Savage’s New Rimfire Star: The Revel Lever-Action Rifle in .22 LR

July 28, 2025
Gun Talk Staff

There’s something timeless about a lever-action rifle—especially when it's chambered in .22 LR. Add in modern machining, a smooth action, and practical upgrades, and you’ve got a firearm that’s just as much at home in the woods as it is at the range. That’s exactly what Savage Arms has delivered with the new Revel, a lever-action rimfire rifle that blends classic styling with contemporary function.

Whether you’re a first-time shooter, an experienced plinker, or a collector of rimfires, the Savage Revel offers plenty to appreciate in a compact, smooth-shooting, and downright fun package.

First Impressions: Classic Feel, Modern Touches

Savage is releasing the Revel in two variants:

  • The DLX model, which features a modern, sculpted stock with textured accents
  • The Classic model, featuring a traditional walnut stock and big loop lever for that old-school cowboy vibe

The DLX, shown during the field test, combines modern ergonomics with the aesthetics rimfire fans love. The carved, contoured stock feels great in the hands, while the textured grip areas add confidence during fast shooting sessions or field use.

But of course, with any lever gun, it all starts with the action—and the Revel does not disappoint.

“Smooth as butter. Nice trigger that’s going to help you be precise with this sucker.”

The lever cycles cleanly with minimal effort, and the break on the trigger is crisp, giving shooters a lot of control over every shot—whether you’re ringing steel or popping varmints.

Suppressor-Ready and Versatile Calibers

The threaded barrel is a welcome touch, especially for those looking to add a suppressor. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the rifle is already quiet and soft-shooting. But screw on a can, and it’s one of the best setups you could ask for when training new shooters—or simply keeping the neighbors happy.

Additional chamberings, including .22 WMR and .17 HMR, are also on the way, expanding the platform’s utility beyond plinking and into small game hunting or longer-range rimfire work.

Range Performance: Built for Trigger Time

The appeal of .22 LR is simple: low recoil, low cost, and high fun factor.


The Revel is designed to maximize all three.

At the range, the gun proved accurate, intuitive, and just flat-out enjoyable to shoot. From steel plates to reactive targets, it’s the kind of rifle you can spend hours with—without breaking the bank or your shoulder.

“I know this looks like a lot of ammo, but with this Revel, it might be about an hour’s worth.”

One minor quibble: the rifle is marked .22 LR only, meaning it won’t cycle .22 Shorts or Longs. For purists and fans of vintage ammo types, that may be a limitation, but it’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most shooters.

Loading and Capacity

The Revel is tube-fed, offering a classic and reliable magazine system. It holds 12 rounds of .22 LR, enough for steady range sessions or popping multiple targets before needing a reload.

Loading is straightforward: drop rounds into the tube, twist the magazine follower into place, and you’re good to go. Everything about the operation is familiar and intuitive, even for shooters new to lever guns.

“Everything about it is classic… It just works.”

A Little Fun with a Classic

Of course, what’s a lever-action .22 without a little flair? During a playful test, the shooter even lined up targets using a mirror—because if you’re going to shoot a classic, you might as well have some fun doing it.

Whether you’re practicing fundamentals, teaching a first-time shooter, or trying trick shots just for the fun of it, the Revel delivers.

“I love .22s. It’s great trigger time. They’re quiet. They don’t offend the neighbors. Savage’s new Revel lever action is a lot of fun to shoot.”

Final Thoughts

The Savage Revel is a standout entry into the lever-action rimfire space. It blends nostalgia with usability, giving shooters the feel of a classic western gun with the features expected of a modern rifle. With a smooth action, threaded barrel, multiple caliber options, and two distinct style variants, it’s a rifle that belongs in any shooter’s collection.

Whether you’re plinking cans, knocking over steel, or hunting small game, the Revel delivers all the charm of lever-action shooting—without the recoil, noise, or ammo expense.

“Beautiful features. I love the wood, the classic look. It’s going to look great in my safe… but I think it’ll look even better in yours.”

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