Best 17 HMR Rifles (2026): Savage, Tikka, CZ & More

The best 17 HMR rifles turn a tiny rimfire cartridge into a flat shooting varmint tool that punches far above its size. Hornady created the .17 HMR in 2002 by necking down the .22 Magnum case to hold a 17 grain bullet, and the result moves at roughly 2,550 feet per second with about 7 inches of drop at 200 yards. That makes it a favorite for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rock chucks, and other small varmints that live beyond the comfortable reach of a .22 LR.

Our writers have put the cartridge through some demanding tests. In a head to head shootout, a Savage B17 shot half inch five round groups at both 50 and 100 yards and beat an identical .22 LR rifle by roughly three to one on accuracy and wind. In another, we pushed the .17 HMR against the hotter .17 WSM and learned exactly where the little round runs out of steam.

This guide ranks the 17 HMR rifles our writers have reviewed, from budget Savage bolt guns and the delayed blowback A17 semi auto to the Tikka T1x and CZ’s convertible 455. We also cover two newer options, Savage’s Revel lever gun and Rock River’s Rock Chucker AR, based on launch and SHOT Show coverage, and we label them that way. Every review is linked, and prices are labeled as MSRP at launch or at the time of review.

Start with the buyer’s guide if you are deciding between the .17 HMR and other rimfires, or jump to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best 17 HMR Rifles In 2026

Choosing among 17 HMR rifles comes down to action type, barrel, and how far you plan to shoot. Here is what our testing showed.

.17 HMR Vs .22 LR And .22 WMR

The .17 HMR shoots flatter and drifts less in the wind than the .22 LR, and our shootout showed it clearly. The .22 LR is cheaper, quieter, and better for squirrels and plinking, so it still has a place, as our best .22 LR rifles guide explains. The .22 WMR throws a heavier 30 grain bullet that hits harder on bigger varmints but drops about 17 inches at 200 yards compared with about 7 for the .17 HMR.

.17 HMR Vs .17 WSM

The .17 WSM is faster and carries farther, and in our shootout it made hits on small targets at 150 and 250 meters in the wind much easier. The tradeoff is fewer rifles, pricier ammunition, and a very hard primer. For most varmint hunting inside 200 yards, the .17 HMR is the more practical choice.

Bolt Action Or Semi Auto

Most 17 HMR rifles are bolt actions because the bottlenecked case creates more pressure than simple blowback actions like. Savage solved that with a mechanically delayed blowback action in the A17, which makes it a dependable semi auto option. Lever actions and AR style uppers now exist too, but they are newer and we have less testing on them. If you want a centerfire varmint gun instead, see our best AR-15 rifles.

Barrel, Trigger, And Threading

Heavy barrels and good triggers matter more than anything else for small targets. The B17 FV’s AccuTrigger broke at exactly 2 pounds out of the box, and the CZ 455 has an adjustable trigger. A threaded muzzle lets you add a suppressor, and the Tikka T1x and Bergara BMR come threaded from the factory. Twist matters too: Bergara uses a 1:9 twist for its 17 HMR barrels.

Ammo And Wind

Our writers have seen the best accuracy from premium loads. The CCI 17 grain V-Max load made for the Savage A17 runs about 100 feet per second faster than standard loads, and Hornady 20 grain ammunition helped the Tikka T1x print half MOA groups. Even so, the light bullet gets pushed around in a stiff breeze. Learn your holds at 150 and 200 yards before you hunt.

Scopes And Mounts

Most 17 HMR rifles ship without sights, so budget for a scope. Check the base type before you buy rings. The CZ 455 uses an 11mm dovetail, not a standard Picatinny or Weaver base, while the Savage B Series and A17 use standard bases. A scope with a ballistic reticle helps with the drop beyond 100 yards.

Best 17 HMR Rifles Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

Savage B17 FV: Best Overall 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Savage B17 FV is the best overall 17 HMR rifle because it delivered target rifle accuracy at a budget price in more than one of our tests. It has a 21 inch heavy button rifled barrel with a recessed target crown, a 10 round rotary magazine, a one piece synthetic stock with a higher comb and vertical grip, a top tang safety that works for left handed shooters, and the AccuTrigger, which broke at exactly 2 pounds out of the box.

Read our full Savage B17 FV review here.

