.17HMR rifle —- helps me choose

OK guys, I calling on the brain trust here at IDO for some opinions and insight (maybe even some incite) in regards to choosing a rifle. I have decided to purchase a rifle in .17HMR caliber but which one,,,,, that is the question.

Please share with me which model you might purchase and more importantly WHY you would choose this model over the others available out there. Thanks, and looking forward to your responses. BTW This gun will be scoped and the primary use will be for squirrel hunting and target/plinking. I am less concerned with cosmetics and more concerned with accuracy.

Savage 93 17-HMR with Accu Trigger. I like the heavy barrel version. Nothing fancy here it is just a tack driver.

WS

The two most common I see with guys that want tack drivers have been the cz453 and the savage 93. I sold my cz after 1 prairie dog shoot. Awesome accuracy, just didn’t deliver enough punch for my needs. Hornady 20gr grouped at .650 at 100 yrds on my bench.

Randy,

In reading several reviews, they have all agreed that accuracy with the Savage93 is good. Yet they also mention issues with the fit and function of the magazine. Your thoughts in regards to that?
My son-in-law mentioned the Ruger77 as a good choice but I struggle to swallow the asking price. Seems to be head and shoulders higher priced than some of the competition. In your opinion, is it worth it? I don’t mind spending a bit more (or in this case, a lot more) if in fact I am getting value for my dollar.

Your thoughts? Anyone else feel free to comment as well. I can use all the input available.

Huntindave, If your interested I have a brand new in the box Savage 93r17 for sale? Never shot, Heavy Barrel laminated and thumbhole stock. Not sure where you are located in Iowa? I’m across the river from Winona MN. I have a good friend who is a FFL dealer close by.
Shawn

Dave, Ruger 77 fans are everywhere and they all preach good things. I have never owned or shot the R-77 in a 17, so i have no opinion. I think Savage has a sloppy bolt action, but I cant argue with the accuracy Vs. price point. I think my CZ was a little more than a savage , but I didn’t like the trigger as much.
These days you can look at about 350 as an entry new rifle that is bare bones and safe to shoot. Want better trigger??? Pay a littler more. Want better steel barrel, pay a little more. Want a better firing pin system, pay more…..

No knowledge of issues with the magazines,

I personally would by the CZ again or the Savage and use the cost savings for better glass (higher end scope)

I have a Ruger 77 in .17HMR. Heavy barrel and laminated stock. Yes it cost more than it should, but at the time I had $300 in Cabelas bucks. Smooth and accurate with any ammo I try. A year ago I bought a Ruger American Rimfire in .17HMR for my son. It was half the price of the M77 and shoots every bit as good. I would definitely look at the American in the group with the CZ and Savage.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/hunting/ruger-american-rimfire-review/

I think it will mainly come down to which rifles cosmetics and trigger you like best. Ruger,savage, they’re all good these days.

I question the need for a heavy barrel on an hmr unless you really plan on cutting loose with it.

Grouse

I purchased the standard savage 93 a couple years ago. It did come with a heavy barrel. Plain black synthetic stock. Topped it off with a 8X18 power BSA sweet 17 with turrets. Can’t say one bad thing about the gun with approx 700 rounds thought it. That accu trigger is awesome and the rifle scope combo is insanely accurate. Farthest I have pushed the gun is 260 yds from a bench with a 5 round shot group of 2.25″.

Another quick note. My buddy and me bought the same rifle a week apart. My gun preferred the CCI 20 grain game points and his preferred the 17 grain hornadys. Unless you want to blow prairie dogs up this rifle will do the trick. You should search 17HMR on YouTube. Tons of videos on there of long range ballistics testing and even videos of coyotes and foxs being taken out to 200 yds with this caliber.

Thanks guys for all the helpful information. I do have a scope on hand which I plan to mount onto what ever I end up with for a gun. The scope is a 3×9 Nikon w/ a 40 mm objective lens. This should be plenty for out to 125-150 yards. I don’t think a bull barrel is needed but a bull barrel does seem to be the most common offering. Right now I think I need to check out some 93’s to see how they feel in my hands. Thanks again for all the comments and opinions.

Riveruns,

Sent you a PM the other day.

I second or third? the savage 93 I bought one last summer with the accu trigger and i love it. It has the heavy barrel and the nicer bsa sweet .17 scope and it shoots like a dream.