H001V .17 HMR ?

[markiver54]

Still intend to purchase a rimfire but have not yet done so.
Yesterday, at a LGS, they had a .17 HMR. I had not handled one yet. My question is about the stock sights. The sight picture, to me, was very odd. As with all my iron sights, no matter the gun, ( rifle or pistol ), have always lined up the top of the rear blade with front bead. This was almost impossible to do, at least on the one I looked at. That front bead was VERY tall. Would have to rest the stock almost on top of my shoulder to accomplish that sight picture. Is there something I'm missing regarding this particular model?

[markiver54]

Guess I might have to call Henry with this question...I am really interested in the .17 HMR.

[ESquared]

Did you show the sight picture situation to the LGS folks? Seems like they would be interested in contacting Henry if they've been shipped a rifle with sights that are actually preventing it from being sold...

The first thing HRA is going to want to know, I'd imagine, is exactly how tall a blade is in the dovetail. Wouldn't be hard to drift it out enough to measure it, but then again, the LGS owner may not want to start messing with a brand new gun that way...

Please keep us posted, as it's an interesting caliber and could be fun!

[markiver54]

Thanks for responding Evan. Good point. This particular GS is not quite as close as some others, however, I'm gonna try to go there again tomorrow and have another look at it. Will take my calipers with me. Might be able to get a close enough dimension w/o drifting.
BTW I did tell the kid who showed it to me about it. His comment was.." yes, that's odd, they probably intend for you to mount a scope on it"... ...right...

[BigAl52]

Mark are you going to use this for targets or pest extermination

[markiver54]

Mark are you going to use this for targets or pest extermination

Probably mostly pests!

[ESquared]

Thanks for responding Evan. Good point. This particular GS is not quite as close as some others, however, I'm gonna try to go there again tomorrow and have another look at it. Will take my calipers with me. Might be able to get a close enough dimension w/o drifting.
BTW I did tell the kid who showed it to me about it. His comment was.." yes, that's odd, they probably intend for you to mount a scope on it"... ...right...

Good grief. Doesn't get much more lackadaisical and uninformed than that, does it? Calipers is a good idea. Should tell you something. From there, it's clear you need to go up the chain of command at the LGS!

[markiver54]

Point duly noted. I will pursue this whether I choose to purchase or not...

[markiver54]

Surprised to learn that this LGS is open today! Think I'll ride up there, ( about 1/2 ) hr drive and take my caliper. I figure, I can measure from bottom of mag tube to top of the barrel, then from mag tube to top of front site. Then subtract the first dimension to arrive at the front site height...

[Ojaileveraction]

I compared the front sight of my H001T to my H001TV and the front sight of the 17HMR is taller.
I never used the iron sight because I scoped it right off.

I'd expect the front sight of the HMR to be taller. It shoots a bullet half the weight, twice as fast.
I'm surprised at the cheek weld you describe with the high comb the H001V is shown to come with.

[markiver54]

I compared the front sight of my H001T to my H001TV and the front sight of the 17HMR is taller.
I never used the iron sight because I scoped it right off.

I'd expect the front sight of the HMR to be taller. It shoots a bullet half the weight, twice as fast.
I'm surprised at the cheek weld you describe with the high comb the H001V is shown to come with.

Exactly!
Anyway, I went to take another look at it. At least the fella I talked to today was a lot more educated than the kid a couple days ago. Didn't really get accurate dimensions which might have been redundant anyway based on the adjustable elevation on the rear sight. I asked the guy to hold and aim it to see what he thought. He saw what I was talking about. He then gave the rear about 3 turns up, which did help a lot, however I still found it not very natural feeling to me. Looked like there was still a good amount of adjustment left but not sure then where that would put me on paper. Cheek weld was off and butt placement didn't feel right either. Maybe this just is not a good one for my anatomy...don't see why though...I'm pretty average IMO @ 6' 190lbs. I was getting very interested in the .17 HMR, and wanted it to be a Henry. I guess a scope could make a whole lot of difference if I chose to go this route though.

[markiver54]

Starting to think the H001L might be a better choice for duty up at the summer cabin and long rides up the mountain on the 4-wheeler. Shorter, being the carbine, comes with the large loop, which I like and more affordable to boot!!...decisions...decisions..

[ESquared]

Starting to think the H001L might be a better choice for duty up at the summer cabin and long rides up the mountain on the 4-wheeler. Shorter, being the carbine, comes with the large loop, which I like and more affordable to boot!!...decisions...decisions..

