Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of optics. Today, we’re zeroing in on scopes for the zippy little .17 HMR round. Now, I’ve been tinkering with these rimfire rockets for years, and let me tell you, pairing them with the right glass can turn your varmint hunts from frustrating to fantastic.
Why the 17 HMR Needs a Special Scope
Before we jump into the top picks, let’s chat about why the .17 HMR is such a unique beast. This round is like the sports car of the rimfire world – flat-shooting, blazing fast, but a bit finicky. It needs a scope that can keep up with its performance at moderate ranges while still giving you the precision for those tiny targets.
What to Look for in a .17 HMR Scope
Magnification: You’ll want a variable power scope, ideally in the 3-9x or 4-16x range. This gives you flexibility for close shots on squirrels or stretching out for prairie dogs.
Objective Lens: A 40-44mm objective lens is the sweet spot, balancing light gathering with a sleek profile.
Reticle: Look for fine crosshairs or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle calibrated for the .17 HMR’s trajectory.
Parallax Adjustment: Essential for the precision the .17 HMR is capable of, especially as ranges increase.
Durability: Rimfires may not kick hard, but you still want a scope that can handle the elements.
Now, let’s dive into the cream of the crop for 2024:
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm
Oh boy, where do I start with this one? The Vortex Crossfire II has been my go-to for years, and it just keeps getting better. It’s like that reliable hunting buddy who’s always got your back.
Pros:
– Crystal clear glass (I swear you can count whiskers at 100 yards)
– Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for holdovers
– Built like a tank, but doesn’t weigh you down
– Lifetime warranty (I’ve tested it, they really mean it)
Cons:
– Turrets could be a bit crisper
I’ve taken this scope through thick and thin, from dusty prairie dog towns to misty mountain mornings. It’s never let me down. The 4-12x magnification range is perfect for the .17 HMR’s sweet spot, giving you versatility without overkill.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Leupold and rimfire rifles go together like bacon and eggs. The VX-Freedom might be their “budget” line, but there’s nothing cheap about its performance.
Pros:
– Legendary Leupold clarity
– Twilight Light Management System is a game-changer for low light
– Tough as nails construction
– Made in the USA (if that matters to you)
Cons:
– Basic duplex reticle (though some might prefer the simplicity)
I’ve used this scope to thread the needle on some impossibly small targets. The glass quality punches way above its price point, and that extra bit of light transmission has saved my bacon on more than one evening hunt.
Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm
Burris has always been the dark horse in the optics world, and the Fullfield E1 shows why they deserve more love. This scope is a precision machine disguised as a hunting optic.
Pros:
– Ballistic E1 reticle is intuitive and accurate
– Side focus parallax adjustment (a must for precision rimfire work)
– High-grade optical glass that rivals scopes twice the price
– Zero Stop turrets for easy return to zero
Cons:
– A bit on the heavier side
I’ve used this scope for everything from casual plinking to serious varmint control. The reticle is a joy to use, giving you holdover points that are actually useful for the .17 HMR’s trajectory. And let me tell you, when you’re trying to pick off prairie dogs at 200 yards, that side focus is a lifesaver.
Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×40 AO
Hawke might not be a household name like some others, but they’re making waves with scopes like the Vantage IR. This is a feature-packed option that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
– Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings
– Adjustable objective for parallax correction
– Fantastic value for money
– Surprisingly good low-light performance
Cons:
– Illumination can be a bit bright at the lowest setting
I’ve been impressed with how this scope handles the quick target acquisition needed for pest control. The illuminated reticle is a nice touch, especially for those twilight hunts when critters are most active.
Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 3-9x40mm
Yes, I know Nikon has stepped back from the riflescope market, but hear me out. If you can still find one of these, grab it. It’s a rimfire-specific gem.
