RAR Compact 17HMR

[Mobuck]

Want(need?) a threaded muzzle 17HMR that fits the Grandsons better and finally decided life's too short to mess with things that are perfectly good. Simply couldn't bring myself to pull the barrel off the 77/17 to have it threaded even though it should go back on just as accurate as it came off.
Got a Compact on the way figuring the shorter stock will fit the kids and I can probably find a "long" buttstock on one of the auctions. Just happened to stop in at the local gun shop when he was preparing to order so he cut me a decent deal and ordered two.
Should be here end of next week so I can get a scope on it and break it in before the "add-on" arrives.

 

[9x19]

Nice choice... which model "add-on" will you use?

A friend has a Spectre II he really likes.

 

[Mobuck]

I think it's a Sparrow(been so long waiting on the paperwork I've sort of forgotten).

 

[Kanook]

A good 02/07 FFL can thread your barrel while still in the receiver.

 

[Mobuck]

A good 02/07 FFL can thread your barrel while still in the receiver.

Not sure that's good for a barrel clamp model.

 

[9x19]

The RAR doesn't use the v-block barrel clamp arrangement found on the 10/22 or older 77/22s, they are press fit and cross pinned, like most other rimfires in that price range.

 

[Mobuck]

The rifle I was referring to having threaded is my boat paddle stocked 77/17. The RAR I ordered comes factory threaded. Knocking $100(the cost of threading not including shipping) off the price of the RAR made it fairly attractive. The short stock option is icing on the cake.

 

[Mobuck]

Well, it's in my hands today. Another question. What the consensus about scope mounting? Use the grooves or add bases and end up with the scope higher???

 

[9x19]

I used bases and weaver rings... my 3x-9x 40mm scope just barely clears the folded rear sight.

 

[22/45 Fan]

I used the Weaver #12 bases and "High" Weaver rings and my 4X 32 mm Leupold Compact scope also just clears the rear sight. It's a short scope and a longer one would give more options. "Extra High" rings might be needed with a larger scope bell.

BTW, the "standard pull" stock insert, in both high and low comb versions, are available from ShopRuger.com at about $20 each. I bought an RAR Compact in .22LR for my grand daughters and ordered the longer stock insert so I can use it too.

 

[Mobuck]

I stuck a 3-9x32 on with the only set of "grooved" rings I had on hand. Front ring is just touching the folded rear leaf so guess I'll whack off the rear sight and go that way for the present. At least I want to do some accuracy checks before going any further. If it won't shoot, it's headed for a new home.

 

[Mobuck]

Finally shot the new RAR. Shoots fairly accurately at 100 yards BUT has an issue that may be terminal. The fourth shot resulted in the extractor leaving the case in the chamber requiring a "knock-out rod".
Same on the 8th shot but that one extracted with additional finger pressure on the extractor. Ammo is the same Hornady I've used for years in the 77/17 w/o issue and YES, I did clean the barrel and chamber before shooting.
I don't like the trigger but can't do much about that. I firmly believe that those "safety lever" triggers promote bad trigger form and will result in ND when applied to another rifle with a "good" trigger.

 

[mike7mm08]

Hate to be a bearer of bad news. I had a 17 RAR that had similar extraction issues. No matter the ammo. No pattern to what ammo and when it would stick one in the chamber. Ruger ended up replacing the gun.