The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is an absolute beauty to behold. Love it or hate it, you can’t help but admit that this cartridge has become increasingly popular over the past few years. In fact, it has earned a very catchy title for itself — the small varmint vanquisher.
However, like you’d probably expect, this exceptional cartridge needs a rifle to fire from and a scope that would help direct its trajectory. With the barrage of scopes out there, it can be difficult to find the right one.
Luckily, we’ve solved this problem by outlining the best of the best scopes for your 17 HMR. With these scopes, you can expect optimal performance and clear images. You’re welcome!
The Best .17 HMR Scopes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 SFP BDC (MOA) Riflescope |  |
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| 3. Vortex Optics Viper PST SFP 1-4x24mm TMCQ (MOA) Riflescope |  |
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| 4. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40 AO 17 HMR IR Riflescope |  |
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| 5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm |  |
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| 6. Nikon Pro Staff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope |  |
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| 7. Burris Timberline 4. 5-14x32 Riflescope |  |
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1. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope — Our Top Choice
What’s the best scope for your 17 HMR? We’d answer that for you. The Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm is the perfect choice for your 17 HMR. If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable rifle scope, you may want to consider this matte riflescope. With excellent bright pictures and of course, waterproof performance, the weather has nothing on this scope.
Trying out long-range shots? You have no problem! Like the name implies, this scope comes with a BDC reticule that lets you shoot at long-range targets comfortably. It also features a 100- yard parallax setting, which (in our opinion) is an excellent and much-needed feature.
What we love about the Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm riflescope is that it comes with a multi-coated optical system. This scope is crafted with various layers of anti-reflective compounds on its glass surfaces allowing for crystal clear pictures. As such, you get to enjoy maximum light transmission even in low light conditions.
In fact, the manufacturers trust this product so much that they backed it up with a limited lifetime warranty. Thus, if you do encounter problems with his riflescope, you have nothing to worry about thanks to this warranty.
Although we absolutely love the Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope, it does come with one teeny flaw that we just have to mention. Its parallax adjustment can be a bit difficult to use.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Nikon
- Material: Chiffon
- Size: 3-9×40
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Pros
- Ideal for long-range shooting and deer hunting
- Generous eye relief
- Clear, bright images
- Offers shockproof and waterproof
Cons
- The parallax adjustment is hard to use
Conclusion
The Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope is an excellent choice especially if you’re looking for a scope for deer hunting. Not only is this matte scope sturdy and reliable, the manufacturers also threw a multi-coated optical system into the mix, allowing for clear images and maximum light transmission. Little wonder it is our top choice!
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP BDC (MOA) Riflescope — Best Scope for 17 WSM
The 17 WSM cartridge is a new and exceptional addition to the market. Packed with fantastic features and a unique design, this cartridge is quite lightweight and easy to use. If you don’t want to sacrifice the lightweight design of this cartridge, then you definitely need an equally lightweight scope like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 riflescope.
Thought we weren’t going to mention this popular brand? You thought wrong. If you’re looking for perfection, you wouldn’t want to miss this lightweight scope. It features a second focal plane and lets you operate even in low light conditions.
One advantage of this scope is that it lets you view and acquire your target swiftly, thanks to its excellent eye box and generous eye relief. It also features anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses for brighter and clearer images. It equally comes with capped reset turrets that allow for easy finger adjustments.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 scope is crafted out of sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum. As such, we can assure you that this scope is one of the most durable products out there. But that’s not the best part yet.
What we love the most about this scope is its flexibility. Whether you’d be shooting at long-range or short-range, this lightweight scope is up to the task. As such, it is an excellent choice for all hunters and professionals, regardless of their target ranges.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
- Material: Aluminium
- Size: 2-7×32
Pros
- Shockproof and waterproof performance
- Features anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses for brighter images
- It is flexible
Cons
- Although this scope can be used for both long-range and short-range shooting, it may not be the best short-range scope out there
Conclusion
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP Riflescope features just about everything you need in a scope. From durability to clear images, you name it. What’s more, it comes at a great price so you don’t have to worry about the cost draining your pocket.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
3. Vortex Optics Viper PST SFP 1-4x24mm TMCQ (MOA) Riflescope — Best Scope for Scar 17
Like you probably already know, Scar 17 is one of the most powerful rifles out there. According to rumours, this rifle is so powerful that it can consume an optic sitting on it. Thus, if you want to get the most out of this rifle, you need a sturdy scope and we’ve got just the one for you.
