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Savage Arms A17: Semi-Auto 17 HMR Rifle

Savage A17

At the recent SHOT Show, Savage Arms announced a new semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .17 HMR round. The new Savage A17 rifle was specifically designed for the .17 HMR, so it is expected to avoid the problems that Remington experienced with the 597 rifles.

Let’s take a look at the new A17 rifles…

According to Savage, the company designed a unique delayed-blowback system to properly control and use the pressures and bolt velocity generated by the .17 HMR round. The 17 HMR has been particularly troublesome for some manufacturers to get right in an auto loader. See the “semi-auto problems” section below for more information.

These rifles use a polymer stock – black being the only color initially. I would expect some of the standard hunting camo patterns would be available later if the guns sell well.

The A17 uses a 10 round rotary magazine. The adjustable AccuTrigger is standard on these rifles. Take a look at the following video from IraqVeteran8888 about the A17 rifle:

New CCI A17 Ammo

Savage states the A17 rifle will safely and reliably work with any standard 17 HMR loads. However, Savage Arms worked with sister company CCI to develop a special load for this rifle. The new CCI A17 ammunition is said to be 100 fps faster at the muzzle than loads from other ammo companies.

CCI A17 Ammo

Using a Varmint Tip bullet – a 17 grain polymer-tipped hollow point – this round generates 2,650 fps at the muzzle. Although it is still a bit out of reach, this does put the 17 HMR closer to the 3,000 fps generated by the 17 Winchester Super Magnum that uses a 20 grain polymer-tipped bullet.

Savage A17 Specifications

Caliber17 HMR
Barrel Length22″
Twist Rate1:9″
Overall Length42″
Weight5.41 lbs
Actiondelayed blowback
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Finishhigh luster black with matte black stock
MSRP$465

Semi-Auto Problems

Savage is not the first to bring a semi-automatic 17 HMR rifle to the market. Previously, Remington sold the semi-auto Model 597 in .17 HMR. Unfortunately, there were problems with this gun, and Remington recalled all of the rifles without any repair options. Likewise, rifles made by Magnum Research and others were pulled from the market.

The higher pressure and nature of the pressure curve generated by the 17 HMR is such that simply modifying existing .22 LR rifle designs have failed. Savage engineers redesigned the operation of the rifle to account for the pressure differences. This video explains the problem and how the company addressed it:

Currently, Volquartsen sells the semi-auto TF rifle in 17 HMR. According to the Volquartsen website, the rifle uses a counterweight system to handle the pressure and bolt velocity.

Alexander Arms also builds a semi-auto 17 HMR gun. The AAR-17 is an AR-style rifle that was built from the ground up around the cartridge.

The problem with both the Volquartsen and the Alexander Arms rifles is the price. The Volquartsen carries a retail price of $1,200 while AA is asking $1,210 for theirs. While both of these guns are exceptional rifles, most consumers will find the Savage Arms A17’s street price much more palatable: around $400.

Update

Savage A17 Thumbhole Sporter

Just weeks before the 2016 SHOT Show, information about two new A17 rifles have leaked from Savage Arms. Both rifles have wood laminate stocks that are gray in color. One of the two is a thumbhole type stock, while the other is more traditional. As more details come out, I will make sure to update this page.

Last Update: October 17, 2022

By Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is an American author, editor and entrepreneur. He's done a lot of silly things in his life, but quitting police work to follow his passion of writing about guns was one of the smartest things he ever did. He founded this site and continues to manage its operation.

52 replies on “Savage Arms A17: Semi-Auto 17 HMR Rifle”

Two Savage A17 rifles…
– both functioned well with all .17 ammo.
– had to be sure the mag was seated well or it would pop out when fired.
– 3/4″ groups with scope at 50 yards.
– trigger is terrible!
The adjustment did nothing to change the heavy pull weight.
No gage but it has got to be over 5 lbs and is rough.

Like the rifle but something has got to be done to make the trigger function better.

Since there are no after market triggers available I am going to take the rifle down
and polish trigger components.

Thanks for the feedback!

The trigger sounds like a real problem. I hope they get that sorted quickly.

Was there a problem with the magazine, or was it just a matter of getting used to seating it?

I usually take a little metal off where the trigger screw adjustment is. It allows the spring more room to be adjusted lowering the weight. Always worked for me.

