At first I could see no use for the thing but the more I hear about it the more I think it has some application for long range small game hunting. The 22 Mag fills about the same nich but the 17 is faster and flatter. I may get one of the NEF rifles in that caliber. I have read a lot of reports on the 17 in the NEF and its a fine accurate little rifle. If you don't mind single shots.