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#1
07-23-2011, 05:58 PM
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Opinions on possible switch from 17FB to 204?
I have a Remington Model 7 in 17 Fireball that is the Predator version - so it comes with a heavier 22" fluted barrel than the CDL version. I like everything about it except that crappy tupperware plastic stock. The forearm flexes noticeably when the weight of the rifle pulls against the sling while walking in the field which causes the barrel to pop in and out of the tight channel. With every step. It is still pretty accurate - I can shoot 1" groups and even better and have taken a groundhog out to 315 yards. But the movement of that stock against the barrel nags at me. I am close to buying an HS Precision sporter stock but would have to modify the barrel channel to fit this larger barrel.
I have another rifle I am interested in - Savage Model 11 FCNS Hunter in 204. This is another lightweight rifle like my Model 7 and the 204 appears to be as flat shooting as the Fireball with twice the energy. I don't reload either so the reloading aspects aren't factors for me. I really like the Accustock and Accutrigger that come with this rifle as I love them on my Savage 243. So when I think about plunking down another $300+ on top of the purchase price of the 17 Fireball...I start thinking that Savage will already provide a suitable stock. Maybe I should sell my 17FB and get the Savage (which is actually cheaper) and not have to dish out the $300 for a stock. The extra energy of the 204 should come in handy as I am starting to take more shots over 275 and want to anchor the groundhogs regardless of the distance. I don't want to "get both" as one will become a safe queen and I'm already out of room in the safe  Which do you think I should do - keep the Fireball and pony up for the HS stock, or sell the Fireball and get the 204? 
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#4
07-23-2011, 07:49 PM
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I am with Max, If you are only going to have one I would ride the Stallion, not the pony.
Aaron
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I have come to the conclusion that guns are a lot like women, no matter how ugly they are, someone will always take them home!!
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#5
07-23-2011, 07:57 PM
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The 17 FB with a 30gr bullet doesn't give up much to the 20 VT using a 32gr bullet but there's a much bigger bullet choice with the 20 cal.
Ken.
__________________
" Pay it forward buddy" Get up each morning and don’t let the old man in. (Clint Eastwood).
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#6
07-23-2011, 08:05 PM
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I think the Vartag also would be a great choice (my next varmint gun will be a Vartag) except for the not reloading part that kinda rules out the Vartag.
I have 2 204's and a 17FB among others in my varmint battery and if I was just going to shoot groundhogs here I would opt for the 204. One of my 204's is a Savage with a Shilen barrel and its definately a shooter I've taken hogs out close to 500 yards with the 39gr SBK but its not as light as my mod 7 FB.
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#7
07-23-2011, 08:56 PM
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This is easy.
Unless your parole officer is looking for you, tell us where you live. My son just made this same decision with my help of course. He doesn't reload either. 223 is the majic bullet in your situation. 17 Remington ammo, close to $30 USD for 20 204 Ruger ammo, close to $20 USD for 20 223 Remington ammo, From $5 to $15 per 20 Deciding on the rifle is not as easy. Buy a CZ 527 M1 with a Walnut stock. Their triggers are super. Kenny
__________________
sicero I pride myself in being able to make decisions with little information.
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#10
07-24-2011, 06:34 PM
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I bought a Remington Varmint Synthetic last year with the flexi stock. I now have an HS precision stock fitted but as an interim I glued carbon fibre arrow shafts into the factory stock. It really made a difference to the stock flexing. The .204 with 39gr or 40gr bullets will give you quite a bit more punch than the 17 Fireball. However they will both get the job done.
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