Understanding the Unique Traits of the 17 Mach 2 Cartridge
The crack of a rimfire rifle echoing across a quiet range… it’s a sound that embodies both the joy of recreational shooting and the pursuit of pinpoint accuracy. The 17 Mach 2 cartridge, a relative newcomer to the rimfire scene, has quickly carved out a niche for itself, promising exceptional performance in a small, economical package. When paired with a rifle known for its value and accuracy, like the Savage Arms offerings, the results can be truly impressive. This article delves into the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel, exploring its features, performance characteristics, and its place within the world of target shooting and plinking. We’ll examine why this combination is popular among shooters who value precision and want to experience the thrill of accurate shooting without the added cost of larger centerfire cartridges.
The 17 Mach 2, an innovative cartridge, emerged as a descendant of the .22 Long Rifle. This cartridge’s foundation is based upon the .22 Long Rifle case, necked down to accept a smaller .17 caliber bullet. This design presents a unique blend of benefits that contribute to its appeal.
The history of this cartridge reveals its origins as a high-velocity rimfire offering. It was created to fill a gap between the .22 Long Rifle and the more potent .17 HMR, offering a flatter trajectory than the .22 LR, which is advantageous for target shooting at extended ranges and for small game hunting.
In the realm of ballistics, the 17 Mach 2 excels. Bullets fired from the cartridge typically achieve velocities exceeding the .22LR by a significant margin. This increased speed results in a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over a given distance, enhancing the shooter’s ability to hit targets at a variety of ranges with greater consistency.
The 17 Mach 2 offers multiple advantages for shooters. Its low recoil makes it a pleasure to shoot for extended periods, and it’s a great choice for beginners or those who are sensitive to recoil. The cartridge’s accuracy potential is often higher than standard .22LR loads, particularly when paired with a rifle designed for precision. Furthermore, the cost of ammunition is generally less than that of many centerfire cartridges, making it an economical choice for target practice.
These attributes make the 17 Mach 2 suitable for various shooting pursuits. It’s an outstanding choice for target practice, where the combination of accuracy and low recoil is highly desirable. The cartridge is well-suited for plinking, providing a fun and engaging experience for recreational shooting. It also serves as a viable option for small game hunting, where its flatter trajectory and effective range are valuable assets.
Savage Arms: A Legacy of Value and Reliability
Savage Arms has a storied history within the firearms industry. Known for its dedication to producing accurate and affordable rifles, Savage has garnered a strong reputation among shooters of all levels.
Savage’s commitment to quality extends to their manufacturing practices. They are known for using innovative techniques that maximize accuracy and minimize production costs, resulting in rifles that frequently outperform their price point.
The company’s bolt-action rifles are especially popular. These actions are renowned for their robust designs, smooth operation, and consistent performance. Savage’s bolt-action rifles are a favorite among target shooters, hunters, and those who appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a well-engineered action.
A notable aspect of Savage’s rifle design is the inclusion of the AccuTrigger system. This trigger system is designed to offer a crisp, clean break with a user-adjustable pull weight. The AccuTrigger contributes significantly to the accuracy potential of Savage rifles. The ability to fine-tune the trigger pull weight allows shooters to tailor the rifle to their individual preferences, leading to improved shot placement and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Exploring the Attributes of the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel
The Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel models, offering various features to enhance performance and provide a premium shooting experience, distinguish themselves from more traditional designs.
The construction of the barrel is a primary consideration. Savage typically utilizes high-quality steel, with options including carbon steel and stainless steel. The robust design ensures durability and longevity, and the bull barrel profile contributes to exceptional accuracy.
The bull barrel design is characterized by a thicker diameter compared to standard barrels. This heavier profile offers several advantages. It adds weight to the front of the rifle, increasing its overall stability and minimizing muzzle rise during firing. It also provides superior heat dissipation. The larger surface area of the bull barrel helps to dissipate heat quickly, which is beneficial during extended shooting sessions and helps to maintain accuracy even as the barrel heats up.
The actions used in Savage 17 Mach 2 rifles are typically bolt-action. This proven design offers simplicity and reliability. The bolt-action mechanism provides a positive extraction and ejection of spent casings, making it user-friendly. The action is typically constructed from high-quality materials such as steel or alloys, ensuring a strong and durable platform for precision shooting.
