The Savage has the rep of being a problem. Not sure how much fact is attached to it now but early release units did have some issues. I'm not hearing any problems with the Ruger 77/17 and IF I were to buy one, that would be the way I would go.
Jim, I have a 17 Hornet that wears a 22'' barrel. The balance is good. I'm not sure it absolutely needs to be 22'' but that's what it is-currently. The 19 Badger from Calhoon is still my next buy. I can't decide whether to have a new rifle built or take one of my 22 Hornets and have it converted.
