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The .17 HMR rifle is an excellent addition to the shooting world. It’s become very popular among shooters due to its impressive functionality and performance. It’s extremely fast and accurate, making it one of the best rifles for plinking and varmint hunting.
Shooters who want to utilize the effectiveness of the .17 HMR rifle fully need to have a riflescope. For a successful hunting expedition, you’ll need to equip your rifle with the best riflescope for hunting. The best riflescope should enhance your shooting and targeting abilities.
We’ve been target shooting and hunting in Colorado for the past ten years. Over the last few years, we’ve used different rifles, and the .17 HMR stands out as one of our favorites. As an expert, equipping our .17 HMR rifle with a reliable scope is very important.
Our guide gives you an expert solution to finding the best .17 HMR riflescope. We’ve tested and reviewed lots of .17 HMR scopes and selected the best of the bunch. Additionally, learn about the important tips and metrics to use when shopping for your next .17 HMR riflescope.
In our list of the best rifle scopes for the .17 HMR, the Bushnell Engage Riflescope stands out due to its amazing features and functionality. Explore the list and find something that meets your shooting needs and personal preference, even if you need a budget friendly scope.
Here are the 10 best 17 hmr rifle scopes – tried & tested
1. Bushnell Engage Riflescope
The Bushnell Engage Riflescope comes with a Bushnell Deploy MOA reticle. You can easily see the 0.18-MOA-thick crosshairs without blocking the target. Shooters enjoy accurate elevation holdover thanks to the hash marks present at every 1 MOA. The riflescope is 2-MOA wide, which are the hash marks below 0. The below-0 hash marks enhance accurate windage holds. The Bushnell Deploy MOA reticle provides accurate shots at all times when you use precise ballistic calculations.
The ultra-wideband coating helps in enhancing visibility and brightness. The anti-reflection coating is customized for all lenses present in the optical path, thus allowing the best lighting from the frontal glass back to the eyepiece. Shooters are therefore provided with optimum brightness and all natural-looking colors across every lighting situation. The Bushnell Engage Riflescope has a 16x magnification compatible with the .17 HMR rifle’s shooting range abilities. It also has an eye relief of 3.6 Inches.
For a confident shoot, the Bushnell Engage Riflescope is equipped with EXO Barrier Protection. The EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to protect the lens surfaces. It also repels oil, fog, dust, water, and debris. This riflescope is the best for shooting in adverse weather conditions. The lenses won’t fog up and they can resist scratches, ensuring clear vision at all times. The protection also provides added durability.
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The Bushnell scope has a tool-less zero setting and locking turrets. The locking turrets will stay on the zero setting or your preferred one until you unlock the turret. They have a robust construction and won’t budge when the riflescope is dropped or bumps into something. Bushnell has developed the Engage Riflescope with every shooter, hunter, in mind.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 16 X
- Reticle: Deploy MOA
- Reticle Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 Inches
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Parallax: Side
The Bushnell Engage Riflescope might not be reliable at dawn or dusk, but it excels during the day. It’s the best scope for hunters who use the .17 HMR rifle and want maximum versatility and accuracy.
2. Tasco Target Varmit 6-24x42mmx 40mm
The Tasco Target Varmit is a reliable scope for your .17 HMR rifle, whether you’re targeting varmints or plinking beer cans. It has a True Mil-Dot reticle and high magnification. The 6-24x magnification is ideal for both home range and long-range targets in the wood. The rifle’s optics represent the Varmit riflescope series presented by Tasco Target. The scope is fully-equipped to deliver ultra-bright, clear imagery. The Varmit riflescope can easily locate small targets,making for an easy kill-shot
The Tasco Target Varmit has elevation adjustment and 1/4 MOA windage, which are easy to use. The shooter can fine-tune accuracy easily and get a clearer image of the target. With these two features, the riflescope is one of the best for long-range shooting. The construction of the scope is engineered to last many years. The design has utilized shockproof, fog-proof, waterproof construction and an eye relief of 3 inches.
The riflescope has an ample 42mm objective lens and multi-coated optics. The two features function together to provide clear and bright imagery through the entire magnification range. The scope’s field of view is 13 to 3.7 feet at 100 yards. Weighing 19.6 ounces, it’s lightweight and easy to use and carry around.
