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.17 &.22

SGSG Member Posts: 7,548
edited February 2006 in Ask the Experts
Im contemplating buying a bolt action varmit gun in .22mag. Ive never owned or shot anything in .17 so my question is for any of you who shoot.17, whats the pros and cons?
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Comments

  • jimkanejimkane Member Posts: 1,534 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    pro: fast
    con: wind
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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,179 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a CZ 452 in 22 mag. I really like the gun, but the 22 mag doesn't hold a candle to the 17 with respect to accuracy & trajectory. I knew that when I bought it, got the mag because when I was a kid in 70's going from 22lr to 22 mag was sort of the next step in gun buying. Good woodchuck killer at 100yds or so.

    CZ makes a very good 17 cal bolt action - 452 American with heavy bbl for about $350.00. Probably my next rimfire rifle.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why not just get them both in the same gun. Heck get a .22lr, .17mach II, .22wmr, & .17hmr all in the same gun. Only downside is the price.

    http://www.berettausa.com/product/spotlight/spotlight_sako_quad_main.htm
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  • D.S.COLED.S.COLE Member Posts: 611 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The 17 is much more accurate in general than the 22 mag.I know a lot of you have a 22 mag that will group wonderfully well but Im speaking "in generalities" as stated. The 17 is described by most new buyers after theyve played with it awhile as being the most "fun" gun theyve ever had.It is extremely accurate, giving tiny bragging size groups consistently. There is no recoil,the rifle remains motionless when fired. When you shoot a varmint or crow etc. its like watching a shooting video ,you see the impact perfectly because of no movement. Its deadly on small varmints out to 150-- 200 yds on a calm day. its practically useless on a windy day, its biggest drawback.
    The 22 mag is much better on foxes and larger varmints as the fox hunters around here say that the foxes they shoot with the 17 usually run off and are not recovered. The magnum doesnt have nearly as much range flat shooting ability as the 17.
    Each has its place in use and capability ,you choose the one that fits your needs.
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  • jnmiller75jnmiller75 Member Posts: 899 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:leeblackman Posted - 01/30/2006 : 05:18:54 AM
    Why not just get them both in the same gun. Heck get a .22lr, .17mach II, .22wmr, & .17hmr all in the same gun. Only downside is the price.

    http://www.berettausa.com/product/spotlight/spotlight_sako_quad_main.htm


    I just looked on Beretta's website, and the MSRP for the Quad with all 4 barrels is $1800. It's $925 for just a single calibur.

    For that kind of money you could buy 4 new Marlins or Savages in all 4 caliburs and still be able to put some decent glass on all of them.
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  • RobinRobin Member Posts: 1,228 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    SG,
    Both are good choices for small game rim fire varmit hunting IMO. I have both, the .17HMR is my choice for praire dogs hands down. As mentioned .17 grain pill is subject to move around a bit in windy conditions. My experience is the .17 HMR is fairly predictable in windy conditions at 100 yards unless extremely windy. According to the ballistic charts the .17 HMR doesn't have the wallop the .22 mag does, but it sure is plenty for p dogs at 150 yards. I don't have a clue as to how well suited the .17 mach II is for varmits.
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  • SGSG Member Posts: 7,548
    edited November -1
    Thanks for all the info! I think iam gonna go for a Marlin in the .17, sounds like a blast to shoot. I already got an old marlin M1 in .22 thats been treated like a redheaded stepchild through the years and still keeps reliable groups and has never failed me no matter what i feed it. Thanks again yall for all the help[:D]
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  • heavyironheavyiron Member Posts: 1,421 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi,

    Here is an idea. Purchase a Ruger 77/22 Magnum. They list for about $674.00, so you should be able to pick one up cheaper than list price.

    Purchase a new aftermarket 77/17HMR barrel. You will be able to swap out barrels fairly easy and therefore have both calibers on the same platform which is great. A decent aftermarket barrel costs about $200.00.

    I have done this with a 10/22 Magnum and 17HMR and it is really cool to have both calibers available when you want them.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron
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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,179 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good idea - I see the 22mags advertised for about $350.00 used.
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  • grizzmastergrizzmaster Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    i just bought a new marlin 17hmr
    i have shot a 6 shot group from 105yds
    a dime would cover 5 of the holes
    4 shots from 150yds a quarter would cover 3 of the 4
    lots of fun.....and on a windy day it still shoots good
    at 50 yds...
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  • dclocodcloco Member Posts: 2,967
    edited November -1
    Thought about a 204? Can reach out a further and it is reloadable as well.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jnmiller75
    quote:leeblackman Posted - 01/30/2006 : 05:18:54 AM
    Why not just get them both in the same gun. Heck get a .22lr, .17mach II, .22wmr, & .17hmr all in the same gun. Only downside is the price.

    http://www.berettausa.com/product/spotlight/spotlight_sako_quad_main.htm


    I just looked on Beretta's website, and the MSRP for the Quad with all 4 barrels is $1800. It's $925 for just a single calibur.

    For that kind of money you could buy 4 new Marlins or Savages in all 4 caliburs and still be able to put some decent glass on all of them.


    Yea, but you don't get the cute little scope with the multicolor tick marks for sighing in each barrel...rofl
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  • SGSG Member Posts: 7,548
    edited November -1
    here's what im thinking[:)]http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=42786984
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  • grizzmastergrizzmaster Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    good choice SG
    i have the one with the fluted barrel
    they cost 20-30 more...... not that they are
    more accurate...just newer model.
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  • SGSG Member Posts: 7,548
    edited November -1
    Thanks Grizzmaster. The fluted barrel looks awesome,just cant justify it on a boltaction, dont think I will be doing too much rapid firing with it[:D]
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