TFB Review: Savage MARK II FV-SR - Cheap Fun

The firearms market in 2025 is a dynamic landscape, shaped by economic pressures, supply chain challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. One of the most significant factors impacting shooters today is the soaring cost of ammunition. Centerfire rounds, such as 9mm, 5.56, and .308 Winchester, have seen dramatic price increases due to raw material shortages, inflation, and high demand. For many enthusiasts, the expense of ammo has made frequent range trips or extended shooting sessions less accessible, pushing shooters to seek cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing the joy of the sport.

This is where the .22 caliber rimfire rifle shines. Known for its affordability, versatility, and sheer fun, the .22 LR (Long Rifle) remains a favorite among beginners and seasoned shooters for its low bar of entry and cost effectiveness. Enter the Savage MARK II FV-SR, a remarkably cheap rimfire rifle that has proven to be a real treat to shoot when my ammo budget for the month has been capped.

The Savage MARK II FV-SR was provided to me for this review from Savage and this rifle will be sent back to Savage after the conclusion of this review. No money or ammo was exchanged for this review. Savage has also not been allowed to preview this article prior to its publication. I have been testing the MARK II FV-SR for the past 9 months with many trips to the range.

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The Savage Mark II FV-SR is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed for precision, affordability, and versatility. It features a 16.5-inch heavy, fluted, and threaded carbon steel barrel with a 1:16 twist, ideal for stabilizing 40-grain ammo and suppressor use.

First Impressions and Build Quality

The Savage Mark II FV-SR feels purpose-built for precision. Its 16.5-inch heavy, fluted, carbon steel barrel is the most notable feature of the rifle, and gives it a balanced heft at 5.5 pounds. The barrel’s threading (1/2x28 TPI) makes it suppressor-ready, a big plus for those looking to keep things quiet at the range or in the field. Unfortunately, I was not able to test this rifle with a can on it. The matte black synthetic stock is utilitarian but comfortable and lightweight. The stock's slightly textured grip does feel secure in hand.

The oversized bolt knob is a nice touch, allowing for smooth and quick cycling, even during rapid-fire plinking sessions. A factory-installed Picatinny rail sits atop the receiver, ready for your optic of choice. I mounted the Maven RS.4 - 5-30X56 on this rifle, and it certainly looked and felt like overkill. I was mildly disappointed by the absence of iron sights, but the rifle is clearly designed for scoped shooting.

The heart of the Mark II FV-SR is Savage’s AccuTrigger, a user-adjustable trigger that’s rare in this price range (retailing around $250–$350). I set mine to a crisp 2.5 pounds, and it delivered a clean, predictable break every time. The trigger alone elevates this rifle above many competitors, making it feel much more expensive than it really is.

Shooting Experience

Taking the Mark II FV-SR to the range was an absolute blast. loaded up with a variety of .22 LR ammo, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal, and Aguila. The rifle’s ergonomics are spot-on for a .22—light enough for all-day shooting but substantial enough to feel stable. The free-floated barrel and heavy profile minimize vibration, and the short 16.5-inch length makes it nimble for quick target transitions, whether I was plinking at steel plates or zeroing in on paper at 50 yards.

Cycling the bolt was smooth, with the oversized knob making it easy to stay on target without breaking my cheek weld. The 5-round detachable box magazine (with 10-round options available) fed reliably, though I did not enjoy loading these magazines.  Ejection was consistent, and I had no issues with stovepipes or failures to feed across 250 rounds. For those planning to add a suppressor, the threaded barrel is a godsend, though I didn’t test it suppressed this time around. I can imagine the already quiet .22 LR becoming whisper-quiet, perfect for backyard plinking or pest control.

Price and Value

At $250–$350, the Mark II FV-SR is a steal. The combination of a threaded heavy barrel, AccuTrigger, and Picatinny rail is hard to beat in this price range. When you factor in the low cost of .22 LR ammo, this rifle becomes one of the most economical ways to enjoy shooting. Compared to other rimfire options like the Ruger 10/22 or CZ 457, the Savage offers similar accuracy and features at a lower cost, though it lacks the aftermarket support of the Ruger.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional accuracy: Sub-MOA groups at 50 yards with bulk ammo.
• Affordable price: $250–$350 delivers premium features like the AccuTrigger and threaded barrel.
• Great shooting experience: Smooth bolt, comfortable ergonomics, and suppressor-ready design.
• Reliable feeding: No malfunctions across 500 rounds with various ammo types.

Cons

• No iron sights: Requires an optic, adding to the cost for new shooters.
• Annoying magazine: Polymer construction feels cheap and may wear over time.
• Limited aftermarket support: Fewer customization options compared to Ruger 10/22.

Final Thoughts

The Savage Mark II FV-SR is a rimfire rifle that punches well above its weight. Its blend of accuracy, affordability, and a fun shooting experience makes it a fantastic choice for plinking, hunting, or introducing new shooters to the sport. While the lack of iron sights and limited aftermarket options are drawbacks, they’re minor in the face of its performance and value. For anyone looking to maximize range time without breaking the bank, the Mark II FV-SR is a no-brainer. It’s earned a permanent spot in my collection, and I suspect it’ll do the same for many others.