Who Makes 17 WSM Rifles?
The.17 WSM (Weatherby Magnum) is a high-velocity, centerfire rifle cartridge designed for precision shooting and varmint control. With its exceptional flat trajectory and impressive range, the.17 WSM has gained popularity among enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of.17 WSM rifles and explore the manufacturers that make them.
Overview of the.17 WSM
Before we dive into the manufacturers, let’s take a brief look at the.17 WSM cartridge itself. Introduced by Weatherby in 2002, the.17 WSM is a unique cartridge that combines the 17-caliber projectile with a magnum-level power factor. The.17 WSM has a base diameter of.172 inches, a shoulder diameter of.357 inches, and a case length of 1.67 inches.
Key Features of the.17 WSM:
• Flat trajectory: The.17 WSM has a very flat trajectory, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and varmint control at extended ranges.
• High velocity: The cartridge has a high velocity of approximately 4,000 ft/s (1,219 m/s), making it effective for long-range engagements.
• Accurate: The.17 WSM is known for its exceptional accuracy, with some shooters reporting sub-MOA (minute of angle) groups at 100 yards.
• Mild recoil: Despite its high velocity, the.17 WSM has a relatively mild recoil, making it enjoyable to shoot for extended periods.
Manufacturers of.17 WSM Rifles
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the.17 WSM, let’s explore the manufacturers that produce rifles chambered in this cartridge.
| Manufacturer | Model | Type | Action | Barrel | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherby | Vanguard Series 2 | Bolt-Action | Weatherby-marked bolt | 16-24 inches | 4+1 |
| Weatherby | Mark V | Bolt-Action | Weatherby-marked bolt | 16-26 inches | 4+1 |
| Winchester | Model 70 Extreme Weather | Bolt-Action | Winchester-designed bolt | 20-26 inches | 4+1 |
| Marlin | Model 982 | Bolt-Action | Marlin-designed bolt | 22-24 inches | 4+1 |
| Howa | 1500 | Bolt-Action | Howa-designed bolt | 20-24 inches | 4+1 |
Weatherby
Weatherby, the originator of the.17 WSM, offers two high-quality rifles chambered in this cartridge. The Vanguard Series 2 is a budget-friendly option with a hammer-forged barrel and a Weatherby-marked bolt. The Mark V, on the other hand, is a high-end rifle with a cold-hammer-forged barrel and a premium finish.
Winchester
Winchester, a well-established firearms manufacturer, offers the Model 70 Extreme Weather, a high-quality bolt-action rifle chambered in.17 WSM. This rifle features a Winchester-designed bolt and a 20-26-inch barrel.
Marlin
Marlin, known for their affordable and accurate rifles, offers the Model 982, a bolt-action rifle chambered in.17 WSM. This rifle features a Marlin-designed bolt and a 22-24-inch barrel.
Howa
Howa, a Japanese firearms manufacturer, offers the 1500, a high-quality bolt-action rifle chambered in.17 WSM. This rifle features a Howa-designed bolt and a 20-24-inch barrel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the.17 WSM is an exceptional cartridge that offers flat trajectory, high velocity, and exceptional accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a competitive shooter, there’s a.17 WSM rifle out there for you. With its mild recoil and high performance, the.17 WSM is an excellent choice for anyone looking to push their shooting skills to the next level.
Important Points to Consider:
- Barrel length: When choosing a.17 WSM rifle, consider the barrel length. Shorter barrels may be better suited for shorter ranges, while longer barrels may be better for extended ranges.
- Action type: Bolt-action rifles are ideal for precision shooting, while semi-automatic rifles may be better suited for fast-paced hunting situations.
- Budget:.17 WSM rifles can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so consider your budget before making a purchase.
Whether you’re new to shooting or an experienced hunter, the.17 WSM is an exciting cartridge to explore. With its flat trajectory and high velocity, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their shooting skills and capabilities.
