Well, I went in to Bi-Mart to get a couple trailer clearance lights... and walked out with a new rifle.

I'd been wanting a 17HMR, and figured I'd go Savage due to the accutrigger. Last time I was in they had a synthetic stock one in the rack, and I wasn't impressed- but then the whole gun was cheaper than a McMillan stock.

Anyway, this time they had the stainless steel bull barrel one with the laminate thumb hole stock...

I'm trying to decide on a scope. It'll be a varmint gun/plinker, so I want something with high enough magnification and parallax adjustment, that won't break the bank.

Looking at Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40 with the side focus. Any comments?

Also, I've never bought a bipod before. Harris is apparently the way to go? With snow, high grass, and fireants, I might not always want to shoot prone so I'm thinking about the 12-25" one (to shoot sitting). Anyone have one? Is 12" short enough to still be able to shoot prone with? Worth it to get the swivel option and add the fingertip swivel lock?

 

I like Nikon a lot and feel like you get more scope for your dollars than with the funny sounding brand. Side focus is absolutely the bomb- my big scope is front focus and it's no fun at all, and also interferes with flip up covers.

I'd say Harris all the way. I use a B-Square and like it for what it is, but I'll definitely go with a Harris when this one needs replaced. Mine doesn't swivel, and I really wish it did.

Congrats on the new piece, too!!

 

Scopers im not so sure on but i second the harris bi pod. I have on my M1A and absoluty love. They can be ajusted to any hight with in there limits and each leg can be ajusted individually. Which i find kida nice if your on a hillside plus mine can go on and off in real short order.