17 HMR heavy barrel or no?

[redfox033]

Hey guys, I’m going to buy a Savage 17HMR. I’m wondering if I should buy one with a heavy barrrl or if it really matters. I’m looking at either the A17 (semi auto) or B17 (bolt action)

they are around (Evansville area) with a regular barrel, but I can’t find either with a heavy barrel. Should I just get the regular barrel or order one from Buds Gun Shop?

What say you?

 

[redfox033]

Primary use is hunting Squirrels, coons.

 

[Ggreen]

Heavy barrel made a huge difference in the accuracy of the 17wsm, I've never compared the hmr, my step father carries a heavy barrel hmr and it is a tack driver.

 

[Sniper 79]

I would go pencil for hunting and moving around with. I have a heavy barreled Savage 93r and somewhat regret buying it. It's heavy.

Do your homework. The new magazine design is hard to load. Deal breaker for me. I would go with an older 93r and let them work the bugs out of those new guns over the next few years.

I guess I'm going to find a pencil 93r model and retire the heavy barrel for bench target use.

The 17HMR is such a sweet round. I love it.

 

[Bigtanker]

If you go with the semi-auto, you're pretty much stuck with the A-17 ammo. IIRC, it doesn't work that well with any other type of ammo.

 

[yetti462]

I have the A17, it is accurate and digests all ammo fine. The a17 ammo did hold the best group. Its good for calling coons and fox hunting.

 

[Sniper 79]

The 93r''s weren't without problems either. My scope base screws were all cross threaded from factory, mag went into garbage along with the toy stock. For the price I can live with the work it needed. She shoots like a laser now.

 

[redfox033]

Thanks for the input guys! I found a 93r17 with thumbhole stock and stainless bull barrel i love. I’m picking it up in a couple hours. And they have a $50 rebate right now, so that’s just extra ammo.

 

[Gabriel]

For hunting I'd go with the light barrel. My 17HMR isn't a Savage (after owning a Rascal, I doubt I'd ever buy another Savage), but it's a thin barreled Henry and shoots extremely well. For hunting where you'll be carrying it around, I wouldn't want a rifle heavier than it needs to be.

 

[Sniper 79]

Thanks for the input guys! I found a 93r17 with thumbhole stock and stainless bull barrel i love. I’m picking it up in a couple hours. And they have a $50 rebate right now, so that’s just extra ammo.

Sweet gun dude. You will love it. Take a pic for us to see

Cabelas had Vmax on sale 9 bucks a box free shipping. Needless to say I loaded up.

 

[dugsagun]

With a bolt gun , you dont have to worry about anyone loading up yer mags and pulling the trigger as fast as they can while u mumble to yerself just how much money went down range without even really aiming(a-17, sister AND nephew ). I enjoyed both 93s i had and it was nice to actually bring home ammo boxes with round still left in them. Enjoy yer new gun!

 

[redfox033]

I’ve still gotta mount my scope, but here she is.

 

[redfox033]

Let’s try again.

 

[MindfulMan]

Let’s try again. View attachment 62053

That looks so nice that I might have to buy one myself !

 

[redfox033]

That looks so nice that I might have to buy one myself !

Thanks!
I loved the stock. I’m going to shoot it on Wednesday.