What 17 HMR to buy?

[Muley Chaser]

I went out to sight in a new 17 for a friend today and had never shot one, let alone had any ambition to buy one. I was of the idea that a 22 is just fine, well now I want a 17 because those are some sweet shootin' rifles and pack a serious punch for the size. So I was wondering what the best option would be, I don't have that much money but want a decent bolt action 17. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[viking499]

I like my Marlin. If I was to do it again, I would pick a CZ. The CZ 4556 can switch barrels. You can get a 22 and a 17.

 

[mshootnit]

I bought a Savage 93R17 Bolt action with the black laminate stock, lightweight barrel. I glass bedded the rifle and sent it to sharp shooter for a custom trigger. It is very nice I would recommend it.

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

I've had a few different guns on the 22mag / 17HMR platform.

Right now, I have a CZ 453 'American', with the adjustable set trigger. AMAZING. Blows the Savage and Marlin guns out of the water.

That's not to say I will never buy something like a Savage again - I'm sure i will, especially at the price, but IMO CZ is superior in the production gun category. Unless you want to blow the $1,200+ on a 'semi custom' gun like Kimber, Anschutz, or Cooper then you wont find better.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive shot my 93r17 btvss side by side with a 453 and found that MY (YMMV etc.) savage had an accuracy edge, but both guns were under 1" at 100yds. The CZ s fit and finish was better then the savage. Price was about the same if i remember correctly. I didnt like the set trigger on the CZ....this is personal preference tho, and given a couple days to get used to it i might have loved it. As the CZ was not my rifle i didnt get to mess with it beyond that afternoon of sighting and load choosing.

 

[DoubleMag]

Savage over Marlin IMHO. subM.O.A. is very normal

The two are so close I've always wondered if one company makes them for the other. Wouldn't surprise me.

 

[hawkeye10]

My vote goes to CZ. Don

 

[627PCFan]

I second the savage over marlin. I pillar bedded mine, while it didnt tighten groups I no longer have the occasional flyer.

 

[essayons21]

Another vote for the Savage 93. Mine was the synthetic stocked heavy barrel version. I was planning on putting a Boyds stock on it, pillar bedding, trigger job, the whole works. Shoots golf balls at 100yds+ so I'm not messing with it.

A thought on pillar bedding .17s...

The concept behind bedding a rifle to the stock is to increase the rigidity of the entire platform and to minimize the movement of the barrel and receiver relative to the stock during the recoil impulse while the bullet is still in the barrel. Makes sense, and works.

However I really don't feel that the .17 HMR has enough recoil to really get the relatively heavy barrel and receiver moving in the stock. Pillar bedding certainly won't hurt, but I doubt it would really help all that much either.

I think this may be why Savage can get such good accuracy out of their guns while they wear really crappy stocks.

 

[TOU]

My buddy bought a Marlin; I bought two CZ 452's in 17 HMR. My buddy now wants one of my CZ's...not going to happen. Seriously, you get lots for your money with a CZ and is worth the few extra shekels. They are definitely something your great-grandchildren can and will be proud to shoot.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

CZ then Savage then Marlin. And you're right, the .17 HMR steps the rimfire up to a little firecracker.

 

[dubbleA]

I have a couple of Anschutz's , a Cooper in 17 HMR but my 2 beaters are a NEF handi rifle and a Ruger.

The little handi file is a good little truck gun, simple to operate but wish it had an ejector, I think I paid like $120 for it, if on a tight budget I would look at one.

 

[Davek1977]

I have a Marlin 917 VSF, and couln't be happier with it....other guns MAY be more accurate...but tiny one hole groups make me smile, and this one shoots them with boring regularity.

 

[Muley Chaser]

Thanks for the input, I was down at the local Big R store and they had the same marlin that I was shootin and it was only around two thirty, but I saw the CZ 452 military trainer and learned that you can get one in 17, anyone have any experience with that model of CZ? I happen to be a big fan of Mosin style iron sights.

 

[45crittergitter]

You didn't give your price range, but cheap I'd go with Savage, mid-range CZ I like the 453 over the 452) or Ruger, and high-end, Cooper.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

if you got extra cash, the CZ is great, if you want the same or better performance, be smart and go with the Savage 93. it's only a .17, save your money for a larger caliber and a better rifle.....then again Savage of nowadays are shooters.

 

[CCCP]

I went for CZ in your situation. Love it.

 

[roc1]

CZ 453 I love all my CZ rifles and pistols. The CZ is a shooter plus it is a beautiful rifle.
roc1

 

[Muley Chaser]

I've actually decided on the CZ 452 military trainer in 17HMR, I greatly appreciate the information!

 

[Lazy R]

I have the Savage, and for a fairly inexpensive rifle I could not be happier.



This guy poked just half his head out from the rocks at 80 yards. Plunk!

 

[doubleh]

I've had a Marlin 917VS for several years and I'll put it up against the Savages and CZs in the accuracy department. That's shooting the 17 v-max. It doesn't care for the 20 gr. stuff.