The glove grip turrets of the riflescope are high-quality and easy to use. Shooters can easily make fine adjustments even when they have gloves on. Even though the scope is one of the best for varmint hunting, it lacks night vision, so it won’t be the best for hunting at dusk or dawn.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Reticle Type: True Mil-Dot
- Eye Relief: 3 inches
- Lens Coating: SuperCon fully coated and multi-layered
- Windage/Elevation: 1/4 MOA with Glove-Grip Turrets
- Parallax Setting: 15ft to infinity
Maximum light transmission is achieved by the 42mm objective lens, ensuring an ultra bright and clear image. The scope is among the best for hunters who want to accurately locate and annihilate smaller targets.
3. BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Riflescope with Multi-Grain Turret
BSA has specifically designed the BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 scope for the .17 HMR rifle, and equipped it with an adjustable parallax. The field scope has a magnification range of 3 to 112, with a 40mm diameter objective lens. The side parallax adjustments allow the shooter to adjust from 10 yards to infinity, making it possible to calibrate their shooting range perfectly. It’s been specifically designed to function effectively with the .17 HMR rifle.
Compared to the other .17 HMR rifle scopes, the BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 has an impressively-high relief of 4 inches. The lenses are made of glass and fully multi-coated. The fully multi-coated lens has fast focus and a 3″ sunshade, providing a clear and colorful view of the target.
The scope has adjustment turrets which are specifically calibrated to fit with the .17 HMR rifle. It also comes with 17 grain or 20-grain cartridges/ projectiles. The .17 HMR rifle is famous for being the best rifle for long-range shooting; the BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 has been constructed to provide precision. The BSA 3-12X40 and the .17 HMR rifle are the best combination for long-range shooting.
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Shooters are guaranteed ultimate durability when they buy the BSA 3-12X40. The matte finish design of the riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The aluminum construction ensures hunters can even use the scope in adverse conditions. BSA has assured the riflescope is nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed to ensure maximum fog-proof performance.
Key Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Magnification: 3 – 12X
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Magnification Type: Variable
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Optical Coating: Fully multi-coated and fully-coated
- Parallax: 10 yards to infinity
The BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 scope presents maximum compatibility to the .17 HMR rifle. It has impressive features that make the scope super functional with a .17 HMR rifle. Even though the 40mm diameter objective lens ensures maximum light transmission, the scope loses clarity in low lighting situations.
4. Bushnell 613948C Banner Riflescope, 3-9X 40 Matte Black Multi-X Reticle, Clam Pack
Bushnell is a top brand when it comes to riflescopes, so it’s no wonder we’ve featured two of their top scopes in our list. The Bushnell 613948 C 3-9×40 banner riflescope is the best scope for low-light shooting. It’s been designed to perform exceptionally well at dawn and dusk. With the 40mm diameter objective lens and magnification of 9x, the scope will give you the best outdoor lighting and clear image of the target. It has a magnification range of 3 – 9x.
The Bushnell 613948 C 3-9×40 Banner scope has a useful zoom range that magnifies the target, improving medium and long-range accuracy. The scopes have impeccable imagery, unlike other high-powered riflescopes, which dim the target’s brightness when adjusting the zoom range. The 40mm diameter objective lens enhances the clarity of the image by drawing in a lot of light. The scope has been equipped with the Bushnell proprietary dusk & dawn brightness (DDB) lens coating system. The Bushnell lens coating system has been engineered to enhance brightness and image quality in low lighting environments.
The elevation adjustment ranges and 60 MOA windage helps shooters have a clear image despite the terrain and weather. The riflescope is also equipped with 1/4 MOA per click for a faster and easier elevation and windage adjustment.
