Author Topic: Marlin Model 39a in .17 HMR?? POSSIBLE???? (Read 441 times)

coyote trapper1928 · « **on:** February 25, 2006, 03:24:45 AM »

Hi:

Is it possible to make a Marlin Model 39a in a .17 HMR? Any chance Marlin will make one someday?

Thanks,

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2006, 03:56:54 AM »

Don't think so. The .17 HMR is the .22 Magnum case necked down to .17 caliber. The Marlin has never been chambered to the .22 Magnum to the best of my knowledge. It would take a good bit of reworking the geometry inside to accept the longer round. Wouldn't say impossible but very difficult and thus very expensive.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2006, 04:20:19 AM »

Graybeard:

Thanks for the reply. What is your opinion of the .17 HMR for Fox hunting where the shots would be under 100 yards? This would be in heavy Hardwoods, with the Occaisional Coyote (Maybe 1 a year) mixed in. I was looking at the Charles Daly Mini Mauser left hand model in the .223, but part of the area I hunt in, is closed to centerfire rifles during any open Deer season . The average shot would be 50 to 70 yards. I was also concerned about the pelt damage with a .223 with standard factory loads, so that is why I am leaning towards the .17 HMR.

One more question. In your opinion, which .17 HMR rifle is best?

1. Ruger lever action .17 HMR

2. Ruger Semi -auto .17 HMR

3. Remington Semi -auto .17 HMR

4. Henry Lever action .17 HMR

5. Savage Left hand bolt action .17 HMR

Thanks,

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2006, 09:32:15 AM »

Personally I think you'd be far better off with a .22 Magnum for your uses. I've used it a lot on game the size of fox and coyote and it works well for killing them. Not always to stop them in their tracks tho unless a head shot is made. A chest shot into the heart/lungs kills quickly but they will run and often sound off to let folks know you shot a critter. Not always a good thing depending on where you're doing the shooting or what you shot. :eek:

I've owned a Ruger, Savage, Marlin and now a CZ in .17 HMR. The Ruger wasn't accurate enough to stay at my house. The Savage wasn't either and the Marlin seemed accurate enough but was made such that it was off to the side about a foot at 25 yards. Not even using Burris Signature rings was I am to sight it in. I gave up on it and now have the CZ which I've not yet taken to the range. I've not tried the others.