JohnJohnson
WKR
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2019
- Messages
- 1,717
I think of rimfire as a training aid so if I could only have one it would be my Vudoo Ravage. Having said that I do like my Tikka T1X for hunting purposes.
Hey Roksliders,
I'm looking to get my be all, end all rimfire rifle. I'm leaning toward 22lr but whiling to hear other ideas.
Ideally, this gun will be for squirrels and rabbits and other small game. I'd like to be able to reach 100 yards comfortably. I'm not too into customizing my guns and don't plan on going the chassis route. Just a rifle and scope recommendation is what i'm looking for. I could see adding a bi-pod too.
Currently, the Tikka TX1
3000 FPS from a rimfire is mighty impressive.
The reasons I'm leaning away from .17 is cost of ammo, noise level when shooting and feeling like I might have more fire power than I need at close range if I intend to eat the animal.
I'm a novice when it comes to rifles to please let me know if I'm way off.
^^^THIS~!That said for killing stuff you can’t beat the 17. 150 yards and in its point and click.
I own three 452s in 17HM2, one standard American, one maple American, and one Varmint (and I am also in the works of having a 452 FS currently in 22LR relined with a 17HM2 liner). I tend to prefer the American’s for woods carrying and small game hunting, while the Varmint gets the nod for ground hogs in the open fields. I personally find the American more manageable and feel the setup favors an unsupported shot (if needed). While the Varmint doesn’t feel as comfortable offhand, it is certainly preferred atop a bipod compared to the American.Three CZ 452's here. In order of preference: 22LR in a Varmint, 17HM2 in an American, 17HMR American. 17HMR rarely if ever comes out anymore with the other two options. My favorite is the varmint model, I prefer it over the Americans by a big margin and if I did it over again I'd find a Varmint in 17HM2 and sell the 17HMR.
Completely personal preference. I like the way it feels in my hands pretty much overall over the American. Can't explain it really. My practical mind says that the American is lighter and makes more sense carrying it around but I just like the Varmint. I've always been drawn to slightly heavier more target oriented rifles so there's that.If I may ask, why do you prefer the Varmint to the American?
Fair enough and I figured as such! Just didn’t know if there were specifics. I hunt with a few gentleman that prefer varmint style / weight deer rifles and they tend to say the same thing - they just feel better to them.Completely personal preference. I like the way it feels in my hands pretty much overall over the American. Can't explain it really. My practical mind says that the American is lighter and makes more sense carrying it around but I just like the Varmint. I've always been drawn to slightly heavier more target oriented rifles so there's that.
My 17hmr is still doing it. Finally got a suppressor for it, now it’s even better. Just got done taking care of some gophers that have been vandalizing the chicken pfood. With the suppressor the chickens don’t even spook. It’s an awesome round. From 10 yard gophers to a 275 yard prairie dog. Now I don’t even have to worry about ear protection^^^THIS~!
BTW .17 HMR ammo is not bad at all price-wise, especially for the accuracy and power increase you're getting.
You will straight out LOVE the accuracy of the "LaserBeam". I've popped an old 12ga cartridge sitting on a log at 80yds off the Kwik Stix. I'm tellin' you man... you will LOVE the .17 HMR!
With things like Rabbits and Ground Squirrels, you just learn to either headshot them... or at least aim for just behind or at front shoulder area, just so you're not making the guts all nasty.
One time, while I had to take a standing freehand shot at 60yds on a Rabbit, I decided it'd be more wise to aim a little more toward center of body just to ensure with my wiggling that I'd for sure hit it.... the hit that did happen? OMFG.... it literally gutted him completely and cleanly... and also split apart his pelvis! Was such a trip! The shot must have entered just below the diaphragm because the diaphragm was still intact, so the poor little guy was trying to crawl away with just his fronts. Had to hurry up and run over there to take him out to be kind.
I only mention this to explain how it does have a much nicer amount of power to it. And that this just ends up making you purposefully decide to take a little more time to aim better. And when you've posted up a sit a decent distance back from the rabbit or squirrel that the .17 HMR allows you to do... it's easy to take a little more time to line up that nicer better shot. Since you're farther away, they are not spooked.
P.S. Dunno why the gentleman is saying steer clear of the Savage. It's a hunting rifle, the lightweight stock helps to offset the lil bit of extra weight the heavy barrel give it. Also the bladed AccuTrigger is something you learn to appreciate very quickly. It's a great trigger! To raise up the cheek weld height I just slapped on a Hunterspec ammo caddy sleeve thing on the buttstock. Cheap. Raised my cheek weld to perfect height.
BTW... Rabbits do AWESOME Backflips when you headshot them with .17 HMR!