The AR-17: A Glimpse into a Different Design
A Departure in Design
The world of firearms is a landscape of innovation, a place where design meets practicality and where the desire for improvement constantly drives enthusiasts to push the boundaries of what’s possible. For those fascinated by this blend of history, performance, and personalization, the AR platform is a wellspring of opportunity. However, let’s delve into a lesser-known corner of this world, a place where the legacy of a unique rifle intersects with a cartridge known for its stunning accuracy: the potential to marry the AR-17 concept with the precision of the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, or .17 HMR. While a factory-produced “AR-17 Assault Rifle” chambered in .17 HMR is not a readily available item, we’ll examine the possibilities, challenges, and implications of such a concept.
History and Innovation
Before exploring the fusion with the .17 HMR, let’s journey back in time to examine the AR-17 itself. Born from a vision of a lightweight, robust, and portable firearm, the AR-17, a product of ArmaLite, represented a departure from the more conventional designs of its day. Its creation in the late 1950s or early 1960s aimed to offer a versatile and maneuverable platform. The intent was a rifle adaptable to various environments and capable of delivering effective firepower in a lightweight package.
Lightweight Construction
A hallmark of the AR-17’s design was the use of a lightweight composite material, a forward-thinking concept for the time. This choice significantly reduced the overall weight of the rifle, making it attractive for applications where minimizing burden was paramount. The design included several innovative elements to streamline its functionality. The barrel and other components were designed for quick disassembly, making it easier for storage and transport.
Rarity and Legacy
It’s essential to recognize that the AR-17, though innovative, wasn’t produced in significant quantities or for a lengthy duration. It’s a rarer find in the modern firearms market, which adds to its mystique. Its production run was cut short for various reasons, but the gun’s lightweight construction and intriguing design continue to generate discussion among firearms enthusiasts.
The .17 HMR Cartridge: Precision Defined
A Rising Star
Now, let’s turn our attention to the .17 HMR. This cartridge, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, burst onto the shooting scene with a promise of unprecedented accuracy at a range. The .17 HMR is built on the foundation of the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) case, but it’s necked down to accept a tiny, high-velocity .17-caliber bullet. It has become a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike.
Exceptional Ballistics
The .17 HMR’s performance is truly impressive. Its small, light bullets can achieve exceptional velocities, often exceeding three thousand feet per second. This high velocity results in a remarkably flat trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at a distance. The .17 HMR’s trajectory is flatter than many other rimfire cartridges.
Accuracy and Aerodynamics
The .17 HMR is also highly accurate, in no small part because of its bullet’s shape. A .17 HMR bullet is aerodynamically designed, contributing to its stability in flight. This accuracy, combined with its flat trajectory, makes it an excellent choice for various applications, from varmint hunting to plinking at the range.
Market Availability
The .17 HMR’s popularity translates into a wide range of rifles chambered for this round. The market offers a variety of firearms, from bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic designs, making it easy for shooters to find a gun that fits their needs and preferences. Ammunition is generally readily available.
The Potential for a .17 HMR AR-17 “Conversion” or Custom Build: Exploring the Possibilities
A Unique Concept
Given the unique characteristics of the AR-17 and .17 HMR, it’s tempting to consider the possibilities of combining the two. The idea of a custom-built AR-17 chambered in .17 HMR is an intriguing one.
The Barrel’s Role
One of the most critical areas for such a project is the barrel. To ensure accuracy and optimal performance, a custom barrel would likely be necessary. A custom-built barrel allows the gunsmith to carefully select the rifling, twist rate, and other specifications to match the .17 HMR cartridge perfectly. This precision is essential to maximizing the .17 HMR’s inherent accuracy. The barrel’s length and profile could be customized to tailor the rifle for various purposes.
Bolting Up
The bolt is another crucial component. The .17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge, unlike the centerfire cartridges typically used in the AR-15 family (or the AR-17, when it was chambered for a centerfire cartridge). This difference means the bolt design must be adapted to accommodate the rimfire priming system of the .17 HMR ammunition. The existing bolt from the AR-17 may need modification. It’s plausible that a completely custom bolt could be required.
Magazine Considerations
Feeding the .17 HMR cartridge effectively will be vital. The .17 HMR operates with different overall cartridge dimensions than many of the existing centerfire cartridges that AR-17 was chambered for. Depending on the design of the AR-17’s magazine well, creating an appropriate magazine setup could require adapting existing magazines or developing a custom-designed magazine that will reliably feed .17 HMR rounds into the chamber. The dimensions are crucial for avoiding malfunctions. The availability of compatible magazines for the AR-17 platform is another consideration.
Legal Framework
Of course, any such modification or custom build would need to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws concerning firearm modifications and custom builds. The legal ramifications of altering a firearm and the specific regulations regarding AR-17s (or their recreations) must be thoroughly understood.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
A Promising Combination
The allure of a custom .17 HMR AR-17 lies in its potential strengths. The .17 HMR cartridge, with its flat trajectory and accuracy, is a pleasure to shoot. Combined with the AR-17’s lightweight design, this could result in a highly enjoyable and accurate rifle. It would also allow for a unique shooting experience. The cartridge provides minimal recoil, which makes for a more comfortable shooting experience.
Challenges Ahead
However, such a custom project will present significant challenges. The complexity of adapting the AR-17 platform for the .17 HMR cartridge cannot be underestimated. It’s unlikely to be a simple “drop-in” conversion. The availability of AR-17 parts and components can be scarce. The costs associated with custom machining and gunsmithing work will be considerable.
Potential Applications
Targeting and Hunting
A .17 HMR AR-17, if successfully constructed, could serve several purposes. The cartridge is well-suited for target shooting, especially at smaller targets where the flat trajectory offers an advantage. It could also be an effective varmint hunting tool, especially for species like prairie dogs and ground squirrels. The combination of high velocity and accuracy can make it deadly at a distance.
A Unique Project
For some, the primary appeal would be the unique nature of such a project. A custom-built firearm offers a level of personalization that factory-produced guns cannot match. Owning a .17 HMR AR-17 could provide the owner with a conversation starter.
Concluding Thoughts
The Verdict
The concept of combining the lightweight design of the AR-17 with the precision of the .17 HMR is undoubtedly interesting. The feasibility of such a project depends on the level of expertise and investment the builder is willing to undertake. While a commercially available .17 HMR AR-17 will not likely materialize due to the limited production of the original AR-17, the custom build route offers a creative outlet for those seeking a unique shooting experience. The challenges are real, but the potential rewards could be considerable.
Final Recommendation
Is the .17 HMR AR-17 a project for everyone? Probably not. However, for the dedicated enthusiast, the prospect of creating a unique, accurate, and lightweight rifle that fuses history and technology may prove irresistible.