Pros:
– BDC 150 reticle is calibrated specifically for rimfire trajectories
– Spot On Ballistic Match Technology for precise shots
– Generous eye relief
– Nikon’s legendary optical clarity
Cons:
– Limited availability (but worth hunting down)
I’ve used this scope to absolutely decimate the local ground squirrel population. The BDC reticle takes the guesswork out of holdovers, and the clarity is what you’d expect from a camera lens company.
Mueller Target Scope 8-32x44mm
Now, if you’re looking to really stretch the legs of your .17 HMR, the Mueller Target Scope is your ticket to tack-driving accuracy.
Pros:
– Massive magnification range for precision work
– Side focus parallax adjustment down to 10 yards
– Mil-dot reticle for range estimation and holdovers
– Phenomenal value for a high-magnification scope
Cons:
– Overkill for close-range work
– Not the brightest at highest magnifications
This scope has turned my rimfire into a laser beam. For bench shooting or long-range varminting, it’s hard to beat. Just be aware that all that magnification comes at the cost of field of view and low-light performance.
BSA Sweet 17 3-12x40mm
BSA designed this scope specifically for the .17 HMR, and it shows. It’s a purpose-built tool for making the most of this zippy round.
Pros:
– Calibrated specifically for .17 HMR ballistics
– Quick-change turret system for different loads
– Adjustable objective for parallax correction
– Affordable price point
Cons:
– Not as versatile for other calibers
I’ve found this scope to be a real problem-solver for the .17 HMR. The calibrated turrets take the math out of longer shots, letting you focus on shot placement instead of ballistics calculations.
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP
If you want to dip your toes into the world of first focal plane scopes without emptying your wallet, the Athlon Argos BTR is a solid choice.
Pros:
– First focal plane reticle (great for holdovers at any magnification)
– Illuminated APMR MIL reticle
– Excellent glass quality for the price
– Beefy 30mm tube for increased adjustment range
Cons:
– On the heavier side
– Maybe more scope than most .17 HMR shooters need
While this might seem like overkill for a rimfire, hear me out. The .17 HMR is capable of incredible accuracy, and this scope lets you wring every bit of performance out of it. Plus, it’s a great way to practice with a FFP scope without investing in a centerfire rifle.
Simmons .22 Mag TruPlex 3-9x32mm
Sometimes, simple is best. The Simmons .22 Mag is a no-frills scope that just gets the job done.
Pros:
– Incredibly affordable
– Lightweight and compact
– Surprisingly good optical clarity for the price
– HydroShield lens coating for all-weather use
Cons:
– Basic features (no parallax adjustment)
– Not the most durable for rough use
This is the scope I recommend to folks just getting into .17 HMR shooting. It’s easy to use, gives a clear sight picture, and won’t make you cry if it gets a few scratches. I’ve used mine for quick trips to the back 40 to deal with pests, and it’s never let me down.
SWFA SS 10x42M
Okay, I’m throwing you a curveball with this one. The SWFA SS 10x42M is a fixed 10x scope, but hear me out – it might be the perfect match for your .17 HMR.
Pros:
– Bomb-proof construction
– Crystal clear optics
– Simple, effective mil-dot reticle
– Precise tracking for long-range work
Cons:
– Fixed magnification isn’t for everyone
– Premium price
I was skeptical about using a fixed power scope on a rimfire, but this SWFA changed my mind. The optical quality is stunning, and the fixed 10x magnification is pretty much perfect for the ranges where the .17 HMR shines. Plus, the simplicity means there’s less to go wrong in the field.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks – my top 10 scopes for the .17 HMR in 2024. Remember, the best scope for you depends on how you plan to use your rifle. Are you popping prairie dogs at long range? Hunting squirrels in the woods? Or just punching paper for fun? Consider your needs, your budget, and don’t be afraid to try a few different options.
One last tip – whatever scope you choose, make sure to mount it properly and zero it carefully. The .17 HMR is capable of incredible accuracy, but only if you do your part.
Happy hunting, and may your groups be tiny and your freezer be full! If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experiences with .17 HMR scopes, drop a comment below. I’m always eager to hear from fellow rimfire enthusiasts!