Classiest .17 HMR

If "I" had more money than brain and "I" was looking for a classy 17hmr to take to the field.... I'd be tempted to get something built around a (Canadian made) Martin Hagn miniature falling block action.


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this one was built by Buehler Custom in Oregon

A bare action is around $2,500...
 
Fair enough, I know it's not your thing but I bought a CZ 452 Scout for the kids, I like it a lot, I'd like to pair it with a Bearcat. However I've got them on a Brno ZKW 465 K-Hornet as well and other than a small cost factor, I can't think of 1 thing the rimfire does better than the Hornet.

Now the Low Wall in 17 Hornet or 22 K-Hornet would be nice.
 
If you're thinking heirloom, nothing will ever top something that dad built. You obviously have the skills...in fact, if there was someway you can work together on elements of the rifle it will, over time, take on a level of appreciation to him even more than Peter Hoefer's double.
 
For what it's worth, my only complaint about the 1727F is that the mags are only 4 round. The OCD in me goes nuts when loading out of those plastic cases that hold the 17HMR rounds, with rows of 5.
 
Beaver Skin said:
If you're thinking heirloom, nothing will ever top something that dad built. You obviously have the skills...in fact, if there was someway you can work together on elements of the rifle it will, over time, take on a level of appreciation to him even more than Peter Hoefer's double.
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My thoughts exactly - No production rifle could ever match the sentimental value of a built for purpose rifle crafted by Dad!
 
Ardent said:
Leaning low wall right now and likely in .22 WMR as I think a single is a great way to learn, and prefer a falling block single to a bolt.

Annie 1727 is a close, hard follow up I may cave for.
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You seem like a much more qualified guy that I am Ardent, but I feel a responsibility to try and dissuade you from getting any rimfire in 22WMR if accuracy is a serious consideration. I'm actually looking at getting back INTO 22WMR, as I've always been impressed by the caliber's killing power on small game. Far better than 17HMR in my experience, albeit, not nearly as accurate. (or even close) As much as I love CZ, BRNO, Anschutz for rimfires...I wouldn't spend even CZ money on 22WMR when (and I hate to say it) I have no faith in it shooting better than a Savage, or anything else. I've owned a Savage in 22WMR, but have shot Marlin/CZ in the caliber too now, running all kinds of ammo types through it. Results seem to be nearly the same~1-1/4" to 1-1/2" @ 100 yards. That bugged the he** out of me with even my Savage, let alone if I'd spent $3K+ on a rifle!

Ultimately, your $, your kid, your rifle=your choice. Having reread this whole thread this morning, I'm still surprised nobody is pushing 22LR harder. SO many rifle options, SO many ammo varieties..and being a kid (if the OP's kid is anything like I was) being able to sit and shoot 300-400+ rounds in an afternoon was like a dream come true. The expense of HMR ammo, and the potential for a hot barrel needing more attention at cleaning time would probably push me hard towards 22LR.
 
As I mentioned above, this rifle will never be bench tested, all field shooting, grouse, rabbit, the odd coyote and plinking mostly offhand. 1 1/2” is far more than sufficient for what we’re up to, and the .22 Mag is the best rimfire for the job in mind by good measure. I also am concerned with lead exposure and the .22 Mag and .17 HMR offer far most options and methods of avoiding lead handling.
 
My personal top three choices are: Cooper 57M CC, Anschutz 1727F, and the Kimber Super America. I ended up with the Cooper, and still wouldn't trade it for either of the other two. The 1727F is a very, very close second for me though. The Cooper just strikes me as the most classic, conventional, field-oriented rifle. The Fortner action of the Anschutz is very cool, but definitely a little less conventional.
 
There's an Anschutz 1522 .22WMR with double set triggers on the EE at the moment. It is not mine and I personally don't know the seller or the rifle. It would make a great starter rifle for a boy learning to shoot. Also gives dad extra time to finalize a decision on what rifle is the right one for the son.
 
Ardent said:
I build rifles small scale and am just finishing a Hagn mini...
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I'm curious to see this when it's finished!

It's a no-brainer then! Something you've made will always be more memorable than something you bought.
How old is he? If you can get him involved somehow (even if it's only small sanding task) He'll remember it as the rifle you both build.

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As far as lead exposure, the only people who've had problems with the lead level in their blood... had some ancient lead-plumbing in their house.

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A 40x in 17HMR would also be nice... but not as nice as miniature Martin Hagn :cool:
 
Lead in high enough levels to be detectable in the blood isn’t the issue, it’s been well established any lead exposure to developing brains is detrimental to IQ. .22LR doesn’t do anything a .22 Mag or .17 HMR can’t and I can afford the ammo for the mag, plus it’s much cleaner ammunition to handle and shoot and there are fully non-tox offerings. I agree on the building may have to go that route.
 
I really like the ISSC Straight Pull in Walnut. I have no idea how they shoot, but I have handled one and it felt great, looked sweet and the action was smooth!
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BTW, I have a CZ455 in .17, and it shoots like a laser beam >1, and usually 1/2 MOA at 100 yards with most ammo. Can't improve on that a whole lot.
 
Meroh said:
BTW, I have a CZ455 in .17, and it shoots like a laser beam >1, and usually 1/2 MOA at 100 yards with most ammo. Can't improve on that a whole lot.
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That is incredible. While not arguably a rifle that would be called classy in the company of many of the other rifles referred to in this thread, that 455 is possibly near unique.
 
1885 low wall in 17HMR would also be nice, and you could get a brand-new donor rifle for 1/2 the $ of a Hagn.

E. Arthur Brown makes a nice little falling block (BF pistol), that would be nice in rimfire... But their ought to be a nicer way to attach a rifle stock to it.

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