--- title: "Gun Lab: Savage A17 Review" description: "This new rifle from Savage solves a problem that has befuddled riflemakers since the introduction of the .17 HMR in 2002. Namely, how to make a safe semi-auto for that hot little rimfire. [See the full Gun & Optics Test here]." date: "2015-08-24" modified: "2015-08-24" authors: - name: "John B. Snow" job_title: "Shooting Editor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/john-b-snow/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun-shots/gun-lab-savage-a17-review/" categories: - "Guns" - "Rifles" - "Semi-Automatic Rifles" --- # Gun Lab: Savage A17 Review ![]() This new rifle from Savage solves a problem that has befuddled riflemakers since the introduction of the .17 HMR in 2002. Namely, how to make a safe semi-auto for that hot little rimfire. **\[See the full Gun & Optics Test here\].** The A17 has a delayed-blowback action that lets the pressures generated by the .17 HMR drop to safe levels before it cycles—and, based on our testing, it seems to work. Unfortunately, its plain looks, creepy trigger, finicky magazine, and humdrum accuracy dampened our enthusiasm. With some refinements and better looks, the A17 might become a winner, but it isn’t there yet. ## Author John B. Snow is Shooting Editor of *Outdoor Life*, where he oversees the publication’s firearms and shooting coverage. This includes gear reviews, features on technical innovations, stories on shooting techniques and general hunting coverage with the occasional fishing story thrown into the mix. Originally from Seattle, he has lived all over the country, crisscrossing it by car and truck no fewer than 10 times as he’s moved from one location to the next. Since 2010 he has lived in Bozeman, Montana where he currently resides with his bird dog, Roo. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]()