This post covers the best scope for 17 HMR recommendations that ensure each shot is a testament to reliability and precision. The scopes are loaded with a ton of features to make your shootings phenomenal and enjoyable.
The 17 Hornady Magnum Rifle merges precision and power. It has gained traction because it has a flat trajectory and unmatched velocity, making it a go-to choice for hunters and target shooters. It is a formidable choice for small and varmint hunters owing to its high energy.
A fine scope is an absolute essential if you want maximum accuracy and performance with your 17 HMR rifle. A decent scope helps unleash the full capabilities of the rimfire round. We are here to steer you in the right direction as far as selecting a good optic is concerned.
What Is the Maximum Effective Range of the 17 HMR?
The 17 HMR was introduced in 2002 by Hornady as a medium-range cartridge. The maximum effective range of the 17 HMR is considered 250 yards by most serious shooters. As far as accuracy goes, the round can generate dime-sized groups at 100 yards, and those groups remain tight beyond 200 yards.
Best Scopes for 17 HMR
You need an amazing scope to maximize the potential of this potent round. Check out these finest options that score highly and make it to our review.
1) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Rimfire Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner is not a mere scope; it is a trustworthy companion in the quest for precision. It has a 3-9x magnification range, which is a tried-and-true power range that has proven itself in a myriad of hunting scenarios.
The Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses take center stage, making this riflescope stand out from competitors. The lenses deliver unsurpassed brightness and clarity even in challenging light. Multiple anti-reflective coatings on the optics minimize glare and intensify light transmission, ensuring bright, stunning images capturing even the slightest details.
The scope is purged with nitrogen gas for fogproofing across temperature variations. The IPX7 waterproof design ensures that O-ring sealed optics remain dry even when submersed in 3 ft of water for half an hour.
It is shockproof to protect against impact, vibrations, and recoil for uninterrupted performance and long-lasting use.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm riflescope is poised to change your 17 HMR shooting experience, making each shot count and ensuring your reliability and precision stand out.
Features
- Multi-X reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fingertip adjustments for windage and elevation
- Second focal plane design
- One-piece tube
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses
- Matte finish
- Weighs 13 oz
Pros
- Good light collection ability
- Satisfying durability
- Affordable
Cons
- No reticle illumination
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rimfire Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm rimfire riflescope is hands down the best scope for 17 HMR. This masterpiece is constructed with anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that cast bright and clear views in different lighting environments. Optimal clarity will be yours even in dark backgrounds, providing the requisite visual acuity for a rewarding hunt.
The scope doesn’t stop at optical excellence. It also does the job in various environmental conditions. It is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, speaking of its resilience and rigidity.
O-ring seals and nitrogen purging give it the ability to withstand the effects of moisture, snow, dirt, and debris for a waterproof and fogproof performance. The lenses are thus always clear and crisp for a fantastic shooting experience.
The V-Plex reticle is well-suited for hunting applications, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the target for confidence with each shot. Long eye relief couples with the ultra-forgiving eyebox to help you quickly and easily establish a sight picture.
Besides that, the capped turrets are finger-adjustable and easily reset to zero after sighting in. They support lightning-fast and precise adjustments on the fly, keeping your focus on the target as you don’t have to watch as you make the tweaks.
Features
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Ultra-forgiving eyebox
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Full multi-coating on the lenses
- Capped turrets
- Single piece tube
- Armortek-coated outer lenses
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Clear optics
- Top-level durability
Cons
- The adjustments could be better
3) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm is a 17 HMR riflescope designed to withstand the elements as revealed by the waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction. These inclusions ensure your optic remains clear and reliable in the face of inclement weather and recoil. Regardless of the challenge, the scope stands up to the test, offering performance you can trust.
The outer lenses are crystal-clear and scratch-resistant to military standard extreme abrasion specifications. This keeps your view pristine even in extreme environments.
The 3-9x magnification is renowned for coming through virtually any shooting setting. The scope adapts seamlessly depending on your needs, whether you are wading through a dynamic hunting scenario or engaged in precision target shooting, offering optimal clarity and magnification.
The robust one-inch body tube is fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminum, depicting Leupold’s commitment to quality and innovation. The last thing you will worry about is durability as the scope is built for anything and everything.
Notable are the 1/4 MOA precision finger click windage and elevation adjustments that allow you to make minute yet paramount adjustments in the field. The adjustments produce tactile feedback for a confident and precise shooting experience. This makes fine-tuning your aim a breeze.
The Twilight Light Management System ensures peak clarity in all lighting conditions. Your shooting doesn’t have to stop when the light fades or you find yourself in a dark background, as this technology will address visibility concerns.
Features
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 40mm objective lens diameter
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- One inch tube
- Twilight Light Management System
- Suitable for all environmental conditions
- 1/4 MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustments
- The reticle is found on the rear focal plane
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Adjustment controls are easy to manipulate
- The reticle is user-friendly
Cons
- No lens covers
4) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Riflescope
Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm rimfire riflescope is a game-changer designed to meet the needs of rimfire enthusiasts. It comes with a Truplex reticle, which is intended for rapid and easy target acquisition even in dismal lighting.