Our reviewer shot it at almost 100 yards and found four rounds often went into the same hole, with CCI 17 grain Varmint Tip loads the most accurate. In our .17 HMR vs .22 LR shootout, a B17 shot half inch five round groups at 50 and 100 yards. His only wishes were extra magazines and a threaded barrel, which Savage offers on another model. The MSRP was $329 at the time of review, with retail starting at $301.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR
• Barrel: 21 in heavy, target crown
• Overall length: 39 in
• Weight: 6 lb
• Capacity: 10+1 rotary magazine
• MSRP: $329 at the time of review

Pros

• Half inch groups at 100 yards
• Excellent AccuTrigger
• Ambidextrous friendly safety
• Very affordable

Cons

• Only one magazine included
• Reviewed rifle was not threaded
• Plain synthetic stock

🛒 Check Current Price for Savage B17 on GunsAmerica

Tikka T1x: Best Premium 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Tikka T1x is the best premium 17 HMR rifle because it brings Tikka’s centerfire quality to a rimfire without a custom rifle price. Our reviewer tested it with Hornady 20 grain ammunition and a Bushnell Forge scope, and it printed 100 meter groups just over half MOA. He called that remarkable for any rimfire and shocking for one with a relatively light crossover contour barrel.

Read our full Tikka T1x review here.

The barrel is threaded from the factory with a thread protector, the polymer 10 round single stack magazine is textured and well designed, and the bolt handle knob is replaceable. Tikka built the T1x on the same footprint as the T3 centerfire, so many T3 stocks and chassis will fit, making it a good trainer for T3 owners. His main complaint was the nonadjustable trigger, which is good but not up to the T3 TAC A1 standard. The price was $468 at the time of review.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR (also .22 LR)
• Barrel: 20 in crossover contour, threaded
• Capacity: 10 round polymer magazine
• Accuracy: Just over 0.5 MOA at 100 m
• Footprint: Shares T3 stock inlet
• Price: $468 at the time of review

Pros

• Half MOA accuracy
• Threaded barrel
• Excellent magazine
• Fits many T3 stocks

Cons

• Trigger is not adjustable
• Bare bones stock
• Costs more than a Savage

🛒 Check Current Price for Tikka T1x on GunsAmerica

Savage A17: Best Semi Auto 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Savage A17 is the best semi auto 17 HMR rifle because Savage solved the pressure problem that hurt earlier 17 HMR autoloaders. Instead of a straight blowback action, it uses a mechanically delayed blowback design with a lug on top of the steel bolt that holds it closed until pressure drops. We first saw it in our SHOT Show 2015 coverage, and our full review followed.

Read our full Savage A17 review here.

Our reviewer fired just over 500 rounds with only one failure to fire that he blamed on ammunition. He got .25 inch groups at 25 yards and about .75 inch groups at 100, and he rang a 6 inch steel plate at 200 yards round after round. His chronograph averaged 2,532 feet per second with five rounds. The tested rifle was the laminate Sporter, while the synthetic model had a starting MSRP of $473 at the time of review. Takedown for cleaning is easy, and every A17 has the AccuTrigger.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR
• Action: Delayed blowback semi auto
• Barrel: 22 in
• Weight: 5.41 lb
• Capacity: 10 round rotary
• MSRP: $473 synthetic, at the time of review

Pros

• Reliable delayed blowback action
• Sub MOA at 100 yards
• Fast follow up shots
• AccuTrigger

Cons

• Needs frequent cleaning when shooting groups
• Ammo sensitive to quality
• Heavier than a basic bolt gun

🛒 Check Current Price for Savage A17 on GunsAmerica

CZ 455 American Combo: Best Multi Caliber 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The CZ 455 American Combo is the best multi caliber 17 HMR rifle because one action can shoot .17 HMR, .22 LR, and .22 WMR with a barrel swap that takes about five minutes and two Allen wrenches. Our test rifle came with .17 HMR and .22 LR barrels, a classic Mauser style action, walnut, deep bluing, a free floated barrel, and an adjustable trigger set at about 3 pounds.

Read our full CZ 455 American Combo review here.

Our reviewer called it one of the most precisely accurate guns we had ever tested. With Hornady .17 HMR ammunition it repeatedly put five shots into .25 inch or less at 50 yards, including a .229 inch group. The .22 LR barrel shot about half inch groups with bulk ammunition. The 455 uses an 11mm rimfire dovetail, so plan your mounts. CZ has since replaced the 455 with the 457 family, which our CZ 457 Scout review notes keeps the barrel swap and works with 455 barrels and magazines.

Key Specs

• Calibers: .17 HMR and .22 LR barrels (.22 WMR available)
• Action: Mauser style bolt
• Trigger: Adjustable, about 3 lb as tested
• Accuracy: .229 in at 50 yd with Hornady
• Mount: 11mm dovetail
• Status: Replaced by the CZ 457

Pros

• Superb accuracy
• Swap calibers in minutes
• Beautiful walnut and bluing
• 457 barrels and mags compatible

Cons

• Older model, mostly used
• 11mm dovetail mount
• No price in our review

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 455 on GunsAmerica

Bergara BMR: Best Threaded 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Bergara BMR is the best threaded 17 HMR rifle for shooters who want a precision trainer that can also hunt varmints. It is built on a scaled down version of the B-14 action with a carbon steel receiver and bolt, a free floated threaded barrel, a Remington 700 compatible trigger, and both 5 and 10 round magazines. The 17 HMR version has a 20 inch barrel with a 1:9 twist.

