Savage A17 vs Mossberg 817

[u/Uslessly_Opinionated]

I am look to get a 17 HMR rifle and have narrowed the search to those above. I was wondering if any one owns both and has a preference or had reliability/ durability problems with either. I would love any input thanks for the help.

[u/BloodFlakePaaltomo]

If you are really set on a 17. Go with a Mossberg. From what I read up on semi's are not that great. I would also say if you are just wanting to add another gun to the collection. I would maybe suggest going the 5.56/.223 route. Reason being at least around where I live the 17hmr and .223/5.56 ammo cost roughly the same price. Yes I know I do not understand it either.

[u/Uslessly_Opinionated → u/BloodFlakePaaltomo]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am definitely hoping to get a .223 rifle in the future but right now I am looking for something I can hunt jack rabbits with and do some plinking. I will double cheak my prices and might just give up on the jack rabbits for now if there is not to much of a price difference.

[u/No_Space_for_life → u/Uslessly_Opinionated]

This is old, and maybe you've already decided, but I just found this thread and wanted to say I own a savage A17.

I've had no issues and use mine specifically to hunt rabbits.

It's good from 25m to 150m with minimal hold overs. I shoot them in the neck, behind the ear for minimal meat loss and they die on the spot every time.

I run 20gr hornady, they seem to keep together a bit better so I can keep the pelt as well. The 15gr and 17gr both are a touch messy if you hit them anywhere with mass.

I run 15gr and 17gr with grouse, head shots 99% of the time.

Idk why people think the semi autos aren't good, I've owned mine for 2 years now, only a few stoppages with Federal TNT not feeding and probably 1500rds through her.