.17HMR rifle--- help me choose

Huntindave McCann

Huntindave McCann

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OK guys, I calling on the brain trust here at DHBP for some opinions and insight (maybe even some incite) in regards to choosing a rifle. I have decided to purchase a rifle in .17HMR caliber but which one,,,,, that is the question.
Please share with me which model you might purchase and more importantly WHY you would choose this model over the others available out there.
BTW; This gun will be scoped and the primary use will be for squirrel hunting and target/plinking. I am less concerned with cosmetics and more concerned with accuracy.

Thanks, and looking forward to your responses.
 
Dave, while I've never been a real fan of the tiny, little .17, they are very popular with the masses.


I have several .22's, (older) Marlins, and will stick with them.


Here's a pretty good article to read over: http://www.chuckhawks.com/...R_varmint_rifles.htm


The Savage rifles are cheap, and shoot decent, but I have a problem with the lack of finish and fit quality they exhibit.


Since Ohio recently legalized straight wall, center fire cartridges for deer, and the majority of my shots are well within 100 yards, my next rifle will be a Ruger 4477. It's based on their 77 frame, chambered in .44 Magnum.


My vote would be for the Ruger, but that's just me.


Good luck!


Jon
 
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Jon,


I would say the fit and finish on the 93R is as good as any other "average man's" gun OTHER than the mag..... it is by far the worst mag I have ever used....
I bought mine, because of the lack of constant availability of .22LR. But, the accuracy of this makes it my GO TO!



 
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gun OTHER than the mag..... it is by far the worst mag I have ever used....
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Phil,

Most of the reviews I've read have mentioned the magazine as being a weak point as well. Just a sloppy fit or does that also translate to feeding issues?

I've also considered the Ruger line. What really astonishes me with Ruger is the wide price difference between a 77/17 at $999.00 and an American at $339.00 and nothing in between. Granted the model 77 has a finely finished wood stock but is the action, barrel and such any better? Will it hold tighter groups? If so just how bad is an American at a third the price?

Wish I knew if the mag issues on the Savages have been addressed (most of the reviews I've read are getting dated) . Even then, with out a model number change, one never knows just how old the gun being bought actually is, if your dealer has to order it. You may end up with one fresh off the line or one manufactured several years ago and sitting in a warehouse for most of it's life.
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Phil,

From your earlier pics, it seems this may be Sarah's gun (if your keeping score) Maybe I should ask her first if I can shoot her gun? ;>) My daughter can out shoot her husband any day of the week. Must be in her genes.
 
i bought one of the savage models stainless with a plastic stock (forgot the model and I'm not home).

it can't keep 17 grain bullets on a piece of paper but it is a tack driver with the 20 grain rounds.

i bought mine for squirrels too but it blows them apart. i shot one just behind the skull, the head was held on by a piece of skin dental floss diameter and the front shoulders were hamburger.

if i would do it over i would buy the 17 HM2
 
Sarah is a very good shot! I am very proud of her ability. I am not too worried of her outshooting me, although she did on that day! (my bad shooting of that same day)


 
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I have only shot CCI Gamepoint in mine. 20grain, 2375 FPS. Rabbits, and other larger sized fur trespassers... feral and wild, seems to not blow the head out too much... especially on the feral trespassers... perhaps if you aimed 1/4" closer to the nose...;)
 
Dave,
I bought a Marlin 917V a couple of years ago at a gun show/swap. I think I paid $100 for the gun (still in the box) and picked up a BSA sweet 17 at the same show.
I love the gun, and would challenge Phil's wife any day of the week.
But around here, 17 HMR can be just as hard to find as 22 shells.
Andrew
 
Thanks guys for all the info and replies. I think I'll see if I can find a Savage locally around here that I can fondle a bit for evaluation. I think I'd like a thumb hole stock but have never handled one so we'll see.


Phil, I too have a 3X9 Nikon w/ a 40mm objective lens. This would be the scope that will go on the new gun. If I can't find a Savage any closer to home, I may just pay you a visit.
 
cz... I have the 455 american in 17hmr and 22lr topped off with a weaver v16. I've got a 452 trainer in 22lr. Both are awesome guns. I looked at the savages, but I wanted something a little nicer for the money.
 
I have a cooper. Probably cost more than its worth but 10 shot groups under an inch at 100 yards is the norm.
It out shoots my centerfires out to 200yds.

And it sure is "purtty" ;-)
 
If your wallet is thin, the Savage is great rifle for the money. But if your wallet is a little thicker, look into the Anschutz. Probably triple the money but oh man is it a nice rifle!
 
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