Q for the gunsmiths Ruger 77/17wsm to 17 Hornet

[Cloudrnnr]

Just looking for inputs. I have a 77/17wsm that shoots very well, but I am not confident that the wsm will survive. Even with building up a stockpile of ammo, I wonder if I wouldn't be better off converting the rifle to the 17 Hornet that shares the same receiver. Question is, is it simply a bolt and barrel change? Will Ruger even sell the bolts separately?

BTW, I know the easy answer is probably to sell the wsm and pick up a Hornet elsewhere, but after having the barrel cut and threaded, and all the ammo I've built up, I'm already invested in this thing more than I would get out of it.

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[MountainBear]

Trying to get "regulated" parts out of Ruger is a red-headed bubblegum. The bolt is considered one of these parts. I have not been asked to do one of these conversions, so I don't know much about the particulars, sorry.

 

[Cloudrnnr]

I'd heard that was the case. I've been stocking up on the wsm ammo in case it does not survive. It is certainly plentiful for now, but I tend to go through a bunch in a hurry when we hit the prairie rats. I'll just keep buying, and if I get too paranoid, sell off the rifle and pick up a 17 Hornet.

 

[DirectDrive]

Sounds like a difficult proposition.
I would take the loss and sell off the 17 WSM.
Then get a CZ 527 Varmint in .17 Hornet.
You'll be way ahead with that rig and enjoy owning a Micro Mauser action.

 

[Cloudrnnr]

Sounds like a difficult proposition.
I would take the loss and sell off the 17 WSM.
Then get a CZ 527 Varmint in .17 Hornet.
You'll be way ahead with that rig and enjoy owning a Micro Mauser action.

That thought keeps running through my head. Need to sell some of the other things I have in the classifieds first, however!

 

[mjbskwim]

I sold off my 17s and just went all 223/556.
I don't want to reload 17 as 223 is bad enough with my fumble fingers.
But I think you're on the right track as I wasn't real sure the wsm was going to survive.