The Ultimate Guide to the Mossberg 817 Bolt Action .17 HMR Rifle

For outdoor enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and those focused on pest control, choosing the right rifle is paramount. The Mossberg 817 Bolt Action .17 HMR rifle, model 38191, emerges as a standout option, offering a potent combination of precision, reliability, and value. This comprehensive guide will explore why this rifle is a top choice for a diverse range of users, from seasoned hunters to individuals looking to hone their marksmanship.

Who Is the Mossberg 817 Designed For?

This rifle is meticulously crafted to meet the needs of several key user groups, making it a versatile tool in any shooter's arsenal:

• Varmint Hunters: If your aim is to effectively manage pest populations like groundhogs, prairie dogs, or coyotes at extended ranges, the Mossberg 817 in .17 HMR is an exceptional choice. Its flat trajectory and high velocity translate to unparalleled accuracy for precision shots.
• Small Game Hunters: For ethical and effective hunting of small game such as rabbits, squirrels, or hares (where legal and appropriate for the .17 HMR caliber), the rifle's accuracy ensures clean kills and minimal meat damage.
• Target Shooters & Plinkers: For those who enjoy precise target shooting or simply plinking at the range, the Mossberg 817 provides a highly satisfying experience. Its minimal recoil makes it easy to stay on target and enjoy extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
• Beginner Shooters: With its gentle recoil and straightforward bolt-action mechanism, this rifle serves as an excellent entry point into the world of rimfire shooting. It allows new shooters to build fundamental marksmanship skills and confidence.
• Property Owners & Farmers: Tackling nuisance animals or pests on your land requires a reliable and accurate solution. The Mossberg 817 offers an efficient way to manage these issues safely and effectively.

Whether you're addressing a specific problem like varmint overpopulation, seeking to improve your shooting accuracy, or introducing someone to the joys of responsible firearm ownership, the Mossberg 817 is engineered to deliver.

The Power and Precision of the .17 HMR Caliber

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the Mossberg 817 is its chambering in the remarkable .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) caliber. Developed in 2002, the .17 HMR quickly revolutionized the rimfire world, offering capabilities far beyond traditional rimfire cartridges like the .22LR.

Why is the .17 HMR the preferred choice for many?

• Blazing Velocity: The .17 HMR cartridge typically propels a 17-grain bullet at speeds exceeding 2,500 feet per second (fps). This incredible velocity translates directly into a flat shooting trajectory, significantly simplifying target acquisition at varying distances.
• Exceptional Accuracy: Due to its high velocity and ballistic efficiency, the .17 HMR is renowned for its inherent accuracy, especially when paired with a precision rifle like the Mossberg 817. Shooters can consistently achieve tight groups at ranges well beyond what's typically expected from a rimfire cartridge, often out to 150-200 yards or even further with ideal conditions.
• Minimal Bullet Drop: The flat trajectory of the .17 HMR means less need for holdover adjustments on targets within its effective range. This makes it incredibly forgiving and easy to shoot accurately, even for those with less experience in judging distance.
• Low Recoil: Despite its impressive velocity, the .17 HMR produces very little recoil. This characteristic is a major benefit, allowing for comfortable, extended shooting sessions and making it an ideal choice for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil. Minimal recoil also aids in maintaining sight picture for faster follow-up shots.
• Terminal Performance: For small game and varmints, the .17 HMR's high velocity and typically frangible bullets (like V-MAX or TNT) deliver devastating terminal performance, ensuring quick, humane kills. The explosive expansion of these bullets minimizes the risk of ricochet, making them safer for use in open fields.

When comparing it to the venerable .22LR, the .17 HMR offers a significant leap in velocity, effective range, and precision, particularly for small, fast-moving targets where shot placement is critical. The Mossberg 817 harnesses these characteristics perfectly, delivering a rifle that's both exhilarating to shoot and highly effective in its intended roles.

Unpacking the Features: What Makes the Mossberg 817 Stand Out?

The Mossberg 817 (model 38191) is engineered with practical features that enhance its performance, durability, and user experience. Every component contributes to its overall reliability and accuracy.

Precision Bolt-Action Design

At the heart of the Mossberg 817 is its classic bolt-action mechanism. This design is globally recognized for its simplicity, robust reliability, and inherent accuracy. A bolt-action rifle provides a solid lock-up between the bolt and the receiver, contributing to consistent shot placement. For hunters, the deliberate action of cycling the bolt also encourages careful shot selection, fostering better marksmanship. It's easy to operate, clean, and maintain, ensuring years of trouble-free performance.

Ample Capacity for Extended Use

The rifle features a 5+1 capacity, meaning it holds five rounds in its detachable box magazine plus one in the chamber. This capacity is highly practical for both hunting and range applications. For varmint control, it provides enough rounds for multiple targets without constant reloading. At the range, it allows for satisfying strings of fire before needing to replenish ammunition. The detachable magazine design also facilitates quick and easy reloading.

