Savage A22 Takedown: Old Idea Applied To A New(ish) Rimfire

Savage has given its A22 rimfire another handy option. The new A22 Takedown will make for more convenient storage and transportation of this made-in-Canada rifle, reviving a very old firearms design concept.

Takedown guns came into popularity towards the end of the 1800s, as hunters and sportsmen travelled to hunting grounds outside urban centres. Takedown firearms were capable of breaking down into smaller pieces, more easily carried inside a train's cramped quarters. It also allowed for easier cleaning of the chamber and bore, especially for the lever-action rifles popular at that time. Most of the world's most popular sporting firearms came with this option, including Savage's own Model 1899 rifle along with the Winchester 1890 pump-action rimfire and the Browning SA-22.

In more recent years, the idea has become more popular again, particularly with survival-focused buyers who want an easy-to-stow firearm. Savage offered its perennial Model 64 rimfire with this feature, and now the much more modern A22 series comes with the same capability.

Here's how the Savage website describes the new rifle, which is chambered in .22LR:

Meet your new go-anywhere rimfire rifle. This take-down rimfire rifle will quickly become your go-to backpack rifle. Camping, hiking, boating, hitting the range or any outdoor activity, this rifle breaks down to easily transport with you in your pack. Breaking open this A Series Takedown is as simple as a twist. Additional magazine storage in the buttstock or dry storage in the pistol grip are added features that make this rifle a purpose-built tool for your outdoor adventures.

Visually, the new rifle has a tactical look, with 0 MOA Picatinny rail built into the receiver top. That rail has a slot cut through it allowing the shooter to use the barrel-mounted iron sights if no scope is mounted.

The barrel/forearm twists off the receiver, similar to other modern takedowns, but unlike some competing rifles, the two pieces do not seem designed to attach together when disassembled. However, with an 18-inch barrel, this should be a very tidy package when taken apart, and there will likely be some sort of bag or pack available to keep everything together.

The rifle weighs 6 pounds. Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger is standard.

As noted above, the stock has a compartment for spare mags (Savage's new rotary 10-round mag fits the rifle), and a waterproof compartment in the grip for matches or other survival items.

Although this is a .22LR design, Savage does make other versions of this action chambered for .17 HMR and .22 Magnum. Will we see the takedown design in those chamberings? Don't hold your breath.

The Savage A22 Takedown is listed at $479.99 in the US. Expect a slightly higher price tag in Canada, and also expect it to go on sale in coming months, if you want one but funds are tight. See more at Savage's website.