Savage has a couple new 17s for 06 you might want to check out. I like the idea of the accu-trigger. http://www.savagearms.com/2006_pressrelease.htm

I purchased the Ruger 77 in 17 HMR for my landowner that allows me to hunt there. He has a groundhog problem around his barn and he said he wanted to see how it shot, so I bought it for him as a thank you. This gun is incredible!!! It shoots .25" groups at 50 yards, with Hornady ammo. He has taken 5 hogs with it this year, shooting most in the eye/nose area with it. I wished Ida kept it for myself.

You have a pretty incredible rifle if you shoot out to 300 yards being consistent on the target... I found with any little wind, the bullet would drift past 100 yards and even at 100 yards sometimes depending on the wind...

I'm right in the same boat. I'm looking to purchace a 17 hmr also. Have seen the savage and the marlin, but only thru glass. both look practically identical. I'm looking at the one with the bull target barrel. Had finally decided on the Marlin cause I have several other dependable marlins, but I haven't actually gone out and bought the gun yet. Guess I'm going to keep my eye on this post.

The savage and the marlin are very close to the same rifle pretty much. Go with which ever looks and feels best to YOU. Both will be very accurate for a decent price. I have savage heavy barrel with the wood stock and love it. I like the shorter mag as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is the new savages can be had with the accutrigger now. This is a huge improvement since the tiggers on the older savages and the marlins suck out of the box. You either need to re work them or get a rifle basics trigger for 60-70 bucks and put it in.

The rugers are nice rifles, feel more like a centerfire than the other two and the build quality is a bit better. However I have heard they have accuracy issues as well compared to the marlin and savage, which is not good considering the price. IF you want to spend more money there are better choices than the ruger in my opinion.

I love those Henry's as well. I had one in a .22 and it was a great rifle. They are not too fun to shoot off from a bench though. I think a lever gun in 17HM2 would be a wicked squirrel gun!

Paul

Thanks for the link Sharkey. Thank you to everyone who has responded. Paul, would you buy the Savage again?

Yep, I love savage weapons. I think they are great buys for the money. I used to a have a 110E in 30-06 in the 80's. I sold it to a buddy who still has it and it works great. The fit and finnish isn't as nice as some of the better rifles, but niether is the price. We had a remington pump at the same time and I thought my savage was the much better weapon. It wasn't as pretty but it was more accurate, had less recoil, and cost less money.

If I had it to do over again I would get the same gun I have but with the accutrigger. I don't like the extended magazine on the marlins either, that is where I put my hand when I shoot. If I had the money I might get a stainless version with the laminated stock. I am thinking of getting an after market stock for mine.

Mine right out of the box would shoot at least 1 inch groups at 100 yards (with no wind) with the hornady V-max ammo. And it's not even broken in yet! I do have a pretty nice scope and mounts though. I have an Alaskan Guide 6.5-20x44 A/O scope from cabela's that cost twice what the gun did.

I compared it to some .22 ammo not that long ago for accuracy and drop at 50,75, and 100 yards. I fired 3 shots at each range aiming at the same point. All nine shots from the 17 went into a hole a dime would cover. My conclusion, very accurate and very flat out to 100 yards. And my savage was only 200 bucks before tax. I did fix the trigger though, but it was just as accurate before I did that.

That being said I wouldn't refuse a marlin if you wanted to give me one either, or if it was the only thing available. I have had a few marlins as well and they are great guns too. I'd also be happy with a H&R single shot, you should take a look at those, probably be cheaper than the savage or marlin.

Paul

Thanks Paul. I guess now all I need to do is figure out which stock ( laminated or synthetic ) and then put a scope on it.

i would go with the savage and bull barell with a scope
my two cents