Optimized Barrel for Accuracy and Velocity

The Mossberg 817 comes equipped with a 21-inch barrel. This length is specifically chosen to maximize the ballistic potential of the .17 HMR cartridge. A longer barrel allows for a more complete burn of the gunpowder, translating to higher muzzle velocities and, consequently, a flatter trajectory and greater energy delivery downrange. The barrel features a blued metal finish, which provides a traditional aesthetic while offering a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. The rifling within the barrel is optimized for the .17 HMR, ensuring the bullet spins correctly for superior accuracy.

Durable and Ergonomic Black Synthetic Stock

A key element of the Mossberg 817's design is its black synthetic stock. This material offers significant advantages over traditional wood stocks:

• Durability: Synthetic stocks are exceptionally tough and resistant to impacts, scratches, and abrasions, making them ideal for rugged outdoor use.
• Weather Resistance: Unlike wood, synthetic materials are impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. This means the stock won't warp, swell, or crack, maintaining its integrity and fit in any weather condition, from freezing mornings to humid afternoons.
• Low Maintenance: Synthetic stocks require minimal care, typically just a wipe-down after use.
• Ergonomics: The stock is designed as a right-hand (full size) configuration, providing a comfortable and secure grip for most shooters. Its contours facilitate proper shooting posture, ensuring consistent eye relief and sight alignment. The textured grip areas enhance control, even in wet conditions.

User-Friendly Features

Beyond its core components, the Mossberg 817 incorporates thoughtful design elements:

• Smooth Trigger Pull: A crisp, predictable trigger pull is crucial for accuracy. The Mossberg 817 is known for a clean break, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture throughout the shot process.
• Integrated Scope Mounting Bases: For precision shooting, mounting an optic is essential. The Mossberg 817 typically comes with pre-drilled and tapped receivers, often including standard dovetail or Weaver-style bases, allowing for easy and secure attachment of your preferred rifle scope. This ensures that you can maximize the inherent accuracy of the .17 HMR cartridge.
• Manual Safety: A simple and intuitive manual safety mechanism is strategically placed for easy manipulation, providing an important layer of security during transport and handling.

Together, these features create a firearm that is not only highly effective in the field but also a pleasure to operate and own.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the Mossberg 817 Excel?

The Mossberg 817 .17 HMR is a versatile tool, proving its worth in various scenarios that demand accuracy and efficiency.

Varmint Extermination

This is arguably where the .17 HMR, and by extension the Mossberg 817, truly shines. For hunters dealing with cunning and often elusive varmints, precise shot placement is critical.

• Prairie Dogs & Groundhogs: The rifle's flat trajectory allows for precise shots on these small targets at distances of 100-200 yards, minimizing the need for complex holdovers. The high velocity ensures rapid, humane dispatch.
• Coyotes & Foxes: While the .17 HMR is on the lighter side for larger predators, it can be effective for close-range shots (under 100 yards) with proper bullet selection and placement, especially for younger or smaller animals. Its low report compared to centerfire rifles can be an advantage in areas where noise is a concern.
• Other Pests: For nuisance animals like raccoons or opossums (within legal hunting parameters), the Mossberg 817 offers a reliable solution.

The rifle's accuracy and the .17 HMR's performance are a formidable combination for effective varmint control programs.

Small Game Hunting

While traditionally a domain for .22LR, the .17 HMR offers distinct advantages for small game:

• Squirrels & Rabbits: The precision of the Mossberg 817 allows for headshots, preserving meat. The increased velocity means flatter trajectories over varied terrain. However, hunters should be mindful of potential meat damage with more explosive bullet types, opting for less destructive rounds if meat preservation is a primary concern.
• Birds: For legal game birds (e.g., grouse or pheasants where rifle hunting is permitted and ethical), the .17 HMR offers extended range capabilities, though care must be taken with shot placement to avoid excessive damage.

Target Shooting and Skill Development

Beyond hunting, the Mossberg 817 is an excellent companion at the shooting range:

• Precision Practice: The rifle's inherent accuracy and the .17 HMR's flat trajectory make it ideal for honing marksmanship skills, particularly at 50-100 yard ranges, and even extending to 200 yards for experienced shooters.
• Affordable Fun: While .17 HMR ammunition is slightly more expensive than .22LR, it's significantly cheaper than centerfire rifle ammunition, making it a more economical choice for regular practice sessions.
• Introduction to Rifles: For new shooters, the low recoil and straightforward operation of the bolt action make the Mossberg 817 a perfect training rifle. It allows beginners to focus on fundamental shooting principles without being intimidated by recoil or complex mechanics.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mossberg 817 and .17 HMR

Potential buyers and new owners often have common questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked, along with expert insights.

"Is the .17 HMR Accurate?"

