17 HMR Rifle

[zdc1775]

I am in the process of looking for a 17 HMR bolt action that will mainly be used for target shooting and varmit hunting. I'm having a hard time deciding which one to get. It will be a few weeks at least before I actually buy it and I have narrowed it down 3 but would like to hear any other options. My current budget is around $300 for the rifle.
My current ideas are
Marlin 917
Savage 93R17 FV
or waiting for the Ruger American 17 HMR

 

[MinnesotaFats]

savage 93R17 GV for me. i know its not an option but oh well. truth is all those rifles would be good, im not sure if the ruger has a heavy barrel though?

 

[zdc1775]

Why the GV over the FV? The heavy barrel isn't really important as long as the rifle is accurate.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I've yet to see any .17hmr that wouldn't shoot. Get the one that feels the best.

 

[EdLaver]

CZ 452 is the best, i've had rabbit kills at 180-200 yards with mine. VERY accurate.

 

[zdc1775]

I would probably have included the CZ but I haven't seen any 452's in a while and the 455's are about 125-150 more than I want to spend in my area.

I do still have time plently of time to save up some more money while I'm doing my research so by the time I buy that might be an option.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I have recently bought a Marlin XT 22 mag and have been pleased with it. If the 17 is basiclly the same rifle in the different caliber it would likely be a good value.

 

[osteodoc08]

I had the Savage you mentioned in the past. It was a good combination of accuracy and economy. Was it the best target rifle? No. Was it "good enough"? absolutely.

Sold it off to fund other projects. to be honest, I really dont miss it, but it was fun while I had it. Kinda like an old girlfriend you think about every now and then for a passing second.

 

[viking499]

I would probably have included the CZ but I haven't seen any 452's in a while and the 455's are about 125-150 more than I want to spend in my area.

I do still have time plently of time to save up some more money while I'm doing my research so by the time I buy that might be an option.

Look online. Most of the 452's that are still out there are HMR's.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

CZs are pricey, my $300 Savage model 17 is super accurate, I use it on large varmints like coyotes and even hogs, have taken some large hogs in my cattle pastures with body lung/heart shots. hog infestation....cheaper than shooting larger center fire calibers. you get what you pay for and I am sure the CZ will be a shooter, but my Savage with accutrigger is pretty damn good and I am happy with it.

 

[sappyg]

Were I in the OPs shoes I would try to hold out for the Ruger American.
I have a Savage and CZ in 17 hmr and they are good for what they are (actually the CZ is excellent) but the American checks a lot of boxes and IIRC I have seen one in 17 hmr at a LGS.
It has a great trigger. It's light weight. Has a lifetime warranty (I think) and at a good price. I think they are also gaining a reputation for accuracy as well.

 

[tuj]

Savage 93R17 BTVS here. Great rifle. Will shoot sub-1MOA at 100 yards consistently, sometimes much better.

 

[Esoxchaser]

I have the 93R17FVSS. Yes, it is a true sub MOA rifle right out of the box. An amazing rifle, especially at the price.

 

[mwpslp]

I also have the Savage and love it. I bought mine slightly used on Gunbroker with a 2.5-10X40 scope for $305 shipped.

 

[Vol46]

Happy Savage 93R17 BVSS owner here.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

like I said before, the Savage 93 is a helluva rifle, unless you just got to spend more $$ on a CZ

 

[viking499]

like I said before, the Savage 93 is a helluva rifle, unless you just got to spend more $$ on a CZ

Sometimes, you just have to do the right thing........

 

[bamajoey]

Do yourself a favor, spend a little more and get a CZ. You won't regret it. The 452's are still around, you just have to be patient.

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=64601

 

[Bush Pilot]

Were I in the OPs shoes I would try to hold out for the Ruger American.
I have a Savage and CZ in 17 hmr and they are good for what they are (actually the CZ is excellent) but the American checks a lot of boxes and IIRC I have seen one in 17 hmr at a LGS.
It has a great trigger. It's light weight. Has a lifetime warranty (I think) and at a good price. I think they are also gaining a reputation for accuracy as well.

Did Ruger announce the American in 17HMR?

 

[zdc1775]

Did Ruger announce the American in 17HMR?

Website says available February. They've also announced a recall for the 22 WMR and 17 HMR rifles that were made between November 17 and January 8. Maybe its just me but to recall a rifle before it's even released kinda worries me. It's a shame too because I looked at the 22 LR version yesterday and liked it enough to ask the owner to order the 17; that's when I found out about the recall.

I will keep looking around for a 452, but don't know if I will have the patience to wait for one.

 

[Coyote3855]

Not a bolt action, but I am very happy with my NEF heavy barrel break action single shot with synthetic stock. Cost me about $100 leaving enough in my pocket for Leupold 3.5x10 scope. The .17 HMR really needs good glass to live up to its potential.

 

[RainDodger]

I have the Savage 93R BTVS. Admittedly, it is not all factory original. I sent it to a well known Savage 'smith (details available), and spent a bit to glass bed the action, lighten and smooth the action, lightly lap the bore, re-crown the muzzle, install a heavier than factory floor plate, and install the really nice scope base. That's what I remember off-hand. It really, really shoots well. If you're not going to do any additional work, I might not go for the Savage, as what I've heard, it needs a bit of work to really reach full potential. I can't speak for the other rifles, but if you put a little time or $$ into the Savage, it is quite a shooter.

 

[Furncliff]

CZ 452 Varmint .17 HMR Thumbhole stock Nikon Monarch scope.

Whatever extra money the CZ is...it's worth it. These are heirloom quality and they're backed by A+ customer service.

Here's one for $420 with the standard walnut stock.

http://lanbosarmory.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_29_30_34&products_id=7676&zenid=ec49c9f5f14ca1680b0bf1499cee06fa

 

[Teachu2]

I have a Savage 93R BTVS and a CZ 455. I wanted a 455 in .22lr, but the only one I could find was the three barrel set from Bud's - so it shoots .22lr, .22WMR, and .17HMR. Both are completely stock, and both shoot great. The CZ is definately more nicely finished, but on any given day it's a coin flip to see which shoots better. Both are well under MOA. The squirrels hate 'em equally...

 

[TimboKhan]

I have a Savage 93R7 F. It was cheap, and it feels like it.

But yet, I enjoy shooting it. It has a good trigger, and while I would never in a million years recommend it as a fine rifle that represents the apex of rifle-making, I will say it outshoots it's price tag.

It's just, you know, cheap. I paid a total of $245 for it, brand new, and it shoots tiny little groups out to 75 yards consistently and with no effort. The stock feels cheap, and while sturdy the receiver just feels and looks cheap. But still, for all that I say am unimpressed, I would recommend it as a cheap rifle that will let you get into the caliber with a minimum of expense. I certainly would rather have a Ruger, and maybe I will buy one of the new American rifles, but the Hawkeye is just too expensive for a rimfire rifle in my view.