.17HMR Ruger v. Sako

[XenopusTex]

After dealing with a cranky inherited Savage Model 93 in .17HMR, I've decided that it's time to replace the thing. After bad experiences with two Savage rimfires (.17HMR and .22WMR) that I inherited, I'm not going there again.

After trying a few out, I've kind of narrowed the list down to the Ruger 77/17 series and the Sako Finn-Fire II. Amusingly, the Ruger 77/17 is roughly the same price, or more, depending on configuration.

I like the fit/finish on the Sako, but given varmint hunting up here, the weapon is going to get beaten up a bit.

Thoughts?

 

[ZGunner]

Out of those two I would choose the Ruger simply because I have experience with it, and its been nothing but good (love that magazine). Never laid hands on a Sako rimfire but their centerfires, along with Tikka's, are amazing.

Just out of curiosity, have you looked at the CZ 455 or the older 452? I ask because they are roughly half the price (even with varmint barrel) so it might hurt less if it got a few dings. I have a 452 American in 17 HMR that is my go to rimfire, it been flawless over at least 900-1000 rounds. No failure to ejects like I've had with nearly all my Savages at some point.

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

The CZ's are great shooters. I've got a couple. Didn't realize Sako was doing rimfires.

 

[RainDodger]

I have had a Savage 93 for a couple of years. It has spent more time with the gunsmith than any of my other rifles. It has been bedded, lapped, lightened, new heavy floor-plate, messed with, scoped and you name it. I've spent more money on it than it cost in the first place and I'm still not satisfied with it.

It's with the gunsmith now because it wasn't extracting reliably. If he can't make it 100% this time, it's going on the auction block. That's my thought about the Savage. From all I've read, I'd look at CZs. (I've had extremely good luck with CZ handguns, so I'd look there for sure.)

I also have a Tikka... it's really amazing for a box-stock .30-'06, so it's a difficult problem, but if it's the worst problem you have, you're in good shape.

Pay your money, take your chances.

 

[Sniper66]

I have a Ruger 77/17 with sport barrel. It is well built with very nice fit and finish. I've carried it to hunt squirrels many times over the last 10-15 years and it has never failed me. The only problem with it is if a shoot it a lot like when shooting prairie dogs, the barrel heats up and the accuracy is affected. It tends to string groups under such circumstances, but it is otherwise an excellent rifle. When I bought it, I was comparing it to the CZ. I finally opted for the Ruger because it felt like a full sized field rifle. About the Sako, I don't have one, but Sako makes fine rifles. Doubt you could go wrong with it.

 

[Kookla]

Xenopus- what's the issue you're having with your savage? I have a savage 9317 scope combo I got from Cabelas a while back- it's not the most reliable feeding rifle I've used. The magazines are very loose when inserted. Called savage and they sent me a couple more, but they still are loose. However, the rifle is so accurate I keep it and shoot it with these warts.

 

[RainDodger]

Kookla, you're right about the Savage magazine fit. I've never seen such a poorly designed mechanism. Mine fails occasionally... but like you said, the rifle is accurate. I can't believe they haven't fixed that... like right away.