I'm looking at buying my first rifle for plinking. I'm trying to decide between 17hmr or 22. I'm leaning toward the 17. I would be shooting at a range with a maximum of 85 yards. The 2 firearms I am interested in are the Savage 93R17FXP (or similar in 22) and the Ruger American. I am interested in opinions on these and if a 22 would be a better choice than the 17?
Which one?
- Thread starter benellim1
- Start date
If the difference in the price of ammo isn't a concern and if you ever intend to stretch your shooting out beyond 85, or 100 meters, then the 17 HMR would be nice.
But with the cost of 17 HMR sitting at about 4 times that of 22 LR, it might be a factor worth considering. There are plenty of .22 LR rifles out there that are more then capable
at the distances you are considering.
Another option would be to get yourself a CZ 455 with a set of 17 HMR and .22 LR barrels - there dilemma solved.
But with the cost of 17 HMR sitting at about 4 times that of 22 LR, it might be a factor worth considering. There are plenty of .22 LR rifles out there that are more then capable
at the distances you are considering.
Another option would be to get yourself a CZ 455 with a set of 17 HMR and .22 LR barrels - there dilemma solved.
If it's plinking you want to do (which we all like! ) then I'd say the 22 for reasons cited already. 17HMR is an awesome caliber, and would likely print tighter groups....but for the cost of the stuff, I feel I have to have a higher purpose in mind when I pull the HMR out. Greater distance, or a varmint in the crosshairs.
Nobody should be without a decent 22 bolt gun either, so for sure...the place to start for that reason alone. I'd pick the Ruger American over that Savage if I were you...but a CZ over the Ruger if $ allows.
) then I'd say the 22 for reasons cited already. 17HMR is an awesome caliber, and would likely print tighter groups....but for the cost of the stuff, I feel I have to have a higher purpose in mind when I pull the HMR out. Greater distance, or a varmint in the crosshairs. Nobody should be without a decent 22 bolt gun either, so for sure...the place to start for that reason alone. I'd pick the Ruger American over that Savage if I were you...but a CZ over the Ruger if $ allows.
- Location
- West Quebec
Usually it starts out plinking then the accuracy bug hits for that reason I'd for with the CZ in whatever combo you like.
Agree with the above re: cost of ammo ... you can buy better grade .22 ammo such as CCI MiniMags and Stingers if you want to play with accuracy and ballistics. I have a Savage 93 stainless with the thumbhole stock and I am more than pleased, excellent gun, would not hesitate to recommend it to a buddy.
If price of ammo isn't a concern then don't forget about the 22 WMR as well ... awesome ballistics.
Also, eventually you will be spending $ on a scope too ... no need for a Zeiss on a small caliber but don't go too cheap or you will be sorry.
Have fun.
If price of ammo isn't a concern then don't forget about the 22 WMR as well ... awesome ballistics.
Also, eventually you will be spending $ on a scope too ... no need for a Zeiss on a small caliber but don't go too cheap or you will be sorry.
Have fun.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Just want to join everybody in saying....22lr of course. It is the obvious choice for so many reasons, cost being top of the list. Myriad choices in ammo to suit your priorities: power, accuracy, both?, cost etc.
Who knows how long 17hmr will be available, but 22lr will survive the apocalypse together with cockroaches.
Even if you're made of money, you will see the wisdom in going with 22lr specially in your first plinking rifle.
As for the rifle, Savages in the lower price range, deliver absolutely great value for the money. Savage Accutriggers are the bomb! Ruger bolt 22s are beautiful but cost a little more and doesn't have that sweet Accutrigger.
As most 22 shooters I know have multiple rifles, you will probably eventually buy both and then some. At which point, you may want to consider any of the CZs. Having 2 CZs already, Varmint and Style, if ever I buy another CZ it will be the Scout. IMHO it is the best all around 22 to have.
Who knows how long 17hmr will be available, but 22lr will survive the apocalypse together with cockroaches.
Even if you're made of money, you will see the wisdom in going with 22lr specially in your first plinking rifle.
As for the rifle, Savages in the lower price range, deliver absolutely great value for the money. Savage Accutriggers are the bomb! Ruger bolt 22s are beautiful but cost a little more and doesn't have that sweet Accutrigger.
As most 22 shooters I know have multiple rifles, you will probably eventually buy both and then some. At which point, you may want to consider any of the CZs. Having 2 CZs already, Varmint and Style, if ever I buy another CZ it will be the Scout. IMHO it is the best all around 22 to have.
- Location
- Northeastern Ontario
Words of wisdom.
Thanks for all of your feedback. I guess I have a decision to make about about which .22 to go with. I'm now looking at the CZs to see if it will fit my budget. I also have to factor in the cost of a scope. Lots of decisions! Thanks for your help everyone.
I pulled the trigger on this finally. CZ 455 Canadian .22 with Nikon P Rimfire 2x7 scope. Been having fun with it for about three weeks. Trying to unlearn my shotgun trigger pull habits. Anyone know if the barrels are interchangeable on this model?
- Location
- West Quebec
I pulled the trigger on this finally. CZ 455 Canadian .22 with Nikon P Rimfire 2x7 scope. Been having fun with it for about three weeks. Trying to unlearn my shotgun trigger pull habits. Anyone know if the barrels are interchangeable on this model?
Have just like that and shoots well but plan on doing a Dave trigger this winter other than that an excellent rifle for the money
- Location
- Northeastern Ontario
I pulled the trigger on this finally. CZ 455 Canadian .22 with Nikon P Rimfire 2x7 scope. Been having fun with it for about three weeks. Trying to unlearn my shotgun trigger pull habits. Anyone know if the barrels are interchangeable on this model?
You can swap barrels on any CZ 455 model. For a barrel matching the one you have on your rifle, you'll be looking for a .17hmr American barrel. The CZ 455 Canadian is the same as the CZ 455 American, except for the red-stained beech stock with the maple leaf instead of the regular walnut stock. Both have the same shape and dimensions.
Same here... minus the Toronto maple leafs garbage can LOL.
I have a few .22's left in the safe - CZ 455 Canadian and a Norc NS522. (had a few Cooey's, A Savage, and a few 10/22's also)
1 of my first rifles was a Savage .17hmr. It was a laser beam and fun, but really expensive compared to .22. I sold it and went on to start reloading .223 almost as cheap, and its good to shoot a lot further!
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