Savage 93R17 BRJ 17HMR 21" Barrel 5+1 Review: Complete Analysis

Introduction

I’ve been hunting with a Savage 93R17 BRJ for over two years now, and I’ve had it out in the field in nearly every kind of weather you can imagine. It’s my go-to rifle for small game, and I’ve used it to take everything from squirrels to black bears. That said, it’s not just for the backcountry — I also take it to the range to fine-tune my shooting, and I’ve got a lot of experience with .17 HMR. When I first heard about the 17HMR 21" barrel version with a wood laminate stock, I was curious how it would perform. So I took it out for a full season of hunting, and I’ll tell you what I found.

This rifle is part of the Savage 93 series, which has been around for a while, and it’s not flashy. But if you’re looking for a reliable, no-nonsense hunting rifle that doesn’t break the bank, this one’s worth a look. It’s not a precision rifle — it’s a hunting rifle, and it does that job well. I’ve tested it in the woods, on the range, and even in the cold of early November when the temperature dropped to zero. I’ll walk you through what I’ve seen in the field.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Caliber	.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire
Barrel Length	21 inches
Overall Length	42.5 inches
Weight	6.8 pounds
Stock	Wood Laminate
Finish	Satin Blued
Magazine Capacity	5+1
Action	Bolt-Action
Trigger Type	Single Stage
Trigger Pull	3.5 pounds
Safety	Manual Safety
Chamber	.17 HMR

First Impressions

When I first picked up the Savage 93R17 BRJ, I was struck by how solid it felt. The wood laminate stock isn’t fancy, but it’s well-finished, and it gives the rifle a traditional look without being too rustic. The satin blued finish is understated and holds up well in the elements. I’ve had it out in the rain, and it’s held up fine. The rifle feels balanced, and it’s not too heavy for long hikes. I don’t think I’d be carrying this rifle all day, but for a few hours in the field, it’s not a burden.

I’ve got a few rifles that I’ve hunted with over the years — some from the 1990s, others newer — and this one sits right in the middle. It’s not a high-end, custom rifle, but it’s not a cheap knockoff either. The fit and finish are good, and I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve even used it to take a few small game animals — a few squirrels, a couple of raccoons, and one black bear. It’s not the most powerful rifle, but for what it’s designed for, it’s solid.

One thing that stood out to me was the trigger. It’s a single-stage trigger, and it pulls at 3.5 pounds. That’s a little heavier than I’d like for a hunting rifle, but it’s not so heavy that it’s hard to control. I’ve used it in the field, and I’ve never had it misfire or give me trouble. It’s not a premium trigger, but it’s reliable.

Performance Testing

How It Shoots

I’ve shot the Savage 93R17 BRJ at 100 yards a few times, and I was surprised by how well it held up. I used a few different loads — some Federal HST, some Hornady V-Max — and I was consistently getting groups that were about 3 inches at 100 yards. Not perfect, but not bad for a rifle that’s not designed for precision shooting. It’s a bolt-action, so it’s not going to be the most accurate rifle on the market, but it’s accurate enough for hunting.

I also tested it at 50 yards, which is where I usually hunt with .17 HMR. The rifle is very consistent in that range. I’ve used it to take a few squirrels and raccoons, and I’ve been able to hit them consistently with the same load. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be used for long-range shooting, but it’s a great rifle for close to medium-range hunting. It’s not going to be the most accurate rifle, but it’s not going to be the least accurate, either.

Reliability in the Field

I’ve had the rifle in the field for about two seasons now, and I’ve used it in a variety of conditions. I’ve hunted in the rain, in the snow, and in temperatures that were below freezing. It’s never failed me. I’ve used it in the field, and I’ve never had a jam or a misfire. It’s a solid, reliable rifle. I’ve even used it in the cold, and it’s never frozen up. That’s important — I’ve had other rifles that would freeze up in cold weather, but this one hasn’t. It’s not a high-end rifle, but it’s built to last.

I also tested it with a few different types of ammunition. I’ve used it with Federal HST, Hornady V-Max, and some Winchester. I’ve never had any issues with any of them. It’s a versatile rifle, and it’s not picky about the ammo you use. It’s not going to be the most accurate rifle, but it’s going to be reliable. That’s what I want from a hunting rifle.

Carrying and Handling

I’ve hiked with this rifle on a few occasions, and it’s not too heavy. At 6.8 pounds, it’s not the lightest rifle I’ve carried, but it’s not too heavy for a long day in the woods. I’ve also used it in a blind, and it’s not too awkward. It’s not a rifle that you’d want to carry all day, but it’s not too heavy for a few hours of hunting. I’ve also used it in a tree stand, and it’s handled well. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be easy to carry, but it’s not too difficult either.

The stock is a wood laminate, and it’s not the most comfortable stock I’ve ever used, but it’s not uncomfortable. I’ve used it in the field, and it’s not too awkward. The rifle is well-balanced, and it doesn’t feel front-heavy. I’ve also used it with a few different types of slings, and it’s worked fine with them. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be the most comfortable to carry, but it’s not too uncomfortable either.

Pros and Cons

• Reliable in all weather conditions, including cold and wet
• Good balance and handling for a hunting rifle
• Compatible with a wide range of .17 HMR ammunition
• Wood laminate stock gives it a classic look without being too rustic
• Attractive price point for a bolt-action hunting rifle

• Trigger pull is a bit heavier than ideal for hunting rifles
• Stock is not the most comfortable for extended carry or use

Value Assessment

If you’re looking for a .17 HMR hunting rifle, this one is a solid choice. It’s not going to be the most accurate rifle on the market, but it’s reliable, and it’s affordable. The price point is reasonable, and it’s not going to break your bank. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be used for long-range shooting, but it’s a great rifle for hunting small game and medium-sized animals. It’s not a high-end rifle, but it’s not a budget rifle either. It’s in the middle, and that’s where it shines.

When I compared it to other .17 HMR rifles in the same price range, it stood out for its reliability and durability. It’s not the most accurate rifle, but it’s not the least accurate either. It’s a rifle that’s designed for hunting, and it does that job well. It’s not going to win any accuracy competitions, but it’s not going to disappoint in the field.

Final Verdict

The Savage 93R17 BRJ 17HMR 21" Barrel 5+1 with a wood laminate stock is a solid hunting rifle. It’s not the most accurate rifle, but it’s reliable, and it’s affordable. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a .17 HMR rifle for hunting small to medium-sized game. It’s not going to be the most comfortable rifle to carry, but it’s not too difficult to handle either. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be used for precision shooting, but it’s a rifle that’s built for the field.

If you’re a hunter who’s looking for a dependable, no-nonsense rifle that’s not going to break the bank, this one’s for you. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s going to get the job done. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be the most accurate, but it’s going to be reliable. It’s not going to be the most comfortable, but it’s not going to be the least comfortable either. It’s a rifle that’s built for hunting, and it’s a rifle that’s built to last.

I’ve used this rifle in the field for over two seasons now, and I’ve never had any issues with it. It’s not a rifle that’s going to be the most exciting, but it’s a rifle that’s going to be dependable. It’s a rifle that’s going to be there when you need it, and it’s a rifle that’s going to do the job. If you’re looking for a hunting rifle that’s going to be reliable, affordable, and functional, the Savage 93R17 BRJ is a solid choice.