Yes. The round is fast and small and good for taking out varmints. However, it doesn't possess much stopping power.
Ruger makes the New Model Single Six in .17 HMR, Taurus makes the 17SS6 in .17 HMR, the S&W 647 is available in .17 HMR, the Taurus Tracker can be had in .17 HMR, Alexander Arms and Excel Arms both make semi auto .17 HMR pistols,
Browning, gun shop, gun show
hornady magnum rimfire
Recommend you find a good gunsmith or NRA instructor
I believe the smallest bullet in terms of diameter is the .17 HMR. It is a .22 casing that is necked down to accept a .17 caliber bullet.
The semi-auto .17 HMR has been recalled. 17 HMR ammo has been found to be incompatible with semi-auto firearms. See the link below for the recall.
Big 5 has a web page. Pull it up and see what you can find.
No
.17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge. The HMR stands for "Hornady Magnum Rimfire"
No
2009
No.