Are you interested in buying a new scope for your 17 hmr? You’ve come to the right place for the best 17 hmr scope! These 17 hmr scopes have come a long way and we will show you how to get the best bang for your buck in 2024.
We have reviewed some of the best (and worst) scopes on the market today and have provided our expert analysis! Through lots of testing and researching, we he narrowed down our list of scopes for the .17 hmr to our Top 6! It wasn’t easy and took a really long time so hopefully you end up finding what you are looking for!
These .17 hmr optics aren’t for everyone. Some are a little more than others and getting the right rifle scope for you is all dependent on how you intend to put it to use. What I do know, is that based on my review, these are the Top 6 and best scopes for the .17 hmr and for various reasons that I will explain later
I’ve tried to eliminate the worst and narrow down the best. Below are reviews up the Top 6 and best scopes for a .17 hmr in 2024. Enjoy!
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm – Best 17 HMR Scope to Buy
Vortex is a great brand. They are one of my favorites as they always seem ti impress me with their high quality scopes at affordable prices. The Vortex Crossfire comes with many premium features that allow it to hold its own when comparing it to other premium optics.
It’s multi coated, features resettable MOA windage and adjustments and a fast focus eyepiece. It is made of aircraft grade aluminum construction so it’s built very well and very durable. It’s also completely water and fog proof so it can handle harsh conditions.
The Vortex Crossfire 2-7x32mm is so inexpensive for the quality of the product. This is what made it land the #1 spot for best 17hmr scope in 2024. It also features a focal plane reticle tha tis especially suited for ranging estimations, holdover and wind drift adjustments.
The 32mm objective lens might concern some people but in my review I didn’t notice any lack of light, so I was happy with that. In my test I bore-sighted and then too it to the range. My first impression was how clear and crisp the glass was. The image was great and compared with higher quality scopes.
Once I sight the scope in an got a consistent grouping, I shot about 50 rounds with the 17 hmr to see if it would hold zero, which it did. A definite requirement to make the #1 spot on the list. It even did well at mid to long range. I used the second hash mark on the reticle to fire at a target that was 200 yards away and it was spot on! (when zero’d at 100 yards).
Due to the smaller objective lens, Low-light performance isn’t that great. I didn’t notice a difference during the day or in the shade, but definitely noticed a difference closer to dusk and dawn. Overall, the Vortex Crossfire 2 is an amazing scope and I was extremely happy with it. I ended up purchasing one for my .22 as well!
There are a lot of different scopes that money can buy, but if you are looking for value, high quality, a great manufacturer with a lifetime warranty and a scope that will just perform when you need it to, the Vortex Crossfire 2 is the scope to get! The scope has amazing glass given its price point. There is very little distortion throughout it’s zoom range. It’s also made of very high quality and the value is great. This is one of the best scopes for the money for your .17 hmr!
- Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
- Scope is crystal clea.
- Great value for the money.
- Holds zero and very well built and durable.
- Not made for low light conditions due to size of objective lens
Specifications:
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
2. Burris Optics Fullfield E1 Riflescope 4.5-14x42mm – Best For the Money
Having recently gotten my hands on the Burris scope in matte black, my shooting experience has truly been enhanced. Designed primarily for hunting, tactical, and military sports, it’s evident that Burris put a lot of thought into this product.
At a size of 14.9 x 3 x 3 inches and weighing just 1.5 pounds, the scope is incredibly manageable and doesn’t feel cumbersome atop my rifle. The high magnification range, between 3x to 14x, has genuinely extended my long-range shooting capabilities. This is perfect for those more distant targets that used to be a challenge. The 45.54 mm objective lens diameter ensures that the visuals are clear and bright.
One of the standout features has to be the Long Range MOA reticle. The details are meticulous, and the ultra-fine precision it offers is indeed remarkable. It feels like this scope was designed for both the seasoned marksman and the enthusiastic amateur. The trajectory-compensating technology, combined with the cascading dots, makes compensation for wind drift a breeze, a feature that’s often overlooked in many other scopes I’ve tried.
The ergonomic side focus is a delightful addition, enabling easy parallax adjustments from as close as 50 yards to infinity. This feature is handy, especially when trying to zero in on a target without any parallax error.
