Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, the wind is calm, and you’re punching one ragged hole after another at 100 yards. That’s the kind of afternoon the Savage A17 Target 17hmr Bl/lam 22 is built for. It’s not a plinker you have to fight with; it’s a purpose-built rimfire target rifle designed to make you look good. I’ve put a few bricks of .17 HMR through this platform, and the consistency is what keeps you coming back.
The Savage A17 Target 17hmr Bl/lam 22 is a semi-automatic, laminate-stocked rimfire rifle chambered in .17 HMR. It’s engineered with a delayed blowback action for reliable cycling with the high-pressure cartridge and is built on a heavy, target-contoured barrel for enhanced accuracy right out of the box. This isn’t your average .22 LR. The .17 HMR cartridge is a flat-shooting, wind-bucking round that stays supersonic well past 150 yards, making it ideal for precise target work or varmint control. The rifle itself has a heft to it—coming in at about 6.8 lbs—that soaks up recoil (not that there’s much) and promotes steady shooting.
So, what makes it tick? The heart is Savage’s unique delayed blowback system. The .17 HMR operates at much higher pressures than a standard .22 LR, which can cause issues in a simple blowback design. Savage’s solution uses a rotating bolt head that delays opening just long enough for pressures to drop safely. This results in incredibly reliable feeding and ejection. I’ve run everything from 17-grain polymer-tips to 20-grain hollow points through it without a single hiccup. It’s a system that works, and it requires no gunsmithing required to keep it running smoothly.
The “Target” designation is earned. The centerpiece is that heavy, button-rifled barrel. It’s not just for looks; the added mass reduces vibration and barrel heat, which are key for maintaining point of impact during long strings of fire. It’s paired with Savage’s renowned AccuTrigger, which is user-adjustable. You can set the pull weight to your preference, and the crisp, clean break is a dream for precision shooting. The laminate stock provides a stable, rigid platform that’s less susceptible to humidity changes than wood, and the raised comb offers a natural, repeatable cheek weld for scope use.
Here are the key specifications laid out cleanly:
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Action | Semi-Automatic (Delayed Blowback) |
| Barrel | Heavy Target Contour, 22″ |
| Magazine Capacity | 10-Round Rotary Magazine |
| Stock | Laminate, Target-Style |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Pros & Cons
Let’s be direct. The pros are significant: outstanding out-of-the-box accuracy thanks to the barrel and trigger combo, the reliable cycling of a finicky cartridge, and a robust stock that won’t warp. The laminate and blued metal finish give it a classic, serious look. At $519.15, it sits in a sweet spot between budget plinkers and high-end custom rigs. The cons? Well, .17 HMR ammo costs more than .22 LR, so your practice sessions get pricier. The action can be a bit noisy compared to a bolt gun—it’s a trade-off for the semi-auto speed. And the 10-round magazine is fine, but some wish for higher capacity.
Who is this rifle for? Look, if you’re a Missouri squirrel hunter who wants to reach out across a bean field, a shooter looking to hone fundamentals on a cheaper-to-feed centerfire alternative, or someone who just enjoys the challenge of small-group target shooting, this is your tool. It bridges the gap between casual and competitive. It’s also a fantastic rifle for introducing a new shooter to longer-range precision concepts without the blast and recoil of a centerfire. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the AccuTrigger really that good?
A: Yes. It’s one of the best factory triggers in the business. It’s fully adjustable for pull weight, has a blade safety in the center, and breaks like a glass rod. It removes the biggest barrier to accuracy—a gritty, heavy trigger—right from the start.
Q: What scope would you pair with it?
A: You’ll want a scope that can take advantage of the cartridge’s range. A quality variable like a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 or a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 in a one-piece Picatinny rail mount (compatible with standard Savage 110 pattern bases) is an excellent match. The flat trajectory of the .17 HMR makes higher magnification useful.
Q: How does it compare to a bolt-action .17 HMR?
A: A good bolt-action will typically have a slight edge in ultimate mechanical accuracy and is often quieter. The A17 Target’s strength is its semi-auto speed for follow-up shots and its exceptional ergonomics. For pest control or rapid-fire target stages, the semi-auto is a real advantage. For pure, slow-fire smallest-group shooting, a bolt gun might be favored.
If the idea of a reliable, accurate, and ready-to-go .17 HMR platform speaks to you, the Savage A17 Target is waiting. Check its availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.