Savage A17: The Semi-Automatic .17 HMR Rifle

by
posted on October 13, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Savage A17

Most enthusiasts get behind a rimfire .22 during their baptism on the firing line. The diminutive cartridges are a pleasure to shoot, accurate with practice and relatively inexpensive—virtues tailor made for fostering a lifelong passion for firearms and marksmanship. It doesn’t take long, though, before the more powerful centerfire cartridge’s allure proves too hard to resist.

As a result, many rimfire rifles and handguns are relegated to second-tier status. Hornady changed that in 2002 when it introduced the .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) cartridge. “Its trajectory is twice as flat as its .22-cal. sibling over 150 yards, and it carries nearly two-and-a-half times the energy as the .22 LR cartridge,” Dave Campbell reported for American Rifleman. “Velocities in the 22" barreled rifle were nearly 2,400 f.p.s. with Hornady 20-gr. V-Max ammo, and the 14" barreled G2 generated a consistent 2,100 f.p.s. Accuracy from both rifle and handgun were sub-3/4 m.o.a., as long as there was no wind.”

Manufacturers quickly designed and offered guns for the new cartridge, but when it came to producing a reliable semi-automatic for the rimfire there were problems.  “…[O]ften the action would open while the pressure was too high, endangering the shooter. A couple of companies attempted to market such a semi-automatic .17 HMR but had to quickly recall the rifles and shelve the project because of this very problem,” Campbell explains in another story. “Along comes Savage, and its solution to the bolt-opening problem is remarkably simple: Delay the opening of the bolt until the bullet has left the barrel and pressures have decayed to a safe level.”

The delayed-blowback system of operation the Savage A17 semi-automatic line—introduced in 2015—works extremely well and has a proven safety and performance record. The rifles have quickly become some of the company’s most popular. They are chambered in .17 HMR, feature a 10-round rotary magazine, wear the company’s famed user-adjustable Accu-Trigger and are available in seven different models.

The basic version, the A17 seen above, has a 22" free-floated barrel in black, with 1:9" rate of rifling, black synthetic stock, sling studs and high luster finish on the receiver. Weight is 5.63 lbs. and MSRP comes in at $519.

Other models have nearly identical features, with the exception of the stock and even barrel profile. Savage currently offers the standard A17, but also Overwatch, Pro Varmint, Sporter, Target Sporter Laminate, Target Thumbhole and heavy barrel versions. Whether you want camouflage, a thumbhole or laminate for furniture, it’s available from Savage.

The A17 Pro Varmint, which has a rail atop its receiver for mounting optics, is the most expensive in the line. Its MSRP is still only $709. All other models ship from the factory with two-piece bases installed.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.