I just "bumped" my WTB ad for an R-55 in 17M2, a rifle I didn't even know existed until last year....but I know what you mean. There used to always be a couple in the EE no matter when you looked, just hasn't been the case lately. IN looking as often as I do, I've ended-up talking to guys who have them, who are also looking for specific guns...even in one case, a guy who has more than 1 of the same rifle just because he digs them. lol I bought one of his duplicates a year or two back, a Marlin 917M2. The second of those I've owned, only not letting this one go. Like the first one, this gun got a Rifle Basix trigger, and is a dandy shooter. Heavy though.
I searched a long time for an NEF in 17M2 and gave up. Figured it was the right rifle to own for such a hard-to-get ammo. A chore just to get through 50 rounds. lol I'd still like to own one. Speaking of rifles I've stopped searching for, a CZ452 Varmint in 17M2. Stopped short of bringing one up from the US, would probably cost around $800 when the dust settles, after fees/exchange. I'm into the idea, but not $800 into it.