Savage has been killing it this year with new releases. Some have been updates of proven designs, and some are brand new. The REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX rimfire lever actions are all new. They offer some great features at an attractive price.
The REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX
Savage Arms didn’t just announce one new lever action. They made it a double. The REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX are the two latest editions to the Savage rimfire line. The REVEL rifles share the same core action but have a number of unique features on each model.
According to Savage, the REVELs have a crisp trigger, a smooth lever action mechanism, and reliable cycling. The REVEL CLASSIC is available in .22 LR now, and the REVEL DLX will be available in .22 LR in a couple of months. Both models will be available in .22 HMR and .17 HMR by next spring.
They have an 18-inch barrel and feed from a tubular magazine. Capacity with .22 LR is 12 rounds. The magnum versions will have a 9-round capacity. They’re equipped with a crossbolt button safety located above and to the rear of the trigger. I have to admit, I grew up in an era where lever action rifles didn’t need safeties, so I’m not always a fan. The Savage safety looks functional and unobtrusive, though, so I don’t think I’ll mind this one.
Both models have a simple, quick take-down feature. Savage has a nice video on the procedure, and it looks fast and easy and doesn’t require any tools. This makes them a great choice for a pack gun or for storage in a Jeep or on an ATV. It also should make the rifles easy to take down for cleaning.
They’re very reasonably priced, too, at $439 for the REVEL and $539 for the REVEL DLX, so I was a little surprised by the addition of the take-down feature.
Both models have a buckhorn-style rear sight and a blade front mounted on their medium-profile carbon steel barrels. The DLX comes with the addition of a sight hood. The receivers are drilled and tapped to allow for optics mounting.
Where the two models differ is in their wood and sights. The REVEL CLASSIC comes with a nice, but plain, Turkish walnut stock with a classic straight grip. Meanwhile, the REVEL DLX wears an upgraded contoured Turkish walnut stock with intricate stippling on the semi-pistol grip for superior retention.
The forearm and buttstock have decorative inletted and vented channels that also probably reduce the weight some. Both models have a rubber butt pad that should enhance comfort and keep the rifle stable on the shoulder. The REVEL has an oversized loop lever, whereas the DLX has a more standard-sized lever.
My first hunting rifle was a lever action, and I later used one pretty extensively when I was doing Cowboy Action Shooting. I never owned a rimfire lever action, though, and I always wanted one. With the clean lines and impressive features of the REVELs I think now might be the time. Especially with the attractive MSRPs for the two new models.
But I think I’m going to hold out for a .22 Magnum when they drop in the spring. That gives me time to decide if I want a REVEL CLASSIC or a REVEL DLX!
Product No. / Description / MSRP
46000 / REVEL CLASSIC 22 LR / $439 – Shipping NOW
46100 / REVEL CLASSIC 22 WMR / $439 – Shipping Spring 2025
46200 / REVEL CLASSIC 17 HMR / $439 – Shipping Spring 2025
46020 / REVEL DLX 22 LR / $539 – Shipping Winter 2024
46120 / REVEL DLX 22 WMR / $539 – Shipping Spring 2025
46220 / REVEL DLX 17 HMR / $539 – Shipping Spring 2025
More information about the Savage Arms REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX lever guns is available at SavageArms.com.
