Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Buying a rifle (Yes I read the "advice...first gun" sticky)

FelixP · 05-11-2009, 06:20 PM

Hi all. I plan on buying a rifle for small game hunting (rabbit, squirrel) and target shooting. This will be my first powder gun (I have a Beeman RS1 .177 Magnum Air Rifle); a few months ago I spent about thirty minutes with a Glock 17 at the range. I've basically narrowed it down to two choices: the Marlin 980S chambered in .22LR, and the Marlin 917S chambered in .17 HMR. I figure there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

I had the chance to handle the 980S at the gun store a while back, and I really like the feel of it. It was of decent length, and was very well balanced (I'm talking M1903 balance--well, almost), and nifty iron sights. I also figure that .22LR is cheaper than
.17 HMR.

The Marlin 917S fires a more powerful round with a flatter trajectory, perfect for both hunting and range shooting. The 917's sights look to be decent. It's balance was pretty much the same as the 980S. My question is, how much does .17 HMR cost over .22LR?

I'm pretty much deadlocked, although ammo cost is a pertinent factor. Which of the two do you guys and gals like more?

05-11-2009, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
FelixP Insane Location: I'm up they see me I'm down.	Buying a rifle (Yes I read the "advice...first gun" sticky) Hi all. I plan on buying a rifle for small game hunting (rabbit, squirrel) and target shooting. This will be my first powder gun (I have a Beeman RS1 .177 Magnum Air Rifle); a few months ago I spent about thirty minutes with a Glock 17 at the range. I've basically narrowed it down to two choices: the Marlin 980S chambered in .22LR, and the Marlin 917S chambered in .17 HMR. I figure there are advantages and disadvantages to each. I had the chance to handle the 980S at the gun store a while back, and I really like the feel of it. It was of decent length, and was very well balanced (I'm talking M1903 balance--well, almost), and nifty iron sights. I also figure that .22LR is cheaper than .17 HMR. The Marlin 917S fires a more powerful round with a flatter trajectory, perfect for both hunting and range shooting. The 917's sights look to be decent. It's balance was pretty much the same as the 980S. My question is, how much does .17 HMR cost over .22LR? I'm pretty much deadlocked, although ammo cost is a pertinent factor. Which of the two do you guys and gals like more? __________________ Free will lies not in the ability to craft your own fate, but in not knowing what your fate is. --Me "I have just returned from visting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world." --Douglas MacArthur