and manageable recoil make it an efficient tool for harvesting small game ethically. It’s important to be aware of and adhere to all local hunting regulations.
Plinking: Affordable Fun for Everyone
Plinking, or informal target practice, is another area where the Savage Mark II BV shines. Its affordable ammunition costs and enjoyable shooting characteristics make it perfect for a fun day at the range. The minimal recoil makes it easy to shoot for extended periods without fatigue, providing a great experience for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Training and Skill Development: Mastering the Basics
The Savage Mark II BV is also an excellent choice for training and skill development. Its accuracy and minimal recoil make it perfect for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of marksmanship. It’s a great way to get started with the fundamentals of rifle shooting.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
The Pros: What Makes it Great
To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of the Savage Mark II BV.
Advantages:
- Exceptional Accuracy: The heavy barrel, AccuTrigger, and overall design contribute to impressive accuracy.
- Value for Money: The Savage Mark II BV offers a high level of performance for its price point.
- AccuTrigger: The adjustable AccuTrigger is a standout feature providing a great, clean trigger pull that is key to accuracy.
- Build Quality: The rifle is generally well-built with quality materials and construction.
- Stock Design: The wood laminate stock adds a touch of elegance and offers great stability.
- Ease of Maintenance: The Savage Mark II BV is easy to clean and maintain, which makes it easy to keep the rifle in good working order.
The Cons: Considering the Drawbacks
Disadvantages:
- Weight: The heavy barrel adds weight, which can be a consideration for some shooters.
- Magazine Capacity: The five-round magazine capacity may be a limiting factor compared to some other .22 rifles.
- Potential for Jammings: While not a widespread issue, some shooters may experience occasional malfunctions, which can often be addressed by using quality ammunition and keeping the rifle clean and well maintained.
Caring for Your Savage Mark II BV
Barrel Cleaning: Maintaining Accuracy
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Savage Mark II BV in top condition and preserving its accuracy. Cleaning the barrel should be done after each shooting session, or more frequently if you are shooting a large number of rounds. Use a cleaning rod, cleaning patches, and bore solvent to remove carbon buildup and debris.
Action Cleaning: Ensuring Reliability
The action of the rifle should also be cleaned regularly. Remove the bolt and wipe down the bolt face and other parts with a solvent or cleaner. Apply a light coating of gun oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Stock Care: Preserving the Finish
The stock of the Savage Mark II BV can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Apply a wood wax or protectant to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.
Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Proper storage is also crucial. Store the rifle in a cool, dry place and keep the barrel protected from any contact that may cause a scratch.
Enhancing Your Shooting Experience: Accessories and Upgrades
Scopes: Maximizing Precision
The Savage Mark II BV can be enhanced with a variety of accessories. A scope is a crucial addition for maximizing the rifle’s accuracy potential. Opt for a scope specifically designed for rimfire rifles, with an adjustable objective for parallax correction and a suitable magnification range. Many people recommend the use of a quality scope.
Mounts and Rings: Securing Your Optics
Choose scope mounts and rings that are appropriate for your chosen scope and that securely attach to the rifle’s receiver.
Other Accessories: Bipods and Beyond
Other accessories, such as a bipod, can improve shooting stability and comfort.
Trigger Upgrades: Fine Tuning Your Rifle
The AccuTrigger system is, for the most part, so good that aftermarket trigger upgrades are usually not necessary. However, a good trigger is essential for accuracy, and the great trigger is often cited as one of the best features of this gun.
Comparisons: Standing Out from the Crowd
When comparing the Savage Mark II BV to other .22 LR bolt-action rifles, its combination of accuracy, features, and value make it stand out from the competition. While other rifles such as the Ruger 10/22 and the CZ 457 are also popular, the Savage Mark II BV often excels due to its out-of-the-box accuracy and well-designed stock.
Finding the Right Price and Where to Buy
Retailers: Discovering Availability
The Savage Mark II BV is widely available at most local gun stores and also online retailers. Online, you can easily compare prices and potentially find a great deal. Check sites like GunBroker, and local gun shops for more information.
Pricing: Understanding the Investment
The price of the Savage Mark II BV is typically very reasonable, making it accessible to most shooters.
Final Thoughts: A Champion of Value and Precision
The Savage Mark II BV is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing exceptional value to shooters. The Savage Mark II BV is an ideal choice for those looking for a highly accurate, affordable, and versatile .22 LR rifle.
Whether you are a seasoned shooter looking for a reliable plinking rifle or a novice looking to develop your skills, the Savage Mark II BV offers an exceptional combination of features and performance.
Consider taking a closer look at the Savage Mark II BV. Try one out at a local gun store and experience the accuracy and value for yourself. The Savage Mark II BV offers an excellent starting point, or additional option, in the .22 LR rifle market.
