Description
Let me tell you about a rifle that’s become my go-to for clearing out varmints and plinking steel at 100 yards without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of tool you grab when you just want to shoot, not fuss with adjustments or worry about ammo cost. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .17 HMR through this platform, and it consistently delivers a satisfying crack and flat trajectory that makes hitting small targets a breeze.
The Mossberg 817 17 HMR, 21″ Blued Black Right Hand, 5 rd is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in the hyper-velocity .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire cartridge. It features a 21-inch blued barrel, a synthetic stock, and a 5-round detachable box magazine, offering an affordable and accurate platform for small game hunting and target shooting. Look, for just over two hundred bucks, you’re getting a dedicated, no-nonsense rifle built for a specific, highly effective cartridge. The .17 HMR is in a sweet spot—it’s got the reach and energy for prairie dogs and raccoons at distances where a .22 LR starts to struggle, but without the report and cost of a centerfire. This rifle is a simple, focused tool for that job.
One of the best things about the 817 is how it handles. That 21-inch barrel gives the .17 HMR round the full runway it needs to achieve its blistering velocities—we’re talking over 2,500 feet per second. The bolt is a simple, two-lug design that cycles smoothly after a short break-in period. I’ve found the trigger to be a pleasant surprise for this price point; it’s a single-stage design with a clean, predictable break that aids accuracy. The synthetic stock is durable and shrugs off weather, which is perfect for those early morning hunts in the Missouri brush. The whole package comes in at a manageable weight, right around 6 pounds, so it’s easy to carry all day.
The rifle uses a detachable 5-round box magazine, which is a huge plus for quick reloads in the field. The blued finish on the barrel and action is classic and provides decent corrosion resistance, though a quick wipe-down after a damp day is always a good idea. Here’s the thing—it’s a straightforward design. There’s no adjustable stock or fancy rail system, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a rifle that fits out of the box and works. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and I’ve had great results pairing it with optics from brands like Vortex or Nikon for rimfire. Mount a scope, zero it, and you’re ready. At $200.59, it represents a serious value in today’s market.
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 21 Inches |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Finish | Blued |
| Stock | Synthetic |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional value for a dedicated .17 HMR rifle, light and handy for carrying, and it delivers the accuracy potential of the cartridge. The cons? The synthetic stock is a bit hollow-feeling, and the bolt handle is plastic. Some shooters might wish for a larger magazine capacity, but the 5-round mag is standard for the platform and keeps the profile slim.
Who It’s For
This is for the hunter who needs a dedicated varmint rifle for ground squirrels, crows, or raccoons. It’s for the landowner looking for an effective tool for pest control. It’s also a fantastic, low-recoil option for a new shooter to learn marksmanship fundamentals on a high-velocity cartridge. If you want to stretch your rimfire range beyond what a .22 LR can do, this is your entry ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of scope base does the Mossberg 817 use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard rimfire-style scope base. A Weaver #16 or a similar one-piece base designed for Mossberg rimfires will fit perfectly. It’s a common setup, so mounts are easy to find.
Q: Is the .17 HMR cartridge good for anything beyond small varmints?
A: Its primary strength is varmints and pests up to the size of a raccoon. It’s not recommended for larger game like deer due to its small projectile. That said, it’s phenomenal for target shooting and plinking, offering very flat trajectory out to 150 yards.
Q: How does it compare to a .22 WMR?
A: The .17 HMR fires a smaller, lighter bullet at much higher velocity, resulting in a flatter trajectory and less wind drift. The .22 WMR hits with more blunt force at closer ranges. For longer shots on small targets, the .17 HMR in this Mossberg 817 platform often has the edge.
If you’re in the market for an affordable, accurate, and purpose-built .17 HMR rifle, the Mossberg 817 deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check current availability and see if it’s the right tool for your needs.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.