.17 HMR bolt-action rifles

This was originally published in October 2011.

Since its introduction by Hornady in 2003, the .17 HMR round has become a popular cartridge for vermin control in the UK.

This is primarily due to its flat shooting abilities and fast expanding bullet, which makes it easier to hit game at a long range.

There is less bullet drop to be compensated for compared with the standard .22 LR round. The frangible nature of the bullets, Hornady 17-gr V-Max in most cases, makes them safer to use as there is less chance of ricochets.

Because its size is based on a necked-down .22 Magnum case, it can be used in most .22 LR-sized actions, which can be adapted to fit an HMR round.

Most manufacturers have .22 LR and .17 HMR options on the same action length, with modifications only needed to the loading port and magazine length.

In this way you can also use the .17 Mach 2 or .22 WMR cartridges.

The Sako Quad’s quick-change barrel system offers all these options and the new CZ 455 offers .22 LR or .17 HMR on one action with a swift barrel change.

I chose four of the more popular .17 HMR rifles on the market from Sako, Browning, CZ and Anschutz and shot them side by side to ascertain the pros and cons of each.

COMPARING ACTIONS
The Sako Quad, as its name suggests, has the ability to change to four different calibres with a unique quick-release barrel mechanism to accommodate the following calibres: .17 Mach 2, .17 HMR, .22LR and .22 WMR.

In this way, one rifle has a multitude of uses: foxes, vermin or even target work all while using the same chassis.

The bolt action has a low bolt-lift to clear a fitted scope. It also allows a speedy reload and has a single extractor claw which feeds a new round from the magazine reliably.

A single release screw, sited below the action through the floorplate is all that is needed to change the colour-coded barrels.

The CZ is probably the best Mauser-style rimfire action in the world, offering traditional reliability coupled with quality materials and made to exacting standards.

This action is designed to fire huge volumes with an accuracy far greater than its price would suggest.

The .17 HMR action has a larger loading port and bigger magazine compared with the .22 LR, but it still has a short bolt throw.

The bolt has twin extractor claws with a fixed blade ejector, which is very sturdy.

The ultra-fast T-Bolt system from Browning has become a firm favourite with shooters in the UK, principally because it fulfils three needs: one, it is reliable with a fast-operating action; two, it is incredibly accurate; and three, it’s something different from the same old bolt-action system, which appeals to many.

The bolt and action are slim but the bolt locks via twin opposed locking lugs, which engage through the action walls so it is solid and strong.

The twin claw extractors are positive and the straight pull and bolt handle angle make it easy to operate. Anschutz is a name associated with quality.

The company offers accurate rimfire rifles in a wide selection of models, grades and stock configurations. This 1517 model’s action is beautifully blued and engineered with no visible machine marks.

The bolt handle has a large plastic end for a good grip and the scope rails take even the biggest scope with ease.

TAKING STOCK OF THE STOCKS
Each of these makers offer wood or synthetic versions, but it is the synthetic stocks that tend to sell more in the UK, the exception being the Anschutz with its walnut thumbhole design.

This thumbhole cradles the firing hand comfortably for a firm hold and the walnut has an attractive colour and grain.

The chequering is decent and the oiled finish is certainly more practical than a matt varnish would be.

The CZ Silhouette’s synthetic black stock is robust making it perfect for rough use.

It is my favourite stock of all of these rifles, feeling more solid than the others. Its textured finish gives it a secure grip even in wet conditions, and you really can bash it around without damaging it.

The Sako’s polymer stock feels a little more hollow, but it does have angled finger grooves instead of chequering, which provide a firm grip.

The T-Bolt’s stock is nicely styled, but is lightweight and a bit too hollow for me. The spare magazine is sited in a recess in the recoil pad, which is a nice touch.

TRIGGER AND SAFETY
All four rifles have effective triggers for field use, but some are certainly better than others.

The T-Bolt uses a sliding safety catch and trigger with single-stage pull that breaks very cleanly, it’s a simple system, but I like it.

The CZ trigger will benefit from a bit of refinement either with a gunsmith’s trigger adjustment or replacing the trigger springs, though for a rifle that’s going to be used in the field, that is perhaps being a little over critical.

The 455 model has a set trigger and is much better. The Sako Quad has a single-stage trigger, which can be adjusted as required, but is set at about 2lb to 3lb.

The sear is cleanly released when the trigger is pulled, and I have never had a problem with it.

Sako Quad Synthetic

The ease with which you can exchange a barrel for a new calibre is why the Sako Quad has become a firm favourite. You can have a rabbit gun in the morning and exchange the barrels in the afternoon for a spot of foxing.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Overall length – 101.6cm
¬Barrel length – 55.9cm
¬Weight – 2.6kg
¬Magazine – 5-shot
¬www.gmk.co.uk

CZ Synthetic Silhouette

Certainly the best selling .17 HMR rifle in the UK today, the CZ uses the same miniaturised Mauser-style action of their .22 rimfire range and so there are many variations available. This synthetic has a 16in barrel, blued-steel finish and black, synthetic stock.

SPECIFICATIONS:
¬Overall length: 103.5cm
¬Barrel length: 40cm
¬Weight: 2.5kg
Magazine: 5-shot
¬www.edgarbrothers.com

Browning T-Bolt Synthetic

This straight-pull .22 rimfire is unique in that the bolt is operated in a single action by pulling the bolt straight back without any upward movement. This means that it is fast to use. The rifle is available in wood, synthetic and Varmint versions. The Browning T-Bolt is becoming popular with shooters for its fast action, superb accuracy and unusual bolt.

SPECIFICATIONS:
¬Overall length – 100.6cm
¬Barrel length – 55cm
¬Weight – 2.2kg
¬Magazine – 10-shot helical
¬www.browningint.com

Anschutz 1517 Thumbhole

The ultra-compact .17 HMR rimfire is made by premium rifle maker Anschutz. The 1517 action is very well engineered which attests to the Anschutz’s reliability and legendary accuracy and the ergonomic thumbhole stock is a delight to use.

SPECIFICATIONS:
¬Overall length – 83cm
¬Barrel length – 58.4cm
¬Weight – 2.9kg
¬Magazine – 4-shot
¬Frank Dyke & Co.
Tel: 0208 670 2224

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