Hornady created an uproar back in 2002 after releasing the .17 HMR cartridge. Based on the .22 WMR, the Hornady .17 HMR slowly got more and more attraction among shooters. It didn’t take long for them to become a mainstream .17 caliber.
As of now, there are plenty of 17 HMR rifles available in the market. Many of you reading this already own some of those. In this article, I’m going to introduce you guys to some scopes. All of them are proven to be good and considered some of the best scopes for 17 HMR rifles. What are those, you ask? Let’s find them out.
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX series of scope is a budget offering from the company. Under this banner, there are plenty of riflescopes suitable for plenty of guns. Coming in tons of different magnification and reticle systems, the VX series is a top choice when it comes to 17 HMR scope.
The Freedom is made out of high-quality aluminum. It’s a single-piece tube design following the standard method of riflescopes. The turrets are external and you can adjust them according to your desire. Inside of the tube is purged with nitrogen. Nitrogen purging makes the scope immune to both internal and external fogging. The Freedom is also water and shockproof at the same time.
One of the best parts of any Leupold product is its lenses. Their lenses are some of the best you will ever see in any scopes. The glass lenses here are fully multi-coated. The light transmission and color accuracy of them is really good. What’s even better is the Leupold twilight light management system. It’s a mechanism developed by Leupold to improve the low-light performance of their scopes. And it does that fabulously.
There is no doubt it’s one of the best Leupold 17 HMR scopes. If you have other rimfire rifles, such as .22 rimfire, you can use this scope with those guns as well. The versatility and synergy with the rifle are really good.
Does this scope come with mounting rings?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t. You will need to purchase them directly from Leupold or buy them from a third-party manufacturer. Both are solid options and are needed for a scope like this.
Is this scope compatible with CDS?
Yes, it’s compatible with CDS. You can see CDS in the tile of this scope. Leupold will contact you to get information and dial in the CDS according to your needs.
Is the reticle illuminated?
The one featured here doesn’t have an illuminated reticle. However, a few of the models in the VX-Freedom series do come with illuminated reticles. But this one here is not the one with an illuminated reticle.
2. Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Tactical FFP Scope
Vortex is one of those brands that makes almost everything related to shooting. That includes scopes and spotters as well. Under the name Diamondback, they have binoculars, spotters, and scopes. Diamondback is available in plenty of different configurations and reticles to choose from as well.
This is made out of aluminum. The same type of aircraft-grade aluminum is used in much higher-end products from Vortex as well. From looks to feel, Diamondback is premium through and through. The inside of the tube is purged as well. Purging improves waterproofing and makes it immune to internal fogging. As the lenses are O-ring sealed, the scope is 100% waterproof.
Speaking of lenses, they are made out of ED glasses and they are fully multi-coated. Vortex is known for its lenses. Many other brands buy lenses from them. The lenses here are fully multi-coated.
The light transmission capability and brightness of this scope are really good. Vortex doesn’t have any advanced light management system on their scopes, but the performance in low light is quite good and similar.
Does this scope come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t come with any kind of mounting accessories. You will need to purchase them separately from Vortex.
Is this a good hunting riflescope?
It’s excellent for hunting. At mid-range, the accuracy of this scope is very good. You won’t have trouble locating targets during that time. Low-light performance is quite remarkable as well.
What is the tube diameter of this scope?
The tube’s outer diameter is 30mm. You will need to buy mounting rings based on that information. Don’t buy the wrong size mounting rings. Otherwise, you will face compatibility issues.
3. Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope
When we are talking about riflescopes on the budget, Burris will always be the brand that comes out on top of the list. Their scopes have been serving the community for years now. Thanks to their scopes, each year plenty of newbie joins the hobby without breaking the bank.
The FullField E1 is a high-magnification riflescope from Burris. The base magnification is 4x and the maximum is 14x. A bit higher than most .17 HMR riflescopes. The FullField E1 is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope is fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof. It’s a good scope for all sorts of weather and situations.
The lens of the scope is fully multi-coated as well. The light transmission capability of the scope is really good. Like a serious amount of good for the money you are paying. While it’s not on par with higher-priced Leupold and Vortex scopes, it’s not bad on its terms. The performance is praiseworthy, to say the least.
When you are using this with a 17 HMR rifle, you will not find it incompatible. The synergy between the two is good. It is highly accurate and really good for plinking as well. If you are looking for a good 17 HMR riflescope on the budget, this is probably it.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, Burris doesn’t include any mounting rings with their FullField E1. You will need to buy it separately from Burris directly or buy it from other brands that make mounting rings.
