There’s an undeniable appeal to firearms that blend heritage with modern innovation, and the Savage Revel Classic delivers just that. Savage Arms, better known for their bolt-action pedigree, has stepped into the lever-action rimfire arena with a rifle that nods respectfully to the past while offering something new and exciting for today’s shooters.
A Classic Look, A Modern Touch
The Revel Classic is Savage’s take on the nostalgic .22 lever-action: think of the rifle you might’ve seen in a 1950s Western or even your granddad’s gun cabinet. It calls back to the Marlin Golden 39A in spirit: a true plinker’s delight. Whether you’re knocking cans off a fence, walking up on rabbits, or simply enjoying a day at the range, the Revel Classic has you covered.
The Classic version features a straight-hand walnut stock (officially described as Turkish walnut, and it’s nicely matched), with clean lines and a smooth finish. There’s no checkering, maintaining a clean aesthetic, but you might miss it on the fore-end during wet or gloved use.
The butt plate is traditional hard plastic, which is fine – but a soft rubber pad might’ve added better shoulder retention without compromising style.
Built to Perform
At the heart of the Savage Revel Classic is a rimfire aluminum lever-action receiver with an external hammer: half-cock, full-cock, and a rebound safety for added peace of mind. The crossbolt safety isn’t common on lever guns, but it does offer extra security. It’s drilled and tapped for a scope rail, and while Savage doesn’t supply one, aftermarket options (like those from EGW) will fill the gap nicely.
The 18-inch heavy barrel helps support stability and accuracy, while the tubular magazine feeds .22LR, .22 Short, and .22 Long rounds seamlessly. With a 12-round capacity in .22LR, this rifle is a serious tool for small game, and offers plenty of fun for recreational shooting.
The iron sights are basic but effective, featuring an elevator-style U-notch rear and a fixed front blade – perfect for those who still enjoy the old-school art of irons. For those wanting more precision, a Picatinny rail opens up red dot or scope options.
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Field Strip Ready (with Some Limitations)
Uniquely, the Revel can be field-stripped to separate the barrel and receiver from the lever assembly. However, this isn’t something you’ll want to do on a whim, with finicky bolt alignment – so reassembling improperly could cause more trouble than the process is worth.
For UK shooters, where backpack-style rifle use isn’t legal, the takedown feature is more novelty than necessity.
Deluxe or Classic?
The Revel Classic DLX (Deluxe) adds a pistol-grip stock, rubber butt pad, and a threaded barrel, which are ideal features if you want to mount a moderator for hunting. The Deluxe lever is slicker and more compact, while the Classic sports a big loop lever that’s great for gloved winter use, or simply for adding some cinematic cowboy flair.
Final Thoughts
The Savage Revel Classic isn’t just a rimfire lever gun, but rather, a love letter to a simpler time, when plinking in the back field was how shooters honed their skills and made memories.
It’s not the cheapest .22 lever-action around, but with its solid build, practical features, and nostalgic charm, it delivers excellent value.
Whether you’re a first-time rimfire buyer, a collector, or a shooter seeking something a little different, the Revel Classic is worth a serious look. And if you’re willing to spend a little more, the DLX might just be the ultimate modern-day plinker.