The 1” one-piece aluminum main tube has a rugged construction, with a matte black and anodized finish. To ensure shooters don’t suffer from fog clogging, the riflescope is nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed. The scope is also water-resistant, shock-resistant, and has an eye relief of 3.3. Despite being specifically made for low lighting situations, you can still use the Bushnell 613948 C 3-9×40 Banner scope in normal or high lighting situations.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Optical Coating: Multi-coated
- Windage/Elevation: 1/4 M.O.A
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Adjustment Type: MOA
Dawn and dusk hunters using the .17 HMR rifle, should definitely equip their guns with the Bushnell 613948 C 3-9×40 Banner riflescope. Even though the parallax isn’t adjustable, the scope comes with high end optics, definition technology and efficient in low lighting environments
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout is from the Crossfire II series. The scopes are known for high performance and reliability. The Crossfire II series has plenty of features ranging from the fast-focus eyepiece, multi-coated lenses, to long eye relief. If you’re a scout looking for the best scope, you should grab the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout riflescope. Due to its amazing features, it’s one of the best riflescopes for the .17 HMR rifle.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout has a magnification range of 2-7x, which can effectively work with the .17 HMR rifle for up to 200 yards. It has adjustable finger turrets, which are capped with MOA clicks. Shooters can easily adjust the elevation and windage of the scope.
It comes with a V-Plex reticle, which is suitable for various styles of hunting. The scope also has second focal plane reticles located close to the eyepiece. The second focal plane reticles never change in size even when the magnification is adjusted. Hence it’s able to maintain the same appearance at all times. The reticles make the rifle’s scope ideal for hunting and tactical shooting.
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The scope’s 3 to 4 inches eye relief and the ultra-forgiving eye box give the shooter an easy view of the target, making it faster to shoot. The eye relief varies depending on the magnification. It has fast-focus eyepiece features, which allow for easy and speedy reticle focusing. Shooters enjoy a clear and bright view thanks to the fully multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses.
Key Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Eye Relief: 9.45 inches
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Magnification: 2-7X
- Reticle: V-Plex
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Reticle Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)
- Windage/ Elevation Travel at 100 yards: 60 MOA
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout is a scout rifle scope suitable for all hunting types. Even though it’s expensive, it does have those two reticles (V-Plex MOA reticle and second focal plane reticle), hence ideal for various styles of hunting.
6. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage is equipped with an exclusive Hawke-branded X-ACT reticle. The reticle makes the riflescope the best for varmint shooting and plinking. Thanks to the enhanced low-light performance and broad magnification range, it’s also the best scope for mid and long-range shooting. Hawke has utilized the Mil-Dot Duplex Reticle on the Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope. The reticle, combined with fully multi-coated optics, and optically indexed with an 11-layer anti-reflection, offers exceptional image quality.
The Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope has superior optics. The lenses maximum light transmission. They also have minimum glare on shiny and glass surfaces. The riflescope has a 40mm objective lens with an adjustable, accurate design, allowing precise and quick parallax correction. The multiple aim points on the scope make it possible for the shooter to hold under and hold over. The scope comes with eye relief of 3.5.
The 10X military spacing is accurate and features 4 Mil Dots in every direction. The scope offers standard readings, making it easy for shooters to locate their targets. The scope’s Mil-Dot Reticle is precision-etched. The precision is done on the scope’s second focal plane, ensuring the reticle’s scale remains in proportion even when the image is zoomed.
For enhanced durability, Hawke has constructed the Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope using a lightweight aluminum housing. It also has a tough anodized hard coat. The single-piece tube has been designed to provide the shooter with optimum performance and improved accuracy through a maximized alignment. The main tube has fog-proof and waterproof design, thanks to the O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled features. The Hawke professional mounts and rings firmly hold the scope in a stable and compact position. The two Hawke Sport Optics rings are medium-sized and one inch.
Key Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)
- Magnification: 4 – 12X
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Adjustable Objective
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
Lightweight with maximum light transmission and 10X military spacing featuring 4 Mil Dots in every direction. The Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope offers more than optimum performance and improved accuracy. It also has a reticle specially-designed for the .17 HMR rifle. The only flaw with the scope is the ultra thin crosshairs,making it difficult to use by shooters with poor eyesight.
7. Barska 6-18×40 mm AO Hot Magnum
The Barska 6-18x40mm AO Hot Magnum prides itself on having revolutionary and modern bullet-drop technology, which is sought-after by most shooters. Bullet-drop tech has pre-calculated trajectories. The riflescope is budget-friendly and has an entry-level scope, featuring a wider magnification range. The construction and design of the riflescope are compact and lightweight, making it ideal for target practice and hunting.