Does Burris provide any warranty?
Yes, they do provide a warranty. You can avail of the warranty from their website or call their service center. The warranty period is a lifetime. Anytime, they will fix or replace a failed scope.
Is this suitable for hunting?
It is very good for hunting. It’s also suitable for plinking, tactical, and military as well. If you want to do a bit of airsoft with this, you can.
Read More Scope Blogs:- 17 WSM | 17 Hornet | Bergara B14 HMR 308
4. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP Riflescope
Another great Vortex .17 HMR scope. Vortex has proven to be one of the best sports optics manufacturers in the world. Their reputation for making quality products is only growing as each day passes. The one I have here for you guys is Crossfire II.
Crossfire II is a highly durable scope suitable for hunters and tact shooters. The choice of material here is aluminum. It’s a lightweight and durable material that is used in military products as well. The scope is internally purged. Making it fogproof. On the outside, the lenses are O-rings sealed. It’s 100% waterproof and shockproof.
Like always, one of the main selling points of a Vortex scope is the lens. The lenses here are some of the best you will ever see at this price point. The price to performance of this scope is just insane! The lenses are fully multi-coated. They are extremely vibrant and bright. Light transmission is good as well.
.17 HMR is not a demanding cartridge. It can work with almost any rimfire riflescopes out there. That includes our Crossfire II. It’s a great rimfire scope that works on almost all rimfire rifles. It’s not that expensive. It can be your starting point in this amazing world.
Does this come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t come with any kind of mounting ring. You will need to buy Picatinny/Weaver or dovetail mounting rings based on the mounting rails on your gun. Now, you can buy them from Vortex, or you could buy them from a third party.
Does this come with flip-up lens covers?
No, this doesn’t come with any flip-up lens covers. You will need to buy them separately. Vortex does sell them separately as well. Convenient.
Is this good for hunting?
It’s excellent for hunting. For small-game and short-range hunting, there are no other scopes better than this in the same price range. Like I said, it’s a great starting point for you.
5. Vantage 4-12×40 AO Rimfire .17 HMR IR Riflescope
The Vantage IR is a rimfire riflescope. The cartridge I’m talking about today is also a rimfire cartridge. You can guess where I’m leading you. Anyway, Vantage is a part of Hawke Optics. They are known for making optics for sports and related sectors.
The IR is made out of durable aluminum. The same type of aluminum you see in higher-end optics. Inside of the 1” tube is completely purged with nitrogen. Nitrogen purging makes the scope immune to any kind of moisture and internal fogging. It’s a necessary step that almost all riflescopes take. The exterior of the scope is water and fogproof as well.
The lenses of the optic are fully multi-coated. The coating on lenses makes them brighter and better at gathering sunlight. Thanks to multiple layers of coating, you will see clear images of your target throughout the day. The low-light performance of this is quite good as well.
Vantage IR comes in plenty of different magnifications and configurations. The one here is a .17 HMR scope. It features a glass etched reticle that is suitable to be used 17 HMR. As long as you have a capable rifle, this scope is great for you.
Does this come with mounting rings?
Like most other scopes out there, this one doesn’t come with mounting rings either. The simple reason is the gun rail. You don’t want a dovetail scope on a Picatinny gun rail. It’s better to buy your mounting rings based on the gun you are using.
Is the reticle illuminated?
Yes, the reticle of this scope is illuminated. The distance and the reticle are etched directly on the reticle itself. At 12x magnification, you still get a good amount of field of view with highly accurate shooting results.
What kind of battery does this scope use?
It uses a single-piece CR2032 battery. The battery will last you for a long while. You can buy them in bulk for fairly cheap as well. Won’t hurt to keep some spares on you.
6. BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Scope w/Multi-Grain Turret
When you search for budget riflescopes, you will find brands that you probably never heard of before. BSA is not the most famous brand in the world. But their scopes have made a good impact on the community. One of their most-known scopes is the Sweet 17. A .17 HMR riflescope that supports most rimfire cartridges.
The exterior of this scope is really strong. From high-quality aluminum. It’s a 1” tube that is internally purged. Purging makes it immune to fogging and moisture. Besides being fogproof, the scope is shock and waterproof as well.
The weight of the scope is a bit on the heavier side. Coming at 1.1lbs, it’s not the lightest scope in the shed.
The lens of this scope is really good. They are fully multi-coated. Gets plenty of bright and good light transmission. The clarity of the lenses is quite nice as well. You are getting a BSA duplex reticle on this scope. It’s etched directly on the glass. The uncluttered look of the reticle makes it super easy to get used to it.
