Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope 3-9x40mm
An affordable option that offers effortless targeting and on-the-fly field adjustments.
- Optics: 4/5
- Build Quality: 4/5
- Value: 4.5/5
Best Value
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
A fantastic choice for everything from plinking cans in your backyard to small game hunting.
- Optics: 4/5
- Build Quality: 3.8/5
- Value: 4.1/5
Best Long Range
BSA 3-12×40 Sweet 17 Riflescope
Specifically designed for the 17 HMR rifle.
- Optics: 4.2/5
- Build Quality: 4/5
- Value: 4.5/5
If you recently bought a 17 HMR rifle, you know that you need a precision optic to get your rimfire’s optimal performance. Look no further, because we made a list to help you find the best 17 HMR scope!
Table of Contents
A Quick Comparison: 5 Best 17 HMR Scopes
How to Choose the Best 17 HMR Scope
To find the best optic for your 17 HMR, here are features that you need to consider.
| Category | Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 | BSA Sweet 17 | Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm | Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-16×44 | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 3.54 | 3.48 | 4.06 | 3.54 | 3.14 | 3.55 |
| Ergonomics | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 4 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
| Value | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 3.74 |
Optics
Optical clarity and powerful magnification always go hand-in-hand with quality scopes. So look for an optic with an objective lens of at least 40 mm and has a fully multi-coated lens made from high-density glass.
Magnification
Magnification is the most important feat that you need to look into. Find a scope with at least 4x to 16x magnification to get your rimfire’s optimal performance. This way your range won’t be limited to 200 yards and you’ll surely pierce even the tiniest vital area on your game.
Reticle
Despite having great muzzle energy, the rimfire is relatively small, making it susceptible to wind. So it would be advantageous if your scope has Mil-Dot or HMR-specific windage markings.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer a view so clear it feels like you’re looking through a freshly cleaned window, not a piece of equipment. Low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions also score high.
Ergonomics
If you’re like me and thought ergonomics was just a fancy word for comfortable office chairs, you’re in for a surprise. In the world of high-power scopes, ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Yeah, kinda like how my hand fits into a bag of chips,” then you’re on the right track.
Parallax Adjustments
If you’re shooting long-range, having an HMR scope with parallax adjustment features is of great help.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Build Quality
Build quality is all about how rugged and ready for action your scope is. Can it handle a drop? What about water, dust, or a sudden cold snap? A reliable scope should feel like it could double as a club in a pinch and still hold zero. Temperature fluctuations or wet weather may cause internal fogging and mildew formation in your optic. So your 17 HMR scope should be nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. This also allows your optic to have thermal shock resistance.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Battery
If your scope has any electronic components, like an illuminated reticle, then battery life is your new best friend. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
Value
Value is not only about the price tag, it’s also about getting the most bang for your buck. Sure, you could drop a small fortune on a scope, but is it overkill? A good scope should fit both your budget and your needs, offering the features you’ll actually use without the fluff you won’t.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
5 Best 17 HMR Scopes
Now that you know what to look for, let us show you our favorite 17 HMR scopes.
Best Overall: Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
| Category | Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.2 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 4 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.4 |
| Value | 4.5 | 3.74 |
Score: 3.54/5
Who said affordability and high quality can’t go together? Well, the Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Scope proves them wrong. Aside from 9x magnification and a powerful 40-mm objective lens, Bushnell Banner scopes are made of Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses. These impressive lenses are customized to function even in the lowest light. So hunting during dusk & dawn is a breeze with this reliable technology.
The Bushnell Banner Scope gives room for 3.3-inches of eye relief, although you don’t have to worry about strong recoils with the 22-250. Target acquisition won’t be a problem with the Bushnell Banner’s Multi-X reticle and its 1/4 M.O.A. fingertip windage and elevation adjustment. The only feature missing is parallax adjustment, which is a minor setback for the long-lasting durability and reliability that this scope can offer.
Pros
- Very affordable (MSRP: $69.99)
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight (13 oz)
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
What Customers Say
Brought this scope for my .22 lr rifle. Glass is nice. Easy adjustment. Pretty good scope for the price.
Shoua Xiong
Mounted on 30-06 . Seems to handle recoil fine so far.
Super Dress Man
Best Value: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32
| Category | Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.5 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.4 |
| Value | 4.1 | 3.74 |
Score: 3.48/5
The Crossfire II is a fantastic choice for everything from plinking cans in your backyard to small game hunting. Its V-Plex reticle features thin crosshairs that thicken as they move away from the center, so you’ll get a clear point of focus for quick and precise aiming.
Vortex riflescopes ensure shockproof performance since they’re made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Aside from its durable construction, the Crossfire II holds zero well at 25 to 75 yards, and parallax is set at 50 yards. Plus, the Crossfire II is secured with an O-ring seal and is nitrogen-purged for moisture protection. With the lifetime warranty, you won’t have to worry about it failing you!
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lighter than our top pick (12 oz)
- Reasonable price
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Low-quality lens caps
- Requires higher mounts because the rear of the scope is larger than the front
What Customers Say
Mounted to a Ruger Precision Rimfire used 100+ yards. Glass is great and holds dead on zero. Ok its a rimfire but does get bumped around some in matches. Image is very bright even in less than optimal light. Eye relief is also as good as my other Vortex scopes. If you shoot rimfire this is the scope for you. True the radical is just a simple crosshair and doesn’t have holdover dots but for the price you can’t beat it.
