Ruger MK .17hm2?

[Markbo]

I have several different versions of MK Pistols - Mk l to MK lV. Does anyone know of a factory or aftermarket version in 17hm2???

 

[NH Rugerman]

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/accessories_mach2_101204/138933
Found the above link from 2010, I seem to remember that Ruger announced it but never released it…but i could be mistaken about that. Perhaps a few were sold, I would think they would be quite the collectible pistol now….

 

[NikA]

I believe Volquartsen used to produce .17 HM2 pistols or uppers for the Ruger MK series.

 

[9x19]

The only factory .17 HM2 offering in a semi-auto pistol which I recall is from Kimber. Their 1911 in .17 used a steel slide, while their .22 used an aluminum slide. Other than that they were the same.

.17

.22

 

[Uncle Howie]

I seem to remember that Ruger announced it but never released it…

That matches my recollection, as well.

I figured I would “need“ one for squirrel hunting… because, you know… I can’t hunt squirrels with the various .22s that I already have!

 

[Mobuck]

To each his own ideas.
I've had 2 17HM2 rifles(actually just the barrels) but got out of that caliber many years ago. It was a GREAT varmint removal tool. Bullets expanded/fragmented even in smallish critters making it much easier to control in places where a pass through wasn't acceptable. Accuracy was fairly good within the 'need parameters' and noise wasn't excessive. Raccoons, muskrats, and groundhogs were the primary targets.
I can't imagine a real 'need' for this cartridge in a handgun platform. It would lose much of it's effectiveness and be excessively loud in a handgun barrel. Squirrel hunting might be the only viable application as the bullets wouldn't carry as far as a 22lr and would be more likely to disintegrate on a small branch rather than ricochet and head off into somewhere land.