Smart choice, the Savage. They are the least expensive, have great triggers, and shoot as well as any of them. You'll get the rifle and your technique sorted out. Love the 17 HMR. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

i just saw a 10/22mag convered over to 17hmr.... i like the idea... but i wonder what the power loss is for cycling the action.... heh still sounds like fun if spendy fun

Very nice and great for the price. Savage has some good stuff.

Yup, this is definitely a fun one to shoot! I went out to the range last night with my dad. I got 15 rounds grouped into about 1 1/2"... but that was at 25 yards because it was too dark to shoot at 100 yards. Oh well. I really need to practice my technique! The .380 was all over the place at 25 yard, but not as spread out as when I shot my dad's .44 mag! Now that's a fun revolver to shoot!

A question for all: Do bipods help a lot? I think I want to get one soon.

Oh, does anyone know or notice much of a difference between 17 gr and 20 gr bullets at 100 yards? What about Hornaday XTP (hollow points?) or VMAX (plastic tip)?

I use a Harris bipod on my rifles. It works very well. As for ammo selection, each rifle is unique. You will just have to try every kind you can find and see which one shoots best in your rifle. You should be able to get 3 to 5 shots in a 1" or less group at 100 yds on a calm day once you get it sorted out. It may take several trips to the range and even some accurizing like free foat the barrel, lighten the trigger, or rebed the action. Or it may shoot just fine as is once you find the right ammo.

I personaly like the 20gr. hornadays they have never done me wrong ... i ride a few others i think some of the cci offers... balistialy i think the 20 gr has a little advantage at distance.... also you have to be real real careful with cross winds... it can blow that little tiny pea all over the paper.

but HD is right your going to have to pick up a few boxes and see what ya like.

as far as bipods... harris works out pretty well and farily cheap... the option also if all you do is bench shooting is sand bags .... shooting supported will normaly bring up your accuracy .... i perfer a bipod. i know a guy who doesnt like going prone so he uses shooting sticks... it works for him...

with a little work you can bring a savage fairly up on the pay scale but you gotta be careful modifications add up.. outta the box with out any major new parts etc. i think savage is a heck of a bargin for a good shooting gun outta the box...

my only issue with savage is there blueing process....