Hmm, I would be careful. Remington and I think a few of the other manufacturers have put out a warning not to use their 17hmr in a semi-auto. Seems like Volquartsen is the only one making a dedicated semi. Still a 17hmr upper is a very attractive idea, just hoping it works right. Should have a heavier bolt mass than a comparable 22 upper.

 

AR's are Gas operated!

AR's are gas operated and not blow back. This should solve the OB problem, I have waited 6 years for a AR style 17 this should be a great gun.

 

aren't some of the rimfire .22 uppers blowback?

 

I don't know but AR are gas operated. I need to ask the question.

 

The AA upper appears to be simple blowback.

http://www.alexanderarms.com/item/15/163/17HMRCompleteUpperReceiver.htm

 

Looking at the bolt in the far right picture there isn't a bolt carrier key on it and there isn't a separate bolt/bolt carrier like there is in a true AR15 bolt (i.e. no locking lugs). It looks like the same style of bolt in a Spikes Tactical 22LR upper.

 

I would trust it, but not in a tactical situation.

There is MUCH value to an accurate 17 upper, for the AR platform, even if it was a single shot (only) ... I can tell the AA17 is accurate, just by looking at it and, for the price, I'll just bet it will cycle fine.

Would be nice to have an ultrat light-weight floated carbine version, as a second-calibre, for an M4 bugout pack situation.

Just strap the 17 shorty upper to the side of your expedition pack and throw a few hundred rounds in yer pack.

I think, tho, that a simple and very light and highly compact CMMG conversion bolt, plus a brick or two of Aguila SSS would be much lighter and much quieter, as a game-getting adjunct to a tactical M4.

That is why I decided against the AA ... But would still be nice, as a single calibre (tac+game), single barrel solution, that would allow carriage of LOTS more ammo (space+weight).

 

I talked to the factory it is a true AR 15, gas operated, not a blow back.

 

Huh, that's interesting considering the techinical specifications on their website seems to indicate blow back.

http://www.alexanderarms.com/htech.htm

 

Yes it does say blow back? I will get the straight facts on Monday from the tec people at AA. If it's blow back that not good

 

I had a long talk with the manufacture really like the way he answered my questions. So I and placed an order. Yes this is a blow back design but, they have done the home work on the design and this sounds like a winner. I am now wating for delivery.

 

Did you get just the upper or the complete rifle? If it works well I think I will have to get one.

 

pics!

Eager to see some pics and groups when you get it!

 

I ordered the standard model with compensator 10 clips. I felt that for the money the complete gun was the way to go for me. But just getting the upper is a saving to.

 

I would most likely go with a complete rifle too. Can't wait to see how it performs. A few have posted on ar15.com that it shoots well.

 

C'mon, Guys ?

Let's get REAL ! ... This is a RIM-FIRE cartridge an' it don't have enough energy to cycle a gas-op system or to crank a locking-lug bolt ... Jeesh ?! ... THINK !

The REALLY great part is that it is a dedicated, precision-machined chamber (and bore and twist) !

This is why I feel certain that it will be MUCH more accurate than yer typical blow-back conversion ...

That, and the fact that there are a limited number of mainstream loadings, for HMR ... SO ... That *should* mean that they have a very precise design-spec for the recoil spring tension and the bolt-mass ...

I'm just guessing, here ... but unless they tell you otherwise ... The standard plastic tip (17gr) CCI/Hornady VMAX loading will yeild the best function and accuracy.

ASK ! (because I am certain they have optimized it for a particular loading and, the CCI/Hornady VMAX loading is the logical candidate) ... but, check!

=Floater=

 

C'mon, Guys ?

Let's get REAL ! ... This is a RIM-FIRE cartridge an' it don't have enough energy to cycle a gas-op system or to crank a locking-lug bolt ... Jeesh ?! ... THINK !

=Floater=

The low power of rimfires, even magnums and maxi magnums, certainly do not generate enough power to cycle a gas system that is delayed by a locking mechanism. The power being low enough to allow only simple spring pressure and bolt weight to keep the action closed for the proper amount of time. However, not everyone knows this and at times folks take offense in being told what is what. Generally, for folks who are not as knowledgable about operating systems or any other complex feature of firearms, I like to point them in the right direction and let them figure it out. IMO, they will learn more (have a better understanding) that way. No need to dictate to them and make them feel small.

 

So whats the scoop?

Anyone tried this yet? Perhaps there all so busy at the range shooting them they don't have time to let us curious readers know how great they are. I know I'd sure like to see some pics and targets from one of these.

 

Point taken ... you are right. Kinder and gentler is much more digestible ... I lost my perspective. ... Sorry, Guys .

I was just trying to imagine what a .17 version of an AR-15 type locking-lug bolt would look like ...

Let me just say that I laughed, in my own mind ... on that scale, the level of machine-precision requirements would be technically prohibitive ...

... i.e. This would not be technically feasible.

And, if you think that the 5.56x45mm version is "prone to fouling" ... imagine how quickly a .17 version would "gunk-up". (both tube and lugs).

The sensitivity of the spring:mass ratio would be almost impossible to synchonoze, outside of a single proto-type, in a laboratory.

Production of a reliable system would be impossible, and will remain so, regardless of any advances in sci-tech, for decades to come (or ever).

