Gun Review: Savage A17 Thumbhole Target Combo rifle in .17 HMR (VIDEO)

By Kristin Alberts

Savage’s A17 is the first successful 17HMR semi automatic rifle since its introduction at SHOT 2015.  While there were initial concerns about the reliability of the 17HMR in a blowback action, we’re now two years removed and not only is the A17 still on the market, but Savage has added a number of new variations — and even calibers — to the lineup.
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Savage Arms A17 Thumbhole Target Combo semi-automatic rifle in .17 HMR. (Photo: Kristin Alberts)
While the 17HMR round was always thought to be too hot to reliably cycle a semi-automatic action, Savage spent years creating a delayed blowback system that effectively allows part of the pressure to escape prior to opening and cycling. A lug on the bolt locks into the receiver at the moment of firing, releasing pressure before working the action, and re-chambering the next round.  This technology essentially solved the problems other rimfire semi-autos were having with 17HMR bolts opening too soon, rupturing cases, and even creating more serious over-pressure issues.
Bushnell 3.5-10×36 scope with A7 branding. (Photo: Kristin Alberts)
Now that Savage’s parent company, Vista Outdoors, also includes both CCI and Bushnell, it was a natural progression to see a tag-team deal.  Our test A17 Laminate

Source: Guns.com