Author Topic: 17HMR new opinion (Read 1783 times)

TravisM. · « **on:** October 19, 2003, 06:34:10 AM »

Yesterday was the opening day of squirrel season here in PA, and I took my .22 marlin in the morning, and my Dads 17 HMR marlin in the afternoon. I shot one squirrel in the afternoon with the 17, and it was pretty impressive. Due to the cost and scarcity of the ammo (in central PA, anyhow), I wasn't a big fan of the gun before, but yesterday changed my tune. The one squirrel I did shoot with the 17 wasn't any deader than any Ive shot with a .22, but the range was further than I wouldve been comfortable with using a .22, and the damge done to the squirrel was surprising. Im not going to run out and buy one, because most of my squirrel hunting shots aren't far enough to warrant the increased expense of the 17 over a 22, but if I had consistent shots over 100 yards away, I would be much more interested in purchasing one.

jh45gun · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2003, 05:26:22 PM »

sounds like ya had a good time hunting. I have no desire to get a 17 as I have a 22 mag and I guess that will suffice I know the 17 may be flatter shooting but I will stick with the heavier bullet 22 mag. That said I do not criticise folks who do like the 17. Jim

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2003, 12:05:30 PM »

I have two Contenders in 17HMR, one pistol and one rifle. Using them on prarie dogs out to 200yds with good succes. As long as its not too windy. Don't think I would try much farther than that though. Lots of fun too. KN

redial · « **Reply #3 on:** October 20, 2003, 06:57:55 PM »

Travis,

Do you intend to EAT those squirrels?

For tablefare, I'd shoot something besides a 17HMR! More'n 1400 ground squirrels went to Squirrel Heaven this past Spring & Summer with my assistance, and if there's a better Rat Smacker than the 17HMR, I don't know what it is! But I can't imagine trying to eat the jellied globs of furry goo that I find near their holes! Icky. :eek:

My two cents, worth every penny.

Redial
Gopher Jihad

KN · « **Reply #4 on:** October 20, 2003, 07:35:34 PM »

Your supposed to shoot them in the eye!! KN

AAAJohn · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2003, 02:35:52 AM »

My 17 Marlin (THE BEST DURN SQUIRREL RIFLE I EVER SHOT). Really I got 5 with 6 shots last week and every one was shot in the head. One had no head just a piece of skin holding the nose. Some shots were out to 75-80 yds with rest on anything I could find, even swinging grape vines. The only miss was when I thought I would shoot high so I held under the lower jaw and saw bark fly under his chin. The next didn't miss!

DennisB · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2003, 02:00:12 PM »

I finally got to use my .17 on something besides targets. The bobcat below stepped out about 50 yards from my deer blind. It's the third one taken on our place since bow season started. Hit it in the typical shoulder shot with the Hornady ammo and can't find an entry or exit hole.

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KN · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2003, 04:20:57 PM »

Wow, I'm impressed! How fast did he go down? KN

DennisB · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2003, 01:00:12 PM »

KN:

At the shot he let out a squall (sp) and bolted about 25-30 feet before piling up. That little .17 pill must have really unloaded some energy.

Regards,

JCM · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2003, 12:51:49 PM »

Okay, I think I'm going to take the plunge and pickup a 17. I'll use it for tree rats and crows. The crows will be 100+ yards most of the time.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a a particular rifle? I've looked at and like the Savage 93R17-FVSS, but havn't shot it. Any suggestions or warnings? Any positive or negative experiences with Savage and the .17 or rimfires in general?

Thanks and take care,
JCM

TravisM. · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2003, 02:21:56 PM »

A little late, but I'm back....
Yes, I did eat the squirrels shot with the 17, or should I say, what was left. It did do a lot of damage to them.
JCM, the Marlin is an inexpensive rifle. I hesitate to say "cheap", because its not cheaply made. It is a good rifle for the cost. If I remember right, my dad paid less than $200 for his. Its a model 17V, with a blued finish, heavy bull barrel, and a birch (I think) stock. Its a real shooter from the bench, but its a touch more difficult to shoot accurately offhand. I believe this is because of its trigger pull. Its not all that heavy, but it is long and pretty stiff. With a little trigger work, It would be excellent though.
A friend of mine has a Ruger 22 Magnum, which the ruger 17 is based on. It is a great rifle, better fit and finish than the marlin, but for the increased price, I would hope it would be better. My friends magnum doesn't shoot any better than my dads 17. I don't know about the savage, or if any other makers have a 17, but if you buy a good, brand name gun from a reputable dealer in your area, You shouldn't be dissapointed. I hope I helped.

matt d · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2003, 09:48:46 AM »

JCM,
I have a Marlin 17vs, the one with the SS barrel and laminated stock. I believe that it is the best one for the money. Do to the manufacturing process you will have to make sure that the screws that should be tight are tight and the clip sits all the way in its slot. The trigger must be worked on or replaced. Plan on spending an extra 50 bucks. Even with this said, the Marlin vs is still the way to go. The barrels are great and they are cool looking guns. I shot many 17s including 3 Marlins and feel confident that this is the best one for the price. If you really want to have fun, get a scope with mil dots and do your homework, you'll be able to impress your friends.