The marriage of the Savage B17 FV-SR rifle and Athlon Argos 6-24-50 scope represents a compelling option for both small game hunters and precision target shooters. This combination brings together Savage’s renowned accuracy and Athlon’s optical clarity in a package that won’t break the bank. While each component has its own merits, together they create a versatile system that excels in multiple shooting disciplines.
History of the .17 HMR
he .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) cartridge emerged in 2002 as a groundbreaking collaboration between Hornady Manufacturing Company and Marlin Firearms. Born from a desire to improve upon the capabilities of existing rimfire cartridges, engineers necked down the popular .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) case to accept a .17 caliber bullet. The result was a revolutionary cartridge that pushed rimfire ballistics to new heights, launching a 17-grain bullet at an impressive 2,550 feet per second. This combination of high velocity and lightweight projectile created an exceptionally flat trajectory while generating minimal recoil. The cartridge’s success was immediate and profound, with major firearms manufacturers quickly developing rifles chambered for the new round. Within its first year of release, the .17 HMR outsold all other rimfire cartridges except the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle. The cartridge’s accuracy potential and wind-bucking capabilities made it particularly popular among varmint hunters and target shooters, leading to its status as one of the most successful rimfire cartridge introductions in modern history.
The Savage B17 Platform
The Savage B17 FV-SR stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to accuracy and innovation in the rimfire market. Built on Savage’s proven B-series action, this rifle chambers the increasingly popular 17 HMR cartridge. The heavy bull barrel measures 16.25 inches and comes threaded for a suppressor or muzzle device, adding versatility for various shooting applications. Savage’s signature AccuTrigger system allows for user adjustment from 1.5 to 6 pounds, ensuring shooters can fine-tune the trigger pull to their preferences. The synthetic stock provides durability in adverse conditions while keeping the overall weight manageable at only 5.6 pounds.
Stock and Ergonomics
The B17’s synthetic stock design prioritizes both durability and ergonomics. Its relatively light weight makes it comfortable to carry during extended hunting sessions, while the textured grip areas ensure positive control in various weather conditions. The stock’s Monte Carlo-style comb provides proper eye alignment with mounted optics, particularly beneficial when using the height of the Athlon Argos scope. The length of pull suits most adult shooters, though some may find the addition of spacers helpful for optimal fit.
Action and Magazine
Savage’s rotary magazine system for the B17 deserves special mention. The 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably and maintains the rifle’s accuracy potential by presenting each round consistently to the chamber. The action itself cycles smoothly, with minimal bolt lift required for extraction and feeding. This smooth operation proves particularly valuable during rapid follow-up shots on prairie dogs or during timed shooting competitions.
Accuracy and Performance
In the field and at the range, the B17 FV-SR consistently demonstrates exceptional accuracy potential. The button-rifled barrel, combined with Savage’s precise headspacing system, regularly produces sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition. The 17 HMR cartridge’s flat trajectory and minimal recoil make it ideal for both varmint hunting and target shooting out to 200 yards. The heavy barrel profile aids in heat management during extended shooting sessions, while the fluting helps reduce overall weight without sacrificing rigidity.
The Athlon Argos 6-24-50mm Scope
Complementing the B17’s capabilities, the Athlon Argos 6-24-50mm scope brings impressive optical performance to this rimfire platform. The scope’s magnification range proves particularly well-suited to the .17 HMR cartridge’s capabilities, allowing shooters to engage targets from close range out to the cartridge’s effective distance. The 50mm objective lens gathers ample light for early morning or late evening hunting scenarios, while the fully multi-coated lenses deliver impressive clarity and contrast.
Reticle and Turret System
The Argos features Athlon’s APMR MIL reticle, offering a clean sight picture with useful holdover and windage references. It is a first focal plane reticle, which ensures that the holdover points remain proportional throughout the magnification range, a crucial feature for both hunting and target applications. The exposed turrets offer positive clicks and maintain zero reliably, even under field conditions. The zero-reset feature simplifies returning to your established zero after making temporary adjustments.
Tracking and Parallax Adjustment
One of the Argos’s standout features is its reliable tracking system. When making elevation and windage adjustments, the point of impact shifts consistently with turret movements. The side parallax adjustment, adjustable from 10 yards to infinity, proves particularly valuable for rimfire shooting where targets may range from very close to several hundred yards. This feature helps eliminate parallax error and ensures maximum precision across the scope’s entire magnification range.