The Viper PST SFP 1-4x24mm riflescope is yet another Vortex product that lives up to the brand’s name. This high-tech scope can be used for just about any hunting purposes. It features a 24mm objective lens alongside an excellent magnification range.
This scope also comes with fully multi-coated lens that help to promote sharp, bright images no matter the time of the day. We’d also like to mention that it comes with an extra low dispersion glass that helps to improve both colour fidelity and resolution.
For us, what makes this scope so unique is its durability. Granted, all Vortex products are quite sturdy and durable but this one takes the cup. Thanks to its O-ring sealed design, you don’t have to worry about debris, moisture or dust building up inside the scope.
However, there’s just one teeny problem with the Vortex Optics Viper PST SFP 1-4x24mm riflescope. In terms of price, it is quite expensive. Thus, if you’re looking for a scope that falls within the lower price range, you might want to check out other options.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
- Size: 1-4″ x 24”
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Clear, bright images
- Durable and sturdy design
- It is O-ring sealed to prevent debris and moisture from building up
Cons
- It is expensive
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a sturdy scope to match your Scar 17 rifle, then the Viper PST SFP 1-4x24mm riflescope is your best bet. With clear images and a sturdy design to boot, this scope will satisfy all your hunting needs.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
4. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 AO 17 HMR IR Riflescope — Best Scope for 17 HMR Savage
Before we tell you what this product really is, we’d like to start off by saying that this scope is one of our absolute favorites and you’d soon find out why. For starters, the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 AO scope features an impressively wide magnification range, making it suitable for both middle and long-range shooting.
This Illuminated rifle scope comes with a superior optical system that can beat some popular optics out there. It features up to 11 layers of anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses which allow for easy light absorption and of course, brighter images. It also comes with an easily adjustable design on its objective lens, making parallax adjustment really easy for users.
When you use this scope, you don’t have to worry about it sliding off the rifle. It comes with double hex screws that keep everything right in place.
What we love about this scope is its ability to perform outstandingly even in low light conditions. No matter how little the lighting is, you’d still end up with high quality images.
On the downside, we noticed that the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 may not be an ideal choice for gas piston airguns more than 12 foot-pounds.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Hawke Sport Optics
- Size: 4-12×40
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Ideal choice for middle and long-range shooting
- Features 11 multi-coated layers
- Very durable and sturdy
Cons
- It isn’t a great choice for gas piston airguns more than 12 ft lbs
Conclusion
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 AO 17 HMR IR Riflescope is a great choice if you want to completely transform and spice up your hunting experience. However, if your airgun is more than 12 ft lbs, this scope may not be a great option.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm
The Bushnell brand definitely didn’t disappoint us with this product. If you’re looking for a perfect scope with maximum objective power, you might want to take a second look at this product.
The Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm scope starts off with a beautiful aesthetic design. If you’re a lover of beautiful scopes, the beauty of this one might captivate you even before you get a chance to check out its other features. It comes with a perfect optical system that gives you clear, high quality images, letting you enjoy the best hunting experience.
It also features a 3.3-inch eye relief, allowing for better and improved precision when focusing on your target. Did we forget to mention that this scope also has one of the best Multi-x Reticules on the market?
What we love about this scope is that even in low-light conditions, this scope operates perfectly. The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm also boasts of versatility. It doesn’t matter if you have a 17 HMR or not. It works just as well on shotguns, muzzleloaders, and rifles.
We’d like to issue a quick warning. Don’t be fooled by the beauty of this design. Despite its beautiful design, the Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm scope is just as tough and durable as the other top scopes on the market.