The Burris scope is a blend of simplicity and sophistication. If you’re in the market for a long-range scope that offers supreme accuracy and is user-friendly, this might just be the one for you. Highly recommended!
- High Magnification
- Sophisticated Reticle
- Trajectory-Compensating Technology
- Ergonomic Side Focus
- Durable
- Burris Forever Warranty
- The turrets have a bit of a mushy feel
- The image is a bit fuzzy and of lower contrast
Specifications:
- Magnification: 14x
- Objective Lens: 45.54 mm
3. Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope – Best for Durability
The Bushnell Banner 4-12×40 Rifle Scope comes from their esteemed Banner Riflescopes series, and I can vouch for its superior performance. The first thing that struck me was the impressive brightness and clarity.
The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses are not just a fancy name; they genuinely live up to the promise of providing excellent visibility during those critical twilight hours.
In terms of accuracy, this scope delivers. Whether I was engaged in long-range centerfire shooting or using it with an adult break-barrel airgun, the precision was remarkable. The fully multi-coated optics ensure that you get bright, high-contrast images, which proved invaluable during my sessions.
What also stood out was its resilience. The argon-purged fog-proofing is a game-changer. Ambient temperature fluctuations didn’t compromise the scope’s clarity, ensuring that I had a fog-free view at all times. Additionally, its IPX7 waterproof construction gave me peace of mind during unpredictable weather conditions. Knowing that the optics would remain dry even if submerged was reassuring.
If you’re looking for a bright, accurate, and dependable scope, the Bushnell Banner 4-12×40 Rifle Scope is a solid choice. Just ensure your stand is in the right spot and let this scope handle the rest.
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) Multi-Coated Lenses
- Versatile Use
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Argon Purged Fog-Proofing
- IPX7 Waterproof Construction
- Adjustable Objective Riflescope
- The eye relief isn’t as long as preferred
- The front focus needs to be set at the correct yardage, or it appears a bit blurry
Specifications:
- Magnification: 18x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical – Best For Long Range Shooting
I recently got my hands on the Vortex Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 scope, and I must say it performed very well in my airsoft experiences. The sleek black finish combined with its solid aluminum build makes it both aesthetically pleasing and durable. It feels well-balanced, weighing in at just 1.4 pounds, and its dimensions ensure it fits perfectly on my setup.
The features of this scope are truly impressive for its price point. With a magnification range from 4x to 16x, it’s versatile enough for both close engagements and long-distance shots. The clarity of the sight picture, thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses, is genuinely crisp and bright. One of the standout features for me is the first focal plane, a glass-etched reticle that remains accurate across the entire zoom range. This ensures precision shooting regardless of the magnification setting.
Operationally, the precision-glide erector system provides smooth transitions when changing magnifications. Even under challenging conditions, the magnification shifts effortlessly. The exposed tactical turrets, combined with the side parallax knob, make adjustments a breeze, especially for those long-range shots. The fast-focus eyepiece has also proven invaluable, allowing for swift and hassle-free reticle focusing.
Lastly, the ruggedness of this scope cannot be overstated. The single-piece 30mm tube has stood up to recoil and impacts without a hitch. Plus, the o-ring seals and nitrogen purging make it a reliable companion in foggy or wet conditions, ensuring waterproof and fogproof performance.
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 is a top-tier scope that marries precision with value. Whether you’re an airsoft enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable scope, this product stands out in the crowded market.
- High-Quality Glass
- Smooth magnification changes
- Tactical Features
- Weatherproof
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- Might be too heavy for some users, especially for prolonged use.
- Lack of Illumination
Specifications:
- Magnification: 16x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn – Best for Low Light Conditions and Long Range
Bushnell has been making optics for over 65 years now. The company is well known for its quality and affordability.
The Bushnell Banner is no different and the scope is very well made. It includes a multi-coating process that results in giving brightness and clarity for the shooter at all times, but it’s made especially for the moments where there are low light conditions (dusk and dawn).
