Have you ever wondered how to make your 17 HMR into a tack-driving, varmint-dropping machine? This small but powerful rimfire round is renowned for its remarkable accuracy and flat trajectory. You won’t get the most out of it if you don’t have the proper scope. The best scope for 17HMR is essential whether you’re hunting, punching small groups at the range, or simply trying to get the most out of your rifle. In this article, we’ll dissect the best scopes for 17 HMR. This will enable you to discover the ideal fit for your shooting style. Then you can spend more time hitting your target and less time speculating.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Scope for 17hmr
Magnification Range
The. 17 HMR is characterized by accuracy and a flat trajectory at medium range (100-200 yards). For small game hunting, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is perfect, and for precise shooting, a 6-18x or greater is excellent.
Optical Clarity & Glass Quality
High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, guaranteeing a bright, clear image. For improved color accuracy and less distortion, look for scopes with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass.
Objective Lens Size
A 40mm–50mm objective lens strikes a good balance between weight and light gathering.
Although they can add bulk, larger objective lenses perform better in low light.
Durability
Select a scope that is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for dependability in a variety of situations. A nitrogen or argon-purged tube prevents internal fogging.
Eye Relief
With lightweight rifles, in particular, scope bite can be avoided with a comfortable eye relief of 3–4 inches. Faster target acquisition is made possible by a larger field of view (FOV), which is crucial for hunting.
Best Scope for 17hmr
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm
Specifications
- 3 – 9 x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 4.4 – 13.3 mm exit pupil
- 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.8 – 4.4 in eye relief
- Weighs 15 oz
- 1 in tube diameter
- 150 hours battery life
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is ideal for optimizing the accuracy of a.17 HMR rifle. It is perfect for early morning or late evening hunts because of its fully multi-coated lenses, which produce bright and clear images even in low light. By compensating for bullet drop, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle makes long-range shots more accurate without requiring frequent turret adjustments.
Its construction, which is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, allows it to endure severe outdoor conditions without sacrificing performance. Target acquisition is quick and simple with a long eye relief and fast-focus eyepiece, so you never miss a shot when it counts. The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is a reliable weapon for small game hunting and plinking at the range.
Pros
- Affordable & high value
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-hold BDC reticle
- Durable construction
- Long eye relief
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Reliable for hunting & target shooting
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire MOA
Specifications
- 3 – 9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens diameter
- 4.7 mm exit pupil
- 4.2 – 3.7 in eye relief
- 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds FOV
- Second Focal Plane
- Fixed parallax
- Weighs 12.2 oz
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire MOA is a high-end scope made especially for rimfire rifles like the 17 HMR. Its Twilight Light Management System improves brightness and contrast in low light, making it ideal for shooting at dawn or dusk. The Rimfire MOA reticle offers precise aiming points made for small-caliber rounds, allowing for accurate shots at a variety of distances.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring dependability in any weather. Its parallax-free design at 60 yards gives it pinpoint accuracy for varmint hunting, target shooting, or plinking. It is lightweight and durable, making it an excellent option for those who demand Leupold’s renowned quality in a rimfire optic.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable construction
- Excellent glass clarity
- Finger-adjustable windage & elevation turrets
Cons
- None
3) Hawke Vantage 4-12x40mm AO
Specifications
- 4-12× magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 4 – 13 mm exit pupil
- 26.2 – 8.7ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.5 in eye relief
- Weighs 18.1 oz
With its clear optics, accurate adjustments, and exceptional durability, the Hawke Vantage 4-12x40mm AO is a flexible and reasonably priced scope that performs exceptionally well on 17 HMR rifles. Its adjustable objective (AO) feature ensures razor-sharp accuracy at any distance by enabling parallax correction from close range to infinity. Target shooting and small game hunting are made possible by the bright, high-contrast images produced by the fully multi-coated lenses.
Shooters can easily compensate for windage and bullet drop with a mildot or BDC reticle, maximizing the long-range potential of the 17 HMR. This scope is prepared for harsh outdoor conditions thanks to its shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction. The Hawke Vantage 4-12x40mm AO is an excellent option because it offers high-quality features at a reasonable cost, whether you’re hunting varmints or aiming for accurate shots.
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Adjustable objective
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Multi-coated optics
- Durable construction
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Non-Illuminated Reticle
4) Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm
Specifications
- 4 – 12x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3.3 in eye relief
- Weighs 15 oz
- 29 ft @4x @1000 yds FOV
- 3.3 mm exit pupil
For hunters and shooters searching for a dependable, reasonably priced scope, the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm is a great option for 17 HMR rifles. Perfect for dawn and dusk hunts, the Banner’s fully multi-coated lenses produce bright, clear images even in low light. While the adjustable objective (AO) helps eliminate parallax at different ranges, the 4–12x magnification range provides versatility by making it easy to move from close-range shots to longer distances.
With its shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction, it guarantees longevity in harsh weather conditions. On early morning or evening hunts, the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating improves light transmission, resulting in sharper views. The Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm is a sturdy, reliable scope that provides excellent performance for hunting small game and varmints.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Adjustable objective (AO)
- Versatile magnification
- Durable construction
- Affordable price
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm
Specifications
- 4 – 12 x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3.3 – 10 mm exit pupil
- 11.3 – 32.4 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.1 – 3.4 in eye relief
- Weighs 14.6 oz
- Second focal plane
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm is a high-performance, multipurpose scope that works well for both target shooting and hunting. With its fully multi-coated lenses, it produces sharp, contrasted images even in low light conditions. By compensating for bullet drop, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle makes it easier to engage targets at different distances without having to make adjustments all the time.
The Diamondback’s premium construction, which includes a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design, allows it to endure severe weather conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece enables rapid reticle focusing, and the 4–12x magnification range provides flexibility for longer and close-range shots. Whether you’re plinking at the range, hunting small game, or varmints, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm offers dependable performance and durability at a reasonable cost.
Pros
- Clear, bright optics fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-hold BDC reticle
- Durable construction
- Great magnification range 4-12x
- Affordable
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- None
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Best Scope for 17hmr FAQs
What magnification is best for a .17 HMR scope?
The ideal magnification depends on use. 3–9x or 4–12x for hunting and general shooting; 6–18x or greater for long-range precision shooting.
Does the 17 HMR need a special scope?
Not always, but a scope with a fine reticle, good magnification, and parallax adjustment will help the rifle shoot as accurately as possible.
Are 17 HMR scopes different from 22LR scopes?
The 17 HMR shoots flatter and farther than the 22LR, so a scope with better magnification and a finer reticle is usually preferred, even though both can use similar scopes.
Can I use a rimfire scope on my 17 HMR?
Yes, but be sure it’s rated for the higher velocity and possible recoil of the 17 HMR in comparison to more common rimfire calibers like the 22LR.
Do I need parallax adjustment for a 17 HMR scope?
Yes, particularly for accurate shooting. At varying distances, parallax errors are eliminated by a side focus or adjustable objective (AO).
Conclusion
Given its accuracy and flat trajectory, the 17 HMR is a high-precision rimfire cartridge that merits a high-quality scope. The best scope will improve your shooting experience whether you’re hunting small game, getting rid of varmints, or honing your skills at the range.
Choosing the best scope guarantees you get the most out of your rifle, from durability and parallax adjustment to magnification and reticle selection. Your shooting needs and budget will determine which of the many fantastic options is best for you. Invest in a dependable scope, and you’ll soon be confidently hitting your targets!
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