The Magnum rifle scope will improve the shooting performance of any user, with its .17 rimfire shooting. The Barska Hot Magnum has an impressive magnification range of between 6-18x magnification, which gives the shooter an up-close view and range view of the target. The scope is suitable for long-distance shooting. The magnification range of the riflescope is compatible with the .17 HMR rifle, even though the X6 magnification won’t be useful for a short-range shooting expedition.
The elevation knob is precisely calculated to offer adequate compensation for any .17 Magnum rimfire elliptical drop, using the 17-grain bullet. For the .22 caliber oval drop, the knob uses 40, 38, and 36-grain bullets. Additionally, the high-density optical glassing and multi-coated optics provide decent clarity for the scope. The Barska rifle scope has interchangeable turrets.
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The viewing range of the Barska 6-18x40mm AO Hot Magnum is pretty limited. With low magnification, you get 14.5-foot FOV at 100 yards, but with the maximum magnification, you get 4.5ft FOV. The riflescope has an eye relief of 3.1 inches. The 6-18x adjustable zoom gives the target an up-close view, suitable for both mid and long-range shooting. The reticle has a 30/30 reticle crosshair, making it easy to aim the target.
Key Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
- Magnification: 6-18X
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Adjustable
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
The Barska 6-18x40mm AO Hot Magnum presents amazing features that are attractive to all hunters and target shooters. Unfortunately the scope won’t be useful when shooting at small targets due to the small FOV.
8. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope
Leupold has designed the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm riflescope while focusing on user-friendliness and maximum performance. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is one of the best scopes for the .17 HMR rifle since it comes with a customizable ballistics solution. With the Leupold Custom Dial System, shooters enjoy maximum accuracy and performance at their fingertips. Shooters can easily install the Leupold Custom Dial System and use it in customizing their shooting range.
Even though the scope is more expensive than the others, it offers crisp images through its magnification range. The riflescope has a 40mm objective lens, Tri-MOA reticle, and a 3-9x magnification range. The magnification range is perfect for most shooting situations. The riflescope provides low magnification for close-range shooting, while the X9 magnification is more than ideal for long-range shooting when using the 17 cartridges.
The scope features the Twilight Light Management System from Leupold. The system adds an extra 20 minutes of shooting brightness at dawn and dusk. The system’s functionality is based on the lens coating, which reduces glare by improving light transmission. For easy and speedy elevation and windage elevation, the riflescope has turrets equipped with 1/4 MOA clicks. The low-profile turrets can be easily adjusted using fingers and offer precise adjustments which remain unchanged at all times.
The Leupold VX-Freedom is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof to remain competitive with the other .17 HMR rifle scopes. The multi-coated lens is made from a scratch-resistant compound. Leupold has aircraft-quality aluminum in constructing the casing of the optic, making it resistant to most adverse elements. The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm riflescope is one of the .17 HMR scopes with high eye relief, 4.17 inches.
Key Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)
- Magnification: 3 – 9X
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Fixed
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Optical Coating: TLMS (Twilight Light Management System) coating
- Adjustment Range: 60 MOA
- Windage/ Elevation Travel at 100 yards: 60 MOA
- Eye relief: 4.17 inches
The Leupold Custom Dial System gives users maximum accuracy and performance. Just like other high-end rifle optics, the VX-Freedom 3-9×40 comes at a high price, so it’s not ideal for hunters looking for budget scopes.
9. Simmons Truplex Riflescope (3-9X32, Matte)
If you’re looking for an affordable .17 HMR riflescope, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope is ideal. The riflescope features a 32mm diameter objective lens and 3-9x magnification range. Unlike the other scopes, which have a fixed eye relief, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope has flexible eye relief, which changes depending on the magnification. The eye relief ranges between 3 and 4 inches. The scope has a quick target-acquisition eyepiece, so it’s easy and fast to locate the target.
The lens is fully coated, even though it lacks multi-layering. The lack of multi-layering affects the clarity since there’s no added protection against glare. Shooters can adjust the windage and elevation using finger-adjustable turrets. The turrets also have audible clicks and 1/4 MOA adjustments. The downside of the turrets is that they lack zero stops and can’t be reset back to zero.
