Just got back from the range, and I had a look at the new 77/17 target model from Ruger with the grey laminate stock and the anti-glare stainless finish. The action was butter smooth. My goodness, was this a nice looking rifle. I am completely convinced about the .17 HMR, but would like some feedback on the rifle. What are your experiences or comments on the Ruger 77/17? Thanks in advance. --Mykal

My comments are from experience with a slightly customized Ruger 77/22 in .22Mag. Replaced the factory barrel with a heavy, fluted Green Mountain barrel chambered in .17HMR. Didn't even require the shims sent along to set the proper headspace.

Mounted a BSA Platinum 8x34 scope in Leupold rings adapted to the Ruger mounting system and it shoots like a house afire!

The only problem as I see it with this model of Ruger rifles is the split-bolt and very slight wiggle in the front end if not headspaced just right. The locking lugs are on the rear 1/2 of the bolt and leaves the front half free to wiggle. This isn't conducive to great groupings. Take up the slack with shims between the two pieces, or headspace a little tight and it will be cured.

Gotta love the feel of the little scaled down M77 actioned rifle.

Found Hornady or Federal ammo work best. Remington and CCI's aren't quite as accurate.

Just got back from the range, and I had a look at the new 77/17 target model from Ruger with the grey laminate stock and the anti-glare stainless finish. The action was butter smooth. My goodness, was this a nice looking rifle. I am completely convinced about the .17 HMR, but would like some feedback on the rifle. What are your experiences or comments on the Ruger 77/17? Thanks in advance. --Mykal

Mykal,

Check out my site: www.rimfirenews.com and look for the review I did on the 77/17. It was the first 17HMR firearm I got my hands on after the announcement. Nice weapon; and if you're an accuracy buff, the Target Model with the laminate stock will make you real happy. Put some good glass on it, give at least a brick of ammo to settle in, and you'll be shooting tiny, ragged holes at 100 yards all day long.

gunwriter

I wish I could tell you that mine, exact same rifle as your's, was a great shooter out of the box, but I would be lying. The weather was bad and the range not accessable for a few weeks, so before I ever got to shoot mine I ended up glass bedding the action and free floating the barrel. When I was finally able to get it to the range with CCI and Hornady ammo, the rifle shot both types into nice little 1/2 inch groups (5 shots) at 100 yards, on average. The Hornady ammo seemed to turn in slightly smaller groups, but not by much. By the end of shooting five groups with each ammo, I had no group larger than 3/4 inch and none smaller than 1/3. Ltter trips turned in the same results. Not bad in my book. The only thing I don't like about the rifle is that the trigger has a lot of overtravel in it. It breaks clean at 3 pounds which is much lighter than I expected from a factory Ruger trigger, but it has about a mile of overtravel. One of these days when I get bored again I will throw in an overtravel screw if I can, until then, I think I should leave well enough alone.

Gunwriter: Very good article and very helpful. I'm sold. I'll be going back to the range tomorrow to put a deposite on the rifle. I notice where the target model I'll be getting has a 24 inch barrel instead of the 22 inch which you tested. Hopefully this will add to accuracy. Again, my compiments on your web site, which I have bookmarked for future reference.

I've sort of been biding my time over the little 17 HMR, waiting to see if it had staying power or was just a cartridge of the moment (which I sort of suspect some if these super short magnums might be). but I think this explosive little flat-shooter is here to stay. --Mykal

Big Bore: that's some nice shooting! I hope I get some bad weather here in Florida so I can free float the barrel, etc., but the chances are very good my anticipation will force me to rush to the range straight out of the box. In looking over the rifle, I noticed the same thing you did with regard to the trigger; that is, that it was quite clean and light when compared to the usual Ruger trigger, but it had a bit of overtravel. But hey, let's face it, as good as they are, was there ever a Ruger firearm where after-market trigger work wasn't the first priority? --Mykal

Gunwriter: Very good article and very helpful. I'm sold. I'll be going back to the range tomorrow to put a deposite on the rifle. I notice where the target model I'll be getting has a 24 inch barrel instead of the 22 inch which you tested. Hopefully this will add to accuracy. Again, my compiments on your web site, which I have bookmarked for future reference.

I've sort of been biding my time over the little 17 HMR, waiting to see if it had staying power or was just a cartridge of the moment (which I sort of suspect some if these super short magnums might be). but I think this explosive little flat-shooter is here to stay. --Mykal

Mykal,

I think you'll be very happy with your new purchase! The two inch difference in barrel length may help a little bit both in the accuracy and the velocity departments. I doubt seriously, though, that if we shot them side-by-side through a chronograph that we'd be able see a huge difference.

Glad you enjoy the site. It's a labor of love for me, and I try to cram as much good stuff into it as I possibly can, given the time restraints I work with! I shoot for having the new, monthly updates on line by the end of the first full week of each month. If you'd like to share your experience with your new M77 (or any other rimmie), send me an email and I'll get your report up on the site.

gunwriter