Keep in mind that the longer cartridge case (and related scalings) have prevented a reliable BLOW-BACK semi-auto WMR action, for over 50 years ! ...

Not that a reliable copy of a Kel-Tec RMR30 is not a fantasy, of mine ... I want one ... BUT ... it remains a fantasy that will not (likely) ever come true.

But, to me? ... Even a single-shot/repeater version of the Alexander HMR upper would be well worth serious consideration.

My reasoning is that I would like to build an "Ultimate Lower", using a CAA "sniper" stock and a super-tuned trigger group ... so ... yeah.

It would be very nice to (even) have a "hi capacity" HMR repeater, upper (not even a semi-auto) ... for an Ultimate AR-lower ... worth it !

Because ... Stock=~$340+ ... Trigger Group ? ... up to ~$260 ... plus a precision stripped lower ... grip ... and "choice" parts. ...

=? ~$1,000 US. (and up).

So, naturally, it would be nice to (even) have an option for a "match-chambered" HMR upper ...
... even if it did not cycle with "tactical speed/reliability".

=f=

 

Has anyone dropped the coin on one of these? I was reading about them in a recent issue of Book Of The AR-15. Looks nice and seemed to get some decent reviews from the author.

 

I got the AR-15-17hmr

OK here is so far what I have found. This is the most accurate gun I have shot. I had the scope zero in with 7 shells no bore site. I ran 100 round through and had so problems with not ejecting. Alexander asked me to send it back. I live this gun and the way the recoil buffer is set up I did not take any pictures of that but it should work ok. I was making 150 yd shots with out any problem killing ground squirrels.

 

Why did Alexander ask you to send it back? A friend of mine is wanting one of these bad. I hope he gets an AA 17 HMR because I want to shoot his. I may be forced into buying one! Please post pictures of your rifle and targets.

 

I sent it back because they asked me to and said that something new, and wanted to make the gun right. Which is what should be, so I did, the same day I shot it. But I did take some pictures. I now wish that I would have taken pictures of the recoil buffer system. I only use targets for sight in, 7 shots, sorry I through then away. it's a true tack driver, or I would not have said that it's is the most accurate gun I have ever shot. I will post picture tonight. I ordered in July and got late December delivery. So I say order now.

 

Picture of my Alexander Arm AR 15 17hmr

 

Did you by just the upper kit or the whole gun? Just wondering if that was the stock that comes on it from Alexander Arms or a lower you had.

I am thinking real hard about one of these!

Thanks

 

I'm a member on 6.5 Grendel forums and Bill Alexander said they are getting the 17 HMR's onto the market however they are kind of a work in progress. From everything I've read Alexander Arms appear to take care of their customers and try to stand behind what they sell. One concern on the Alexander Arms 17 HMR was developing the 17 HMR upper for a specific trigger weight to match the buffer/bolt. Bill is concerned if someone uses a non approved trigger/springs reliability might be a problem. There seems to be a narrow window in regards to pressure and momentum on the reliablilty for the semi auto 17 HMR. I figure this narrow window or quality control is the reason most of the other semi auto 17 HMR's were pulled off the market.

Thanks for posting the picture and the quick reply. A couple of members on the 6.5 Grendel site said they owned or had shot the 17 HMR AR-15 and it was very accurate and fun to shoot. Bill also mentioned in one thread they were watching the 17 HMR's on the market to see if they held up the same way as their test samples. Regardless of what specific part they may change on your 17 HMR I feel sure Alexander Arms will get the rifle back to you quickly.

 

They now offer 2 trigger options I wanted 2 lb. when I ordered that was not offered but at he time the gun was ready to ship it was so I had it installed and that makes it a tack driver! I talked to Bill for about 1/2 hr. before I ordered the gun. I have been shooting 17hmr auto's for a real long time and knew some of the problems. I found the Bill was on top of the problems, and how fix each one. It all came down to quality. I will be using the gun as a tool, killing squirrels. So with these small targets and most shots 80 to 125 yds. the 17hmr is by far doing what it is designed for. And the amount of squirrels that need killing in a short time the semi-auto is a great help. The only thing that is missing is having to take my eye off the scope to cock after changing out a clip. You have to use the cocking handle which is just below the scope. I may get use to this in time. But when target are there I hate to take my eye off them.

 

Results are in on, AR 17 Alaxander Arms

OK the gun seems very sound I had some ejection problems that were resolved, and sent it back twice, but I Bill makes it right and you will be happy. They have made some changes and improvements.
The recoil spring or the recoil cassette extends into the stock is there is no space limitations and something I really like. When a hot load goes off I can here the spring twang. They use a high dollar spring for the recoil, and there is lots of room.
But NO OB. Hay all you anti-simi-auto 17hmr NO OB! So don't continue to say anything against simi-auto 17 hmr it's here and it works flawless, subject closed.
I would recommend this gun to any shooter that wants a simi-auto 17hmr. This is the most accurate 17hmr that I have and I love it.
I will keep you posted if I have anything to report but so far no malfunction!
This gun is upgraded to 2 stage trigger & compensator and bullet button.

 

Awe man, I want one. Will have to wait until they work out the bugs. Are you able to take your flash suppressor off with minimal effort?

 

It's a compensator and have not removed it.

 

Sweet gun. but you don't need the bullet button because it is a rimfire!