Equip your .17 HMR with a high-quality scope and master your accuracy at any range. The best scopes for 17 HMR rifles are purposely designed to elevate your hunting experience.
You have specific preferences for your hunting rifle and we have probed the market and found rifle scopes combining versatile features to help you adapt to your surroundings. These scopes also offer a combination of features like clear optics, large viewing angles, and crisp reticles to help harness the full potential of your rifle.
A high-quality rifle scope is an important sighting tool to have for the .17 HMR rifle. You will be able to harness its full capabilities no matter the kind of shooting that you do.
Furthermore, a reliable optic will get you on targets quickly and boost your shooting confidence in less favorable shooting environments.
What Makes a Great Scope for 17 HMR
When looking for a scope for 17 HMR, the goal is to have a reliable shooting solution that fulfills your shooting needs. The are several key elements to guide you when choosing a .17 HMR scope.
The scope should have quality lenses made of top-quality glass and whose lenses are fully multicoated. The duo helps deliver crisp images in any lighting condition which is crucial when hunting. Detailing images makes the difference in your shooting accuracy.
A scope for 17 HMR should have an appropriate reticle. Scopes with dedicated 17 HMR reticles are the best solution for your shooting needs as they are optimized for the caliber. For precise aiming in dim light, reticle illumination is necessary. Scopes with glass-etched reticles are also ideal as they are more durable and retain their zero for longer.
Durability is another critical aspect of the scope for 17 HMR. The tube housing the optics should be rugged to withstand abuse. It should also be fully sealed and purged with dry gases to ensure fogproof performance when hunting in bad weather or the magic hours.
Comfortable eye relief is also crucial for a scope for a .17 HMR. This rifle is powerful, and the recoil can lead to you being scoped. Adequate eye relief is important to guarantee safety and comfort when taking shots.
The other key attribute to look out for in a scope for 17 HMR is reliable adjustment turrets. To make accurate shots, you need a scope with precise elevation, windage and parallax adjustments. Ensure the adjustment knobs make crisp and audible clicks consistently every time.
Lastly, the scope should be of ideal weight to allow seamless use and carrying. Lighter scopes are more comfortable and help you shoot comfortably. Reputable brands are known to strike the perfect balance between performance and portability.
7 Best Scopes for 17 HMR Rifles
Whether you use the .17 HMR rifle for varmint hunting, plinking, or target practice, here is a list of the very best scopes worth your consideration. Let’s take a look.
1) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm will elevate your air rifle’s performance to the next level and make your next hunt the best yet. It is designed for medium and long-range shooting with versatile 4-12x zoom power and competent low-light performance.
It’s an excellent rifle scope for hunting small animals making it one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles. This efficient rifle scope gives you flawless clarity and detailed images for a wholesome hunting experience.
One of the positive attributes of this rifle scope is ease of use. It has a lightweight construction that makes it easy to install and convenient to carry from one location to the other. Furthermore, it has a fast-focus collar for easy reticle focusing and a relatively low profile to ensure that it doesn’t get in your way of shooting.
Another facet that makes it one of the best scopes for 17 HMR is its solid construction. The 1-inch single-piece main tube is made from aluminum alloy which is durable enough to weather abuse. Further, the tube is nitrogen-filled, waterproofed, and rated for use on most calibers.
The other noteworthy features included are adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity, low profile covered turret caps, and a duplex cross-hair style reticle that is etched on glass. Equip your hunting rifle with a reliable hunting solution and make the most out of your
Features
- Fast-focus collar
- 1/4 MOA per click impact point correction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- Aluminum alloy housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Anodized finish
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- A second focal plane glass-etched reticle
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Generous eye relief
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Great glass
Cons
- Not duty-worthy
2) BSA Optics Sweet .17 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope
BSA Optics Sweet .17 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope is specifically calibrated for the .17 HMR bullet. It harbors a multitude of high-quality features to convert your rifle into a reliable hunting solution.
As one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles, this precise piece of glass delivers outstanding performance at an excellent price. For incredible value pair your .17HMR with this rifle scope.
The variable 3-12x magnification is offered in the first focal plane. The reticle stays true through the entire zoom range for precision aiming. The versatile magnification helps you adapt to different hunting situations.
