HM2 RIFLES

[slim]

I would like to get a rifle in HM2 but they seem to be scarce,what to get? Was think'n the hm2 was better than the HMR  for game such as squirrel that will be table fare, who's got 'em?

[backstrap]

I wanted clip feed HM2 so i got a marlin semi auto and i shoots great,and as for table fare food make sure u use head shots and it will work fine,but if i was to do it over again i would not buy 1 and use my 22's for rabbit a squirls and such as i have in the past

[Ladobe]

Either 17 rimfire cartridge works fine for edible squirrels with head shoots.   If I wanted a tree squirrel only rifle I'd get the 17HM2 of the two.   Ammo is about half the price of HMR and the report not as loud.   

Most of the firearms for these two rimfires shoot pretty good right out of the box, some can be improved with drop in parts.   Some obviously are better than others, so if for head shots only you might want to get one of those known to be more accurate than the others.   Personally, at normal tree squirrel ranges I think the majority of them are close enough to minute of squirrel head right out of the box.   That said, I dolled some of mine anyway with all the goodies.

It is thought by some folks that the 17HM2 is going away, probably because some MFG's stopped making rifles for them.    I don't think so myself, or at least I doubt they'll stop making ammo for them as long as it keeps selling like it is.   It really doesn't matter one way or the other to me - I planned way ahead.   I have three 17HM2's, three 17 HMR's and a lifetime of ammo stockpiled for all of them.   

17HMR: Bullberry carbine, Marlin 17VS, Contender pistol
17HM2: Ruger 77/22 switch barrel, CZ 452 Deluxe, Contender pistol

Just buy the firearm you want, find which ammo it likes and stock up on it.

[Oldshooter]

I converted a 10/22 to hm2 with a barrel, stock and heavy bolt. I love it. I had plenty 22's and wanted to try the hm2. It is quit the shooter at 75 yards, gets a group a dime will cover.

I would buy a tube fed semi auto if I could find one.

[notnodak]

I went with a Savage MKII FV 17HM2 and it works perfect and is very accurate(more then me). It's good enough that I'm giving it a new dress and some finishing touches in the next month or so.

[saltydog]

I would recommend you go with the 17 HMR heavy rather than the Mach2 lite for your first rifle. The 17 HMR give you greater advantages and with no disadvantages unless you consider the cost of ammo. You have to offset the cost of ammo vs availability in the future as the Mach2 is unfortunately fading fast. Savage and Marlin makes nice rifles for very reasonable costs.

[notnodak]

People have been predicting the demise of thr Mach2 for many years and we always see the sun rise and set on this subject with nothing happening. The Mach 2 is actually gaining in popularity in part due to the cost and because once you shot it you see why it's so great. I still say get the HM2. It will do all you want till you need to go past 150yrds but them just get a centerfire. You only lose around 25yrds of usable range compared to the HMR. You can also get or make the HM2 in a smaller package too. The velocity maxxes out at around 15-16 inches just like the LR and you can also convert a 10/22(most popular rimfire in history) into it very easily.

You need to pick what fits your budget and intended usage. What we think is really irrelivent at the end of the day.

[HotRod9mm]

I picked up a Sako Quad last fall to go with several other rifles in 17MH2($380 on Gunbroker). I just ordered 2500rds for $165 delivered(it will be here tomottow). Yes, I own a couple 17HMRs but at the cost of ammo keeps them in the safe longer. Ammo might still be on sale at Centerfire Systems for $2.99 a box(10 or more).

I even built one for my daughter.


 

[lucky guy]

I shoot the marlin 917m2, $170 out the door at the local store.  I can't say it's as nice a rifle as the cz varmint in m2 I used to have, but it's about as accurate.   

And for hunting small game don't forget you can shoot the the Aguila 17, 20 gr hp from the m2.   It's not as explosive as the tipped 17 gr rounds.

[Oldshooter]

Aguila 17, 20 gr hp

How do they compare in price?

