Savage Arms Enters the 10/22 Compatible Market with All-New RXR22 Rimfire Series

Savage Arms has made a strategic pivot from their traditional approach to rimfire rifle design. While the company has built a reputation over the years with proprietary platforms like the Model 64 and the contemporary A22 series, they've now embraced the market dominance of Ruger's 10/22 ecosystem. The newly unveiled RXR22 represents Savage's entry into the 10/22-compatible rifle segment, bringing their engineering expertise to one of the shooting world's most popular platforms.

Strategic Design Philosophy

Proven Blowback Operation

Rather than pursuing complex innovations, Savage has wisely chosen to build upon time-tested fundamentals. The RXR22 employs a traditional blowback semi-automatic action—a design philosophy that has proven its reliability across countless rimfire applications. This conservative approach ensures dependable function while maintaining the simplicity that rimfire shooters value.

Modern Polymer Construction

The RXR22 features a polymer receiver construction, a choice that will likely generate discussion among traditionalists who prefer metal receivers. However, this material selection aligns with modern manufacturing trends and cost-effectiveness. Synthetic receiver technology has deep roots in rimfire design, tracing back to iconic rifles like Remington's Model 66, and Savage joins other contemporary manufacturers who have successfully implemented polymer construction in 2025's competitive market.

Technical Specifications and Features

Barrel Engineering

Savage equipped the RXR22 with a 16.5-inch button-rifled barrel, incorporating a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy potential. The barrel terminates with ½"x28 threading, providing compatibility with a wide range of muzzle devices and suppressors. This threading specification has become the industry standard for rimfire applications.

Magazine System and Compatibility

The rifle ships with a 10-round rotary magazine featuring a polymer body reinforced with metal feed lips—a hybrid construction that balances weight savings with durability where it matters most. An important functional feature is the bolt's ability to lock open on the last round when using compatible magazines.

Aftermarket Compatibility Advantages

The RXR22's most significant market appeal lies in its compatibility with the extensive 10/22 aftermarket ecosystem. The rifle accepts aftermarket magazines designed for the 10/22 platform, including Ruger's factory offerings. Additionally, the design accommodates triggers and barrels manufactured for the 10/22, instantly opening access to decades of aftermarket development.

User-Centric Design Elements

Maintenance Accessibility

Savage incorporated thoughtful maintenance features, including a dedicated cleaning port positioned at the receiver's rear. This access point facilitates easy removal of carbon buildup and debris without requiring extensive disassembly—a practical consideration for high-volume shooting.

Modular Trigger Assembly

The RXR22 features a quick-release trigger group system. While compatibility with existing 10/22 triggers remains to be fully verified, this modular design suggests that specialized trigger options will likely emerge from aftermarket manufacturers if direct compatibility proves limited.

Versatile Mounting Options

The rifle provides multiple accessory mounting solutions to accommodate diverse shooting applications:

Built-in Rail Systems

A Picatinny rail is integrated into the receiver's top surface, providing a solid mounting platform for optics. An additional Picatinny rail section underneath the fore-end enables attachment of tactical accessories such as lights, vertical grips, or bipods.

Traditional Sling Points

Two metal sling studs offer conventional carrying options for those preferring traditional sling systems over modern quick-detach alternatives.

Ergonomic Customization

The stock design incorporates interchangeable grip inserts, allowing shooters to customize the grip dimensions for optimal fit and comfort. This attention to ergonomic adjustability demonstrates Savage's commitment to accommodating diverse hand sizes and shooting preferences.

Available Configurations and Pricing

Savage is launching the RXR22 with two distinct cosmetic options to appeal to different aesthetic preferences:

Standard Black Configuration

The base model features a traditional black synthetic stock that will appeal to shooters preferring classic rifle appearances.

Tactical Tan Variant

An alternative version offers a tan-colored stock with an FDE (Flat Dark Earth) appearance, catering to tactical and modern sporting rifle enthusiasts.

Both configurations are priced identically at $299 in the U.S. market.

Market Positioning and Value Proposition

The RXR22 represents Savage's recognition of the 10/22 platform's market dominance while leveraging their manufacturing capabilities to offer competitive pricing. At $299, the rifle positions itself as an accessible entry point into the 10/22-compatible ecosystem, potentially attracting budget-conscious shooters who want aftermarket upgrade potential without the premium associated with Ruger's factory offerings.

This strategic move allows Savage to compete directly in the high-volume rimfire market while maintaining their reputation for delivering value-oriented firearms that don't compromise on fundamental reliability and accuracy.