Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting 17 mach 2, what happened?

[johnjackson]

I have a Thompson center auto in 17 mach 2 with a 4x10power scope and it's fantastic on gofers out to a 100 yds or so. First thing I noticed, ammo no longer available at Cabela's. Next, guns in that caliber no longer in catalogs or on manufacturers web sites. Do I need to run around and buy up all the ammo I can find? Thanks for your input. John

 

[AMink]

The Cabelas in Reno had a ton of Mach2 a few weeks ago. Don't know about now. I have a Savage HMR and love it. I'd like to compliment it with a Mach 2 but, as you say, it's hard to find a gun in that caliber. I think the HMR exceeded people's expectations and the M2 didn't quite make it. I'd buy the ammo I could find and shoot it judiciously.

 

[johnjackson]

Thanks for the tip about the Reno Cabelas. It's been out of their catalog for a year or so and I assumed they no longer carried it. May have to make a hot lap to Reno.

 

[CAPTPHIL]

John,
Try GRAF & SONS at www.grafs.com,ph# 800-531-2666. They have CCI, Eley, Hornady. Their prices beat Cabelas, you can also try Natchez Shooters Supply at www.natchezss.com,ph# 800-251-7839. They have CCI and Hornady, also good prices and service.
Happy Hunting CAPTPHIL NRA Life 1966

 

[HHhuntitall]

Currently, the . 17cal has taken a bad rap due to Remington's failure in their 597s to handle 17HMR ammo. That, combined with high price of ammo, and economic "downturns" have made the Mach2 somewhat less desireable. Mach2 ammo is not considerably cheaper, as is the case with . 22LR versus . 22WMR, and the performance gain with the 17HMR is considerably higher for the minimal cost. I have both, myself, and can say the HMR is quite a bit more potent at a further range. But I do thoroughly enjoy hunting with my Mach2, which stays by the back door for skunks and coons. Don't worry too much about the cartridge becoming obsolete, as there are a very large number of firearms out there chambered for it, and it is fairly cheap to make. It may become seasonal in the near future, meaning manufacturers will only make short runs of it once a year or so, but I don't see it becoming obsolete any time soon.