Savage REVEL Classic vs DLX vs Tactical: Which Rimfire Lever Gun?
All three Savage REVELs share the same takedown rimfire lever action, 18-inch barrel and tube magazine. The differences are the stock, the sights, the muzzle and the price. The short answer: the Classic ($499) is the traditional saddle gun, with a straight-grip walnut stock and an unthreaded barrel. The DLX ($629–$659) adds a stippled pistol grip, a rubber butt pad, a hooded front sight and a 1/2-28 threaded muzzle. The new Tactical ($629), announced October 8, 2026, uses an MDT synthetic stock and a one-piece Picatinny rail. If you'll ever put a can or a scope on it, skip the Classic.
Specs side by side
| Spec | REVEL Classic | REVEL DLX | REVEL Tactical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calibers (SKU) | .22 LR (46000), .22 WMR (46100), .17 HMR (46200) | .22 LR (46020), .22 WMR (46120), .17 HMR (46220) | .22 LR (46040), .22 WMR (46140), .17 HMR (46240) |
| Capacity | 12 (.22 LR), 9 (.22 WMR, .17 HMR) | 12 (.22 LR), 9 (.22 WMR, .17 HMR) | 12 (.22 LR) |
| Barrel | 18 in medium profile, 1:16 (.22 LR) | 18 in medium profile, 1:16 (.22 LR) | 18 in medium profile, 1:16 (.22 LR) |
| Threaded muzzle | No | Yes, 1/2-28 | Yes, 1/2x28 |
| Stock | Turkish walnut, satin, straight grip | Turkish walnut, satin, stippled pistol grip | MDT Tactical synthetic, clip-on cheek riser |
| Butt | Hard buttplate | Rubber butt pad | Not in our spec data |
| Front sight | Exposed bead on blade | Hooded blade on ramp | Hooded, adjustable iron sights |
| Optic mounting | Drilled and tapped receiver | Drilled and tapped receiver | One-piece Picatinny rail, 0 MOA |
| Overall length | 36.5 in | 36.3 in (G&A test rifle) | 36.75 in |
| Weight | 6.1 lb | 6 lb 1 oz (G&A test rifle) | 6 lb |
| MSRP | $499 (.22 LR), $519 (.22 WMR) | $629-$659 | $629 (.22 LR), $659 (.22 WMR, .17 HMR) |
| Launched | Sept. 24, 2024 | Sept. 24, 2024 | Oct. 8, 2026 |
| Status | Shipping | Shipping | Announced |
Specs and MSRPs are from Savage's SKU and model pages (Classic 46000/46100, DLX model page, Tactical 46040), checked October 17-21, 2026. The butt and front-sight details for the Classic and DLX, and the DLX length and weight, are from Guns & Ammo's September 2025 review of both rifles. Launch dates are from Savage's releases.
What's the same
Every REVEL is a takedown rifle. Two captive pins at the bottom of the receiver let the upper and lower groups separate without tools. All three have an aluminum receiver, a crossbolt safety, a tubular magazine under an 18-inch medium-profile carbon steel barrel, and adjustable iron sights. Savage specs a 2.5 lb trigger on the Classic, and Guns & Ammo measured its Classic and DLX test rifles at 2 lb 10 oz. Guns & Ammo also reports that the REVEL is made in Savage's Ontario, Canada, factory.
What's different
Stock and grip
Savage's release says the Classic "utilizes a walnut stock with a classic straight grip." The DLX gets "an upgraded contoured walnut stock with intricate stippling." Guns & Ammo found the DLX's comb slightly higher, which gives a better cheek weld under a scope. The Classic "comes up just perfect with iron sights." The Tactical swaps the walnut for an MDT Tactical synthetic stock with a clip-on cheek riser.
Threaded barrel
The DLX and Tactical have a 1/2-28 threaded muzzle, the standard rimfire suppressor thread. The Classic doesn't. With the federal NFA tax at $0 in 2026, that's a bigger deal than it used to be. Read your state's rules in our suppressor buying guide first.
Lever and butt
Savage calls the lever loop "oversize" on both walnut models. Guns & Ammo found the Classic's loop the larger of the two, while the DLX's narrower loop is shaped to fit its pistol grip. The DLX's rubber butt pad also matters more than it sounds: G&A's tester said the Classic's hard buttplate slid off his shoulder while working the lever from shooting sticks.
Price, then and now
Savage launched the Classic at $439 and the DLX at $539 in its September 24, 2024 release. Savage's pages now list $499-$519 for the Classic and $629-$659 for the DLX, so the gap has grown from $100 to $130 for the .22 LR models. The Tactical matches the DLX at $629 for .22 LR.
Which should you buy?
- Buy the REVEL Classic if you want a traditional-looking walnut saddle gun for iron sights, small game and teaching, at the lowest price.
- Buy the REVEL DLX if you'll add a scope or a suppressor. The threaded muzzle, higher comb and rubber pad are worth the $130.
- Buy the REVEL Tactical if you want a synthetic stock, an adjustable cheek riser and a factory rail. As of our last check its status is Announced, and Savage's release gave no ship date.
More lever guns, including Marlin's 2026 Trappers, are in our new lever-action rifles guide, and the rest of 2026's .22s are in our new rimfire guns guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Savage REVEL Classic and DLX?
Is the Savage REVEL Classic threaded?
How much is the Savage REVEL?
When did the Savage REVEL come out?
Sources
- Savage Arms REVEL Classic (rimfire lever): specs and price source (savagearms.com)
- Savage Arms REVEL DLX (rimfire lever): specs and price source (shop2.gzanders.com)
- Savage Arms REVEL Tactical (rimfire lever): specs and price source (savagearms.com)
- Savage Arms: REVEL Classic and DLX launch release (Sept. 24, 2024)
- Savage Arms: REVEL Tactical release (Oct. 8, 2026)
- Guns & Ammo: Savage REVEL Classic and DLX review (Sept. 29, 2025)
- Savage REVEL Classic model page
- Savage REVEL DLX model page
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