Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of scopes for the 17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM), and let me tell you, 2024 has brought us some real gems.
Now, I’ve been tinkering with night vision gear and hunting accessories for longer than I’d care to admit, but the thrill of finding that perfect scope never gets old. And when it comes to the 17 WSM, precision is the name of the game. This little round packs a punch, and with the right glass, you’ll be picking off varmints and hitting targets with surgical accuracy.
So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s chat about the cream of the crop when it comes to scopes for your 17 WSM in 2024.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
Kicking off our list is a personal favorite of mine – the Vortex Crossfire II. Now, I’ve taken this bad boy out on more dawn patrols than I can count, and it’s never let me down.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
What I love about this scope is its versatility. The 4-12x magnification range is perfect for those close-up shots on prairie dogs or reaching out to tag a coyote at distance. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a game-changer for compensating bullet drop, especially with the flat-shooting 17 WSM.
I remember one crisp morning last fall, perched on a hillside waiting for the sun to peek over the horizon. As the first rays hit, I spotted a fox about 200 yards out. With the Crossfire II, I dialed in, used the BDC reticle to compensate for the slight drop, and made a clean ethical shot. That’s the kind of reliability and clarity you’re getting here, folks.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold has been in the game for ages, and for good reason. Their VX-Freedom line brings that legendary quality to a more budget-friendly price point.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Duplex
- Eye Relief: 3.66-4.17 inches
What stands out with the VX-Freedom is its incredible light transmission. I’ve used this scope in some pretty dim conditions, and it’s like someone flipped on a light switch compared to lesser optics. The twilight light management system is no joke – it’s given me crucial extra minutes of shooting light on more than one occasion.
The duplex reticle might seem simple, but for fast target acquisition on small, quick-moving targets like rabbits or squirrels, it’s hard to beat. Plus, Leupold’s lifetime guarantee means this scope will be with you for the long haul.
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Burris has really stepped up their game with the Fullfield E1, and it’s become a go-to for many 17 WSM shooters I know.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Ballistic E1 FFP
- Eye Relief: 3.1-3.8 inches
The standout feature here is the Ballistic E1 reticle in the first focal plane (FFP). This means your holdover points remain valid at any magnification – a real boon when you’re dealing with the flat but wind-sensitive 17 WSM round.
I took this scope out to the range last month and was blown away by how easy it made long-range shots. The cascading dots for wind drift and trajectory compensation are intuitive and effective. After an hour of plinking, I was ringing steel at 300 yards with consistency that made me feel like a pro.
Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Riflescope
Don’t let the “.223” in the name fool you – this Nikon is a stellar performer for the 17 WSM as well.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: BDC 600
- Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Nikon’s optics are always crystal clear, and this P-Tactical is no exception. The BDC 600 reticle, while designed for .223, works beautifully with the 17 WSM’s flat trajectory. I’ve found the open circle aiming points to be perfect for those longer shots where precision is key.
What really impressed me was the positive click adjustments on the turrets. They’re tactile and audible, meaning you can make changes without taking your eye off the target. During a prairie dog hunt last summer, this feature allowed me to quickly adjust for wind changes, leading to a day of consistent hits even as the breeze picked up.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
For those looking to really stretch the legs of their 17 WSM, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is a serious contender.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: ATMR2 FFP IR MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
This scope is a long-range dream. The first focal plane reticle means your holdovers are always true, regardless of magnification. And let me tell you, when you’re trying to punch paper or ring steel at 400+ yards with the 17 WSM, that precision is invaluable.
I had the chance to use this scope during a groundhog control session on a friend’s farm. The clarity at 24x magnification was astounding – I could count whiskers at ranges where other scopes would be struggling to resolve the animal. The illuminated reticle came in handy as the sun started to set, allowing me to extend my effective shooting time significantly.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
Another entry from Vortex, because quite frankly, they’re crushing it in the optics game right now.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
The Diamondback takes everything great about the Crossfire II and kicks it up a notch. The glass quality is noticeably better, providing edge-to-edge clarity that’s a joy to look through. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for the 17 WSM, allowing for quick holdovers without cluttering your sight picture.
