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.
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
| Caliber | 17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:9″ |
| Overall Length | 42″ |
| Weight | 5.41 lbs |
| Action | delayed blowback |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Finish | high 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
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
52 replies on “Savage Arms A17: Semi-Auto 17 HMR Rifle”
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.
My Henry works flawlessly!!!!!