Ever wondered what makes a tiny .17 HMR bullet fly so straight and true? It’s a combination of the rifle and the optic you choose! But picking the perfect scope for your .17 HMR can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So many scopes promise amazing things, but which one actually delivers for this fast, flat-shooting rimfire cartridge?
You want to see those small targets clearly, hit them accurately, and enjoy your shooting time without frustration. The wrong scope can mean missed shots, blurry images, and a general lack of fun. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of scopes designed specifically for the .17 HMR. We’ll break down what really matters, helping you avoid common mistakes and find a scope that will make your .17 HMR sing.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what features to look for, understand different magnification levels, and be confident in choosing a scope that unlocks the full potential of your .17 HMR rifle. Let’s get started on finding the perfect vision for your shooting adventures!
Our Top 5 Scope For 17 Hmr Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Scope For 17 Hmr Detailed Reviews
1. Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-12 x 40mm Rifle Scope .17 HMR
Rating: 9.5/10
The Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-12 x 40mm Rifle Scope is built for the .17 HMR rifle. It helps you hit your target more accurately. This scope has a magnification that goes from 3 times to 12 times. It also has an adjustable objective lens to help you focus. You get rings with it to attach it to your rifle.
What We Like:
- The 3x to 12x magnification is great for different shooting distances.
- The adjustable objective lens helps make your target sharp and clear.
- It’s designed specifically for the .17 HMR rifle and its 17-grain bullet.
- The scope comes with rings, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
- Fully coated lenses mean you get a brighter, clearer view.
- The 3-inch eye relief is comfortable for many shooters.
What Could Be Improved:
- The field of view at higher magnification (10 feet at 100 yards) is a bit narrow.
- The parallax setting starts at 7.5 yards, which might be too far for very close shots.
Overall, the Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO scope offers good value for .17 HMR shooters. It’s a solid option for improving your accuracy.
2. Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-9 X 40mm Rifle Scope .17 HMR
Rating: 8.7/10
The Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-9 X 40mm Rifle Scope is designed specifically for .17 HMR rifles. It helps you aim better with its clear view and strong build. This scope is made to last and perform well.
What We Like:
- Specially made for the .17 HMR 17 gr. bullet.
- Comes with 2-piece dovetail rings, so you can attach it easily.
- The glass lenses are fully coated to reduce glare and improve brightness.
- It’s built tough with one-piece aluminum.
- The scope is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof for use in different weather.
- The adjustable objective helps you focus clearly at different distances.
- It has a 30/30 reticle for aiming.
What Could Be Improved:
- The weight of 22.3 oz might feel a bit heavy for some shooters.
- The 30/30 reticle is a simpler design and might not offer the fine-tuning some advanced shooters prefer.
Overall, the Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-9 X 40mm Rifle Scope is a solid choice for .17 HMR owners looking for a reliable and accurate aiming tool.
3. BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope with Multi-Grain Turret
Rating: 9.0/10
The BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope is built for shooters who love the .17HMR caliber. It offers clear views and special features to help you hit your target more often. This scope is tough and ready for any weather, making it a reliable choice for your rifle.
What We Like:
- It’s made just for the .17HMR rifle.
- You get a comfortable 4 inches of eye relief, which means less strain on your eyes.
- The turret is specially marked for both 17-grain and 20-grain .17HMR bullets.
- The lenses are fully multi-coated for bright and clear pictures.
- It has precise adjustments with 1/4 MOA clicks.
- The power zooms from 3x to 12x, giving you flexibility for different distances.
- This scope is built tough – it’s shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof.
What Could Be Improved:
- The multi-grain turret is great, but it only covers two specific bullet weights.
- While durable, some users might want even more magnification for very long shots.
Overall, the BSA Sweet 17 scope is a solid option for .17HMR owners. Its specialized design and weather-resistant build make it a dependable tool for accurate shooting.
4. Pride Fowler Industries 3-12x42mm RR-Evolution-17 HMR Rifle Scope First Focal Plane Ballistic RRE005
Rating: 8.6/10
The Pride Fowler Industries 3-12x42mm RR-Evolution-17 HMR Rifle Scope is a solid choice for shooters looking for a reliable and versatile optic. Its first focal plane design means the reticle size stays the same no matter the magnification, making it easier to judge distances at any power. This scope is built to handle the elements, keeping your view clear and your aim true.
What We Like:
- You can choose a red, green, or blue illuminated reticle to match your preference or shooting conditions.
- The scope is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or splashes damaging it.
- The magnification range of 3-12x is great for many different shooting situations, from close-up targets to farther ones.
- It’s designed to be tough and dependable for your hunting or plinking adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific ballistic reticle might take some getting used to for new users.
- While durable, the overall build might not feel as premium as some higher-priced scopes.
This Pride Fowler scope offers a good balance of features and performance for its price point. It’s a capable tool for any shooter wanting a dependable magnified optic.
5. Weigand Taurus Tracker .22 LR and .17 HMR Scope Mount Weaver Style. Silver
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking to add a scope to your Taurus Tracker .22 LR or .17 HMR revolver? This Weigand scope mount in a sleek silver finish is designed to make that happen easily. It’s made specifically for the vent rib style of these revolvers, so you can get your scope mounted without any tricky drilling or tapping.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to install. You don’t need to drill or tap your gun.
