17 HMR is a great round if kept within its limits. I've shot coons, cats, squirrels, rabbits and coyotes. All have fallen with little to no effort. I have a 22 mag, Marlin model 25N Bolt action....great gun . My 17HMR is a Newengland fire arms sportster model, black polyamere stock with bull barrel, single shot. with rings and bushnell 3X9 (I like to see the whites of their eyes!) Rifle was $129.00, scope 38.00 and 15.00 for rings......Love the sportster.... heavy enough with the bull barrel to just sit there rock steady when the time is right. Thats my two cents without any change.................