Selecting a 17 HMR Rifle
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 5

I would like some help in selecting a 17 HMR rifle. I am not familiar with this caliber and I see alot of different brands in regular barrell's and bull barrell's. Can some folks that own this caliber give me some insight on what's good and what's not. I am planning to purchase one for my son-in-law's birthday on the 1st. Thank you in advance.
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970

I have a Browning T-Bolt (straight pull bolt not a turn-bolt) which is awesome. It's a lightweight, walk-about rifle and is dead nuts accurate. Trigger is quite good also. It is not a bull barrel but has a stainless barrel and walnut stock (which is rather attractive I might add). There are several configurations available.
#4

Here is a good place to start;
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_1...int_rifles.htm
...........and here is what I purchased;
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...m/917VS-CF.asp
Very happy !!!
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_1...int_rifles.htm
...........and here is what I purchased;
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...m/917VS-CF.asp
Very happy !!!
#5

I bought a Marlin 917V 5 years ago and it's a great rifle. You hardly ever hear of a 17hmr that isn't accurate, so it's up to you what you like and can afford. Mine's just the basic model and it will hit a squirrel at 100 yards all day long.
#6

I have a Savage 93R17 that's incredibly accurate, as well as a Marlin 17VSF. They are both tackdrivers and have taken down their share of short range (100-150yrds or less) coyotes, bobcats, prairie dogs, squirrels, etc. The Accu-trigger on the Savage is leaps and bounds ahead of the Marlin trigger. Side by side, they look almost like twins, both in grey laminate stocks, and stainless heavy barrels. The Marlin is fluted, which is a nice touch.
Ultimately, both are great rifles. I did come across a Ruger 77/17 that I hunted with for a while 2yrs ago, for the price, it just wasn't worth it. It was a great shooting rifle, and it was nice that it was pretty dang close to my .30-06 for size and handling (excluding the bolt throw of course), but the typical Ruger "Lawyer Trigger" was a major down side for me, not to mention the pricetag.
Ultimately, both are great rifles. I did come across a Ruger 77/17 that I hunted with for a while 2yrs ago, for the price, it just wasn't worth it. It was a great shooting rifle, and it was nice that it was pretty dang close to my .30-06 for size and handling (excluding the bolt throw of course), but the typical Ruger "Lawyer Trigger" was a major down side for me, not to mention the pricetag.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Baileysville, WV
Posts: 2,925

My Savage 93 with the bull barrel was unbelievably accurate... I think it would shoot the whole box of cci's into a quarter at 100.... Shouldnt have sold it but it was hard to pass up when someone offers you way more than ya paid for it.