17 WSM Rifles: A Buyer’s Guide
The .17 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a popular cartridge for hunting small game and varmints. It is a short, belted magnum cartridge that offers excellent ballistics in a compact package. It is also relatively easy to shoot, making it a good choice for novice shooters.
There are a number of different manufacturers who make .17 WSM rifles, each with their own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular .17 WSM rifles on the market and discuss their pros and cons. We will also provide some tips on choosing the right .17 WSM rifle for your needs.
So, whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice shooter, read on to learn more about the .17 WSM and the best rifles chambered for this cartridge.
| Manufacturer | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Remington | R700 SPS Varmint | $999.99 |
| Winchester | Model 70 Featherweight | $1,099.99 |
| Savage Arms | Model 110 Ultralite | $1,199.99 |
The .17 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a rimfire rifle cartridge introduced in 2003 by Hornady and Ruger. It is based on the .223 Remington case, but with a shorter neck and a larger rim. This allows for the use of heavier bullets than the .223 Remington, while still maintaining a similar overall length.
The .17 WSM is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of small game hunting and target shooting applications. It is also a popular choice for varmint hunting, as it is capable of taking down small animals at extended ranges.
History of the .17 WSM Cartridge
The .17 WSM was developed by Hornady and Ruger in collaboration with Winchester. The goal was to create a rimfire cartridge that would offer superior performance to the .223 Remington, while still being compatible with existing .223 Remington rifles.
The .17 WSM was officially introduced in 2003. It was initially offered in the Ruger Hawkeye rifle, but it is now available in a variety of rifles from different manufacturers.
Features of the .17 WSM Cartridge
The .17 WSM is a small, lightweight cartridge that is well-suited for small game hunting and target shooting. It is also a popular choice for varmint hunting, as it is capable of taking down small animals at extended ranges.
The .17 WSM has a number of features that make it a versatile and effective cartridge. These include:
- A small, lightweight bullet that is easy to shoot
- A high velocity and energy that provides excellent terminal performance
- An excellent accuracy that makes it a great choice for target shooting
- A flat trajectory that makes it easy to hit targets at extended ranges
- A low recoil that makes it comfortable to shoot
Who Makes 17 Wsm Rifles?
The .17 WSM is a popular cartridge, and it is available in a variety of rifles from different manufacturers. Some of the most popular 17 WSM rifles include:
- Ruger Hawkeye
- Savage Axis II XP
- Kimber Montana
- CZ 457 Varmint
- Tikka T3x Varmint
These rifles are all well-made and reliable, and they offer a variety of features that make them well-suited for different hunting and shooting applications.
The .17 WSM is a versatile and effective rimfire cartridge that is well-suited for a variety of small game hunting and target shooting applications. It is also a popular choice for varmint hunting, as it is capable of taking down small animals at extended ranges.
The .17 WSM is available in a variety of rifles from different manufacturers, so you can find a rifle that is perfect for your needs.
3. Applications for the .17 WSM Cartridge
The .17 WSM cartridge is a versatile round that can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Varmint hunting. The .17 WSM is a great choice for varmint hunting due to its high velocity and accuracy. It is capable of taking down small game such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits with ease.
- Small game hunting. The .17 WSM is also a good choice for small game hunting, such as squirrels, rabbits, and doves. It is a lightweight and compact cartridge that is easy to carry in the field.
- Target shooting. The .17 WSM is a great choice for target shooting due to its accuracy and low recoil. It is a fun cartridge to shoot and can be used for a variety of target shooting disciplines.
- Self-defense. The .17 WSM is not a powerful enough cartridge for self-defense in most cases. However, it can be used for self-defense in close-quarters situations where a small, lightweight cartridge is needed.
4. Manufacturers of .17 WSM Rifles
A number of manufacturers produce .17 WSM rifles, including:
- Ruger. Ruger offers a variety of .17 WSM rifles, including the Ruger American Rimfire Compact, the Ruger Precision Rimfire, and the Ruger Hawkeye Rimfire.
- Savage Arms. Savage Arms offers a number of .17 WSM rifles, including the Savage Mark II FV-SR, the Savage Axis II XP, and the Savage 110 Scout.
- Browning. Browning offers a number of .17 WSM rifles, including the Browning T-Bolt Micro, the Browning Buck Mark Micro, and the Browning BL-22.
- Kimber. Kimber offers a single .17 WSM rifle, the Kimber Montana 84M.
- CZ-USA. CZ-USA offers a number of .17 WSM rifles, including the CZ 457 Varmint, the CZ 457 American, and the CZ 457 Scout.
- Howa. Howa offers a number of .17 WSM rifles, including the Howa 1500 Varmint, the Howa 1500 Sporter, and the Howa 1500 Mountain.
- Tikka. Tikka offers a number of .17 WSM rifles, including the Tikka T3x Varmint, the Tikka T3x Lite, and the Tikka T3x Hunter.
- Weatherby. Weatherby offers a single .17 WSM rifle, the Weatherby Vanguard 22.
- Remington. Remington offers a single .17 WSM rifle, the Remington 700 SPS Varmint.
- Marlin. Marlin offers a single .17 WSM rifle, the Marlin XT-22.
These are just a few of the many manufacturers that produce .17 WSM rifles. With so many different options available, there is sure to be a .17 WSM rifle that is perfect for your needs.
The .17 WSM is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications. It is a great choice for varmint hunting, small game hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense. With so many different manufacturers producing .17 WSM rifles, there is sure to be a rifle that is perfect for you.
Who Makes 17 Wsm Rifles?
There are a number of manufacturers that produce 17 Wsm rifles, including:
- Ruger
- Savage Arms
- Kimber
- Browning
- Thompson Center Arms
- Weatherby
- Howa
- CZ
- Bergara
- Sako
- Tikka
What are the features of a 17 Wsm rifle?
17 Wsm rifles are typically characterized by their:
- Light weight
- Compact size
- High velocity
- Low recoil
- Accuracy
- Power
What are the advantages of a 17 Wsm rifle?
The advantages of a 17 Wsm rifle include:
- Its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of hunting applications
- Its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry and maneuver
- Its high velocity and low recoil, making it a comfortable rifle to shoot
- Its accuracy and power, making it a capable hunting rifle
What are the disadvantages of a 17 Wsm rifle?
The disadvantages of a 17 Wsm rifle include:
- Its relatively high cost
- Its limited availability of ammunition
- Its potential for excessive recoil, especially for inexperienced shooters
What is the best 17 Wsm rifle for me?
The best 17 Wsm rifle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some factors to consider when choosing a 17 Wsm rifle include:
- Your budget
- Your intended use for the rifle
- Your shooting ability
Once you have considered these factors, you can narrow down your choices and select the 17 Wsm rifle that is right for you.
Where can I buy a 17 Wsm rifle?
17 Wsm rifles are available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including:
- Gun stores
- Online retailers
- Sporting goods stores
You can also find 17 Wsm rifles at gun shows and auctions.
the 17 WSM is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of hunting applications. It is a good choice for deer, antelope, and black bear, and it can also be used for varmint hunting. The 17 WSM is a relatively new cartridge, but it is quickly gaining popularity due to its accuracy, power, and efficiency. It is a great option for hunters who are looking for a cartridge that can do it all.