A friend wants a 17HMR in semi-auto in the worst way. He was set on converting a Ruger 10/22 WMR but those were discontinued. A Volquartsen was his next choice but they are not offering the 22WMR/17HMR actions anymore?
He does not want the Magnum Research model, states he wants a 10/22 based action with a Volquartsen barrel (the one with the muzzle break/compensator).
What's the best route nowadays? Bite the big one and buy a Ruger 10/22 magnum then convert with aftermarket?
TIA,
MtnHtr
Mtn Hunter: Relay to your friend that I have shot both Volquartsen and Magnum Research Rifles in caliber 17 HMR - I REALLY enjoyed both of them! They both belong to Varminting friends of mine.
The Volquartsen 17 HMR semi-auto had a Leupold 8.5x25 variable scope on it - it was a Ground Squirrel "killing machine"!
It also had the better trigger of the two!
The Magnum Research 17 HMR was an interesting and "tempting" Rifle to me for its price range!
My friend with the Magnum Research 17 HMR bought the only model that he could find - I believe it had a Carbon-Fiber barrel.
I was not aware that the Volquartsen folks had quit making the 17 HMR in their semi-auto Rifle - if so thats a shame!
They are (were?) pricey I do know that!
IF - money were no object - I would HAVE one of the Volquartsen 17 HMR's, even if I had to buy a used one!
I do not know anyone personally that has converted one of the few Ruger 10/22 Magnums to 17 HMR so I can't comment there. Other than to say some folks have written about this conversion.
IF the Volquartsen folks are out of the 17 HMR semi-auto market and he's not interested in the Magnum Research Rifle then he maybe has to find a 10/22 Magnum and just go from there.
By the way I saw both the Magnum Research 17 HMR and the Volquartsen 17 HMR kill Ground Squirrels at ranges just beyond 200 yards (lasered)!
Extend my best wishes to your friend on his project.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
Mtn Hunter: It appears the Volquartsen folks are still making the semi-auto Rifle line in 17 HMR!
I will attempt a link for you and your friend:
Link:
https://www.volquartsen.com/category/20-rimfire-rifles/3-rimfireHold into the wind
VarmintGuy
Thanks VG!
My friend has been wanting one for a couple years. Another friend has one he purchased years ago, it was a Ruger 10/22 converted by a 'smith with Volquartsen components.
I think Brownells used to sell Volquartsen actions but not anymore.
Update: I found a dealer selling Volquartsen actions and components.
MtnHtr
The magnum research 17 HMR has a stronger action than a factory ruger 10/22 mag. and all after market products will interchange with it..Mine has a heavey target barrel and a friends has the carbon barrel. They both shoot great and only difference is the weight..I have almost a 1000 rounds through mine and it still a shooter..