Alexander Arms Highlander in .17 HMR: The Ultimate Compact Precision Firearm

Are you searching for a highly versatile, exceptionally accurate, and uniquely compact firearm that excels in a variety of shooting disciplines? Do you need a potent yet manageable solution for varmint hunting, target practice, or even as a lightweight option for general utility? Look no further than the Alexander Arms Highlander chambered in the popular .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) cartridge. This innovative firearm, identified by the model number PHI17SGVE, redefines what's possible in a small-caliber, AR-style platform, making it a standout choice for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the world of precision rimfire shooting.

Who is the Alexander Arms Highlander .17 HMR For?

The Alexander Arms Highlander is meticulously designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of shooters. If any of the following describe your interests or challenges, this firearm could be the perfect addition to your collection:

• Varmint and Small Game Hunters: Are you looking for a rifle that delivers flat trajectories, impressive velocity, and surgical precision for pests like prairie dogs, squirrels, or rabbits without excessive recoil? The .17 HMR cartridge in the Highlander's compact form factor provides an excellent, humane, and efficient hunting solution. Its short barrel and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver in the field.
• Precision Target Shooters: Do you enjoy plinking or honing your marksmanship skills at the range with a firearm that offers exceptional accuracy? The Highlander's design principles, combined with the inherently accurate .17 HMR round, make it a superb choice for achieving tight groupings, even at extended rimfire distances.
• Compact Firearm Enthusiasts: Are you drawn to the modularity and ergonomics of the AR-15 platform but desire a more compact, lightweight, and less intimidating package? The Highlander, with its 11-inch barrel and arm brace, offers the familiar AR feel in a highly portable configuration.
• Shooters Seeking Low Recoil: For those sensitive to recoil, or simply desiring a more comfortable shooting experience for extended sessions, the .17 HMR is an ideal cartridge. Paired with the stable platform of the Highlander, it offers minimal muzzle rise and felt recoil.
• Individuals Prioritizing Durability and Aesthetics: If you value a firearm that not only performs flawlessly but also stands up to the elements and looks great doing it, the Sniper Gray Cerakote finish on the Highlander provides exceptional protection and a distinctive appearance.
• New Shooters or Youth: While powerful, the low recoil and ease of use make the .17 HMR Highlander an excellent platform for introducing new shooters to firearm safety and marksmanship, building confidence with every shot.

This firearm solves the common problem of needing a powerful yet controllable and portable tool for precision rimfire applications. It bridges the gap between traditional rimfire rifles and larger centerfire AR platforms, offering a unique blend of benefits.

Key Features That Set the Highlander Apart

The Alexander Arms Highlander, model PHI17SGVE, boasts a suite of features that contribute to its outstanding performance, durability, and user experience. Each component has been thoughtfully integrated to maximize its potential in the .17 HMR caliber.

The Potent .17 HMR Cartridge

At the heart of the Highlander's appeal is its chambering in .17 HMR. This small-bore, high-velocity rimfire cartridge revolutionized the market upon its introduction.

• Exceptional Velocity: .17 HMR rounds typically leave the barrel at speeds exceeding 2,500 feet per second (fps), often reaching up to 2,650 fps depending on the bullet weight (commonly 17-grain or 20-grain projectiles). This high velocity translates directly to a flat trajectory.
• Flat Trajectory: Compared to other popular rimfire cartridges like .22 LR, the .17 HMR exhibits significantly less bullet drop over distance, making it much easier to hit small targets at longer ranges without complex holdovers. This characteristic is invaluable for varmint hunting.
• Minimal Recoil: Despite its impressive velocity, the .17 HMR generates very little recoil, allowing for rapid follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without fatigue. This low recoil also makes it a fantastic training cartridge.
• Pinpoint Accuracy: The cartridge itself is renowned for its inherent accuracy, especially with modern manufacturing techniques that produce consistent ammunition. When paired with a quality barrel like that on the Highlander, sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards are achievable for skilled shooters.

The Compact 11-Inch Barrel

The Highlander's 11-inch barrel strikes an optimal balance for the .17 HMR cartridge. While some velocity is sacrificed compared to longer rifle barrels, the benefits in terms of maneuverability and handling are significant for a firearm designed for compactness.

• Enhanced Maneuverability: A shorter barrel makes the Highlander incredibly agile, perfect for navigating dense brush during hunting trips, moving quickly between shooting positions, or utilizing in confined spaces.
• Reduced Overall Length: This contributes to the firearm's portability, allowing for easier transport and storage.
• Excellent Ballistics for Rimfire: Even at 11 inches, the .17 HMR retains sufficient velocity and energy for its intended purposes, effectively delivering energy to small game out to 150-200 yards, depending on conditions and shooter skill.

Robust 10+1 Magazine Capacity

The Highlander comes equipped with a 10-round detachable magazine, providing a total capacity of 10+1 rounds (ten in the magazine, one in the chamber).

• Ample Firepower: This capacity is more than sufficient for most varmint hunting scenarios, allowing for multiple shots without frequent reloads.
• Range Practicality: For target shooting and plinking, a 10-round magazine offers a good balance between continuous shooting and opportunities for reloading practice.
• Reliable Feeding: Alexander Arms is known for its reliable magazine designs, ensuring smooth feeding and consistent performance.