The Banner has a high powered tube design and variable scope that can be used for long range centerfire shooting. It has 4-12x with a 40mm objective lens which makes it ideal for long range shooting. The multi-x reticle is awesome. The Bushnell banner is built for hunters who want a scope for all conditions, especially low light conditions including dawn and dusk.
The Bushnell Banner offers exceptional value and most often used on a 22LR or .17hmr. I took the optic out for a little test and was very happy as I zero’d within 3 shots at 100 yards. Very easy to zero. After about 100 rounds at the range, I always test to see if it keeps zero, which it did.
The scope could reach as far as 500 yards if you’re firearm allowed it. The magnification power will allow you to get there and see your targets clearly. It also shoots well and has great brightness if you are shooting near dusk or dawn. It was specifically made to allow the shooter to see during these times. Something that will help some hunters in timely situations.
At the highest magnification power the scope has a hard time focusing and is a little blurry. The eye relief is also a little tight at this magnification power as well. But at lower magnification, it’s very clear and quick to focus! Overall, for the price, I couldn’t be happier. Bushnell makes some high quality products and the Bushnell Banner is a great scope for the 17 hmr.
I highly recommend this scope. As soon as you use the Bushnell Banner you will probably wont another one for your other rifle.
- Easy to zero and holds zero after continued use
- Clear glass and high quality.
- Seemed to be durable.
- Great for long range shooting.
- Has eye relief and focus issues when using 18x magnification.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
6. Mueller Optics (APV) All Purpose Hunting Rifle Scope – Best Budget .17 HMR Scope
After using the Mueller 4.5-14×40 All Purpose Scope several times, I can genuinely vouch for its exceptional quality. Right off the bat, its sleek black design is aesthetically pleasing and exudes a premium feel, complemented by a solid aluminum construction. Weighing in at just a tad under 500 grams, it strikes a comfortable balance between sturdiness and portability.
Where this scope truly shines, however, is in its performance. The edge-to-edge clarity is crystal clear, living up to its description. It provided precise aiming capabilities, and the wide-angle view ensured that I had excellent situational awareness, making target acquisition swift and effortless.
The durability aspect is not to be overlooked either. I’ve taken this scope on several hunting trips, and, true to its promise, it has withstood rainy conditions, morning fog, and the occasional accidental bump without any hiccup in its performance. The waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof features make it a reliable companion in the field.
The finger-adjustable turrets and traditional eye-piece focus were intuitive, making on-the-fly adjustments seamless. And, while I haven’t had the need to test the warranty, it’s comforting to know that Mueller backs their product with a limited lifetime warranty.
Having learned about Mueller Optics and their dedication to providing quality scopes at affordable prices, I can see why they’ve garnered such a reputation since 2007. For both seasoned hunters and newcomers, the Mueller 4.5-14×40 is an excellent choice that offers top-tier performance without breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable scope, you won’t go wrong with this one.
- Crystal Clear View
- Wide-Angle View
- The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof
- Finger-adjustable turrets and a traditional eye-piece focus
- The eye relief is very specific, which can make fast target acquisition a bit tricky
Specifications:
- Magnification: 14x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
Bonus – Hawke Sport Optics Vantage IR – Best illuminated optic
Hawke makes some great rifle optics. Regarding the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage scope, it comes with great features for its price. It transmits light clearly to give a sharp and crisp picture. It has a glass etched illuminated reticle that helps with low light conditions at dusk and dawn.
It is very durable and strong and well suited for any time of shooting. It’s not a very popular rifle scope with so many other brand taking over in popularity, but it still performs very well and isn’t a bad choice if you are looking for another option, especially a scope that has an illuminated reticle.
- Fast Focus Eyebell and High Torque Zoom Ring
- Durable
- Single Piece Chassis
- Specialist Erector System
- Rimfire .22 Subsonic Reticle
- British Brand Quality
- Potential Clarity Issues
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
Why the Simmons 8 point Truplex is not on my list?
People are wondering why I didn’t include some of these other popular .17 hmr rifle scopes that others have reviewed but aren’t on my Top 6 list, especially the Simmons 8 point Truplex or any other Simmons products? After reviewing them all, the answer is simple.
- The Simmons just didn’t seem high quality.
- It kept losing its zero, which is not good.