Read our full Bergara BMR review (tested in .22 LR) here.

Our reviewer tested the BMR in .22 LR, not .17 HMR, so treat this pick as a strong platform recommendation. His rifle shot .5 to .75 inch five shot groups at 50 yards with CCI Subsonic, often stacking three or four into one ragged hole, and the trigger broke cleanly at just under 3 pounds. With a Hawke ballistic reticle he hit steel at 100 and 200 yards right where the reticle predicted. The BMR Steel MSRP was $565 at the time of review.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR (also .22 LR, .22 WMR)
• Barrel: 20 in, 1:9 twist, threaded (.17 HMR)
• Weight: 5.5 to 5.8 lb depending on caliber
• Trigger: Bergara Performance, Rem 700 compatible
• Magazines: 5 and 10 round
• MSRP: $565 at the time of review (BMR Steel)

Pros

• Precision action and barrel
• Threaded and free floated
• Two magazines included
• Centerfire style trigger

Cons

• Our review rifle was .22 LR
• Pricier than a Savage
• Tactical gray stock not for everyone

🛒 Check Current Price for Bergara BMR on GunsAmerica

Savage Revel 17 HMR: Best Lever Action 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Savage Revel is the best lever action 17 HMR rifle for hunters who want a light, traditional rifle for squirrels, rabbits, and small varmints. Savage offers it in Classic and DLX versions in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Both are takedown rifles with a tubular magazine, an oversized lever loop, a drilled and tapped receiver, adjustable iron sights, and a medium profile carbon steel barrel. The DLX adds a 1/2 x 28 threaded muzzle.

Read our full Savage Revel launch news here.

This pick is based on launch news and our SHOT Show 2025 range day, where we shot a DLX chambered in .22 LR, not .17 HMR. Our writer found it a ton of fun and easy to take down with two pins. At launch, the Revel Classic 17 HMR had an MSRP of $439 and the Revel DLX 17 HMR had an MSRP of $539.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR (also .22 LR, .22 WMR)
• Action: Takedown lever action
• Magazine: Tubular
• Sights: Adjustable irons, drilled and tapped
• Muzzle: Threaded 1/2 x 28 (DLX)
• MSRP: $439 Classic, $539 DLX at launch

Pros

• Light and handy
• Takedown for packing
• Threaded DLX model
• Affordable

Cons

• Not reviewed in .17 HMR
• Tube magazine limits pointed bullets
• New model with limited track record

🛒 Check Current Price for Savage Revel on GunsAmerica

Rock River Arms Rock Chucker: Best AR Style 17 HMR Rifle (2026)

The Rock River Arms Rock Chucker is the best AR style 17 HMR rifle for shooters who want their varmint rifle to run like their AR-15. Owner Chuck Larson showed it at SHOT Show 2024, and the team nicknamed it the Rock Chucker after either his name or its ability to take down rock chucks. This pick is based on our SHOT Show coverage, not a full review.

Read our full Rock Chucker SHOT Show 2024 first look here.

Getting a .17 HMR to cycle in an AR takes some engineering. Rock River uses a proprietary nylon buffer system with a shortened AR-15 spring and a lighter 8620 steel bolt to keep it running. The complete rifle had a $1,200 MSRP at launch, and Rock River said a retro top end with a buffer kit and magazine would be available for about $700 for shooters who already own an AR-15 lower.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .17 HMR
• Platform: AR-15
• Bolt: Lightened 8620 steel
• Buffer: Proprietary nylon, shortened spring
• Upper kit: About $700 at launch
• MSRP: $1,200 complete rifle at launch

Pros

• Familiar AR controls
• Upper kit option for existing lowers
• Fast follow up shots

Cons

• Not yet reviewed
• Most expensive rifle here
• Heavier than a rimfire bolt gun

🛒 Check Current Price for Rock River 17 HMR on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best 17 HMR Rifles Of 2026

The best 17 HMR rifle for most shooters is the Savage B17 FV. It shot half inch groups at 100 yards in our testing, has a great trigger, and costs less than a good scope. The Tikka T1x is the premium bolt gun with a threaded barrel and half MOA accuracy, and the Savage A17 is the semi auto that finally made the cartridge reliable in an autoloader. If you want one rifle for three rimfire cartridges, find a CZ 455 or look at the 457. The Bergara BMR is the precision option, the Savage Revel is the light lever gun, and the Rock Chucker brings the .17 HMR to the AR platform.

Related reading: see our guides to the best .22 Magnum guns and best Ruger 10/22 upgrades.

For more rimfire options, read our best .22 LR rifles, best survival rifles, and squirrel hunting guns guides, plus our .17 HMR vs .17 WSM shootout. Shop 17 HMR rifles on GunsAmerica.com.