Savage's Revel Tactical Adds Takedown Chassis to Rimfire Lever Gun

Savage is back in the rimfire lever-action game with the Revel Tactical, a $629-$659 synthetic-stocked version of its Revel line that ditches walnut for an MDT chassis, a factory Picatinny rail, and M-LOK slots, built at Savage's Lakefield, Ontario rimfire plant.

Key points

• Pricing and chambering: MSRP is $629 for .22 LR and $659 for .22 WMR or .17 HMR, about $39 more than Henry's rival H1 X Model, according to The Firearm Blog.
• Build and takedown: The rifle uses an aluminum receiver, 18-inch threaded barrel, and a tool-free takedown that splits the stock from the barreled action, keeping the optic mounted on the front half.
• Trigger and handling: Savage rates the trigger at 2.5 pounds; the reviewer measured closer to 3 pounds but still called it one of the better factory triggers at this price, with a short, smooth lever stroke.
• Accuracy: At 25 yards with CCI Standard Velocity, the reviewer printed groups just under an inch, with Aguila Super Extra close behind; Armscor .22 Short caused feeding failures and poor accuracy.
• Competition: The Firearm Blog frames the Henry H1 X as the Revel Tactical's only real rival, noting the Henry is cheaper and lighter but lacks the Revel's tool-free takedown and adjustable comb.

Quick take

This looks like Savage finally filling a hole in the rimfire lever market rather than just reskinning an old design. The takedown feature and factory rail address real complaints from earlier Revel owners, and sub-inch groups with cheap CCI ammo is nothing to scoff at for a lever gun this price. The .22 Short feeding issue is worth noting if you shoot mixed rimfire, but for a dedicated .22 LR tactical lever gun, this seems like a solid factory option.

Read the full story: thefirearmblog.com