February 08, 2024
By Brad Fitzpatrick
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Savage’s A17 and A22 blowback rimfire rifles have been big hits, and this year the company is introducing a new version of the A22 in .22 LR that’s easy to disassemble. Dubbed the A22 Takedown , the blowback-operated semiauto weighs in at six pounds, four ounces and comes with a durable polymer stock. Most impressive of this rifle’s features is the ability to disassemble it with one simple motion.
Takedown .22s have been available in many configurations for years, but the Savage trumps the others because it is the simplest of all the rimfire survival-style rifles to disassemble. Within the tubular receiver are two lugs. The top lug is square while the bottom lug has a rounded profile, and they fit into corresponding cutout channels in the barrel/fore-end assembly. With the rifle unloaded and the bolt locked rearward, the owner simply grabs the fore-end of the rifle and rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise.
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The channels in the barrel assembly have a 90-degree angle as well, so when the fore-end is rotated, the barrel assembly can be pulled forward and the receiver lugs ride in these channels—allowing the barrel/fore-end assembly to be separated from the receiver/buttstock. Explaining the mechanics of the process takes much longer than actual execution.
The ability to separate the rifle into two parts makes it ideal for hikers, anglers, campers, backpackers or anyone else that requires an easy-to-transport firearm. Similar to other “survival guns,” the new Savage A22 Takedown offers storage space in the polymer stock. The hinged comb portion of the Savage’s polymer stock flips up to reveal space for three additional 10-round rotary magazines, and the grip cap can also be removed to provide dry storage space within the pistol grip.
The A22 Takedown rifle has an 18-inch carbon steel barrel with a 1/2x28 threaded muzzle with thread cap. Riding atop the steel receiver is a zero-m.o.a. Picatinny rail with a sight channel cut so the rail doesn’t interfere while using the iron sights, which consist of an adjustable notch rear sight and a blade front sight.
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The rifle disassembles easily, and when broken down it can fit in a backpack or carry case—making it ideal for transport or for backcountry adventures. Overall length of the assembled rifle is 36.9 inches. When disassembled, the two sections of the rifle measure only about 18 inches in total length. That’s short enough to fit into a backpack, and the gun will fit into a carry bag that doesn’t automatically scream, “Rifle!”
The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from three to five pounds. The included 10-round rotary magazine fits flush into the stock, and the release tab is located in the front of the magazine. Other controls include a crossbolt safety positioned just ahead of the trigger guard and a bolt stop lever that rides between the safety and the mag well.
For the range evaluation I mounted a Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm scope, which is admittedly more optic than is needed on a survival rifle. However, the A22 proved accurate, printing five-shot groups under an inch at 50 yards with CCI and Federal 40-grain ammunition.
The A22 Takedown doesn’t feel like some competing survival guns, which are purpose-built and offer few frills for the casual shooter. The Savage’s polymer stock features a cutout that allows it to rest comfortably on a shooting bag. The vertical pistol grip is comfortable and well-textured, and the flat-base fore-end offers enough space to keep the shooter’s hand off the barrel.
The polymer stock has a flip-open comb section that provides storage for three additional 10-round magazines. Although they’re relatively basic, the iron sights are functional and are windage- and elevation-adjustable using a hex wrench—making them much better than the ramp-style sights found on some other takedown .22s. The threaded barrel is a convenient touch, and the crossbolt safety is easy to access. It’s also easy to load and seat mags in the rifle.
The AccuTrigger broke cleanly at 3.2 pounds and is certainly one of the best triggers available in any survival gun. The rifle was heavily greased, especially the receiver/barrel takedown assembly area, which indicates to me Savage believes shooters should maintain a low coefficient of friction between the two rifle halves.
Reliability proved good throughout the testing except for two stovepipe jams early in the evaluation.
The zero-m.o.a. rail has a sight channel so you can see the irons. It features the AccuTrigger and feeds from 10-round magazines. My only quibble with the A22 Takedown is the small and sometimes hard-to-reach bolt lock. I understand Savage’s ambition to cut weight and reduce footprint, but a larger lever would ease operation. The rifle is also relatively heavy for a true survival gun.
Overall, the A22 Takedown proved to be a winner. Yes, it’s great for tossing in a pack, and I hope Savage or another company develops a pack for it so the barrel and receiver/stock portions are easy to secure.
Suggested retail for the A22 Takedown is $479, more than Henry’s AR-7 survival rifle, which has a suggested retail price of $344. But odds are that it won’t just be survivalists who buy the Savage A22 Takedown. Weekend warriors and anyone else who shoots their .22 more in the backyard than the backcountry will be well-served by this rifle.
SAVAGE A22 TAKEDOWN SPECIFICATIONS TYPE: Blowback-operated semiauto rimfireCALIBER: .22 LRCAPACITY: 10BARREL: 18 in. carbon steel; threaded 1/2x28 w/thread protectorOVERALL LENGTH: 36.9 in.; 18 in. taken downWEIGHT: 6 lb., 4 oz.STOCK: Black polymer w/storage compartmentsFINISH: High-luster blueSIGHTS: Zero m.o.a. Picatinny rail w/sight channel; screw-adjustable notch rear sight, blade frontTRIGGER: AccuTrigger, 3.2 lb. pull (measured)PRICE: $479MANUFACTURER: Savage Arms, SavageArms.com
