First Impressions: Star-Spangled Savage Rascal .22-Caliber Beginner's Rifle

by
posted on July 7, 2020
u-rascal.jpg

The Savage Rascal .22-caliber beginner's rifle has been a hugely popular choice for beginning shooters since it was introduced a few years ago. With its single-shot capability, diminutive size and purpose-built safety features, the straight-shooting Rascal is a terrific choice for budding marksmen. Savage just announced the Rascal Red, White, & Blue model, dressed in an Old Glory camo pattern, making this the perfect fit for patriotic young shooters.

Six years ago, when we reviewed the very first Rascals to roll off the production line, this is what reviewer Glenn Gilbert had to say: "Apart from quality, the biggest difference between the Rascal and classic youth rifles lies in its safety features, namely that it has a safety lever rather than a cocking knob. In the old days, a cocking knob was one of the hallmark features of a youth gun. Decocking a gun without a safety lever was a risk gun enthusiasts had to live with and a skill every shooter had to learn. 

Sensibly, Savage gave the Rascal a bolt that cocks automatically when it opens and a manual thumb safety lever conveniently located on the side of the receiver just behind the bolt handle. Like a normal bolt rifle for adults, unloading it is simple. All the young shooter has to do is activate the safety by drawing back on the lever and open the bolt to extract the unfired round."

“It is our responsibility to help teach firearm safety to the next generation of American hunters and marksmen,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage Arms. “but that doesn’t mean the tools we use to teach can’t be fun. We’re proud of our American heritage and we’re showing that pride with these diminutive guns that are built to the same demanding standards as every other Savage.”

The Rascal teaches accuracy and safety with the same tools teachers use themselves. From its adjustable peep sights to Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger, the Rascal is every inch a Savage...just a few inches less than the usual. 

Savage tells us that these new Rascals will start shipping this August. MSRP $223; Find your local Savage dealer at https://savagearms.com/where.

FEATURES:

  • Synthetic stock with American flag pattern
  • Manual safety
  • Unload without pulling the trigger
  • Adjustable peep sights
  • User-adjustable AccuTrigger
  • Feed ramp
  • Cocks by lifting bolt
  • Carbon steel sporter barrel
  • 11.5” length-of-pull

 

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

First Impressions: Kimber 2K11 Pistol

This all-new, full-featured line of double-stack 1911-style pistols offers performance and reliability with remarkable ammo capacities.

Fieldcraft Friday: Five Edible Wild Plants to Forage For

Foraging is a fun, healthy way for families to connect in the great outdoors.

Throwback Thursday: "Sinkbox" Waterfowling

If you’re a modern-day waterfowler reading this NRA Family story hoping to learn a new hunting technique that will help you increase your bag of ducks and geese, we're afraid you’re a bit late.

NRA Family Entertainment: Dashing through the Elk in Utah

Oh what fun it is to ride where the herds of wild elk play ...

First Impressions: Go Med Kits' First Aid & Care Essentials for Hunters

First aid in the field is just a little different for hunters ... don't be caught out without a hunting-specific first aid kit!

Video Review: Ruger American Gen II Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

It doesn't just look cool, it is cool. Here are the rest of the reasons it's our NRA Gun of the Week!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.