The riflescope has a Truplex reticle featuring thick horizontal and vertical lines with thinner lines at the center for the scope’s crosshairs. The Truplex reticle is among the best in the market since it is user-friendly for people with poor eyesight compared to reticles from other .17 HMR scopes. The riflescope has a standard FOV; with the 3x magnification, you get a 31.4-ft FOV, and with the 9x magnification, you get a 10.5-ft FOV.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9X
- Eye relief: 3.75 Inches
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Reticle: TruPlex
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Adjustment Range: 60 MOA
If you want a budget friendly scope for your .17 HMR rifle, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope will serve the purpose. At this price range you don’t expect very high end features compared to other more expensive scopes, but it does make it a very affordable option.
10. Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF Riflescope
Equip your .17 HMR rifle with the Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF riflescope for a better hunting experience. The PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF is a member of the Nikon PROSTAFF series. The versatile 4x zoom ratio provides shooters with the necessary view for moving targets and close-up shots. The higher magnification comes with detailed imagery. Nikon has ensured the PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF offers both performance and durability. The turret caps, zoom ring, 1-inch main tube, and the focusing eyepiece are all constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum.
The ergonomically-designed controls have matching knurling for enhanced grip and visual appeal when in use. The Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF riflescope has a BDC reticle. The reticle allows users to hold the “dead-on” setting on various shooting ranges. Additionally, the BDC reticle has transparent ballistic circles, which provide an incredible advantage for long-range shooting situations. But it also allows short-range shooting to have a normal sight picture.
The scope’s ¼-MOA reticle adjustments are precise and positive-click, making the “zero” settings easy. Shooters can also maintain their settings even when they experience heavy recoil. The Instant Zero-Reset turret option is spring filled and offers additional shooting confidence when using the scope. The scope’s side focus parallax adjustment provides easy adjusting of the settings without moving ones’ current position.
The Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF riflescope O-ring is sealed to keep the moisture out. The scope is resistant to internal fogging and thermal shock, thanks to its nitrogen-filled construction. The features make the riflescope ideal for the .17 HMR rifle and can be used in adverse conditions, and has a standard 3.6 inches eye relief.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 4X
- Parallax: Adjustable
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Reticle: BDC reticle
- Objective Lens: 42mm
- Eye relief: 3.6 Inches
The Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF scope has a standard eye relief of 3.6 inches, which is low compared to other high end scopes. The scope adequately compensates for this by having a versatile 4x zoom ratio, among other features. It’s one of the best optics for close range and moving targets.
17 HMR Overview
The 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was created in 2002. Hornady collaborated with Ruger and Marlin in designing the rifle. The main objective was to develop a rifle with a longer reach than the .22 Magnum. Due to its accuracy, the 17 hmr rifle gained popularity in target shooting, hunting, and plinking. The model was developed by decreasing the .22 Magnum case size to 17 calibre projectiles. The 17 hmr rifle has an accuracy of up to 100 yards, but with the best rifle scope, the range extends to 200 yards or even more.
17 HMR Performance
When you top the .17 HMR rifle with 17 gr. projectile, shooters can get 2,650 fps. muzzle velocity. The rifle provides shooters with super-fast Rimfire cartridges. The .17 HMR rifle delivers a flat trajectory making it the most precise long-range Rimfire.
| VELOCITY(FPS | TRAJECTORY(INCHES) | ENERGY(FT/LB) | |
| 100 YARDS | 1901 | 0 | 136 |
| 200 YARDS | 1378 | -8.5 | 72 |
| MUZZLE | 2550 | -1.5 | 245 |
Why Does a .17 HMR Need a Scope?
When making the .17 HMR rifle, the developers used the standard casing of .22 Magnum. The casing was restructured to .17mm calibre projectiles. The .17 HMR rifles have trajectories and muzzle velocities faster than those of most Rimfire cartridges. The 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire can fire 17 rounds (grain polymer-tipped) at 2,650 fps. Hence, they can easily kill a varmint that’s more than 200 yards away.
With its speed and accuracy, the rifle is perfect for hunting varmint. However, if you want to target small vital regions while remaining at a distance, shooters will need a great riflescope to complement the shooting capabilities of the .17 HMR rifle.
Buying Guide: How to Find the Best .17 HMR Scope
Numerous factors and features should be considered when shopping for the best .17 HMR scope. When reviewing and testing the various riflescopes, we considered the following.
