Savage Revel: A Return To Lever-Actions With New Rimfire Rifle
More than 25 years after they shut down production of their last lever-action, Savage Arms is back in the cowboy rifle business again. The new Savage Revel has finally broke cover after years of rumors, bringing an all-new lever-action platform to market in .22 LR, .22 Magnum or .17 HMR.
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Made in Canada
The Savage Revel will be made in North America, but not the U.S.—like the rest of their rimfire lineup, Savage will make the Revel and Revel Deluxe at its Lakefield factory in the Canadian province of Ontario. Several months back, the plant announced a major investment to set up a new production line for these lever-actions, with roughly $2.4M USD spent on updating the plant.
Production is already underway on the .22LR version, with rifles shipping now. The .22 Magnum and .17 HMR variants will start shipping in the spring of 2025.
A classic design
The rifles follow a roughly familiar design, with an exposed hammer (like most classic lever guns), an under-barrel tube magazine, wooden stock and forearm (made of Turkish walnut) and iron sights. The aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped for those who want to mount an optic, though.
The receiver top has a sculpted profile along the sides, with ejection to the right-hand side. There is a cross-bolt push-button safety behind the trigger, which will keep nervous lawyers happy but probably frustrate traditional lever gun fans. Maybe that won’t be a concern on an all-new model, but if it is, remember that the aftermarket has come through with “ safety delete” parts for other lever rifles. Presumably, they could also do so for this one, provided the hammer has a half-cock position that lets the rifle be carried safely.
While we’re speculating about potential aftermarket updates, note the semi-buckhorn rear sight is elevation-adjustable by a ramp; the front sight can be adjusted for windage by drifting it in its dovetail, just like classic lever guns. Expect the aftermarket to start offering peep sight arrangements for these rifles if they’re good shooters—and given Savage’s reputation for straight-shooting rimfires, that seems very likely.
The Savage Revel comes with an oversized lever to allow for easier operation, but thankfully it is not the cartoonishly proportioned large-loop arrangement we see on so many other rifles made to emulate John Wayne’s arsenal. Magazine capacity is 12 rounds in .22LR chambering, or nine rounds in .17 HMR or .22 Magnum chambering for both the Revel and Revel Deluxe models.
Both models have an 18-inch barrel; the main difference between them is the front sight hood and flashy wood on the Deluxe model, with semi pistol grip. The straight grip on the standard Revel looks more like a traditional lever gun to many shooters’ eyes and may be the preferable choice for many as a result.
Both rifles will also feature Savage Arms’ classic Indian head logo.
Like many classic American rimfire rifles, the Savage Revel is a takedown model. Like the Marlin Model 39, which no doubt served as an inspiration for the new Savage. Savage lists the takedown instructions here; the process appears to be simple.
MSRP for the Revel is in the same ballpark as the Henry Arms lever-action equivalent, with Savage wanting $439 for the standard lever rimfire, and the Revel Deluxe having a $539 MSRP.
For more info on the new rifles, check out SavageArms.com.
Professional hoser with fudd-ish leanings.
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The marketing music is a little intense for the rifle, but dang this looks good.
THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE IT LOOK LIKE A 99. YOU KNOW I'M RIGHT!