Description
You’re looking for a simple, accurate, and affordable rimfire rifle for varmint control or target practice. You don’t need a complex action or a high price tag—just a reliable tool that hits where you aim. That’s the exact niche the Traditions Crackshot Break Open 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) 16.5″ fills. It’s a no-frills, single-shot rifle built for precision on a budget.
The Traditions Crackshot is a single-shot, break-action rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge. With its 16.5-inch barrel and simple break-open design, it offers a lightweight, easy-to-maintain platform for hunters and shooters who prioritize accuracy and value over high capacity. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s talk about what you’re really getting for your money. The heart of this rifle is its break-open action. It’s about as straightforward as it gets: pull the lever, the barrel drops, you load a single round, close it, and you’re ready. This simplicity translates to reliability and makes cleaning a breeze—a huge plus for anyone who spends time in dusty fields or just wants an easy-to-maintain firearm. The barrel length is a practical 16.5 inches, making it handy in a blind or for carrying on long walks without being unwieldy.
Chambering it in .17 HMR is where the Crackshot’s value proposition shines. This cartridge is known for its laser-like trajectory and minimal wind drift compared to other rimfires like the .22 WMR. That means you can confidently take shots on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or crows at distances where a .22 LR would struggle. You’re getting near-centerfire performance without the centerfire cost per round or the need for a more expensive rifle. For a price of $182.54, that’s serious bang-for-your-buck in a specialized niche.
The rifle is designed to be a practical tool. It features a synthetic stock that stands up to weather and rough handling better than wood at this price point. The sights are basic but functional, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, which is almost a necessity to truly exploit the accuracy potential of the .17 HMR round. Mounting a scope from brands like Vortex, Leupold, or even a budget-friendly Bushnell is a straightforward process—no gunsmithing required to get a solid optic setup.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) |
| Action | Single Shot, Break Open |
| Barrel Length | 16.5 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 32.5 inches |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Sights | Drilled & Tapped for Scope Mounts |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional value for a dedicated .17 HMR platform, ultra-simple and reliable operation, lightweight and easy to carry, and easy to clean. The synthetic stock is durable for the price. The cons are inherent to the design: it’s a single-shot, so follow-up shots are slow. The trigger and sights are basic, though the scope-ready receiver mitigates the sight issue. It’s a specialist, not a generalist.
Who is this for?
This rifle is perfect for the budget-conscious varminter, the farmer needing a reliable tool for pest control, or the shooter who wants to experience the impressive ballistics of the .17 HMR without a major investment. It’s also a great first single-shot rifle for a young hunter under supervision, teaching marksmanship and shot discipline. If you need rapid fire or a plinker for cans at 25 yards, look at a semi-auto .22. But if you want to reach out and touch small targets with precision on a tight budget, this is your hitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .17 HMR round suitable for anything larger than varmints?
A: It’s not recommended. The .17 HMR is designed for small varmints and predators like coyotes at closer ranges. For fox-sized game or larger, more powerful cartridges are a more ethical and effective choice.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle?
A: With a good scope and quality ammunition, sub-MOA groups at 100 yards are possible from a rested position. The single-shot design and solid barrel lockup contribute to consistent accuracy, often outperforming more expensive repeaters at this price point.
Q: Can I use .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
A: Absolutely not. The rifle is chambered specifically for .17 HMR. Attempting to fire any other cartridge is extremely dangerous and can cause catastrophic failure. Always use only the ammunition for which your firearm is marked.
Ready to add this straightforward, value-packed rimfire to your collection? Check availability and see the current price for the Traditions Crackshot .17 HMR, available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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