I know there will be advice to suggest staying away from 17hmr, but my purpose is for target shooting on the cheap. I have a 22 and a 223 and I want a good compromise on distance and ammo cost. I also want for something with a timber stock.
I'm a bit of a bargain hunter and so have narrowed my options down to the issc spa and the marlin varmint model. Both can be had for under $500 in a timber stock.
I spoke with a gun shop and the salesman said "of course go with the marlin, they are better"
The issc is a straight pull and some have reported reliability issues.
Does anyone have any advice? bearing in mind I'm not spending more than $500 and I don't want second hand.