First kill with 10/22 in 17 HM2.

[Doc T]

This was the last weekend for regular gun season for whitetails.  I took my 10/22 with a custom 17 HM2 barrel installed on it with me in case a target of opportunity presented itself.  I was just about to get down from the stand when I spotted a big coon sneaking toward the feeder.  He stopped under it to have a little bite of corn.  He was facing me directly at about 40yds.  I shot him dead center in the forehead just above his eyes.  He collapsed instantly, flopped for a few seconds and was still.  I am really impressed with this round.  I think it s going to be the perfect small game round.

[reyn 61]

Its perfect for squirrels.

[jh45gun]

This was the last weekend for regular gun season for whitetails.  I took my 10/22 with a custom 17 HM2 barrel installed on it with me in case a target of opportunity presented itself.  I was just about to get down from the stand when I spotted a big coon sneaking toward the feeder.  He stopped under it to have a little bite of corn.  He was facing me directly at about 40yds.  I shot him dead center in the forehead just above his eyes.  He collapsed instantly, flopped for a few seconds and was still.  I am really impressed with this round.  I think it s going to be the perfect small game round.

Good shot on the coon but I think that is what it would take for larger critters putting it exactly where it has to go. OF course with a good shot that is not a problem if you are allowed that kind of shot all the time which you are not. It like the hummer seem interesting but I will stick to 22 LR and 22 mag for all my small game needs. But if you like it that is what counts. The thing I wonder is folks with the 17's post their good kills how about the ones that are not so good we never hear of them. I am not singleing you out do not get me wrong I am just wondering about the killing energy of the round compared to say a 22 mag. The 22 mag kills a lot better than it should. I am not sure about the 17's in that reguard? Jim

[Doc T]

I think you are right about the HMR.  I tried them when they first came out and didn't really see a need for them and went back to my 22 mags.  The HM2 is a whole different story.  You really owe it to yourself to try one.  I have shot them quite a bit out of two rifles.  You can basically double your 22LR effective range (and then some).  I also agree with you that a coon is about the biggest critter I would attempt to shoot with it, but I can promise you that a good lung shot at 40yds would have put him down quickly.  Get one and try it and I think you will like it.

[jh45gun]

DocT, Very well could be, but I have a 22LR Romanian 69 that will shoot well under a half inch at 50 yards and a 22 mag Henry that will do the same. SO Not sure I really need a other rimfire at this time. The ones I got could get more use with out adding a other one.   Jim

[Doc T]

You are being entirely too practical!  What does NEED have to do with it?  Seriously though,  I understand.  I have way more rimfires than I need and had been resisting buying any more.  My favorite is a Belgium Browning takedown auto that shoots dime sized groups at 40.  I am sure I will give in to weakness when some of the factory semi-autos in 17HM2 come out.

[Robert]

I took my 10/22 with a custom 17 HM2 barrel installed on it with me in case a target of opportunity presented itself. I think it s going to be the perfect small game round.

  I had to re-read the original post.  I think some thought he was in a tree stand with the 17 for deer......he just had it along for fun....

[Robert]

My favorite is a Belgium Browning takedown auto that shoots dime sized groups at 40.

 Doc, which Belgium Browning do you have?  A few weeks ago, I was at Sporsman's Warehouse and saw a brand new one, they have started making them in 22rf again.  This one was almost  a Thousand bucks.  I have an original Belgium Browning in 22 short that is about 3/4 the size of this model, I beleive it is the predesessor to the model they are now offering.  I have not been able to find much info on this rifle, either on the internet or books.  Besides being shorter, the overall size of the receiver is quite a bit smaller also, about 1 & 1/4 inch tall.  It is still the straight blowback semi-auto and has the loading port on the top of the stock instead of on the side.  If they are asking a thousand for this new release...I wonder what my antique is worth now.

[Doc T]

My other gun with me in the stand that day was a Contender in 300 Whisper.

My Browning is the one like yours except it is the more common LR version.  It is the first gun I ever bought with my own money.  I cut grass all sumer for that rifle.  I was 12 and it was 1970.  I traded a youth model hamerless Western Field single shot 20ga and $80 at the local OTASCO.  What's it worth? They are extremely variable.  Mine has been used quite a bit but is still in good shape.  Your short only version brings more.  Browning is making it again.  It is in a matte stainless finish.  I saw one not too long ago at the Bass Pro Shop in Dallas.  Don't remember the price.