Savage adds new .17 WSM semi-auto

Fans of .17 WSM, rejoice. Savage Arms says it's introducing this high-velocity rimfire cartridge to its A-series line of Canadian-built semi-autos. For starters, there will be two new semi-auto rifles chambered in the lightweight round.

The .17 WSM cartridge pushes a .172-inch bullet at speeds from 2,600 fps (for a 25-grain bullet) to 3,000 fps (for a 20-grain bullet). Winchester and Savage teamed up to release this cartridge at the 2013 SHOT Show, and it's favoured by varmint hunters and target punchers alike. Unlike the previous .17 HM2 cartridge (which was based on a .22 LR case) and the .17 HMR cartridge (which is based on the .22 magnum casing), the .17 WSM is based on a .27-calibre nailgun case. The thicker case walls allow the cartridge to reach higher pressuers (as much as 33,000 psi) than the .17 HMR, which in turn allows for more velocity.

That's good news for shooters with bolt-action or break-action rifles, but it makes it more difficult to chamber a semi-auto in .17 WSM. That's partly why you rarely see semi-autos chambered in any of the .17-calibre rimfire cartridges, and Remington actually had to recall its .17 HMR version of the Model 597 semi-auto, over safety concerns.

Previously, while bolt-action rifles (including Savage's B-series) and single-shots came chambered in .17 WSM, there were only a handful of semi-auto offerings, and they were rare. They were also AR-style rifles, unlikely to be imported to Canada in our current political climate.

Savage Arms seems to think its A-series action can handle the .17 WSM's pressure, and is bringing out the new A17 WSM Sporter and A17 WSM Target Thumbhole rifles to prove it.

“Savage has seen outstanding performance from the 17 WSM cartridge and felt it could be optimized in new platforms,” said Savage bigwig Jessica Treglia, in a press release. “The A Series rifles have a delayed blowback design that accommodates this caliber with limited modifications, making it an ideal action for the WSM cartridge.

“We are launching the A17 chambered for 17 WSM in two of our more popular configurations. Both are designed for target shooting and varmint hunting applications and have rigid laminate stocks. Both the Target Thumbhole and Sporter run from Savage’s 8-rnd rotary magazine.”

Both rifles also feature Savage's AccuTrigger, 22-inch button-rifled barrel, and case-hardened receiver.

Savage already had a line of A17 rifles chambered in .17 HMR, but the new A17 WSM series should have offer superior muzzle velocity or downrange energy, for those who want or need it.

We have not yet seen Canadian MSRP for these rifles. American prices are $619 USD for the Sporter rifle, $709 USD for the Target rifle.