Richard, I do not think there is a problem with the mag.
If popped out the first time I shot the rifle.
After that I made sure it was seated good and had no problems.
The mag itself is a little difficult to load but finally figured that if you roll the round a little when it is
depressed in the mag it is less difficult. The mag is not the quality of the Ruger 10/22 mag.
The Only real problem I have with the rifle is the trigger!
This may be tempered with the fact that I shoot after market triggers in almost every thing I have but this stock one is really bad.
I check with the manufactures of triggers and so far no one has plans to make one for the A17.
Maybe I will wait until I have 500 run thru it before I tear it apart and polish?

Savage says there is a mag problem. They are sending out different mags because the originals wont work!!!!!!!

Hi, are they saying the reason for the magazine falling off is because the magazine is faulty, are they doing anything with the trigger?

I was sent 3 mags to replace the 3 original mags. They all failed the same way. Customer service said the improved mags were not changed inside. I compared the original and improved mags with a micrometer and they were all the same. So Savage were just stalling till they could figured out the problem. They sent me a tag to send in the rifle and six mags. I was told six weeks till I get it back. That is way to long for a brand new rifle. Customer service says the rifle will be completely inspected , but did not say anything about the trigger.

I have the same issue with the trigger assembly. I did take mine out and polished what I could and it did lighten the pull to a more comfortable, effortless pull. I think that the part that bugs me the most is the loud spring that provides the tension for the accu-trigger blade. Sounds like an old screen storm door opening when you depress it. LOL

Another problem I had was the over abundance of what looked like white lithium grease inside the action. The complete disassembly of the action is a bit of a bear with a scope attached. After I cleaned all of the grease out and applied a thin film of gun oil the action cycled much more nicely.

The A17 is definitely a fun gun to shoot and much more reliable than I thought. The magazine does seem to be made cheaply and I had the same issue when firing it for the first time of not making sure the mag was securely seated and it fell out after the first shot. For the price you cannot beat it.

Benjamin,
Did you find that the trigger adjustment did nothing to affect the pull?
I am considering cleaning the action then using graphite for dry lube and see how it functions.
Should get less dirty?
Glad the trigger polish job helped.
I will do it to my rifle first chance I get.
Sure wish someone would make a good after market trigger for it!

Ben how many shots did you fired with your rifle, mine I would pushed it in and it would come loose after every other shot and drop the magazine, I had 21 misfire in a one day old rifle.

The magazine problem shows up after firing 75 to 100 rounds, you are right regarding the magazines not been high quality, if they fix this rifle problems it could be a great rifle.

I am disappointed in this Savage product! Mine only gets 2.5″ group at 50 yards. Tried 3 scopes. My bolt Marlin will drive tacks.
Trigger. I plan on polishing it.
You can engage “just the outter”triger until it stops then finish shot by squeezing the inter trigger.
It is much lighter but long pull.

May even bed action?

Just a note , Savage said they have been having trigger issues also as well as mags falling out. They said they replaced my trigger assembly with a new version.

I figured out that when the slide is open the magazine clips in better, its when you put the magazine in with the slide closed it doesn’t clip in all the way and will feed the first bullet, and then pops out. I guess get into the habit of having the slide open when you put in a fresh magazine?

Okay so I sprung for one of these A17’s this week. I didn’t previously have a .17HMR in my rimfire collection and with the price of this rifle I couldn’t pass it up. I bought the rifle on GunBroker and low and behold I found some of the A17 ammo at my local Wally World for about $50 per 200 rounds out the door. Kind of stiff if you ask me. I have not owned a Savage rifle before this one as I usually always pony up for something nicer in my centerfire hunting rifles. (Sako Finnbear in .270, Remington 700 in .308, a Howa in .308 and a Nosler .26 Patriot that I recently ordered) But this is going to be a plinkster and probably used for a bit of groundhog control too. I read an article where the writer swore by the Savage Accutrigger and said it’s inclusion on the A17 sealed the deal for him. Imagine my surprise when I got the rifle home and dry fired it for the first time! What a dreadful trigger it is. I don’t know how much polishing the trigger will help but I will probably do that at some point after I run a few hundred rounds through it. The rifle is so new it will likely be at least a year before we see any aftermarket trigger solutions. Right now you can’t even buy any spare magazines from Savage which is a pisser. You would think they would at least offer spare magazines for sale. I haven’t gotten a chance to shoot the gun yet as I just picked it up yesterday so I’ll reserve further judgement on it until I do. But I had to chime in on the trigger too. I just can’t believe that is a six lb. pull and adjusting it doesn’t seem to do anything. I don’t have a gauge either but this is going to prompt me to pick one up. I want to see what the actual pull weight is. On mine it seems like it’s at least 10lbs.