The stocks found on Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel rifles vary depending on the specific model. The choices range from synthetic stocks, which offer ruggedness and weather resistance, to wood stocks, which provide a classic aesthetic and sometimes benefit from a higher degree of customization. The shape and design of the stock can contribute to the ergonomics, providing a comfortable and natural shooting experience. Checkering patterns or textured surfaces are often incorporated to improve grip and handling, especially in wet or challenging conditions.
The trigger mechanism is a critical component. The Savage AccuTrigger, when equipped, offers an adjustable pull weight to allow fine-tuning to individual preferences. A crisp and clean trigger break is essential for achieving consistent accuracy.
Magazines used in these rifles usually have a relatively high capacity. The magazine’s construction influences the user experience and ease of reloading. The ease of use, secure fit, and smooth feeding of the magazine system are essential aspects of the shooting experience.
The receiver is usually pre-drilled and tapped, allowing for the easy installation of scope bases and scope rings. This simplifies the process of mounting optics.
Finally, the overall dimensions and weight of the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel are important to consider. The thicker bull barrel contributes to a slightly heavier overall weight, which has an influence on the rifle’s balance and stability.
Performance and Precision on the Range
The Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel is engineered for accuracy. The combination of a quality barrel, a stable action, and a good trigger results in exceptional precision. The bull barrel design enhances its stability, further improving its ability to consistently deliver tight groups.
The rifle’s potential for accuracy shines in a target shooting context. At moderate distances, such as one hundred yards or less, the rifle can achieve impressive group sizes, enabling shooters to consistently hit small targets with precision. These features make it an excellent platform for developing and refining marksmanship skills.
The accuracy of a 17 Mach 2 rifle also relies on the selection of ammunition. Ammunition choice can significantly impact group size, and factors like bullet weight and construction will affect performance.
When compared to other rimfire rifles, the 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel, with its enhanced barrel design, generally offers improved accuracy over rifles with standard barrels. The extra weight and increased heat dissipation characteristics of the bull barrel contribute to better consistency, especially during extended shooting sessions. The added stability makes it easier to achieve tighter groups.
Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Shooters should carefully consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel to make an informed decision.
The pros of this rifle are significant. The enhanced accuracy potential allows for consistent shot placement. It’s an excellent value for its price, offering performance that rivals rifles costing significantly more. The low recoil of the 17 Mach 2 cartridge makes it comfortable and enjoyable to shoot, even for extended periods. And it is generally relatively inexpensive to shoot, considering ammunition costs.
The cons primarily revolve around the specifics of the design and the cartridge itself. The heavier weight of the bull barrel, while contributing to accuracy and stability, may make the rifle less appealing for those who prefer a lighter, more maneuverable firearm. The limited availability of 17 Mach 2 ammunition compared to other rimfire options can also be a consideration. Additionally, while accurate, the 17 Mach 2’s effective range is shorter than some other cartridges.
Who is the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel for?
The Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel suits different kinds of shooters. It’s an excellent choice for target shooters who prioritize precision and desire a rifle that delivers consistent results. Plinkers who enjoy the challenge of accurate shooting will also find it to be a rewarding experience. Small game hunters can also find it effective. Moreover, beginners who are looking for an accurate and affordable rifle will appreciate its user-friendly features and excellent value.
Keeping Your Rifle in Top Condition
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve your Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel.
Regular cleaning of the barrel and action is essential for maintaining accuracy and reliability. This involves removing powder residue and other debris that can accumulate after firing. The cleaning process typically involves the use of a cleaning rod, patches, and appropriate solvents and lubricants.
Always use suitable cleaning tools and cleaning products. The materials and lubricants that are selected can impact the accuracy of the rifle.
Proper storage is also important. Store the rifle in a safe and dry location, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Making Your Purchase: Cost and Considerations
The Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel offers excellent value for money.
Purchasing options include gun stores and online retailers.
Carefully consider the condition of the rifle, the specific features it includes, and any accessories that are included in the sale when making your purchase.
Exploring Other Options
When considering the Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel, it’s worth exploring other possibilities. There are other 17 Mach 2 rifles. You might also consider rifles in similar rimfire calibers.
Conclusion
The Savage 17 Mach 2 Bull Barrel represents a compelling choice for those seeking a combination of accuracy, value, and shooting enjoyment. The cartridge’s performance and the rifle’s design make it a pleasure to shoot. The bull barrel, combined with Savage’s reputation for accuracy, creates a platform that delivers exceptional precision. Whether you’re a seasoned target shooter or a newcomer to the sport, this rifle is likely to impress.
