1564 what is wrong with the Ruger rings? They are stronger and less problematic than a standard Leupold base and ring setup. I have NEVER had a failure with a Ruger ring and one of my 77s is a 7mag that is nearly 20 years old and it has held onto a 4x12x40 Nikonsince day one and without so much as a slightly loose stud.

The 17 is a GREAT caliber. Yes you will have to shoot squirrels in the head simply because it will cut one in half with a body shot! I have shot 12" steel discs at 300yds with the 17 so you would be surprised how far you can plink around with em.

Great lookin rig too,
RA