I haven’t used a MkI in a long time, and in fairness, my MkII’s are ~13yrs old and ~6yrs old, and obviously the covid pandemic and RussoUkrainian invasion have had significant market influence since then, so I can’t speak to current production, firsthand. But the accuracy and reliability of both of mine have been the same. One is a higher model which came with a Boyd’s stock and a spiral fluted, relatively high polish barrel, I think around $750 out the door at the time, whereas the other is as bare bones as it gets, a mottled matte stainless lightweight barrel which came in Tupperware. Both shoot small, and my son and I have been through thousands and thousands of rounds with each. I’ve not had extraction issues, but I readily acknowledge relatively marginal designs - relatively speaking, Remington extractors suck, Savage centerfire extractors suck, Savage C clip Rimfire extractors suck - but I also concede to evidence that millions of Savages are running reliably all over the country.
The MkI/II are true Rimfire rifles with a smaller frame, lighter, more “Rimfire-y” feel compared to some models, but they’re good performers.
