My Anschutz 1517 Thumbhole .17HMR

[Muskett]

My Anschutz 1517 Thumbhole .17HMR

Everyone has raved about the .17HMR. Well a bit late, but I finally put one together with Alan Wey. I keep my rifles and like getting them just the way way I want them from the start. Quality components and parts that compliment each other get the best results out in the field in my opinion. The out of the box 1517 needs some tweaking but I think I'm there:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5153.jpg

 

Nightingale Moderator: quality matches the rifle, looks the part and takes the boom out of what is a nasty noisy round. Love it:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5157.jpg

 

The new Zeiss Conquest HD5 Scope: 3-15 x 42, 1" tube, plex 20, locking target turrets. Came out at Shot Show this year, made in Germany, and I had to have one. Locking turrets was what I was waiting for, and the target turrets are for taking the .17hmr beyond pointblank field ranges. Leupold rings and Lamp mount added. Matches the rifle perfectly:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5160.jpg

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5162.jpg

Side Parallax only goes down to 50m so with mag set at 7.5, which is my working close range magnification, then the sight picture remains crisp at all times. Further afield, 50m onwards, then the full range of the scope can be used. 15x is just about perfect for shooting little targets at range out as far as the .17HMR can go. Eye relief is fixed and head position not overly critical but the HD5 is not a Zeiss Victory. Scope mounting we have spot on hight and cheek weld wise. Glass is superb and the picture jumps out. The plex is a really good one being quite tight and inner not too thin nor thick, so bringing the eye to the centre fast. I love this type of plex for lamping because they are really fast at giving a great sight picture. The scale of the scope doesn't overwhelm what is after all quite a small rifle.

 

Alan Wey cut in a picatinny rail for the Atlas Bipod; I rate the Atlas so has to be done. The Atlas comes off in a second which for a rifle that will be shot standing a lot is important. Goes on pretty fast too:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5165.jpg

He also supplied an upgraded DIP Inc trigger guard, 25 degree picatinny rail and bolt knob. The trigger guard because the factory one is just yuck. Picatinny gives me options for my NV kit. Bolt Knob wise: I prefer the factory ball but the extended knob speeds up what is a clunky action considerably:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5160.jpg

 

50m prone off the grass; in fact its better than that:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_5167.jpg

What is remarkable is that when I zeroed this rifle I made no windage adjustments, not one click left or right. Elevation yes, but no windage. Inspires confidence or what? All the components just aligned up. Doubt it will ever happen again to me with a new rifle.

 

This Annie isn't a patch on my 1710 which just ouzes quality:

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/IMG_0444.jpg

The bluing just isn't as deep. The 64 action isn't as precise as the 54. Alan Wey had to work on the trigger and the safety is far too noisy and stiff. The 64 action is pretty simple and clunky. Woodwork is fine but the checkering, though it does the job, is just stamped on. For me the grip could be a bit thicker and there could be a thumb rest. Alan even had to put on the sling stud. In truth a Sako would be a slicker machine; but it just doesn't come in quite the cute thumbhole package of the Annie. At least both my Anschutz shoot straight and are as accurate as the rounds can be; which is exceedingly accurate. I can't blame my tools.

 

I'm plenty pleased with the results although some of the parts really should come in the factory box. Upgrades did add up but I think are worth it as it makes the rifle more individual and added to the fact everything complimenting each other more likely that I'll keep it for a long time.

[silpig]

Nice setup! Where did you get the weaver/picatinny accessory rail from? Thanks.

[Rols]

Nice setup! Where did you get the weaver/picatinny accessory rail from? Thanks.

Lovely rifle, that was exactly what I was thinking!

[Muskett]

Talk to Gunsgobang88 for sourcing the parts. The big problem with stuff from the States is the Obama effect: its emptied the shelves! I put my orders in in December and the rifles is only just finished and that is with everyone doing their best. Worth it though.

 

Looking at my picture of the group had me thinking as the holes look huge. Just for the record they are .17 and tiny; almost half that of a .22 rimfire and the group is a lot smaller than a one pence piece. That will do me.