Description
The Marlin Model XT-17R is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge. It features a 22-inch sporter barrel, an adjustable rear sight, Marlin’s ProFire adjustable trigger, and a 7-round detachable magazine. It’s a purpose-built varmint and small game rifle that offers serious performance at a very accessible price point of $248.81.
Key Features
- .17 HMR Chambering: Delivers laser-like trajectory and explosive terminal performance on small pests out to 150+ yards.
- ProFire Adjustable Trigger: A standout feature you can fine-tune for a crisp, clean break—I’ve dialed mine down to a very manageable pull.
- 22″ Sporter Barrel: Provides an ideal balance of velocity and handling for offhand shots or shooting from a rest.
- Adjustable Rear Sight: Comes ready to zero with open sights, a nice touch that lets you shoot immediately while you save for an optic.
- 7-Round Detachable Magazine: Offers ample capacity for a day in the field without constant reloading.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 Rounds |
| Trigger | ProFire Adjustable |
| Sights | Adjustable Rear, Blade Front |
| Action | Bolt-Action |
Weighing in at a hair over 6 pounds unloaded, this rifle carries easily all day. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, which is perfect for Missouri’s variable conditions. The bolt is a simple, reliable design that feeds smoothly from the polymer magazine. Here’s the thing—the real magic is in that ProFire trigger system. It’s a drop-in ready component that requires no gunsmithing to adjust, letting you tailor the pull weight to your preference, which is rare in this price bracket.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the rifle for the farmer or landowner dealing with groundhog or prairie dog problems. It’s for the small game hunter who wants to reach out further than a .22 LR allows with minimal holdover. It’s also a fantastic, low-recoil introduction to precision shooting for a new shooter, especially when topped with a scope like a Vortex Crossfire II or a Nikon ProStaff Rimfire. If you need to make consistent, ethical hits on small targets at extended rimfire ranges, this platform is built for that job.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The adjustable trigger is a massive value-add. The .17 HMR cartridge is devastatingly effective on varmints. The included iron sights mean you can use it right out of the box. At $248.81, it represents a tremendous amount of rifle for the money. It’s also lightweight and points naturally.
Cons: Ammunition cost is higher than .22 LR, so practice gets pricier. The .17 HMR is also notoriously wind-sensitive at longer ranges, demanding good wind-reading skills. Some shooters might prefer a heavier, target-style barrel for absolute precision, but that would defeat the handy “sporter” design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Marlin XT-17R ready to shoot as soon as I get it?
A: Yes. It comes with fully adjustable open sights, so you can head to the range immediately. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, of course.
Q: What’s the effective range for hunting with the .17 HMR?
A: With good ammunition like Hornady V-Max or CCI TNT, you can ethically take varmints like groundhogs and foxes out to 150 yards. For smaller pests like squirrels, I prefer to keep it inside 100 yards for a clean kill. The rifle’s 22-inch barrel helps achieve the velocities needed for that range.
Q: Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard rimfire scope base. I’ve used both Weaver and Warne bases on mine with zero issues. It’s a straightforward process, and the combination turns this into a truly potent long-range small game tool.
After putting several hundred rounds of various brands through my own XT-17R, I can say it’s a solid, no-nonsense tool that does one job very well. It’s accurate, the trigger is a genuine pleasure, and it just works. For the hunter or pest controller who needs reach and reliability without breaking the bank, this Marlin is a compelling choice. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Check current availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.