Magnification
The .17 HMR rifle will work well with riflescopes having a magnification range of 2-7x. When using the riflescope for short-range shooting, you don’t need much magnification. With the X2 magnification, a target at 100 yards will appear closer than 25 yards. When checking the magnification of a scope, we have two main types of magnification: fixed and variable magnification.
A fixed magnification will be very useful for short-range shooting. Riflescopes with X2 or X4 magnification offer ample magnification for hunting at short range. Variable magnifications are available on different ranges:
- 1-5x
- 4-12x
- 2-7x
- 3-9x
Variable magnifications are the best for shooters who want magnification for medium to long-range shooting expeditions. If you have a target at more than 400 yards, you’ll need a scope with a higher magnification range, preferably the 4-12X.
When considering the magnification, you should also remember the field of view (FOV). The higher the magnification, the smaller the FOV becomes. Scopes with larger FOV are the best for high magnification and long-range shooting. The size of your target will also play a role in the magnification. We have riflescopes in our list which are more suitable for smaller targets due to their features and magnification. A medium-range and higher magnification are the best when hunting for smaller animals.
The glass quality will also affect the clarity when using the rifle at higher magnification levels. Make sure that scopes with a very high magnification range come with high-quality lenses with multi-layered coatings for optimum clarity. High-quality glass improves sharpness by reducing the blurring of the reticle’s edges.
Durability
When shopping for a reliable riflescope, you want something durable. The most rugged and reliable .17 HMR scopes are constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum. They also have a strong and compact body capable of withstanding heavy recoil, abrasion and adverse weather elements. The best rifle scopes are both moisture proof and waterproof. Most brands now ensure their scopes have lenses with multi-layering coatings to ensure scratch-resistance and enhanced light transmission.
Lens coatings and glass quality
Lens coatings not only increase the durability of the lens but also improve light transmission. Optimized light transmission ensures the scope’s image is vivid. Scratch-resistant lenses have higher life expectancy. Riflescopes with high-quality glass tend to be more costly and feature ultra-clear glasses. The budget scopes use clear glass with minimal light transmission.
The Reticle
The best .17 HMR rifle scope will have a customized reticle to meet the needs of the rifle. In our list, we have several scopes that have reticles specifically calibrated for the .17 HMR rifle. Shooters can also opt for the ones with bullet-drop compensation reticles. The BDC reticles effectively compensate for the rifle’s bullet-dropping while matching the .17 HMR’s caliber. The reticle calibration is important since it’s customized for specific ammunition. It considers the bullet’s velocity, weight, and style.
Turrets and adjustments
If you buy a rifle scope with bullet drop compensation reticles for your .17 HMR rifle, you’ll get turrets especially-suited for this type of ammunition. To adjust the hold over or under, you can use the turret’s markings. Always opt for user friendly adjustment turrets.
Parallax
The best rifle scope for the .17 HMR rifle will have parallax adjustments ranging from 10 yards. The parallax will save you the trouble of aligning the scope using your eye. Your first choice should be scopes with parallax adjustment. The standard parallax adjustment is between 50 to 100 yards. They come with distortions when dealing with short shooting ranges like 25 yards.
Eye Relief
The .17 HMR rifle produces low recoil. Hence eye relief isn’t a major deal. The gun will still perform well with riflescopes having low eye relief. The rifle protects shooters from the worry of having an eye injury due to the scope hitting one’s eye because of short eye relief.
Final Verdict
After reviewing and testing the various riflescopes, the Bushnell Engage Riflescope stands out as the best overall scope for the .17 HMR rifle. The Bushnell riflescope has a wide variable magnification of 4 – 16 X, wide objective lens of 44 mm diameter and a 3.6 Inches eye relief. The lens is fully multi-coated and the parallax is adjustable. Additionally the scope comes with an adjustable MOA. The EXO Barrier protection enhances the durability of the lens.
The .17 HMR scopes offer a wide range of options, which shooters can use to enhance accuracy and image clarity. When looking at the various scopes, it’s best to focus on the most important features that will meet your shooting needs. If you plan on hunting at dawn and dusk, go for a scope that works well in dim-lit environments. For casual target shooting and plinking, a riflescope with multi-coated lenses won’t be necessary.
Test
