Savage Arms 96971 B.MAG Sporter Full Size 17 WSM 8+1 22″ Matte Black Sporter Barrel, Matte Black Drilled & Tapped Carbon Steel Receiver, Gray Fixed Laminate Stock, Right Hand
The Savage Arms 96971 B.MAG Sporter Full Size 17 WSM 8+1 22″ Matte Black Sporter Barrel, Matte Black Drilled & Tapped Carbon Steel Receiver, Gray Fixed Laminate Stock, Right Hand is purpose-built around the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) cartridge. This bolt-action rimfire pushes velocities to 3,000 fps, giving you flat trajectories and wind-bucking performance that outruns standard .17 HMR or .22 WMR loads. The rear-locking lug bolt, cock-on-close design, and center-feed rotary magazine make this a dedicated platform for precision varmint hunting or steel ringing at extended rimfire ranges.
| Manufacturer | Savage Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | 96971 B.MAG Sporter Full Size |
| Caliber | .17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum) |
| Capacity | 8+1 (rotary magazine) |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches, matte black sporter contour |
| Receiver | Carbon steel, matte black, drilled & tapped for scope mounts |
| Stock | Gray fixed laminate (wood laminate) |
| Action | Bolt action, rear locking lugs, cock-on-close |
| Trigger | AccuTrigger (adjustable) |
| Sights | None (drilled & tapped for optics) |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 17 WSM Chambering — WHY IT MATTERS: This rimfire cartridge pushes a 20-grain bullet at 3,000 fps, delivering flatter trajectory and higher retained energy than .17 HMR or .22 WMR, making it effective for varmints out to 300 yards.
- Rear Locking Lugs & Cock-on-Close Bolt — WHY IT MATTERS: The rear lug design allows a shorter bolt throw and smoother cycling under field conditions; cock-on-close reduces bolt lift effort, keeping you on target faster.
- Center-Feed Rotary Magazine (8+1) — WHY IT MATTERS: The rotary design feeds the tapered .17 WSM case reliably, preventing rim-lock issues common with stacked-box magazines, and gives you a full 8+1 capacity.
- Adjustable AccuTrigger — WHY IT MATTERS: Per Savage Arms specs, the AccuTrigger lets you set pull weight from roughly 1.5 to 6 pounds without tools, giving you a crisp, take-up-free break for precision shooting.
- Thread-In Barrel Headspacing — WHY IT MATTERS: The barrel is threaded into the receiver using a precision nut system, allowing factory-set headspace that can be adjusted or replaced without a gunsmith.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the serious rimfire shooter who needs a dedicated .17 WSM platform—not a rebarreled .22. It’s ideal for varmint hunters targeting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or coyotes at extended rimfire ranges. Law enforcement trainers and military marksmen who use rimfire for low-cost transition drills will appreciate the flat trajectory and magazine reliability. If you shoot steel out to 300 yards with rimfire, this is a purpose-built tool.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: 3,000 fps muzzle velocity gives you a 200-yard zero with less than 3 inches of drop at 300 yards, per published ballistic data.
- Pro: Rotary magazine eliminates rim-lock failures common in high-velocity rimfire loads.
- Con: Ammunition availability for .17 WSM is limited compared to .22 LR or .17 HMR; you may need to order online or buy in bulk.
- Con: The fixed laminate stock has no adjustable comb, so shooters using high-magnification scopes may need a cheek riser for proper alignment.
Comparison
| Feature | Savage B.MAG Sporter .17 WSM | Ruger American Rimfire .17 HMR | CZ 457 Varmint .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 WSM (3,000 fps) | .17 HMR (2,550 fps) | .17 HMR (2,550 fps) |
| Capacity | 8+1 rotary | 10+1 rotary | 5+1 detachable box |
| Barrel Length | 22″ sporter | 22″ sporter | 20.5″ heavy varmint |
| Trigger | AccuTrigger (adjustable) | Adjustable trigger | Single-set adjustable |
| Stock | Gray laminate fixed | Synthetic or wood | Walnut or synthetic |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.3 lbs | ~7.2 lbs |
| MSRP | $580.08 | $529 | $620 |
| Best For | Extended-range varmint hunting, steel at 300 yards | General rimfire plinking, hunting | Benchrest, precision rimfire |
FAQ
Does the Savage 96971 B.MAG Sporter come with scope rings or a rail?
No. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases (typically #8-40 screw pattern). You will need to purchase a one-piece rail or two-piece bases and rings separately. Savage does not include them with the rifle.
What is the twist rate of the 22-inch barrel?
Per Savage Arms specs, the barrel has a 1:10 inch twist rate, optimized for the 20-grain .17 WSM bullet. This stabilizes the high-velocity load without over-stabilizing.
Can I use .17 HMR or .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
No. The B.MAG is chambered exclusively for .17 Winchester Super Magnum. The case dimensions and chamber pressure differ from .17 HMR or .22 WMR. Attempting to fire other cartridges can cause catastrophic failure.
Is the AccuTrigger adjustable without tools?
Yes. The AccuTrigger includes a small adjustment key stored in the stock. You can remove the trigger assembly, turn the adjustment screw, and reassemble to change pull weight from approximately 1.5 to 6 pounds.
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Last updated: April 2026
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