Field Performance
In real-world use, this rifle and scope combination proves remarkably effective. The B17 FV-SR’s accuracy potential is fully realized through the clear glass and precise adjustments of the Argos scope. For varmint hunting, the combination offers enough magnification for precise shot placement on small targets, while the lower end of the zoom range provides a wider field of view for scanning and moving targets. The first focal plane reticle proves particularly useful when rapid rangefinding and holdover corrections are needed in hunting situations. I tested the setup with the Banish 22 suppressor, and enjoyed shooting and hunting with it even more.
On the target range, the setup truly shines. The AccuTrigger’s crisp break and the rifle’s inherent accuracy combine with the Argos’s precise adjustments to create a system capable of impressive precision. The scope’s parallax adjustment and high magnification range allow shooters to focus clearly on small targets at varying distances. The zero-stop turrets prove especially valuable during competition or dynamic practice sessions, where returning to zero quickly between stages is essential.
Environmental Considerations
Both the rifle and scope demonstrate commendable durability with proper maintenance. The B17 FV-SR’s synthetic stock and weather-resistant finish stand up well to field use, while the scope’s nitrogen purging and sealed construction prevent internal fogging. Regular cleaning of the barrel and proper torque on scope mount screws ensure consistent performance over time. The Athlon’s robust construction and lifetime warranty provide peace of mind for long-term use.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When considering the combined cost of the Savage B17 FV-SR and Athlon Argos 6-24-50, this package represents exceptional value. The performance rivals setups costing significantly more, making it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced shooters. While there are certainly more expensive options available, the accuracy, features, and reliability of this combination make it difficult to justify spending more for many shooting applications.
Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
Both components demonstrate commendable durability with proper maintenance. The B17’s synthetic stock and weather-resistant finish require minimal care beyond basic cleaning and lubrication. The Argos’s construction quality suggests long-term reliability, though regular cleaning of the external lens surfaces helps maintain optimal optical performance. The scope’s lifetime warranty provides additional peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Wrap Up
The Savage B17 FV-SR paired with the Athlon Argos 6-24x50mm scope creates a versatile and capable shooting system that excels in both hunting and target applications. The combination of Savage’s proven accuracy and Athlon’s optical quality results in a setup that performs well beyond its price point. Whether pursuing small game, competing in rimfire matches, or simply enjoying a day at the range, this rifle and scope combination provides the precision and reliability needed for success. For shooters seeking a high-performance rimfire setup without breaking the bank, this pairing deserves serious consideration.
RIFLE SPECIFICATIONS
- Action: Bolt-action rimfire with manual feed and ejection, featuring Savage’s B-Series action design with dual-lug bolt lockup and 90-degree bolt throw for smooth cycling and reliable operation
- Caliber/Chambering: .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), capable of handling all commercial .17 HMR ammunition with a typical bullet weight range of 15.5 to 20 grains
- Barrel Specifications: 16.5-inch heavy-contour carbon steel barrel with precision button rifling, featuring fluting for weight reduction and heat dissipation. The barrel comes threaded 1/2×28 TPI for suppressors or muzzle devices
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1:9-inch twist rate optimized for stabilizing .17 HMR projectiles across typical bullet weightsStock Design: Black synthetic stock with modern ergonomics, textured grip areas, and a beavertail fore-end for enhanced stability during bench shooting
- Trigger System: User-adjustable AccuTrigger with a pull weight range of 1.5 to 6 pounds, featuring Savage’s signature blade safety design for enhanced trigger control
- Magazine Type: 10-round detachable rotary magazine constructed of polymer with steel feed lips for reliable feeding
- Overall Length: 35.25 inches from muzzle to buttpad, making it compact enough for field carry while maintaining stability
- Weight: Approximately 6.1 pounds unloaded without scope or mounts, providing a balanced feel between field carry and bench stability
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Receiver: Drilled and tapped for scope mounting with standard Savage rimfire spacing, constructed of carbon steel with matte black finish
- Safety Features: Two-position tang safety for ambidextrous operation and AccuTrigger blade safety system
- Sights: No iron sights included; designed for optics mounting with pre-drilled and tapped receiver
- Metal Finish: Matte black weather-resistant finish on all metal surfaces for durability and corrosion resistance
- Cost: $519 (MSRP)
- Website: savagearms.com
SCOPE SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 6x to 24x adjustable
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle: APRLR2 Mil
- Field of View: 16.7-4.5 ft @100 yards
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- Parallax Adjustment: Side focus/parallax adjustment 10 yards-Infinity
- Turret Style: Exposed turrets with elevation and windage adjustments
- Turret Adjustment: 1/10 MIL or ¼ MOA
- Zero-Stop: Yes
- Length: 14.1 inches
- Weight: 30.3 oz.
- Illumination: Red
- Elevation Range: 32 MIL-108 MOA
- Reticle Position: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Cost: $429 (MSRP)
- Website: athlonoptics.com
