Best .17 HMR Options

balonbay thank you so much for the insight.
The RPR you mentioned is REALLY interesting, in fact this is what started my interest in a dedicated plinking gun. I am conflicted as to whether I might find use for the cartridge outside of the range (I am not a small game hunter, but would like the option to do it if the opportunity arose). For that, I assumed a regular sporting stock (ie CZ 457 or Tikka T1X) would be better suited doing range / hunting duty.
That said, do you find the RPR handy enough to carry? Also, do you find the 18.5" barrel limits velocity / accuracy?

I love the idea that it is adjustable right out of the box, without the need to buy a MDT or other stock.
Thanks a bunch.

Lilmike8,
I can't speak on the velocity because I've never used any measuring devices to compare the speeds between RPR, Tikka, and CZ (18" vs 20" barrel, etc.). I also think a lot of the speed and accuracy has to do with the type of ammo you're using. I recommend heavier bullets for 17 HMR; those perform best in all my 17 HMR rifles. But there's no doubt that Tikka and CZ are higher quality in terms of the action; the bolts are a lot smoother than the Ruger's, and Tikka and CZ outperform the Ruger in terms of accuracy as well.

If weight is a concern and you might take it hunting, then I probably will recommend the Tikka. The synthetic stock on the Tikka should be quite nice against the elements and easy to clean, and it's very light (actually too light IMO for bench shooting).

The RPR is bulkier, heavier, and not as easy to carry as a traditional stock, and if you do, I'll probably recommend a smaller scope. But it does offer the benefits of adjustability out-of-the-box, so LOP, cheek-rest-height, can all be adjusted to be perfect fit. Also - another benefit of RPR, it comes with a pre-installed picatinny rail; so it's a lot easier to just buy a scope and rings. The Tikka and CZ do not come with pic-rails, so you'll need dedicated rings (specific to Tikka / CZ receiver), OR pay additional for a dedicated pic-rail (MDT, EGW, Talley make great rails), which will set you back around $75 - $100.

If you are considering upgrading the chassis and turning this into a serious bench / range gun, then I would recommend CZ (or Tikka).
If you are looking to do a "budget-build" for as lowest cost as possible, then go for the Ruger (RPR).
If you are going to take the same rifle to hunting or range, then Tikka with the original synthetic stock.
 
CZ seems to be the nicest I have tried.
(I happen to have one available lol)
My friend runs the savage a17 and it’s very good but needs the higher velocity ammo.
 
Well forget my first reply suggesting the CZ457 Canadian if your main use will be at the range, they are more fun in the field because they are light and well balanced…

So like others said, CZ w/heavy barrels, Lightgow, Tikka, Anschutz are all great picks. CZ have alot of aftermarket options.

I was browsing the EE and saw a couple nice 17hmr rifles… a Ruger 77/17 ( unknown kind of accuracy but nice rifle for sure ), a Sako Finfire II and a very nice Anschutz 1517 w/heavy barrel ( if you like classic wood stock/blued metal w/nice trigger if you want to leave it stock ). The Anschutz asking price is under a grand, which is a very good deal and its sitting in the EE for a while so I’m sure you can discuss the price with the seller.
 
The only problem with the savage mags is that over time the little lips on the back of the magazine open up slightly. Causing the magazine to sit a bit looser, which gives you feeding problems. It's a ten second fix, literally just bend them back in gently, I just press it down onto a hard surface. Check the magazine in the gun, and make it so it fits right, but not too tight.
Same magazine they have had forever. My old man's old Lakefield 22lr is the exact same style mag. Same with his old 22 mag, exact same magazine as the 17HMR. In my opinion the only downfall to the savage, because they are extremely accurate, come in a million models and different stocks. But once the magazine is getting well used, it's a quick and simple fix for hundreds and hundreds of rounds downrange again. A very small caveat in my opinion, but one none the less. I am sure with alot of the cheaper options from savage the stocks are less than ideal as well.
 
I have a Savage B17 Precision w/MDT Chassis. It comes with a adjustable Accutrigger that breaks crisp and goes down to 1.5 lbs. For under $800 it presents great value considering the stock, 10 round barrel mag and trigger that comes with. It shoots really tight groups with cci HMR 17 ammo.

Ammo is cheap and the rifle is reasonably priced.

savage b17.jpg

 
Looking at getting a .17 HRM to do some range duty / something easy to carry in the field. Default choices seem to be Tikka T1X and CZ 457 ( I love the Canadian edition..) - are there others I should be considering? Let me hear 'em please!

I've been very happy with my Tikka T1X in .17HMR. (Although I am also partial to CZ.)
 
I happen to be looking at 17HMR so this thread being at the top of the rimfire forum when I opened it must be a sign :)
Does anyone have any experience with the Steyr Scout rifles? I like the look of it but read so-so reviews.
 
Well forget my first reply suggesting the CZ457 Canadian if your main use will be at the range, they are more fun in the field because they are light and well balanced…

So like others said, CZ w/heavy barrels, Lightgow, Tikka, Anschutz are all great picks. CZ have alot of aftermarket options.

I was browsing the EE and saw a couple nice 17hmr rifles… a Ruger 77/17 ( unknown kind of accuracy but nice rifle for sure ), a Sako Finfire II and a very nice Anschutz 1517 w/heavy barrel ( if you like classic wood stock/blued metal w/nice trigger if you want to leave it stock ). The Anschutz asking price is under a grand, which is a very good deal and its sitting in the EE for a while so I’m sure you can discuss the price with the seller.
Thanks a bunch for going through the effort of looking on EE, I am going to have a peek!
 
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