The lever-action comeback has reached the rimfire rack, and Savage Arms is leaning in. As reported by The Firearm Blog, Savage has added a REVEL Tactical model to its rimfire lever-action family. It joins the REVEL Classic and REVEL DLX as the third rifle in the line.
Where the Classic and DLX lean toward the traditional look, the Tactical is built for the shooter who wants a lever gun that can take modern accessories.
Three rimfire chamberings
According to The Firearm Blog, the REVEL Tactical comes in three versions:
- .22 LR (model 46040): 12-round capacity, $629 MSRP
- .22 WMR (model 46140): 9-round capacity, $659 MSRP
- .17 HMR (model 46240): 9-round capacity, $659 MSRP
That spread covers most rimfire jobs. The .22 LR is the classic for plinking, squirrels and teaching new shooters. The .22 WMR adds reach and punch for small game and pests. The .17 HMR is the flat-shooting option for groundhogs and other small varmints at longer rimfire distances.
What makes it “Tactical”
The rifle uses an 18-inch medium-profile barrel threaded 1/2×28 at the muzzle. That is the common thread pitch for rimfire suppressors and muzzle devices. It wears an MDT Tactical stock with a redesigned pistol grip and a clip-on cheek riser, so you can raise the comb to line your eye up behind a scope. A one-piece Picatinny rail on top makes mounting optics simple. The fore-end has M-LOK slots for a light, a sling mount or a small bipod.
The rifle also keeps adjustable iron sights with a hooded front, which we like. Batteries die and scopes get knocked, and irons are a good backup on any field rifle. The Firearm Blog also notes a takedown design meant to make cleaning and transport easier. The finish is black on black.
The report did not list the rifle’s weight, overall length or trigger details, and it did not give a ship date. If those matter to your decision, check Savage’s product page or ask your dealer before you buy.
Who it is for
Savage pitches the REVEL Tactical for range days, small-game hunting and recreational shooting, and that sounds about right. A rimfire lever gun is a joy to shoot. It is quiet compared with a centerfire, ammo is affordable, and working the lever teaches good habits.
It is fair to note the price. At $629 to $659 MSRP, the REVEL Tactical costs a good deal more than many semi-auto .22 rifles, a point some Firearm Blog readers raised. If your goal is the most rimfire for the least money, a semi-auto will get you there. If you want the feel of a lever gun along with suppressor and optic options, this rifle is built for you.
GUN Crusade’s take: a good family range gun
For families, a rimfire lever gun is hard to beat as a second rifle. A young shooter has to work the action for each shot, which slows things down and gives a parent time to coach. The adjustable cheek riser can help a smaller shooter get a proper sight picture. The 1/2×28 thread lets you add a rimfire suppressor where that is legal, which makes range days easier on young ears. Be sure to check your state and local laws, and keep using hearing protection either way.
Before you buy, handle one if you can. Lever guns vary in how they fit different shooters, and the best rifle is the one you will actually shoot.