However, what we don’t like about this scope is that its view field width is narrow when compared to other scopes.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Bushnell
- Size: 3-9x40mm
- Weight: 13 ounces
Pros
- It offers fog proof and waterproof performance
- Comes with a beautiful aesthetic design
- Very versatile
Cons
- Its view field width is quite narrow.
Conclusion
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm is a great choice if you need something compact and durable. This scope offers immense clarity thanks to its fast-focus eyepiece and its multi-coated lenses. However, on the downside, this scope has a very narrow view field width.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
6. Nikon Pro Staff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope
When it comes to the best scopes for your 17 HMR, the Nikon Pro Staff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte scope definitely has to be on the list. This scope is so reliable that a large number of reviewers swear by it. With all the features and functions it packs, who wouldn’t love this scope?
For starters, the Nikon Pro Staff 4-12 x 40 offers you the key feature you need in any 17 HMR scope: durability. Constructed with high-grade aluminum and polymer, you can bet you’d enjoy using this scope for a very long time.
We’d like to mention that this scope features a 40mm objective lens which allows for easy and precise target sighting. It equally comes with a magnification power of 4 to 12 times, which can be adjusted to your specific needs and preferences.
What we love about this compact scope is that it features positive-click reticule adjustments that help you to zero in faster.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Nikon
- Size: 4-12x40mm
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
Pros
- Features positive-click reticule adjustments that allow you to zero in faster
- Highly durable
- Wide magnification range
Cons
- Field of view is relatively narrow
Conclusion
The Nikon Pro Staff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope is a great choice especially if you’re looking out for optimal performance. It features ballistic match technology that makes the hunting experience easier and more thrilling.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
7. Burris Timberline 4. 5-14×32 Riflescope
If you’re a game hunter or tactical shooter looking for high magnification, then this scope is for you. We have to admit. This scope may be quite basic but it does pack a lot of solid features making it a great choice for newbie owners of 17 HMRs.
For starters, this scope is rugged and shockproof. Believe it or not, it is resilient enough to withstand high levels of shock and tension. Its durability makes it great for tactical operations and hunting.
What we love about this scope is its consistent eye relief. It features an okay eye relief of 5 inches, thus protecting your eyes and vision. You also get to enjoy great images and of course, easy light absorption thanks to this scope’s multi-coated lens.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Big Rock Sports
- Material: Aluminium
- Size: 4.5mm x 14mm x 32mm
- Weight: 15 ounces
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- Solid steel construction
- It features a generous eye relief of 5 inches
Cons
- Comes with a limited /narrow field of view
Conclusion
The Burris Timberline 4. 5-14×32 scope isn’t exactly the best out there but it can definitely hold its own when it comes to performance and ruggedness. If you’re a first-time owner of a 17 HMR, you should probably start off with this scope.
Overall Rating: 3.7/5
Buying Guide
Over the past few years, the 17 HMR has become even more popular especially for varmint hunting purposes. This earned it a title that seems pretty catchy the first time you hear it — “the small varmint vanquisher”.
What’s the first thing to consider when choosing a 17 HMR scope? For most people, their budget is very much important. However, there are several other factors to be considered that are every bit as important (perhaps even more important) than your budget.
Let’s take a look at some of them, shall we?
Material
This may seem like a pretty unusual thing to consider but it plays a huge part in determining how durable the scope will be. You definitely don’t want a scope that’d bend under harsh conditions when you’re out in the field.
Lenses
If you noticed, we mainly featured scopes with multi-coated lenses and for good reason. These lenses are known to increase light transmission and subsequently, produce brighter pictures. Any scope worth its salt should feature multi-coated lenses for glare reduction and a clearer view.
Resistance
Regardless of what you intend to use your scope for, it needs to be able to resist harsh weather conditions. Some scopes come with a hard anodized finish which is a huge bonus.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re acquainted with the best 17 HMR scopes and how to make the right decision, we’d leave you to make your choice. However, we’d love to juggle your memory by having a little recap of our favorite choices.
Out of our selection, we highly recommend the Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope if you really want the best of the best. But just in case, you aren’t thrilled with our top choice, we outlined six more great scopes for you to choose from.
Good luck!
