New Taurus Tracker in 5mm Rem. Rimfire Mag

[Kind of Blued]

Just announced at the SHOT shot in Vegas. I guess they convinced Aguila to start producing the cartidge again, which was only manufactured from '70 to '74.

Taurus does this stuff, tries to bring back calibers (the .218 Bee?), but I don't see how it could be a good move financially.

Either way, interesting move!

http://www.gunblast.com/SHOT_2008_2.htm

 

[Timthinker]

The topic of a "resurrected" 5mm Remington rimfire round interests me for several reasons. But the issue I wish to discuss is "why"? Those who want a "hotter" rimfire cartridge than the .22 long rifle can purchase revolvers chambered for a .17 HMR or a .22 WRM round. I do not understand the rationale behind this move unless Taurus believes another rimfire round can succeed like the recent .17 HMR. Perhaps they believe reproducing this round will boost sales for rifles and revolvers chambered for that previously defunct cartridge. I do not know what specific advantage the 5mm possesses over the other two rimfire magnums, but I would like to see the matter discussed.

Incidentally, I believe in letting "a thousand flowers bloom". In other words, I do not oppose the reintroduction of the 5mm, but I would like to know why it is being reconsidered.


Timthinker

 

[foghornl]

Wondering about that myself...I remember all the "hype" surrounding the 5MM Rem rimfire, but ammo availability certainly didn't last long, 'buy-it-off-the-shelf-if-you-can-find-it'.

I had a shooting budd that bought one of those 5MM Remingtons as soon as they hit the shelf...5 years later, he COULD NOT find any ammo anywhere...Even letters direct to Remington did not help.

Don't know if he still has that gun.......hmmmm. IIRC, it was a bolt-action rifle

 

[GunTech]

Given the price of centerfire ammo, it might not be that dumb to bring back another relatively inexpensive rimfire.

 

[MCgunner]

Hey, at least Taurus has the cojones to experiment in marketing. They sure got a home run with "the Judge", even though I, personally, have no interest in that one and think it a bit silly. Their marketing department must have been working overtime on it, though, cause they can't keep 'em stocked at dealers.

I wish some other manufacturers would come out with something different once in a while.....ahem, Ruger..... The 5mm is another gun I don't care about, but it might get some neat old rifles out of the closet to the range again if ammo becomes available. That right there is a GOOD thing if nothing else. If I were the owner of an old Remington rifle in the caliber, I'd buy up a supply of that stuff while you can get it cause I really don't see the revival coming.

 

[Bezoar]

actually it may not be a bad idea. I do know that some of the varminters hate the fact the .17 hmr is not the biggest thing for long range shots. I have a feeling once its put into a good quality rifle with a good scope, its going to be a big friend for popping coyotes out to range.

 

[eliphalet]

Wondered for years why the .20 caliber or 5mm wasn't explored besides the 70's Remington's. Then finally with the great success of the Ruger 204 it is natural to see more in this chambering.
I would think a 22 Hornet or 25-20 centerfire case necked down a much better choice than another rimfire. But then I am a 5mm fan from owning and being happy with a 5 mm Sheridan pellet gun for over 40 years now.
Hopefully more offerings are on the way.

 

[SaxonPig]

It's new. New sells. We don't need a 270 and a 280 and a 30-06 as they are so similar any would work but they need a new caliber every couple of years for marketing.

As for the 5mm R, I think what killed it back in the 1970 was the $5 per box for ammo. That was grossly expensive at the time. Also, the 5mm designation likely put off many shooters not accustomed to the Europen system for calibers. This is why the 243 beat the 6mm Rem in the market place. The ammo will probably be much cheaper now and besides, the 17 proved that folks will buy pricey rim fire ammo so why not give the 5mm a try? It shoots a bigger bullet than the 17 and has higher velocity than the 22 WMR.

All the folks with the Remington rifles they haven't been able to shoot will probably stock up on ammo when it becomes available.

 

[theNoid]

Taurus also had their Raging 223 at the SHOT show last year, but it has yet to be available. I applaud their willingness to build these different calibers, especially in the .218 Bee. I think if they had followed through with their 223 wheelie, they would have sold more than enough to justify continuing production of them. Just my thoughts...

Noidster