Well, if you're going to move away from the .17HMR and back toward 22LR, you'd do well to also consider the Small Game Carbine. It was my second Henry and it's like the complete package. Carbine length, large loop and Skinner Peep sight standard on the rear. Just so well balanced and fun to shoot. There are more fans than just me here on the forum, some of whom have even written that it's "the best 22LR Henry makes" or words to that effect. Great value, IMO.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/800992687

[markiver54]

Wow! Thanks Evan. In looking through my Henry catalogue, I overlooked that model. I think those stock sights might work better for me also. Would rather not have to scope this one like I did with my BBS 357. Thanks for the insight!

[Ojaileveraction]

As a rimfire truck gun you can't beat a 17HMR.
A 22lr is a work horse for sure and it range suits the use of iron sights.
The HMR's reputation for accuracy, it's point blank range and explosive terminal capability, when needed, make it a better choice IMO.
It should be scoped though so I can understand why a 22lr could be perfered.

[BigAl52]

Mark
I have 2 SGC one is 22 mag. I prefer it over the 17. The 17 will outperform in the speed dept but 22 mag ammo manufactures have now done some bullet changing to 22 mag to narrow the gap. My mag shoots as good as the LR and you cant beat the peep sights on the SGC. Maybe you can find a local gun store that has one and check it out

[markiver54]

Thanks a bunch Al. Mag had been my first choice until I read some accuracy issues right here. It is promising with what you have said to re-consider it in the decision making process!

[PT7]

Cheek weld was off and butt placement didn't feel right either. Maybe this just is not a good one for my anatomy... I was getting very interested in the .17 HMR, and wanted it to be a Henry. I guess a scope could make a whole lot of difference if I chose to go this route though.

Wow! Thanks Evan. In looking through my Henry catalogue, I overlooked that model. I think those stock sights might work better for me also. Would rather not have to scope this one like I did with my BBS 357. Thanks for the insight!

Thanks a bunch Al. Mag had been my first choice until I read some accuracy issues right here. It is promising with what you have said to re-consider it in the decision making process!

Mark are you going to use this for targets or pest extermination

Probably mostly pests!

As everyone knows, Mark, "there ain't no perfect rifle." But as I've read the decisions the .17HMR has placed in front of you, it doesn't sound like it's the best choice available. I've not shot a .17HMR, Henry or other. The main problems I've read about a .17HMR are cleaning issues due to very small bore size (what equipment, patches, etc. to use). Some folk argue that cleaning too often reduces its accuracy. Hard to believe the variables here.

That's enough about the .17HMR. I'm writing to come alongside Al and Evan since I have the Henry SGC in .22LR. Don't know what "pests" you are after, but this rifle would cause them pause. It is very accurate and extremely dependable. My nemesis in rifle shooting are the sights. For me, the receiver-mounted peep and cheek weld are perfect on the SGC. I'm sure the .22 Magnum SGC model is a fine rifle also, as Al has talked about it. I had a Henry Classic Lever Action .22 Magnum, H001M, before the SGC was ever produced. Talk about accurate, and the punch of that stronger caliber! All I did with my magnum was to change out the barrel-mounted buckhorn and put on a Skinner peep in its place. I like these iron sights best of all.

That is all my hooey of pros and cons. I'd consider Al, Evan, and me to be the "Big Three for the SGC!" That's from the many comments we three have made on our Forum about this great Henry model. You can't go wrong with the Henry SGC in either caliber!

And to end this less than 2c. It is definitely your choice. I'd say take your time, ask more questions, and try to get your hands on whatever Henry model you are considering. Good show on handling the .17HMR, discussing with the LGS folk, and discovering those issues that have appeared to make it a challenging "fit" for you.

Best in your search, and mulling around those decisions.
PT7

[markiver54]

Thanks a lot PT. I think I'm almost locked in on the SGC at this point. Most targets will probably be squirrels, coons and possums.
Don't see why it wouldn't be a good can slayer as well, in which case, the slightly cheaper LR ammo would seem to make more sense. Realistically, most shots will be well under 100 yards anyway. Your input is valued!

[North Country Gal]

Don't be too hard on that "kid" behind the counter. He was right in that the vast majority of folks who shoot a rifle in 17 HMR do, in fact, opt for a scope, simply because of the cartridge's accuracy potential out to 100 yards and even a bit beyond. Our 17 HMRs are all capable of doing under an inch at 100 yards with a good scope. If you choose to shoot a 17 HMR with open sights, you'd be in a tiny minority. Ojaileveraction is right about the 22 LR being a better match for iron sight shooting.