Caliber 17 Hmr
Small Game Hunting Weapons - Rifles
Small game hunting involves pursuing small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and ducks. Since these animals are small, high power weapons are not needed to hunt them. You are better off investing in a weapon that has greater accuracy to be able to target the small game better.
Also, the price of ammunition should be considered, too, since a hunter can take a great number shots in one day.
Under these conditions, a rim-fire rifle would be perfect weapon to use in the small game hunting category. When selecting a rifle, you must consider the following - its fit, sights, weight, its action and caliber. A gun that fits properly will help assure you of getting more accurate shots.
When using a rifle with a stock that is too short, the scope might hit your eyebrow, giving you "scope bite," while one that is too long could get caught in your armpit if you are wearing a heavy jacket.
A full size stock is better for adult hunters because of its perfect fit. Good balance and stock design is vital for a small game rifle so that it can be handled quickly and readily. When you are small game hunting, most shots are done from a short distance where the animal can possibly detect the hunter, and small animals do not sit still for very long once they sense danger.
It is better to get a light rifle rather than an ultra light one, because ultra light rifles are difficult to keep the balance and make accurate shots. An ideal weight should be about 6 pounds. The rifle's action can be either repeater or single shot as long as it gives you a more accurate shot. Barrel length also needs to be considered - mostly for balance more than for ballistics. A medium weight barrel of about 20-22 inches in length is ideal.
A perfect small game rifle should have a small action to match its cartridge and a good, solid feel. A rifle with a smooth action is always best with a clean and light trigger pull, which is needed for accuracy. Given the standards of production today, a trigger revamp might be needed for every new rifle.
It is much more important for a small game rifle to be accurate, rather than fancy. There are various different types to choose from: auto-loading, lever, pump, and bolt action repeaters. Among the widely known calibers are the .22 WMR, .17 HMR and .22 LR, from manufacturers such as Anschutz, Ruger, Browning, Kimber, CZ, Winchester, Henry, and Savage, among others.
A quality rim fire rifle deserves to have a quality scope. A fixed power scope of around 4 times or a variable one in the 2 to 7 times range can serve a small game rifle well. Good rim fire scopes are not inexpensive, but are not overly costly either.
A first-rate small game rifle should be:
- as accurate as possible, but not necessarily too powerful. It can be as powerful as .22LR, but no more powerful than .30 Carbine
- light: for carrying ease and fast handling, but not ultra light
- well balanced and able to swing properly
- with a smooth action and a stock that perfectly fits the hunter
- with light and terse trigger pull
- with a scope of good quality and medium power
A superior rifle may be a little too high priced for a amateur hunter but its quality will prove to be rewarding in the long haul.
About the Author
Learn expert rabbit hunting tips and strategies that will make your next animal hunting expedition much more successful.
Volquartsen Deluxe 17 HMR with VX-5000 Stock
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BSA SWEET 17 RIFLE SCOPE 2-7x32mm A/O CALIBRATED FOR .17HMR CALIBER RIFLES NEW $41.29 |
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Sightmark Pistol Caliber Laser Bore Sights 17 HMR $47.99 |
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Hoppe's Cleaning Kit .17HMR .204 Caliber PID17B 026285512380 $24.34 |
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Marlin MGMAR405446 Mag 17HMR/22WMR Caliber 4Rd Fit Bolt Action Nickel $18.99 |
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Bushnell Professional Boresighter Kit with Case and .17-.45 Caliber Expandable Arbors $82.94 Bushnell Banner Boresighter with Case And Set Of Three Expandable Arbors... |
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BSA 6-18X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope with Side Parallax Adjustment and Multi-Grain Turret $137.93 BSA Optics 6 - 18x40 Sweet 17 Riflescope. Custom made for bullet - drop compensation! Specifically designed for the .17HMR bullet! Made to model the trajectory-compensation scope that was originally crafted for military use. Comes equipped with multicoated lenses for clear, bright images. Features super-durable construction, too... nitrogen-filled for fogproof, shockproof and waterproof reliabilit... |
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Bsa Scp 6-18x40 Sp Mgt Sweet17 $149.59 BSA Optics Sweet 17 Rifle Scope 6-18X 40 Standard Matte 1 AO, 17Cal S17-618X40SP. Note: Please check your state regulations, hunting regulations, etc before placing an order for any of our items. Your order may be canceled if the item is not able to be shipped to your state due to their regulations.... |
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Hoppe's BoreSnake Rifle Bore Cleaner (Choose Your Caliber) Hoppe's BoreSnake is the fastest bore cleaner on the planet. One pass loosens large particles, scrubs out the remaining residue with a bronze brush, then swabs it all spotless with a cleaning area 160 times larger than a standard patch. Add a few drops of Hoppe's No 9 Lubricating Oil or Hoppe's Elite and your gun is ready for storage.... |
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Center Point Laser BoresighterFits .17 cal to .50 cal plus 12,16 & 20 gauge. $35.25 CenterPoint red laser boresighter Fits .17 to .50 caliber guns Also compatible with 12-, 16- and 20-gauge shotguns Works with air rifles & air pistols with minimum 3.8-inch barrel 6 adapters 6.5x0.5x0.5 Includes batteries Do not use on guns that have muzzlebrakes, silencers, fake silencers, shrouds or noise dampeners. CenterPoint's red laser boresighter is battery-powered and has 6 adapter fittin... |