Besides, the scope has a generous eye relief of 4 inches to prevent scope-related injuries and optimize your shooting comfort with or without eyeglasses.
Optically, the optics are fully multi-coated to fight glare and enhance light transmission. This results in bright, crisp, and color-rich sight pictures. Moreover, the scope has adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity.
To complement the stunning optical features, this rifle scope has a single-piece 1-inch body tube made from aluminum. The optical tube is also sealed and fully protected from fog, mist, and shock.
Features
- 3-12x total magnification
- Aluminum housing
- 25 MOA adjustment click value
- Fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Fully coated optics
- Adjustable parallax
- First focal plane reticle
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Good low-light performance
- Easy to zero and operate
- Clear optics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40mm AO Rifle Scope
Vortex is a renowned brand in the field of optics. It is committed to making high-quality sighting tools and the Crossfire II 4-12x40mm AO Rifle Scope is not built any different. It is a cost-effective, yet durable variable power rifle scope optimized for versatility.
The scope features an adjustable objective bell that enables parallax error correction and image focusing. It also boasts fully multi-coated optics that ensure high levels of light transmission throughout the entire magnification range.
When it comes to construction, the one-piece aerospace-quality aluminum housing withstands abuse and guarantees longevity even with repeated use. On the exterior surface, the scope has a durable, non-reflective finish that is fully scratchproof and corrosion-resistant.
This model of the Crossfire II is fully waterproof and fog-proof to perform in extreme humidity. It is also configured with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle and turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustments.
This high-accuracy rifle scope is undoubtedly one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles. It gives hunters a high enough light transmission rate for precise focusing at dawn and dusk for a rejuvenating hunting experience.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
- Adjustable objective
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- 4-12x magnification
- One-piece body tube
- Robust aluminum housing
- Capped turrets
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Ample eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Great optical quality
- Ease of use
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Bushnell Banner 4-12×40 Multi-X Reticle Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles, the Bushnell Banner 4-12×40 is outstanding in low-light settings. If you are an avid hunter who prefers to go hunting in the low light settings of dawn and dusk, this rifle scope suits you.
It is purpose-built to perform in all light settings and shooting environments. The 4-12x zoom range is a useful zoom for medium to long-range hunting as it is useful even at the highest settings.
Besides, the large 40mm objective lens draws in all available light and provides a large viewing window for speedy target acquisition.
To get you on targets are capped turrets with 1/4 MOA impact point correction and 60 MOA adjustment ranges for both windage and elevation.
This rifle scope also has a crisp Multi-X reticle positioned on the rear focal plane and a fast-focus eyepiece that is responsible for rapid reticle focusing.
Features
- Aluminum housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Multi-X second focal plane reticle
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated optics
- 1-inch mono-tube main tube
- Scratch and corrosion-resistant matte black anodized finish
- Covered turrets with easy-grip knurled knobs
- 4-12x variable magnification
Pros
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Good value for the price
- Great low-light visibility
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
5) Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm FFP Rifle Scope
Built on a true strength platform, Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm FFP Rifle Scope stands out in terms of performance and value. It is a perfect optic for a wide range of applications from hunting to target practice to tactical use.
The scope employs a first focal plane reticle that ensures improved long-distance accuracy. The versatile 5x optical zoom brings you closer to faraway targets and enables speedy target acquisition at close ranges.
Moreover, the optical performance of this rifle scope is impressive. The massive 50mm aperture enhances low-light performance by allowing maximum light collection. Other than that, the scope has Hi-Lume multi-coated optics that maximize image brightness and clarity.
As outstanding as the optical features are so the build quality. The scope is built in a 30mm tube that ensures strength and rigidity. Over and above that, the aircraft-grade aluminum housing is fully protected from moisture and elements for unimpeded field use.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Adjustable parallax
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 3-15x magnification power
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- High-grade optical glass
- Double-spring internal-tension system
- Low-profile adjustment knobs
Pros
- Clear glass
- Excellent fit and finish
- Easy to grip turrets even with gloves on
- Crisp reticle
- Great light-gathering quality
Cons
- Comparatively costly
6) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm is a versatile hunting scope that will improve your accuracy and performance when shooting with the .17 HMR. It harbors incredible features that aid in quick target acquisition and execution of accurate shots.