I have no issue with the trigger since no matter what I do the mag falls out or double feeds bending the next live round. The only way to shoot my rifle is to hold the mag in the well tight while shooting. Of course sighting is out of the question. I have 3 new mags and all kinds of ammo and nothing works. Then you call Savage and the whole company in on vacation. It seems the design staff started vacation early and put out this crap. I took it to a gunsmith and he could not get it to shoot either. Vacation is over July 13 and I will be on the phone. I am very disappointed with this rifle. What were they really shooting at the shot show where everything worked just fine???? I want my rifle tuned in like the one at the shot show!!!

From whom are you looking for a response? Based on your earlier post, I assumed you would contact Savage on or about 13 July. What did they tell you?

Well I sent it back today. I was sent different mags and they were junk also. With this type of problem I should not have to call so many times. A lot of stall tactics being employed.

More and more crap and confusion from savage arms??? I was told my rifle was repaired and sent back. I was given a tracking number!! When it did not show up as shipped I called again and 2 hours later they called back and said the rifle was still in repairs. I bought this rifle 6 months ago and never fired it down range. Savage also refused to return it 2 day delivery? So when and if they ever get it done it will take 7 days shipping. Absolutely no customer service???????

Al, thanks for responding, I did not think a change of magazine was going to fix the problem, we changed several magazine and the problem persisted, the whole area where the magazine goes into shift and moves. Savage was riding high on their rifles been good, now I think they are getting sloppy and are going to their old ways of building substandard firearms.

Just a note , Savage said they have been having trigger issues also as well as mags falling out. They said they replaced my trigger assembly with a new version.

Savage should had made sure that the rifle was functioning properly before they put it out, there is no way they did not know there was a problem, they have show very little regard towards their customer, thats too bad the rifle could be a great rifle, I would have paid more for better quality in the rifle.

Well six days and my rifle is still in transit. They just keep rubbing salt in the wound. I thought rifles were to be sent second day shipping?????? Just more stalling and poor service!!!!!!!!

More and more crap and confusion from savage arms??? I was told my rifle was repaired and sent back. I was given a tracking number!! When it did not show up as shipped I called again and 2 hours later they called back and said the rifle was still in repairs. I bought this rifle 6 months ago and never fired it down range. Savage also refused to return it 2 day delivery? So when and if they ever get it done it will take 7 days shipping. Absolutely no customer service???????

Well, I was going to ask if eventually they would introduce a higher capacity magazine like in the Ruger 10/22….but after reading these posts about all the problems with the A-17, I think I’ll pass on the rifle. Good luck to you Al Arvia. Sorry you’ve had such a bad experience with it.

you will not be sorry that you passed on the A 17. I ran 50 rounds through the rifle. Not one clean ejection. Had several that ended with a live round and a spent round in the rifle jammed in the ejection port. Should have bought a bolt action. Savage arms is definitely on my “no” list. From responses of others, the problem with the rifles is the buyers problem.

Well….looks like Henry 17 Golden Boy will be answer. Was excited to hear about Savage making A17. Who needs problem? Henry made in USA and their company will earn my bucks. Thanks for all information on your posts.

I was also intrigued by A17 as have Ruger 77.17, Win 94.17, Stevens Favorite, Weatherby/Andchutz and Taurus Tracker in this cartridge and it is a delight to shoot. Savage A17 fires perfectly and metal work is beautiful but magazine, stock not nearly as substantial as a Ruger 10.22
…which also has a terrible trigger. Savage AccuTrigger on A17 is different from bolt guns and is a one lever trigger as on a single action revolver or an AR15. The nose of the trigger fits in the seat notch of the hammer
So you do as one does with a stock single stage AR15. Stone the notch on the hammer to reduce wear engagement and the top if the trigger to be sure trigger does not have to can the hammer back when pulled. This will eventually get you a nice crisp SONGLE SHOT trigger. THEN you must stone the tip of the disconnecting to move the upper hook forward so it catches the hammer upon recoil. Get it right by hand, THRM LOAD TWO ROUNDS in a msg at the range, NOT A FULL MAG, cuclkke the action to load first round and fire gun. If you did it right one round fired and the second is chambered. If not, you get a second burst shot. To back and stone more off the top of the disconnecor until it catches the hammer when trigger is held back and action is allowed yo slam shut on empty chamber. This will get you a clean breaking trigger and the safety will work fine nut understand that the trigger blocker on the middle of the trigger lever will most probably not be useful……and nose your time until one of the aftermarket people come up with a trigger as a replacement as this A17 Dis going to be hugely popular as was the Ruger 10.22. Look for that dealyed blow back in small concealed carry pistols like the Taurus 738 to allow .22 LR WITHOUT weight or heavy recoil springs most women can not rack the slide with
Good Luck.