- The mount is very stable. A big recoil lug stops it from moving around.
- It’s lightweight, weighing only 1.3 ounces and is 4-1/2 inches long.
- It works with most Weaver style scope rings and accessories.
- The rear sight notch acts as a strong recoil lug for a solid mount.
- The silver anodized finish looks great.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mount won’t fit certain Taurus revolvers like the Model 66, 627, or .357 mag models. It won’t be secure on those.
This Weigand scope mount offers a straightforward way to upgrade your Taurus Tracker. It provides a secure and stable platform for your scope, enhancing your shooting experience.
Choosing the Right Scope for Your .17 HMR Rifle
The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a popular cartridge known for its flat trajectory and impressive accuracy at longer ranges. To truly unlock its potential, a good scope is essential. This guide will help you find the perfect optic for your .17 HMR rifle.
Key Features to Look For
- Magnification: For the .17 HMR, variable magnification is best. A common range is 3-9x or 4-12x. This lets you zoom in for precise shots on small targets at a distance, but also allows for a wider field of view for general plinking. Higher magnification might be useful for extreme varmint hunting.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the larger lens at the front of the scope. A larger diameter (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. This means a brighter image, especially in low light conditions like dawn or dusk.
- Reticle Type: The reticle is the crosshair you see inside the scope. Simple duplex reticles are good for general use. For varmint hunting or longer shots, reticles with hash marks or dots (like a BDC – Bullet Drop Compensating reticle) can help you aim more accurately at different distances.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece where you can see a full, clear image. Longer eye relief is safer, especially with heavier recoiling firearms, as it prevents scope “bite” on your forehead. The .17 HMR has very little recoil, so this is less of a concern, but still good to consider.
- Field of View: This is how much of the area you can see through the scope at a given magnification. A wider field of view makes it easier to find and track moving targets.
Important Materials
Most quality rifle scopes use:
- Aluminum Alloy: The main body of the scope is usually made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is strong, lightweight, and durable.
- Glass Lenses: The quality of the glass is very important. High-quality, multi-coated lenses provide a clearer, brighter image with less distortion. Coatings also help reduce glare.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Lens Coatings: Multi-coated lenses (meaning multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings) significantly improve light transmission, contrast, and color accuracy. Fully multi-coated is the best option.
- Build Quality and Durability: A well-built scope can handle bumps and vibrations. Look for scopes that are fog-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof. These are usually nitrogen-filled or argon-filled.
- Turret Adjustments: The knobs (turrets) that adjust your aim should be precise and repeatable. “Finger-adjustable” turrets are convenient. Capped turrets protect your settings from accidental bumps.
- Parallax Adjustment: For higher magnification scopes or when shooting at very long distances, parallax adjustment allows you to fine-tune the focus. This eliminates the apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when you move your eye.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Varmint Hunting: For small pests like prairie dogs or ground squirrels, you’ll need a scope with good magnification to make precise shots at 100 yards and beyond. A reticle with aiming points for distance is very helpful.
- Target Shooting/Plinking: For general target practice at the range or casual shooting, a simpler scope with good clarity and a comfortable magnification range will serve you well.
- Rimfire Competition: Some competitive rimfire shooters opt for scopes with higher magnification and more advanced reticles for extreme precision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best magnification range for a .17 HMR scope?
A: A magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is generally considered ideal for most .17 HMR applications, offering versatility for different shooting distances.
Q: Do I need a parallax adjustment on my .17 HMR scope?
A: While not strictly necessary for all .17 HMR shooting, a parallax adjustment can improve accuracy, especially at longer ranges or with higher magnification scopes.
Q: What does “fully multi-coated” mean for scope lenses?
A: “Fully multi-coated” means that all lens surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings, which results in a brighter, clearer image with better color and contrast.
Q: How does objective lens size affect my scope?
A: A larger objective lens diameter (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) gathers more light, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
Q: Is a heavy recoil a concern for .17 HMR scopes?
A: No, the .17 HMR has very mild recoil, so you don’t need to worry as much about scope durability due to recoil compared to centerfire rifles.
Q: What is eye relief and why is it important?
A: Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye where you can see a full image. It’s important for comfortable and safe shooting, preventing the scope from hitting your forehead.
Q: What type of reticle is best for varmint hunting with a .17 HMR?
A: Reticles with aiming points or hash marks (like BDC reticles) are very useful for compensating for bullet drop at longer distances when hunting varmints.
Q: Can I use a scope designed for a .22LR on my .17 HMR?
A: Yes, often you can. However, a scope specifically designed or recommended for the .17 HMR will likely perform better due to its intended use and trajectory.
Q: What does “waterproof” and “fog-proof” mean for a scope?
A: It means the scope has been sealed and filled with an inert gas (like nitrogen or argon) to prevent internal fogging and to keep water out.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good .17 HMR scope?
A: Prices vary greatly, but you can find good quality scopes for the .17 HMR starting in the $100-$300 range, with higher-end options costing more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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