RAR .17 HMR heads-up

[9x19]

I bought one today, $255 + tax.

When I got it home and put it in the cradle to add Weaver bases, I found a problem... Ruger has changed the receiver plug screws from a standard slotted screw to a Torx T6 screw. That's not a big deal as I have a good set of Torx bits.

Unfortunately, I could not get my T6 bit to bite in the front two screws... the bit recess in the screws appeared to be really shallow. The rear screws were no problem.

Went back to the shop, but the other one they had was the same way...

I called Ruger and confirmed the screws are T6. I told the tech it looked like Ruger had installed the screws (and they were high), then polished the receiver with the screws in place and in the process polished off the top of the screws leaving the bit recess very shallow. The tech said that was quite possible... and issued a return for mine. They also asked for the shop's phone number so they could call and pick up theirs as well.

UPS should pick it up tomorrow... I'm sure Ruger will handle it, and I'll let y'all know how it turns out... if you're looking at one, check the plug screws closely.

 

[9x19]

Well, it seems somebody in Ruger's Service Dept. dropped the ball, as UPS did not pick up my rifle, and UPS still didn't have a pick-up request in their system as of Friday.

So... I decided to just handle the issue myself today.

After verifying the receiver top was planar, I drilled a 1/16" hole in both of the front plug screws, then wedged a T6 bit into the hole and extracted them.

Mounted my scope, now just waiting for the 1/2" of ice we got today to melt so I can sight it in... already ordered the long/high stock module from Ruger.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Never been a big fan of synthetic stocks and certainly do NOT need another 22lr but something about these little RAR's grabs my interest. Not sure I'd scope or not as I like the profile with the sights alone but also think a nice 32mm or 38mm objective scope would be nice too.
Curious to hear some range reports on yours.

 

[9x19]

I'm not much of a bench shooter but I have been very pleased with both .22s (LR & WMR) in the field (haven't missed a critter yet).

Given the inherent accuracy the .17 enjoys, I'm sure it will me make just as happy.

These synthetic stocks have a good solid feel, use v-block inserts for bedding and the interchangeable stock modules are a unique, and practical, feature.

 

[9x19]

Picked up some ammo locally and had the rifle out back back this morning, it shoots better than the .22s, though that's not really surprising. I'm quite pleased with all three rifles.

Then I got an email from Grafs this afternoon, they had Hornady ammo in stock and on sale, so I ordered a bit to have a good supply on hand.

 

[BlkHawk73]

While the .17 does still intrigue me, Im unsure if another chambering is what I'd go for. .22 magnum perhaps but the .17hmr, hmmm… Have a 17M2 and it's a tack driver so I guess it's big brother wouldn't be a huge stretch. have to see what presents itself in time.