Budget .17hmr options

[Lsfan]

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.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

I haven't had too many concerns with my marlin 917v it has had the occasional feeding issue that was rectified by bending the mag rail slightly. I have slayed many a fox, hare,rabbit,cat and a few larger items with a head shot with ease.

Accurate rifle will shoot better than me trigger isnt too bad either i have a spring kit for it somewhere but havent got round to fitting it.

Don't discount the 17hmr great little round for what it is not too expensive from the right gun shops.

[Lsfan]

I haven't had too many concerns with my marlin 917v it has had the occasional feeding issue that was rectified by bending the mag rail slightly. I have slayed many a fox, hare,rabbit,cat and a few larger items with a head shot with ease.

Accurate rifle will shoot better than me trigger isnt too bad either i have a spring kit for it somewhere but havent got round to fitting it.

Don't discount the 17hmr great little round for what it is not too expensive from the right gun shops.

Thanks for the feedback. That's reassuring. I've read many people complain about having to regularly clean them because accuracy drops off. Not sure if that's correct. As a consequence people go for 22mag but sounds like there is little difference in accuracy to a 22lr, hence my leaning towards the 17hmr.

[Bugman]

I am very much attached to my 17HMR. Use it for early morning and late evening shoots to distances of 150m. With little or no wind about, it is a very accurate cartridge.
Bit too expensive for jus plinking. For that, I just the old reliable 22.

[Lsfan]

I am very much attached to my 17HMR. Use it for early morning and late evening shoots to distances of 150m. With little or no wind about, it is a very accurate cartridge.
Bit too expensive for jus plinking. For that, I just the old reliable 22.

Yeah I guess the 22 is unbeatable for running costs, but I want a bit more range without getting too costly on ammo.