Savage is replacing my trigger with an updated version and trying to get the mags to work. I hope to get it back someday??????

I was at a gun show last weekend and there was 2 A-17’s at dealer tables. I asked about the mag issue and they said they knew or heard nothing about it. I put in the empty mag and charged it and it fell out of both rifles at 2 different dealer tables. Looks like Savage knows there is problems and don’t want to cut it off. Would rather sell no good rifles and the take forever to repair them back at the factory? REAL GOOD COMPANY!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info, I think it will be a while before they fix this
problems, I’m is surprised they still selling faulty rifles and getting away with it, it does not say much for this company. I saw a rifle that appears to be the A17 in American tactical call 1SSC SPA for $499.00 the rifle has a different magazine and it says refurbish, I wonder if this are A17 that this company updated.

Although I’ve only put 300 rounds through mine I’ve had zero problems. Shooting CCI A17’s and Hornady 17gr. less than 1″ groups at 50 yds. So far so good. Never an issue with mag. falling out. Maybe they got some of the bugs worked out prior to mine being manufactured. I’m happy with mine!

I am surprised that you think a 1 inch group at 50 yards is good. A 1 inch group at 100 yards is barely acceptable. I am glad that you have enjoyed your A17. I sold mine and will wait for improvements. A bedded Boyd’s stock may improve your accuracy.

“Less than 1″ groups”, maybe that’s 1/2″ groups, maybe that’s 1/4″ groups!

The trigger on the A17 does not help you much. Neither does the plastic stock. I am sure that it’s not all the shooter nor all the gun. The A17 ammo is probably the least accurate of the HMR ammo as well. I sold mine for accuracy reasons (mostly). I did not want to invest another $130 into a stock to get an unknown improvement in the groups. The main (only) appeal of the A17 is the semi auto, and I rarely find a need to rapid fire a 17hmr. I see it more as a precision rimfire caliber and my bolt guns will do just fine. My groups with semi auto 22lr are less than half the groups in my A17 at 100 yds, so I will use them when a semi auto is needed. Over all, I was very disappointed with the A17. I purchased one of the first, so I may reconsider the A17 in the future when they work out many of the issues. I was REALLY hopeful when it was introduced. I am glad to hear that you are happy with yours and hope that someday you will be able to report those 1/4 inch groups consistently. A good bag or a bi-pod should get you there. Never a fan of the Lead Sled. Best wishes for a fun, safe and successful shooting new year.

All I was using was my range bag on the hood of my truck, all I know is the gun is more accurate than I am. By the way, 67 years old with essential tremors.

my son a Marine marksman bought a A17 had a problem with mag and trigger called Savage they had him send it back at their expense. Got it back in 10 working days, put through 100 rounds, couldn’t be happier. Loves the gun. Fantastic customer service. Thanks Savage

because i send my rifle they send label with bad address name and last name but i put in the box my current address and my information

I bought a Savage A17 I have been experiencing problems with the trigger since the very first time I shot the rifle, have contacted Savage on 2 separate occasions to which they have yet to even reply, been over 6 months, and no help whatsoever. No Thanks Savage!

Its been over a year 10/15 since I bought my A17. Trigger is awesome (once adjusted) and I have also had the mag latch issue when I first bought the rifle but soon figured out the nuance of making it work just as with the little quirks found in allot of other brands of rifles, it’s just a matter of adapt and overcome. Over 4000 rounds later and I couldn’t be happier, in fact just purchased another for my 13 year old who wanted to make the move up from the Savage 93R17 bolt gun. The A17 rifle blows ground squirrels up well out beyond 250 yards with ease.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/50e7c8f48ea1778e3d903836ee7e5ef5f4bcc20affcb9d1f167a3f0d9cf7a2f9.jpg

I found the remington ammo to extremely accurate with these guns. Mine at 70yds are is is touching bullet holes and I actually have a target that I put two bullets in 2 bullet holes. I hit 4 bulleyes in 1/2 circles on same target. This ammo is a little slower than cci but so much more accurate. This was a new gun, I shot 2 groups, first with cci,2nd with remington, cci was all spread out and remington made a hole in the paper…no doubt what I am staying with…

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