This makes the riflescope suitable for sunrise or sunset hunts when visibility is the thin line between a hit or miss. The Truplex design improves your shooting experience, enabling you to confidently acquire targets with speed and precision.
Performance in harsh weather conditions is first-class, as the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. It remains reliable and ready to handle any element, making it a top-quality scope.
A 32mm objective lens complements the 3-9x magnification making the Simmons a precision tool for close-range to medium-range shooting. This magnification is ideal for the mission at hand, whether you are pursuing game in dynamic hunting scenarios or honing your precision at the range.
The premium glass is fully coated casts high-contrast, bright images, ensuring no details escape your view.
The TrueZero Flex Erector System offers a solid and repeatable zero that endures the recoil produced by rimfire rounds. This keeps your point of impact consistent, allowing you to trust in the accuracy of your shots.
The TrueZero windage and elevation dials ensure simple and accurate adjustments. The dials are intuitive and reliable for easy execution on the go.
Features
- HydroShield lens coatings
- Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece
- High-quality glass with a full coating
- Magnification starts at 3x and ends at 9x
- TrueZero dials for windage and elevation
- The construction is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Tripled reticle
- 75 inches of eye relief
- SureGrip rubber surfaces
Pros
- Easy to operate
- The glass is clear
- Notable build quality
Cons
- The included mounts are junk
5) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm riflescope is so good that it is the best scope for 17 HMR. It will revolutionize your shooting experience, so you should have it on your radar.
It comes with a side focus control for parallax adjustment to infinity, making way for precise and clear target acquisition at different distances. This aids in attaining maximum accuracy in long-range shooting situations, making the riflescope a perfect selection for rimfire users.
It brings to the table an astounding 11-layer fully multi-coated optics that maximize light funneling. The result is brilliant images that you will absolutely love. Each layer plays a role in glare minimization and image brightness enhancement, yielding a clear and vivid sight picture. The Vantage sets the stage for optical excellence, without a doubt.
The 1/4 MOA fingertip turrets promote precise and stress-free adjustments. The turrets produce tactile and audible feedback allowing you to confidently make adjustments while ensuring a sleek, snag-free profile. This meticulous attention to detail contributes to the user-friendliness and efficiency of the scope. Even novice shooters will experience no difficulties using this rimfire scope.
The one-inch single-tube chassis ensures incredible strength and durability. This allows the scope to endure the recoil of the 17 HMR and ensures a stable platform for consistency and repeatability.
The fast-focus eyebell makes reticle focusing quick and hassle-free, making it easy to get onto the target. The high-torque zoom ring makes for painless magnification adjustments, making your overall shooting experience terrific.
Features
- Suffices in different weather conditions
- Fully multi-coated with 11 layers
- Black matte finish
- 40mm objective lens
- 5 inches of eye relief
- Windage and elevation easily reset to zero with 1/4 MOA clicks
- Versatile 4x to 12x magnification
- Adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity
- Fast focus eyebell
- Single-tube chassis for incredible strength
Pros
- Superior clarity
- Trouble-free mounting
- Well-designed controls
Cons
- Some blur on the sight picture
6) Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm riflescope will leave you scratching your head in a good way. It is terrific; no wonder it makes the cut as one of the best scope for 17 HMR picks.
The EXO barrier lens coating is a marvel, keeping away moisture, dust, fog, and oil. Fingerprints, rain, and snow will not adhere, resulting in a clear, unobstructed sight picture regardless of the weather condition.
The flip-open objective and eyepiece cover shield the lenses when not in use. This helps them stay pristine and ready for action.
The versatile Deploy MOA reticle has 0.18 MOA thick crosshairs that are visible without obstructing the target. This increases the target acquisition speed. The reticle hones your shooting skills as it helps you aim at the target with accuracy and clarity.
A flexible 3-9x magnification combines with the 40mm objective lens to make the Engage a tool for various shooting scenarios. You can trust it to deliver, whether hunting or target shooting.
The 30mm tube accompanied by the toolless locking turrets creates a sturdy and robust platform for consistent and repeatable adjustments in a broad spectrum of shooting environments.
The lenses are fully multi-coated for high rates of light transmission. The implication is brighter, clearer, and sharper images for a memorable shooting experience.
Features
- Side parallax adjustment
- Illuminated Multi-X reticle
- Weighs one pound
- 42mm objective lens size
- The lens system is fully multi-coated
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- A magnification range of 3x to 9x
- 30mm tube
- EXO barrier protection on the lenses
- Toolless locking turrets
Pros
- Tough formation
- Bright and clear
Cons
- No zero stop capability for the elevation knob
7) Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm Riflescope
Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm brags of an exclusive optical design that uses the right materials to provide optical formulas around the best optical glass. This approach minimizes chromatic aberrations, promotes remarkable light transmission, and enhances color accuracy. This makes the S-TAC provide unparalleled resolution and sharpness for outstanding visual acuity.