Absolutely. The .17 HMR is one of the most accurate rimfire cartridges available. Its small, lightweight bullet, combined with high velocity, results in a very flat trajectory and minimal wind drift at common rimfire ranges. When paired with a quality rifle like the Mossberg 817, it's not uncommon for shooters to achieve sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards, meaning groups smaller than one inch. This level of precision is exceptional for a rimfire cartridge and makes it ideal for targets requiring pinpoint accuracy.

"What is the effective range of a .17 HMR rifle?"

For varmint hunting and precision shooting, the effective range of the .17 HMR, especially from a Mossberg 817, is generally considered to be 150 to 200 yards. At these distances, the cartridge maintains sufficient energy and accuracy for ethical kills on small varmints. Beyond 200 yards, wind drift can become a significant factor, and energy retention diminishes, making consistent hits more challenging. For plinking or casual target practice, shooters can certainly engage targets at greater distances, but the precision required for hunting is best maintained within the 200-yard mark.

"Is the Mossberg 817 a good starter rifle?"

Yes, the Mossberg 817 makes an excellent starter rifle. Its key advantages for beginners include:

• Minimal Recoil: The .17 HMR produces very little felt recoil, which is crucial for new shooters to avoid developing a flinch and to maintain focus on fundamentals.
• Simple Operation: The bolt-action mechanism is straightforward and easy to understand, teaching fundamental firearm manipulation and safety procedures.
• Affordable Ammunition (compared to centerfire): While not as cheap as .22LR, .17 HMR is much less expensive than centerfire rifle rounds, allowing for more practice without breaking the bank.
• Built-in Accuracy: The rifle's inherent accuracy provides immediate positive feedback, encouraging new shooters as they see their groups tighten with practice.

"What kind of ammunition should I use with a .17 HMR?"

The .17 HMR primarily uses 17-grain and 20-grain bullets.

• 17-grain V-MAX or TNT: These are the most common and popular types, known for their high velocity, flat trajectory, and explosive expansion on impact. They are ideal for varmint hunting where rapid, humane dispatch is desired.
• 20-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or Hollow Point (HP): While less common, some manufacturers offer 20-grain options. FMJ bullets might be preferred for target practice to minimize barrel fouling, while some hollow points offer a balance of expansion and penetration.

Always ensure the ammunition is specifically marked for .17 HMR and from reputable manufacturers. Experiment with different brands and bullet types to see which performs best in your specific Mossberg 817 rifle.

"How do I maintain a bolt-action rifle like the Mossberg 817?"

Proper maintenance ensures longevity and consistent performance:

1. Barrel Cleaning: After each shooting session, clean the barrel with a bore snake or cleaning rod, brushes, and patches, using appropriate bore solvent to remove powder residue and copper fouling.
2. Bolt Cleaning: Remove the bolt and wipe it down, applying a thin coat of gun oil to moving parts. Ensure the firing pin channel is clear of debris.
3. Receiver and Action: Wipe down the receiver and internal action parts to remove any dirt or carbon buildup. Lightly oil friction points.
4. Stock: The synthetic stock requires minimal care; simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
5. Storage: Store the rifle unloaded in a safe, dry place, ideally in a climate-controlled environment to prevent rust.

Regular cleaning, even if brief, will preserve your Mossberg 817's accuracy and reliability for years to come.

The Mossberg Legacy: A Trusted Name in Firearms

Mossberg has been a prominent name in the firearms industry for over a century, known for producing reliable, high-quality firearms that offer exceptional value. From their legendary shotguns to their innovative rifles, Mossberg has consistently built a reputation for practical designs that perform in the real world. The Mossberg 817 continues this tradition, embodying the company's commitment to delivering dependable and accurate rifles that cater to the needs of a wide range of shooters. When you choose a Mossberg, you're not just buying a rifle; you're investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship and reliability.

Where to Find Your Mossberg 817

For those ready to experience the precision and performance of the Mossberg 817 Bolt Action .17 HMR, this rifle and a wide array of compatible accessories are available at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is a reputable source for firearms, offering competitive pricing and a secure purchasing experience, ensuring you get the authentic Mossberg 817 rifle (UPC: 884110381910) you're looking for.

In summary, the Mossberg 817 Bolt Action .17 HMR rifle stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a precise, reliable, and versatile rimfire rifle. Whether you're a seasoned varmint hunter, an aspiring marksman, or simply looking for a dependable rifle for pest control, its combination of the potent .17 HMR caliber, durable construction, and user-friendly features makes it a truly compelling option.

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Mossberg 817 Bolt Action .17 HMR Specifications

Feature	Description
Caliber	.17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
Capacity	5+1 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine)
Barrel Length	21 Inches
Barrel Finish	Blued Metal
Stock Material	Black Synthetic
Operation	Bolt Action
Hand Orientation	Right Hand (Full Size)
Model Number	38191
UPC	884110381910