Opinion Needed

DAB · 04-02-2003, 04:12 PM

what are the pro's and con's on the 17cal. rim fire . 22 mag. rimfire necked doun to 17 Cal.
DAB

skein · 04-02-2003, 08:25 PM

The pro's are accuracy, low noise, non-existant recoil, and in most cases, fairly inexpensive rifles. They extend your rimfire range to about 120 - 150 yards. The con's are you can't wipe the grin off your face - and (the real bad part) you can't find the ammo right now!!!

Cost is about the same as reloading a 22-250 or .223 only you don't have to do said reloading.

It's a fun little round.

Skein

walkersteelhead · 04-03-2003, 06:15 AM

I have seen the ammo around not real cheap. I would rather have a .22 mag. But just my .02 worth.

Straydog · 04-03-2003, 07:28 AM

A kick in the tail to shoot as Skein says. Fast, flat and lots of energy. I have had varmit shooters say they are awesome. Windage can be an issue but that is the case with any light round.

The biggest down side right now is the lack of ammo, again as Skein says. (that guy is smart!!)

The good news in that regards is that there are now three major manufactureres producing them and we are told that there should soon be plenty to go around and the price will drop.

On the other hand, experience tells me that in times of war production of sport ammo takes a big dive.

Unlike some of the newer calibers, this one will become a standard and be around for a long while in my opinion.

Flatfish · 04-03-2003, 07:35 AM

I agree with what has already been said here. The varmint market is expanding at a much quicker rate than most other firearms niches.

The popularity surge of this cartridge is something I have not seen since the .40 SW in the early 90s. this will mass produce ammo and drive the price down in time.

Cheap, accurate, fun, can use for more than a week a year.... sounds like a winner to me.

Mark and the dog.

stick flicker · 04-03-2003, 08:05 AM

Ricke's Sporting Goods here in Lebanon is carrying the ammo if you can't find it elsewhere. :smile:

GutshotApe · 04-03-2003, 01:15 PM

I hope this caliber/load works out better than the Remington 5mm magnum rimfire did back in 1970. I bought the rifle but 5mm ammo (mfg. only by Remington) was discontinued after about 5 years and is no longer available. Maybe with 3 manufacturers the .17 rimfire will fare better...it all depends on how many people buy the .17 & shoot the ammo.

Chukrchaser · 04-04-2003, 06:47 AM

As for the Pro's -- that has been covered pretty well Ammo availablity/price should change soon as more manufacturers get rolling (wait till you try the CCI hollow point!). Wouldn't expect this round to fade like the 5mm as there are so many more gun makers jumping on the band wagon.

Ran into one unexpected Con -- a couple of ranches i hunt have a 22LR only rule and don't allow the 17 (or 22Mag)-- so don't give away your 22lr -- Unless it's to me) :grin:

Chuck