As if that is not enough, the riflescope features the Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating which sets a standard for lens coating. This technology maximizes anti-reflection performance, resulting in great transmission and a stunning sight picture regardless of the lighting condition.
At the core of the scope is the ExacTrack windage and elevation system that ensures drift in your adjustments is a thing of the past. The unique system maintains a constant and accurate point of pressure at zero or extreme adjustments, promising proper alignment between adjustments and the erector tube. This is a smart inclusion that gives you unprecedented accuracy and precision.
The IPX7 waterproof rating of the riflescope makes it suffice in foul weather so you can rest easy knowing your scope is safe and sound. Nitrogen purging prevents internal lens fogging for reliability in changing temperatures.
The shockproof construction protects against recoil and accidental impacts, keeping the scope brand new.
Features
- Single-piece tube built from industrial-grade aluminum
- Fogproof because of the nitrogen gas purging
- ExacTrack windage and elevation mechanism
- Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating process
- Side focus
- Fast focus eyebell for quick and easy adjustments
- 50mm focal aperture
- Magnificent 4x to 20x magnification
- Waterproof and shockproof
Pros
- Sharp, bright glass
- Good eye comfort
- Price
- Brightness across the magnification range
Cons
- A sunshade is purchased separately
- Tracking performance is not very good
Also Read: 6 Best Budget Scopes for Magnum Rifle
Choosing the Best Scope for 17 HMR
There are various scopes available, and not all are suitable for the 17 HMR. These factors will make you more knowledgeable and help you make an informed decision:
Adjustments
Turrets or knobs facilitate windage, elevation, parallax, and magnification adjustments. The knobs should be sturdy and should not budge on the fly. They should be easy to adjust as speed is critical on the field. In addition, the turrets should have solid and audible clicks to let you know whether or not you have made the tweak.
Durability
The best scope for 17 HMR should be durable enough to last for a long time. It should be able to withstand wear and tear even after constant use. Aircraft-grade aluminum makes the most durable scopes without adding excessive weight.
Durability also applies to the lens coatings. Some coatings like Armortek or Guard-ion rain-shedding coatings shield the lenses from damage caused by debris or scratches.
Also, keep an eye on gas purging and o-ring seals, as these contribute to the fogproof and waterproof integrity of a scope.
Reticle
Ensure you get a scope with a customized reticle that matches the needs of your rifle. There are reticles specifically attuned to the 17 HMR. Some also feature bullet drop compensation that takes the bullet’s velocity into account. A BDC reticle is well-suited for long-range hunting and shooting. If you choose a BDC reticle, ensure it matches the cartridge caliber you employ across the intended range.
Glass Quality
Another thing to assess before making a purchase for the best scope for 17 HMR is glass quality. Check out for top-notch glass with appropriate lens coating. The glass quality determines the clarity at high power levels while lens coatings maximize durability and light transmission.
Proper lens coatings allow plenty of light to enter the scope casting a clear and vivid sight picture. They also make it difficult to scratch and destroy the glass. Fully multi-coated lenses deliver the best performance.
Parallax Adjustment
A scope with parallax adjustment is preferable, particularly if you intend to shoot at varying distances. Some rimfire scopes incorporate fixed parallax set at rimfire-appropriate distances.
Compatibility
A riflescope that you cannot use is as good as useless. Ensure the one you get is compatible with both the ammunition you plan to use and the rifle’s mounting system. The best scope for 17 HMR should not impede or obstruct your performance.
Brand Reputation
Stick to reputable brands known for producing high-quality optics. These include Sightron, Vortex, Leupold, Trijicon, and Bushnell among others.
Also Read: 6 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15
Best Scope for 17 HMR FAQs
Q: What Is the Difference Between the 22 WMR And the 17 HMR?
The 17 HMR has a higher ballistic coefficient than the 22 WMR. The 17 HMR also boasts a higher muzzle velocity, leading to a flatter trajectory. However, the heavier bullet of the WMR allows for more energy transfer at any point along with its effective range.
Q: What Can I Use The 17 HMR For?
The cartridge excels at small game and varmint hunting at moderate distances. Its precision and high velocity makes it excellent for taking down racoons, rabbits, and possums within 200 yards. The cartridge has also become a favorite for shooting at the range.
Q: Is Eye Relief Crucial for A 17 HMR Scope?
Although the 17 HMR produces low recoil, it is still essential to have eye relief in mind when buying a scope. High eye relief is always recommended but an eye relief of 3 inches will still do the job.
Conclusion
All the scopes in this review have all you need and more to maximize the effectiveness of the 17 HMR. The best scope for 17 HMR should suit your preferences, shooting type, shooting needs, and budget. It should excel, whether in rimfire applications, varmint hunting, or precision target shooting. With careful consideration, the right scope will lead to mind-blowing performance with your 17 HMR.