Art
Best Long Range: BSA 3-12×40 Sweet 17 Riflescope
- The BSA Sweet .17 SP Rifle Scope is specifically designed for the .17HMR
- 4" eye relief
- Turret calibrated for .17HMR 17gr. and .20gr Bullets
| Category | BSA 3-12×40 Sweet 17 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.6 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.4 |
| Value | 4.5 | 3.74 |
Score: 4.06/5
If you plan on using your rimfire long-range, you’ll love the side parallax knobs that come with the BSA Sweet 17 scope. These knobs allow you to adjust from 10 yards to infinity. The BSA Sweet 17 Scope also features a fully multi-coated 40mm objective lens and fast focus, allowing you to capture crisp images of your target. You won’t also have to worry about the blazing sun because it has a 3” sunshade. Since this scope is custom-made for your rimfire, its elevation multi-grain turret is also ballistically calibrated for 17-grain and 20-grain cartridges. You can also rely on Sweet 17’s durable housing, as it is made from an aluminum alloy. It’s also O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged, making it waterproof and fog-proof.
Its lens is not as good as high-end scopes, but you get what you pay for. Besides, what’s sweeter than a scope calibrated specifically for your .17 HMR rifle?
Pros
- Designed for the 17 HMR rifle
- Lightest pick (11.7 oz)
- Affordable
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Average lens quality
What Customers Say
This scope is a very good choice for the .17hmr. Mines mounted up to a savage 93 bolt gun bull barrel 20″ its very accurate and this scope helps with dilling up for longer shots ( 300yds+ just to see it it’s possible) if you are looking for a new scope this is a solid choice. 👌
Trent
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
| Category | Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.2 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.4 |
| Value | 3.5 | 3.74 |
Score: 3.54/5
The VX-Freedom is equipped with the Twilight Light Management System, just like every Leupold scope. This feature allows maximum light transmission and reduced glare because of several layers of proprietary lens coatings. This feat will let you hunt in the evening and still get crystal-clear images. It’s also impressive how this scope is tested to perform in the most extreme climate and pressure changes. Not only is the VX-Freedom made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, but it’s also impact tested using Leupold’s recoil simulation machine. However, you’d have to compromise on the windage and elevation turrets as they are a bit spongy.
Pros
- Affordable
- Impact-tested
- High-quality glass
- Lightweight (12.2 oz)
Cons
- Elevation and windage turret clicks are a little spongy
What Customers Say
Only complaint is the adjustment knobs feel cheap. Feel like my Burris FFII is a little better quality, however, I like that this Leopold is made in the USA for a good price. Glass seems the same as the FFII.
M.M
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-16×44 Riflescope
| Category | Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-16×44 Riflescope | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.6 | 2.22 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.4 |
| Value | 2.1 | 3.74 |
Score: 3.14/5
Like any other Vortex riflescope, the Diamondback offers more than meets the eye. It’s a great price for a first focal plane scope. It may costs less than most brands but its performance exceeds expectations. The Vortex Diamondback guarantees smooth magnification changes even in the worst weather, making it a great hunting companion.
We love using the Vortex Diamondback for long precision shooting because its side parallax knob and exposed tactical turrets make adjustments hassle-free. If you’re looking for a scope that gets the job done but doesn’t break the bank, the Vortex Optics Diamondback won’t disappoint. However, it has no illumination plus it’s the heaviest among our picks.
Pros
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Wide magnification range
- Side parallax knob
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Shock-proof, waterproof, fog proof
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Heaviest pick (23 .1 oz)
- No illumination
What Customers Say
Very good scope for the money. Love the warranty and so far it’s very accurate for my skill level. Sighting my 6.5 hells canyon in I could clearly see my groups and while at max zoom short-range objects can get a bit out of focus it’s still full stars for me.
Cryptos
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 17 HMR need a scope?
The rimfire is extremely powerful. But if you want to target a small target zone past 150 yards, you need to pair it with an equally excellent optic. Once you find the best scope for your 17 HMR, you can cover twice that distance in the right conditions.
How powerful is the 17 HMR?
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is a smoking fast bullet for a rimfire, with a load of muzzle energy. This 17-grain, .17 caliber HMR bullet has a velocity of 2,650 feet per second. It has a flat trajectory up to 100 yards. And it can deliver a destructive shot on small game up to 200 yards. So if you plan on hunting varmints, this powerful round can give you a clean kill.
Can you kill a deer with a 17 HMR?
The short answer is, probably not immediately. At close range and with a well-placed shot, you could certainly kill a deer with a 17 HMR. But, the downrange ballistics of centerfire cartridges are much better and reliably making a quick and humane kill is unlikely at distance. Because of that, using rimfire rifles to hunt large game is illegal. So, stick to what the weapon is designed for!
How far can a 17 HMR shoot accurately?
As mentioned above, the 17 HMR can pierce through varmints from up to 200 yards.
Conclusion: Best 17 HMR Scope
Found your ideal scope yet? We listed only the best 17 HMR scopes for you so click that Buy Now button and start enhancing your hunting skills.
Since you’re into best 17 HMR scope, you may also enjoy our article on choosing a scope. Check it out if you have a minute!
Best 17 HMR Scope [2024 Review]
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Images from Amazon Product API