Does this come with mounting rings?
No, unfortunately not. The scope doesn’t come with any mounting rings like most others out there. You will need to buy 1” mounting rings to pair them with the scope.
Is this good for plinking?
It’s excellent for plinking and small game hunting. While .17 HMR isn’t the most powerful cartridge out there, it’s still a fun caliber that you can use for pleasure. This scope goes well with a gun like that. The turrets on this scope are .17 HMR calibrated as well.
Is the reticle of this scope illuminated?
No, it’s not illuminated. The low-light performance of BSA Sweet 17 is quite good. It’s not the most refined experience, but it’s good enough to work during the low light. You won’t miss illuminated reticle by that much.
7. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Bushnell is not a new name to any of you guys. Whether it’s the higher end or the cheaper end, Bushnell got something for everyone. The Banner Dusk & Dawn is a beginner-friendly budget riflescope. It’s a moderately big scope with really good magnification.
The Banner is made out of aluminum. It’s lightweight and extremely durable. From the outside look, the Banner looks much more expensive than it is. The tube of the scope is purged with nitrogen. Chemical purging makes the Banner immune to internal moisture and fogging. The outside structure is durable enough to withstand the recoil of a much more powerful gun. It is also waterproof.
The lenses of the scope are fully multi-coated. While it’s not HD or ED glass, the lens is still good. The light transmission of this is really good. Like, seriously good. You will find yourself using it more and more as you get used to the beauty of this scope.
With a .17 Rifle, the Banner D&D won’t have any issues whatsoever. 12x maximum magnification is perfect for 17 HMR. You can go plinking, hunting, or practicing with this scope. It’s good for military tactical shooting as well.
Does this scope come with mounting rings?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any sort of mounting rings. You will need to purchase the mounting rings from Bushnell separately. Depending on what kind of mounting rails you have on your gun, buy the right one.
Does this come in different configuration?
Yes, the Banner also comes at a higher magnification. If you want to go long-range and explore the higher magnification, you can opt for the 18x magnification variant with a 50mm objective lens.
Is this good for hunting?
It’s a great scope for varmint hunting. You can even do long-range varmint hunting with this scope. On top of that, silhouette and target shooting with this scope is pleasing as well.
How to Choose The Best Scope For a .17 HMR Rifle?
17 HMR is a small and easy-to-use cartridge. Here are some pointers that will help you choose the best scope for your rifle.
Build Quality
If the construction and process are good, then even a plastic scope can last you for a long time. After all, tons of bow scopes are made out of plastic. But when it comes to rifles, metal scopes are kind of a must. Then again, if the scope is made well then, any material can work.
Size
Often, we make the mistake of buying a scope bigger than the rail of our gun. Don’t do that. That ruins the balance of the gun and makes it wobbly. Just because it looks cool doesn’t mean it works.
Lens Quality
Have you ever tried glasses with dust? Did you notice how poorly they look and hinder your vision? A poorly made lens will do the same with you while you use it. To prevent this from happening, invest in a good riflescope with good lenses.
Summary
You see, there are a ton of rimfire scopes available on the market. If you search for the best rimfire riflescope, you will get bombarded with options. Many people suggest this over that First of all, it’s about finding the best scope for 17 HMR. While .17 is still a rimfire cartridge, often companies make scopes for this cartridge only.
Finding the best among them can be a bit of a hard task. Hopefully, after reading this, you are no longer in a dilemma of which scope to go for. With that said, that’s all for today. I will be back with more soon. Till then, take care and stay safe.
Scopes:- 17 WSM | 204 Ruger | 224 Valkyrie | 22 Magnum | 243 Winchester | 257 Weatherby | 270 Winchester | 3 Gun | 300 PRC | 338 Lapua | 350 Legend | 375 HH | 44 Magnum | 450 Bushmaster | 50 BMG | 6.5 Creedmoor | 6.5 Grendel | 6.8 SPC | 7.62.39 | Benjamin Marauder | Henry H001 | M1a | Marlin 336 | Marlin 795 | Marlin Model 60 | MK12 | Ruger Gunsite Scout | Ruger Mini 14 | Ruger Mini 30 | Savage 220 | Scar 20S | Sig 716
Scopes & Sights:- 11.5 SBR | 300 Blackout | M4 | MK18 | Ruger Charger | S&W M&P 15&22 | S&W M&P 15 Sport 2
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
