Introduction
The realm of rimfire rifles offers a unique blend of affordability, accuracy, and versatility, making them a favorite among hunters, plinkers, and target shooters alike. Within this diverse landscape, the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR has carved a niche for itself, drawing attention with its blend of features and chambering in the increasingly popular .17 HMR caliber. This review aims to provide a detailed look at the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR, dissecting its design, performance, and suitability for various shooting applications. Whether you’re considering your first rimfire rifle or looking for an upgrade, this comprehensive guide will offer valuable insights.
Design and Features
Overall Design and Aesthetics
The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR immediately presents itself with a design that balances functionality and aesthetics. Its overall appearance can be described as a blend of tactical and practical, appealing to shooters who value both performance and a modern look. The stock, often made of a durable synthetic material, contributes to the rifle’s weather resistance and lightweight feel. The receiver is typically crafted from a robust material that contributes to overall durability.
Key Features
Ergonomics play a critical role in the shooting experience. The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR is designed with this in mind, generally feeling comfortable in hand. The rifle’s weight is well-balanced, preventing it from feeling cumbersome during extended shooting sessions. The stock design, including the pistol grip, contributes to a secure and natural hold, making it easier to acquire and maintain a stable shooting position.
The heart of any firearm lies in its features, and the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR offers a solid array of components. Let’s delve into its key characteristics. The action type is generally a bolt-action, known for its inherent accuracy and reliability. Bolt-action rifles, like the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR, are prized for their simplicity and precision.
The barrel is another crucial element, determining accuracy potential. Barrel length varies depending on the specific model, but generally strikes a balance between ballistic performance and maneuverability. The twist rate, meticulously engineered to stabilize the .17 HMR projectiles, ensures consistent accuracy. The barrel material is often high-quality steel, selected for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Magazine capacity, often holding a decent number of rounds, contributes to the rifle’s functionality, particularly during hunting and recreational shooting. The magazine type is typically a detachable box magazine, making reloading quick and easy.
The trigger mechanism is a critical component that influences the accuracy potential. The trigger pull weight, the amount of force required to release the firing pin, is often crisp and predictable on the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR. Some models also provide adjustable trigger options, allowing shooters to fine-tune the pull weight to their preference.
Recognizing the importance of optics, the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR usually includes integral scope rails, allowing easy mounting of various optics, from scopes to red dot sights. This flexibility allows shooters to tailor their sighting system to their specific needs and preferences.
Additional features often include a threaded muzzle, which enables the attachment of a muzzle device such as a suppressor or a muzzle brake. Adjustable cheek rests are sometimes present, which enhance ergonomics and accommodate a comfortable cheek weld with different optics. Sling swivel studs provide points for attaching a rifle sling, making the rifle easier to carry in the field. These thoughtful design elements contribute to the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR’s overall user-friendliness and appeal.
.17 HMR Caliber Overview
History and Development
To fully appreciate the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR, it’s essential to understand the cartridge it fires: the .17 HMR. Developed by Hornady in the early 2000s, the .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) quickly gained popularity.
The .17 HMR was born from the idea of creating a rimfire cartridge that offered a flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and improved downrange performance compared to the .22 LR. This was achieved by necking down a .22 Magnum case to accommodate a .17-caliber bullet.
Ballistics
The ballistic characteristics of the .17 HMR are a significant advantage. Its high muzzle velocity results in a remarkably flat trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over distance compared to slower rimfire cartridges. This flat trajectory makes it easier to estimate holdover at longer ranges. Its performance is enhanced by the bullet’s high speed as it travels, enabling it to move swiftly and resist gravity.
The effective range of the .17 HMR is generally considered to be up to yards, depending on the specific application and environmental conditions. While capable of longer shots under ideal conditions, it’s important to consider bullet drop and wind drift at extended distances.
Understanding the energy delivered by the .17 HMR at various distances is important for selecting the right cartridge and for making accurate shots. Energy on target diminishes over distance due to air resistance. The .17 HMR, when it’s at its peak performance, is ideal for making quick, swift shots.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
A wide variety of .17 HMR ammunition is available from different manufacturers, including Hornady, CCI, Federal, and others. Ammunition offerings typically include different bullet weights, ranging from grains to grains, along with varying bullet types. These include hollow points, full metal jackets, and ballistic-tipped bullets, each designed to optimize performance for different applications.