[saltydog]

People have been predicting the demise of thr Mach2 for many years and we always see the sun rise and set on this subject with nothing happening. The Mach 2 is actually gaining in popularity in part due to the cost and because once you shot it you see why it's so great. I still say get the HM2. It will do all you want till you need to go past 150yrds but them just get a centerfire. You only lose around 25yrds of usable range compared to the HMR. You can also get or make the HM2 in a smaller package too. The velocity maxxes out at around 15-16 inches just like the LR and you can also convert a 10/22(most popular rimfire in history) into it very easily.

You need to pick what fits your budget and intended usage. What we think is really irrelivent at the end of the day.

There are very few rifles in 17 Mach2 available - so while the sun comes up it is a very cloudy day for the 17 MACH2. You are no longer be able to go into the average gunstore or Walmart and buy one. CZ has dropped the chambering for the 17 Mach2 and they were the last factory to chamber for it in 2009 - excluding the T/C barrels. The SAKO quads you see for sale are leftover stock from 2007 and 2008. So in my estimation it is going to be a uphill battle from here on out. I have found the usable range of the 17 HMR is more than 75 yards in my applications. The cost per round is at least double for the 17 HMR - so the Mach2 is very attractive for most small game applications - which is why it is unfortunate it never caught on. In the economic downturn we are in I do not look for it to come back as hunting rifle sales are declining in favor of tactical equipment.

[notnodak]

There are more of the HMR's but here's a few manufacturers that still have them in there lineup as far as there online catalogs show.


Savage
http://www.savagearms.com/markiifv.htm

CZ
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=67
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=2

Magnum Research
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLR17M2TB
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLR17M2H
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLR17M2WC
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLR17M2BN
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLP17M2BN

T&C
http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/rimfireR55Benchmark.php

[webfoot56]

you look hard enough you can find a 17hm2 you will not regret buying one either. Once you find the one you like lay in a supply of ammo. go to    ammunition to go,com  Every time I get a chance to buy this ammo at gun shows and the like I buy it--just in case they decide to discontinue the round. If they had come out with this round before the 17 hornady rimfire round they probably would be saying what they are saying about the 17hm2 round now. I have a anschutz 1502 and a cz 453 in 17hm2 and I will not be getting rid of them anytime soon. They are available  on the gun internet sites. Would love to pick up a kimber varmint with fluted barrel in this round. I see cooper has made them.

[revbc]

Some compare the 17m2 to the 5mm remington rimfire mag; however, the difference is only remington made the rifle and ammo so when it didn't catch on it went away.  Many companies have made rifles and ammo for the 17m2.  Get the m2, you'll be happy you did.  Here in the south we don't have varmints to shoot out to 150 yds, except maybe the occasional coyote (which needs in my opinion at least a 223).  The hmr is to much for squirrels and to expensive to shoot at them (if you gonna get some cat squirrels you will have to shoot at some running).  In my limited experience with the m2 it is devastating on squirrels.  With the 22 we've always had the problem of a body shot on a large fox squirrel leaving enough life for it to go in a hole or cover up in the leaves, making recovery impossible.  The shock and speed of the .17 hornady bullet seems to leave em where they fall, plus match grade accuracy out of regular bullets for the m2 for those long distance head shots ( you can get the same accuracy out of the 22 but you will spend about the same $$$).

My 2 cents.

[Flynmoose]

I love my CZ 452 17M2! It is very accurate with Eley ammo. Get one!

[JeffG]

I have the 17m2 in the Marlin 17v bolt.  It is a very accurate gun. Never had any regrets moving away from.22. I hope the caliber doesn't go extinct...

[Keith L]

I have the 17m2 in the Marlin 17v bolt.  It is a very accurate gun. Never had any regrets moving away from.22. I hope the caliber doesn't go extinct...

I like mine also,  but move away from a .22?  I like them as well, and there is room enough in my safe for both.

[torpedoman]

bottle necked cartridge, semi auto, rimfire rifle that will fire open bolt, not a real good idea. I know you have one and haven't had any problems at all . when it blows the mag out the bottom i wont even say "told ya". read the warning in the ammo store.

[Guy Pike]

An excellent opportunity to rebarrel  a bolt action 22 and have a semi custom of your own.