It employs DiamondCoat 3 lens coatings that work together with the Xtended Twilight Lens System to reveal all details of targets even in poor light settings. On top of that, the scope is built with blackened lens edges which bring more usable light to the eye.
The construction quality of this rifle scope is another facet that makes it one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles. It has a robust 6061-T6 aluminum construction to withstand outdoor abuse.
The optical tube is also fully waterproof and fog-proof to enable you to take on exciting hunts in rain, fog, and other unfavorable weather conditions.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof
- 52 MOA total windage and elevation adjustment range
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- 5-10x total magnification
- Field-functional and durable lens cover
- DiamondCoat 3 lens coatings
- Twin bias spring erector system
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Large field of view
- Lightweight construction
- Versatile
- Clear optics with great low-light visibility
- Tracks well
Cons
- Non-illuminated
7) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
We saved the best for last; the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a highly functional hunting solution for the .17 HMR. This is a battle-proven aiming system that delivers rapid target acquisition and increased shooting precision under any lighting condition.
With the self-luminous aiming system, this rifle scope enables confident aiming in virtually all light settings. Moreover, it boasts multi-layer coated lenses which provide superior clarity, zero distortions, and glare reduction in bright light.
Trijicon optics are known for their rugged construction and this rifle scope is not any different. It has a 1-inch single-piece main tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum. This tube is waterproof to 10’ and anodized with a scratchproof and non-reflective finish.
In addition to all these features, the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has a dual illuminated Mil-Dot reticle that enables long-range distance shooting precision. Versatility is one of the attributes that make the AccuPoint TR-20 one of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles.
Features
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 50 MOA adjustment range
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- 3x optical zoom
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Rugged aluminum housing
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- Clear glass and reticle
- Easy to use
- High-quality construction
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for Winchester XPR
- Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
- Best 22LR Scopes for Target Shooting
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
Best Scopes for 17 HMR Rifles Buying Guide
Whether you are buying a .17 HMR rifle scope for hunting, target practice, or any other applications, below are the key things to consider.
Optical Quality
The optical quality in scope can make or break your hunting and shooting expeditions. So, opt for a product that is crafted with the best glass you can afford.
The best scopes for 17 HMR rifles also feature high-quality antireflective coatings applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Weight
In rifle scopes, weight varies from one scope to the other. The quality of glass and type of materials used affect overall weight which is important for applications where ease of maneuverability is vital. The average weight of a good .17 HMR rifle scope is 1.2 lbs.
Read: Best Thermal Scopes for 200 Yards
Durability
The next important thing to consider is durability. Typically, the type of materials used to make the scope determine its overall durability. A tip is to get a scope that is made from either aircraft-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy.
Weather Protection
17 HMR rifles are built with versatility in mind. It is therefore important to get a scope that is equally versatile and operable in all weather conditions.
The tube should be sealed on both ends to prevent entry of moisture and dust. It should also be filled with a dry inert gas for fog protection.
Reticle
Choose a reticle that blends the best with the kind of shooting you will be doing. We recommend scopes with either duplex or BDC reticles. These reticles are easy to use and ideal for shooting at varying ranges.
Read: Best Burris 450 Bushmaster Scopes
Eye Relief
Last, but not least, look at the amount of eye relief the scope comes with. For the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles, the eye relief should be above 3.5 inches for those who don’t wear eyeglasses and 4 inches and above for the eyeglass wearers.
Best Scopes for 17 HMR Rifles FAQs
Q: What is the Ideal Scope size for 17 HMR Rifle Scopes?
3-9x and 4-12x are the ideal scope sizes for the 17 HMR rifles. These rifles excel at close and medium ranges so a scope with the versatile zoom range will cover these distances with ease.
Q: What is the Range of a 17 HMR for Hunting?
150-200 yards. This round generates high speed and plenty of energy to take down varmints, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other small games with the first shot within 200 yards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the kind of shooting you will be doing will dictate the rifle scope that you get. Remember that budget also plays a big role in your selection process. So, take all that into account and use this guide to find the ideal 17 HMR rifle scope for your needs.