Ruger Ninety-Six 96/17 06203 .17 HMR Lever Action Rifle 2005
SOLD FOR: $1,080.55
WOA#: WY240326DR001
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co
Model: Ninety-Six, 96/17
Serial Number: 620-48485
Year of Manufacture: 2005 (RUGER Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .17 HMR
Action Type: Detachable Magazine-Fed Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “RUGER MODEL NINETY-SIX / 620-48485”. The left side of the barrel is marked “17HMR”. The top of the barrel is marked with a two line Ruger Warning/Address.
Barrel Length: 18.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a raised boss at the muzzle. The rear sight is a folding u notch invertible leaf with white diamond aim reference. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold 2×7 VARI-X II with Duplex reticle. The sight picture is clear. The scope rates in Fine condition.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, barrel band, and two sling swivels. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition with only light handling wear.
Type of Finish: Blued, Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This Ruger Ninety-Six retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel has a scattered minor handling wear. There is some general operation wear on the action. Screws and controls are free of any notable wear or damage. All markings are clear. There is some oxidation on the scope rings. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cross-bolt safety through the trigger guard bow and a brass loaded chamber indicator. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with one Ruger Rotary Magazine in Excellent condition, its attached nylon sling and Leupold scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Ninety-Six 96/17 in .17 HMR is a distinctive lever-action rifle that combines traditional design with modern performance. Part of Ruger’s Ninety-Six series, this model stands out for its smooth lever-action mechanism, which offers a unique shooting experience compared to more common bolt-action or semi-automatic rimfire rifles.
Chambered in .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR), the 96/17 is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and impressive accuracy, making it an excellent choice for small game hunting and varmint control. The .17 HMR cartridge, developed in the early 2000s, has gained popularity for its precision and effective performance at longer ranges compared to other rimfire cartridges.
The rifle features a robust construction with a hardwood stock, providing both durability and a classic aesthetic. Its rotary magazine design, a hallmark of Ruger’s rimfire rifles, ensures reliable feeding and easy reloading. The Ruger Ninety-Six 96/17’s lever-action operation is not only reliable but also offers a quick follow-up shot capability, adding to its versatility in the field.
Overall, the Ruger Ninety-Six 96/17 in .17 HMR is a blend of traditional lever-action charm with the advanced ballistic performance of the .17 HMR cartridge, making it a prized firearm for hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
