204Ruger

This thread is devoted to the .17 Caliber and all it's variants.

Skipper,

Thanks for initiating this thread as among some of my small caliber rifles there exists a Savage Walking Varminter, Model 25 chambered in 17 Hornet. It rests in a brown laminated thumbhole stock and while the standard rifle barrel was somewhat accurate, the Lilja replacement made this rifle deadly on all manner of small furry critters inside of 300 yards and sometimes, with cooperation from the wind, well beyond. With a threaded barrel and a Thunder Beast 22 Take Down suppressor attached, the minimal sound produced by the rifle is further reduced making nearby gun-shy varmints oblivious to the source of rifles report.

The attached picture, taken in the Big Horn Mtns of WY, is a testament to the rifle's ability to produce the desired results.

Paul, great shot and surroundings too. Looks like the 'little' .17 did a job on those rockchucks.

If this forum had "Like" buttons, it would get pushed for that one.

I'm in the process of resurrecting my Sako Vixen/Hart/Timney 17 Mach IV that wears her new Boyd's laminated T/H stock. Should be in the field next season, as at present my chucking duties have fallen to my Cooper M38 Phoenix in 221 'Furball' for use around the lava rock here. Don't want to goon up a nice claro stock in the stuff.

The 40gr Nosler Varmageddon does quite a job on the chucks inside of 250 yards. Can you tell both these were head shots?



Did I mention great shot? Nice!
I know this sub-forum is for the .17's, but you said rockchucks, so......

Dan Lilja makes some really accurate small bore barrels. I have one on my custom build. Is yours the three groove variety?

skipper wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 9:19 am Dan Lilja makes some really accurate small bore barrels. I have one on my custom build.

I'll give a 'thumbs-up' for Lilja barrels too.

Used Dan's barrels on my .17 Ackley Hornet Ruger No.3, and on my Ruger 77/22 Mag with his drop-in .17HMR barrel. Both are shooters!





If I were to set up another small caliber rifle, especially a .17 caliber, it would be without a doubt a Lilja.