Gentlemen,

Thanks for all opinions. Unfortunately, the action is not big enough for a 17 HMR so it will have to be a HM2. I have been asking around and the HM2 is in no danger of becoming extinct especially because a large number of older rimfire semi autos like the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60 are being converted to fire the HM2. Also, the vastly lower cost of HM2 ammunition means that it is going to remain current for a long time.

I hope to get started on the project after talking to some good friends here in the near future. And, I shall post all pictures here once I get started.

Best wishes, thanks again, and good hunting!