I’ve run this scope through the wringer – rain, snow, and even an accidental dunk in a creek (don’t ask). It came out the other side working flawlessly, a testament to its robust construction and excellent waterproofing. For the price point, the performance is hard to beat.
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
Bushnell has long been known for providing solid optics at wallet-friendly prices, and the Banner series continues that tradition.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
What sets the Banner apart is its exceptional low-light performance. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses really do make a difference when you’re squeezing every last minute out of legal shooting hours.
I remember one evening hunt where I was sure I’d have to pack it in due to fading light. But peering through the Banner, I could still clearly make out a coyote skulking along the treeline. That extra visibility resulted in a successful harvest and a very happy farmer. For dawn and dusk hunters, this scope punches well above its weight class.
SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical Riflescope
Now here’s a bit of a wildcard – a fixed 10x scope. But hear me out, because for certain applications, this SWFA is hard to beat.
Key Features:
- Magnification: Fixed 10x
- Objective Lens: 42mm
- Reticle: Mil-Quad
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
The beauty of a fixed power scope is its simplicity and reliability. There are no moving parts in the magnification system, which means one less thing that can go wrong in the field. And at 10x, it’s perfect for the effective range of the 17 WSM.
I’ve used this scope extensively for prairie dog control, and its performance is stellar. The Mil-Quad reticle allows for precise holdovers and windage corrections, critical when dealing with the wind-sensitive 17 WSM at distance. The clarity is exceptional, and the side focus parallax adjustment means you can dial in a tack-sharp image at any range.
Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
Leupold makes another appearance on our list with the VX-3i, and for good reason – it’s a scope that screams quality.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Duplex
- Eye Relief: 3.7-4.1 inches
The VX-3i represents a step up in Leupold’s lineup, and the difference is noticeable. The glass quality is superb, providing a bright, clear image even in challenging light conditions. The DiamondCoat 2 lens coating not only improves light transmission but also adds an extra layer of protection against scratches.
I’ve found the 4.5-14x magnification range to be ideal for the 17 WSM. It allows for quick target acquisition at lower powers while providing plenty of magnification for precise shot placement at longer ranges. The classic duplex reticle might seem basic, but its simplicity is an asset when you’re trying to pick out small targets in cluttered backgrounds.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
Last but certainly not least, we have an offering from Primary Arms that brings a lot to the table for 17 WSM shooters.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4-14x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: ACSS HUD DMR .308
- Eye Relief: 3.14-3.22 inches
Now, you might be wondering about that .308 designation in the reticle name. But here’s the thing – the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle is incredibly versatile. With some time behind the gun and a ballistic calculator, you can easily adapt it to the 17 WSM’s trajectory.
What I love about this scope is the combination of features you get for the price. First focal plane reticle, zero stop turrets, and a reticle that provides ranging, wind holds, and moving target leads all in one package. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of scopes.
I recently used this scope during a weekend-long varmint hunting trip, and it performed beautifully. The ability to range targets using the reticle was a game-changer, especially when dealing with the 17 WSM’s flat but wind-sensitive trajectory. By the end of the trip, I was making consistent hits on prairie dogs out to 300 yards, even in gusting crosswinds.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top 10 picks for the best scopes for the 17 WSM in 2024. Each of these optics brings something special to the table, and any one of them would serve you well in the field or at the range.
Remember, the best scope for you is the one that fits your specific needs and shooting style. Consider factors like your typical shooting distances, the environments you hunt in, and your budget when making your choice.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Vortex Crossfire II more often than not. Its versatility, clear glass, and reliable performance make it a winner in my book. But I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the scopes on this list – they’ve all proven their worth in real-world conditions.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a predator hunt, looking to extend your effective range, or just want to punch paper with pinpoint accuracy, one of these scopes is sure to elevate your 17 WSM shooting experience.
Happy hunting, and as always, stay safe out there!