Thinking about converting to a 17 hmr

IndyHunter83 · 08-20-2009, 06:51 AM

I've been a 22 mag since I was 13 yrs old. they're just great guns but I'm hearing alot about the 17 and I was looking at them at gander mountian and I almost bought the dang thing right there. I've had the same 22 mag for 14 years now and it was used when I bought it so its definately looking rough. I'd be using the 17 for anything from squirrels to coyotes. Little worried that it may not be right for coyotes. Are they really as good as everyone says they are or is it hype? And what is the difference between the hmr and the mach 2?

If anyone has articles or can tell me as much as possible. The prospect of the velocity and accuracy is really what I want to know. I'm thinking either savage or marlin. Your thoughts are appreciated.

schlitz540 · 08-20-2009, 08:13 AM

I have the Marlin 917 with the heavy varmint barrel. These guns are a blast to shoot, no recoil, and extremely accurate. I would say they may be a bit of overkill for squirrel, if yoou plan to eat them, but will do the job. It also might be a bit light for coyotes. It is a great plinking round. great rifle/round to have around the house for general varmint shooting, etc.

zrexpilot · 08-20-2009, 09:19 AM

I wouldnt use a .17 on coyotes and the .22 mag is still a little small for yotes as well, but is better than the .17 for yotes, unless you head or neck shoot them.
The .17 is a bit destructive on small game at close ranges so head shots would be the ticket for closer ranges. However the .17 is extremely accurate at 100 yds. So much so that when they came out they demolished every rimfire in 100 yd competition shooting so they designated a class for themselves.
The .17 is a long range small game gun, it is what it is. Its not a varmint round.
I have one in a marlin and it shoots awsome, the savages are just as good, pick one you like and buy it.

Sheridan · 08-20-2009, 12:51 PM

Hope this helps;

Here is what I have slated to buy next in 17HMR.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...m/917VS-CF.asp

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.rimfire-rifles.html

However, this is what I use in .204 if it's windy or a longer shot on a yote.

http://www.savagearms.com/16fcss.htm

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.204-ruger.html

Centaur 1 · 08-20-2009, 07:40 PM

I have the Marlin 917V, $200 at Walmart. For an extra $50 you can get the laminated thumbhole stock. I put a Mueller APV 4.5-14X40AO scope on it and I can hit a dime at 100 yards with mine. I haven't used mine on anything larger than a squirrel and it's deadly on them, if they don't fall down dead it's because you missed it. It's not uncommon to just find bloody flaps of skin where the head used to be, and a shot to the chest usually removes the heart, lungs and the opposite front leg. This might seem like a little overkill but you'll find yourself taking longer and longer shots just to see if you can do it. You'll never hit a squirrel at 150 yards with a .22lr. My brother in law tells me that where he's at in Alabama, the guys who chase hogs with dogs are using the .17hmr to kill the hogs. They claim that it makes a tiny entrance hole through the skull, then explodes like a hand grenade inside the head. I'm sure that it will be fine for coyotes if you only take head shots.

IndyHunter83 · 08-21-2009, 06:50 PM

I'm thinking I'm gonna probably finish up this season with my 22 mag and then put together a really nice combo in the spring. But you never know. If I can sell one or two of my other rifles I'll probably go for something. Does any one know anything about the Savage Accu Trigger system?