The cost of .17 HMR ammunition is generally higher than .22 LR but remains relatively affordable compared to centerfire cartridges. The price varies depending on the brand, bullet type, and quantity purchased.
Pros and Cons of the .17 HMR Caliber
The .17 HMR offers several advantages. Its accuracy, flat trajectory, and relatively low recoil make it a pleasure to shoot. The higher velocity also results in a more dramatic impact on small game.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The lightweight bullets are susceptible to wind drift, which can affect accuracy, especially at longer ranges or in windy conditions. Terminal performance can be limited at longer distances, where the bullet’s energy drops off. Additionally, the loud reports of the cartridge is another thing to keep in mind.
Performance and Accuracy
Accuracy Testing
The true measure of any rifle is its performance. Accuracy is one of the most important aspects to consider when evaluating the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR. Accuracy testing is often conducted using a bench rest setup, where the rifle is supported to minimize shooter error. Targets are placed at specific distances, such as yards or yards, and groups of shots are fired to measure the consistency of the rifle’s shots.
The size of the groups is a key indicator of accuracy. With the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR, it is typical to achieve group sizes of around an inch or less at yards, depending on the ammunition used and the skill of the shooter.
Practical Accuracy
While bench rest testing provides a controlled environment, practical accuracy refers to the rifle’s performance in real-world shooting scenarios. Factors such as wind conditions, the shooter’s skill, and the target’s movement can all affect accuracy. The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR performs well in practical applications, making it suitable for small-game hunting, target shooting, and pest control.
Reliability
Reliability is equally important. The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR is typically designed for reliable cycling and operation. This refers to the smooth feeding of rounds from the magazine, the extraction and ejection of spent casings, and the consistent firing of each round.
Applications
Small-Game Hunting
The versatility of the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR allows it to excel in a variety of applications. In the realm of hunting, the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR has become a popular choice for small-game hunting, particularly for animals like rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs. Its flat trajectory and accuracy allow for clean and humane harvests at reasonable distances.
Target Shooting
Beyond hunting, the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR is also well-suited for target shooting. Its inherent accuracy makes it fun to plink and practice at various distances, as well as more formal target shooting competitions. The flat trajectory and low recoil make it a good choice for new shooters as well.
Pest Control
The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR is also suitable for pest control applications, such as controlling varmints and other nuisance animals.
Pros and Cons of the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR
Pros
To make an informed decision, a balanced evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR is essential. The pros typically include excellent accuracy, a flat trajectory, and relatively low recoil. The rifle may also offer a great value for money, making it accessible to many shooters. Features like the scope rails and threaded barrel add to its versatility.
Cons
The cons should also be considered. Some potential disadvantages might include that some models might have some minor quality control issues. Recoil, although low, is more than a .22 LR.
Alternatives
Comparison with other .17 HMR rifles
When choosing a rifle, comparing the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR with other options is wise. Other .17 HMR rifles available in the market, from manufacturers like Savage Arms and Ruger. Each offering different design elements, material used, and more. Comparison of features, price points, and performance metrics will help prospective buyers make an informed purchase.
Consideration of different cartridges
It’s also worth considering alternative cartridges, such as the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) and the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Each offers its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on the shooter’s specific needs. The .22 LR is known for its low cost and abundant ammunition availability. The .22 WMR, or .22 Mag, delivers more power and range, while still maintaining a manageable recoil.
Conclusion
The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR presents itself as a well-rounded rimfire rifle that combines accuracy, affordability, and versatility. Its key features, including its bolt-action design, accurate barrel, and user-friendly ergonomics, contribute to a positive shooting experience. While it may not be the ideal choice for every shooting scenario, the Citadel Trakr 17 HMR excels in small-game hunting, target shooting, and pest control. The .17 HMR cartridge delivers a flat trajectory and reliable performance that makes it a valuable tool for various shooting purposes.
When making your choice, think about your own needs, budget, and skill level. By understanding the rifle’s strengths and weaknesses, and by comparing it to alternative options, you can make an informed decision that will help you enjoy your shooting experiences. The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR stands out as an excellent option for those seeking a capable and affordable rimfire rifle, providing a good blend of features and performance that will satisfy many shooters.
The Citadel Trakr 17 HMR proves to be a solid choice for the avid shooter! With great accuracy and reliability, it’s easy to get behind the rifle and consistently hit your targets!
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