Savage Perfects the 17 HMR Semi-Auto–SHOT Show 2015

in Authors, Sam Trisler, SHOT Show 2015

Updated: January 23, 2015 BY Sam Trisler

Has Savage Arms solved the mystery and made us a safe and reliable 17 HMR autoloader? According the Savage, they have.

The delayed blow back Savage A-17.

Savage did extensive testing on the new A-17 to ensure that it functions safely. They also had CCI do some independent testing to ensure that everything is good to go. We have been promised a sample and will be doing our own testing and evaluation in the coming weeks.

So how did they do it? Savage made several changes to their standard auto-loader design to make the A17 more reliable, but the biggest addition on the rifle is a special lug that locks the bolt in place for a millisecond, delaying blowback to allow most of the gases from burning powder to dissipate. The slight delay allows the bolt to cycle reliably.

The A-17 will ship with a 10 round rotary magazine and it is equipped with the Accutrigger. The MSRP is $465 and will ship in March. We’re pretty stoked about the idea. This isn’t you’re average everyday plinker. It really takes the rimfire fun-gun to the next level.

Bill Dermody from Savage shows us the new Scout Rifle.

CCI has also developed a special loading of 17 HMR for the A17. This is a slightly hotter load that pushes the speed up to above 2,650 fps. Savage says this was developed to help cycle in extreme cold, or if the rifle is fouled from heavy use.

Savage also showed us a new version of the Mod 11 Scout rifle. It features an adjustable stock (length of pull and comb), 10 round box magazine and the always-great Accutrigger. The Scout has iron sights and a forward section of rail for optics. IT is a familiar concept, but Savage has put their own unique spin on the gun. It looks like it is going to be a solid addition to their line-up.

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