Distinctive Sniper Gray Cerakote Finish

The Sniper Gray Cerakote finish is not merely an aesthetic choice; it provides significant practical advantages.

• Superior Durability: Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating known for its exceptional hardness and resistance to abrasion, wear, and impact. This protects the firearm from scratches and dings encountered during field use.
• Corrosion Resistance: It offers excellent protection against rust and corrosion, making the Highlander suitable for use in diverse environments, from humid hunting grounds to dusty ranges. This is particularly important for firearms that may be exposed to the elements.
• Chemical Resistance: Cerakote is resistant to many chemicals, including cleaning solvents and oils, simplifying maintenance.
• Unique Aesthetic: The Sniper Gray color provides a modern, tactical look that stands out from traditional black firearms, reflecting the high-performance nature of the Highlander.

SBA3 Adjustable Arm Brace Stock

The inclusion of the SBA3 adjustable arm brace is a critical feature that enhances the Highlander's versatility and usability while maintaining its legal classification as a pistol.

• Enhanced Stability: The arm brace allows the shooter to stabilize the firearm against their forearm, providing a more stable shooting platform than traditional pistol grips alone, significantly improving accuracy and control.
• Adjustability: The SBA3 brace is adjustable for length, allowing users to customize the fit for optimal comfort and shooting posture. This adaptability accommodates different body types and shooting styles.
• Compact Form Factor: The brace contributes to the overall compact design when collapsed, making it easier to transport and store.
• Legal Compliance: Users should always be aware of and comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearms. The arm brace is designed to comply with current regulations for pistol configurations, offering enhanced stability without reclassifying the firearm as a short-barreled rifle (SBR), which typically requires additional federal licensing.

Ergonomic Black Polymer Grip

The Highlander features a standard black polymer pistol grip, which is a common and widely appreciated component on AR-style firearms.

• Comfortable Handling: Polymer grips are known for their comfortable feel, providing a secure and non-slip surface for the shooter's hand.
• Standard Compatibility: The AR-style grip means it can be easily replaced with a wide variety of aftermarket grips if a user desires a different texture, angle, or size, allowing for further personalization.
• Lightweight: Polymer contributes to the overall lightweight nature of the firearm, reducing fatigue during extended use.

Right-Handed Configuration

This specific model is configured for right-handed shooters, with controls (like the safety selector and magazine release) positioned for intuitive access by a right-handed user. The ambidextrous nature of the AR platform for charging handle and forward assist allows for some flexibility, but the primary controls are optimized for right-hand operation.

Optimizing Your Shooting Experience with the Highlander

The Alexander Arms Highlander isn't just a collection of impressive features; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to deliver superior performance and satisfaction. Here's how it enhances your shooting activities:

• Precision for Pest Control: For farmers, ranchers, or anyone dealing with small nuisance animals, the Highlander in .17 HMR offers surgical precision. Its flat trajectory means less guesswork on range, leading to more ethical and effective pest elimination. The quiet report of the .17 HMR compared to centerfire cartridges is also a significant advantage in many environments.
• The Ideal Range Companion: Whether you're zeroing in optics, practicing fundamentals, or competing in rimfire challenges, the Highlander's inherent accuracy, low recoil, and comfortable ergonomics ensure a rewarding experience. You'll find yourself able to shoot longer and more accurately without fatigue.
• Customization Potential: Being built on an AR-style platform, the Highlander offers immense customization opportunities. Users can easily swap out accessories like optics, lights, lasers, and even foregrips (where legal) to tailor the firearm to their specific needs and preferences. Its top Picatinny rail allows for effortless mounting of scopes, red dots, or other sighting systems.
• Durability in Any Environment: The Cerakote finish, combined with Alexander Arms' reputation for robust construction, means this firearm can withstand the rigors of field use, adverse weather conditions, and frequent transport without showing premature wear. It's built to last and maintain its performance over years of use.
• A Unique Niche: How do you find a firearm that offers the modularity and feel of an AR platform, combined with the economical and accurate benefits of a rimfire cartridge, all in a highly compact package? The Highlander answers this question directly, filling a unique niche that many shooters have been seeking. It's a testament to Alexander Arms' innovative approach to firearm design.

When considering a compact, high-performance rimfire firearm, the Alexander Arms Highlander PHI17SGVE stands out as a top-tier choice. Its thoughtful design, premium materials, and chambering in the potent .17 HMR cartridge make it an indispensable tool for a variety of applications. This firearm, and many other quality Alexander Arms products, are readily available at DEGuns, a trusted source for your shooting needs.

Alexander Arms Highlander Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	PHI17SGVE
Caliber	.17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
Barrel Length	11 inches
Capacity	10+1 Rounds
Finish	Sniper Gray Cerakote
Stock	SBA3 Adjustable Arm Brace
Grip	Black Polymer
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Manufacturer	Alexander Arms
Platform	AR-Style Pistol
Optimal Use	Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting, Plinking, Compact Utility