- I don’t mind getting an inexpensive rifle scope, but the Simmons is too cheap and it shows in it’s quality.
Basically, you aren’t paying for something that is built well. Some of you may be ok with something that is just cheap, but for most, we want to find the best 17hmr rifle scope for the money.
For now, Simmons optics didn’t make our Top 6 list, especially if you are just looking for something to get the job done or are on a budget.
However, we believe that the premium rifle scopes are ok if you are the type of person who is not on a budget and wants the extra features as these scopes and other high tier scopes are definitely high quality. We also believe in finding some great budget scopes that are inexpensive as long as you don’t sacrifice on too much quality.
Considerations for Choosing a Scope for 17HMR
As always, there are a number of considerations that you need to be mindful of when choosing a scope for your .17 HMR rifle.
As with choosing the best scope for hunting, you need to be honest with yourself. Are you wanting to buy a scope just for the range and shooting around with friends, or are you a serious varmint hunter?
If you are just looking to shoot paper at 100 yards, then you don’t need to spend as much as if you needed to manage the varmint that are digging in the back 40.
What is your budget? A lot of guys want to find a reasonably priced scope for their .17 hmr as it is used for a combination of varmint hunting and target shooting. With those of you with Bill Gate’s wallet, then there a lot of .17 HMR scopes in your price range.
.17 HMR vs .22 LR – What is the difference?
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rifle, more commonly known as the .17 HMR is a rimfire rifle cartridge developed by Hornady in 2002. A relatively new rifle, these are typically used for target practice at the shooting range or for varmint/small game hunting.
The 17 HMR is often compared to the 22 LR and for good reason, however there are a number of key differences.
The .17 hmr will be far faster and much more accurate with a flat trajectory as compared to the trajectory and velocity of the .22 long rifle. If you require insane accuracy for varmint hunting or even target shooting, the .17 HMR will be superior.
Now you must be thinking to yourself, “What is the downside of the 17hmr?”
Well, unfortunately rounds of ammunition will cost you more in 17 hmr as compared to the very economical .22 lr. Choosing the best scope for 17 hmr will also not break the bank. You can get great scopes for .17 hmr for less than a few hundred dollars.
The .22 round is much heavier than the 17 hmr and for that reason the .17 Hornady Magnum Rifle has a flatter trajectory witch equates to being able to shoot at longer distances.
So, it really is a personal choice. If you are satisfied with cleaning up gophers at 100 yards with your 22 and missing more often than not at 150-200 yards, then stick with the .22. If you want to pay a small premium for greater distances, or just want to add another varmint hunting rifle to the collection, buy yourself a quality .17hmr.
Now, my two cents….If you are varmint hunting or target shooting under 100 yards or so, then the 22 lr would be my recommendation and to be honest, you probably won’t notice the accuracy difference.
If you want more distance and don’t mind spending the extra money on ammunition, then definitely purchase a .17 HMR. Most hunters and target shooters I know own multiple rifles of both calibre.
If you are looking for the best .17 hmr scope in 2024, you’ve come to the right place!
Conclusion
The 17 hmr is a relatively new rimfire rifle cartridge that tends to be compared to the standard 22 lr.
For comparison sake, the .17hmr will be faster, have flatter trajectory, and you will be able to shoot varmint at longer distances. The one downside is that you should expect to pay a 20% premium on ammunition however the .22 lr cartridge are basically free in America so if you own a .17 Hornady, you aren’t that much worse off.
After reviewing all of the best scopes for the 17 hmr, I find myself wanting all of the scopes if I were the reader. Now, I know I can’t do that and I have to pick 1 (or 3) that I believe to be superior as compared to the rest. If you want the best rifle scope for your .17 hmr, choose the Vortex Crossfire II. It is clear and crisp and for under $150 at Amazon. You can get one of these shipped to your doorstep in a few days!
The best .17 hmr scope for the money though would have to be the Nikon Buckmasters II. At under $100 on Amazon (normally $130), it’s a great buy. But, if you want a scope under $80, than without a doubt the BSA Sweet 17 is the best budget riflescope for your .17 hmr rifle.
Stay safe and happy shooting!