The .17 HMR is a phenomenal cartridge for varmint control and small game hunting, prized for its flat trajectory and minimal recoil. To fully leverage its potential, pairing it with the right riflescope is paramount. A quality scope not only improves accuracy at the rimfire’s extended ranges but also enhances your overall shooting experience with a clear, bright sight picture.
Selecting the ideal optic from the vast array of choices can be a challenge. This expert roundup is designed to guide you through the top options available, highlighting scopes built to withstand the elements and provide the precision needed to make the most of your .17 HMR rifle. We’ve compiled a list of ten excellent models to suit various needs and budgets.
Our Top Picks for .17 HMR Riflescopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
- Tasco Target/Varmit 6-24x42mm Riflescope
- BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9X 40 Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope
- Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40AO Riflescope
- BARSKA 6-18×40 mm AO Hot Magnum Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Simmons Truplex 8-Point 3-9×32 Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
This versatile 4-12×44 configuration from the Crossfire II line offers a magnification range suitable for various hunting scenarios. The V-Plex reticle serves as a popular all-purpose hunting reticle, providing a clean and uncluttered sight picture for fast target acquisition on a wide variety of game.
With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you can quickly get on target without struggling for the perfect eye position. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear views even in low-light conditions.
Tasco Target/Varmint 6-24x42mm Riflescope
For shooters who require high magnification for precision varminting or target shooting, the Tasco Target/Varmint scope offers a substantial 6-24x range. The 42mm objective lens provides a solid balance between light gathering and a manageable profile.
This scope is built with high-quality multicoated optics that work to produce crystal-clear and bright images. The generous magnification makes it a strong candidate for discerning shooters looking to spot small targets at extended distances with their .17 HMR.
BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope
The BSA Sweet .17 is a purpose-built optic, engineered specifically for the .17 HMR cartridge. This specialized design includes a multi-grain turret that is precisely calibrated for the popular 17-grain and 20-grain bullet weights, simplifying holdovers and adjustments in the field.
With a practical 3-12×40 configuration and a generous 4 inches of eye relief, this scope provides a safe and comfortable shooting experience. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who want a scope tailored to the unique ballistics of their rifle.
Bushnell Banner 3-9X 40 Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner is a classic and reliable choice for many hunters. Its 3-9x magnification is a versatile standard, perfectly suited for the effective range of the .17 HMR. The one-piece, 1-inch main tube provides a robust and durable platform.
Featuring a Multi-X reticle and an anodized aluminum housing, this scope is built to handle the rigors of field use. It represents a solid, no-frills option that delivers dependable performance for a wide range of shooting activities.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope
Designed with scout-style rifles in mind, this Crossfire II model boasts an exceptionally long 9.45 inches of eye relief. This feature makes it ideal for firearms with unconventional eye placement requirements, allowing for a fast and comfortable sight picture.
It shares many of the quality traits of the Crossfire II line, including a fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses, and the versatile V-Plex reticle. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in.
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40AO Riflescope
The Hawke Vantage is a feature-rich optic that offers great value. Its 11-layer fully multi-coated optics are engineered for excellent clarity and light transmission. The inclusion of an Adjustable Objective (AO) lens is crucial for parallax correction at varying distances, enhancing precision.
This scope also includes a glass-etched mil-dot reticle with red and green illumination, providing multiple options for different lighting conditions. Built on a 1-inch mono-tube chassis, it is waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen purged for reliable performance in all environments.
BARSKA 6-18×40 mm AO Hot Magnum Rifle Scope
This BARSKA model provides a high-magnification 6-18x range for shooters who need to see fine detail at long range. The 40mm objective lens and multi-coated optics work together to deliver a bright and clear image across the magnification spectrum.
It features an Adjustable Objective for parallax correction and comes with interchangeable 30/30 reticles. The scope is built with a rigid, shockproof construction and is fully waterproof and fogproof, ensuring it can withstand demanding use.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom brings American-made optical excellence to the list. Its 3-9×40 configuration is a timeless choice for hunters, offering a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio that is effective for both close encounters and longer-range shots.
Leupold’s Advanced Optical System ensures high levels of light transmission, reduced glare, and outstanding resolution and clarity. With capped finger-click adjustments and the clean Hunt-Plex reticle, this scope is a robust and trustworthy companion for any hunting expedition.
Simmons Truplex 8-Point 3-9×32 Riflescope
The Simmons 8-Point is a budget-friendly and dependable optic that gets the job done. Its 3-9×32 format provides a compact and lightweight profile, making it a good match for lighter .17 HMR rifles without adding significant bulk.
With a field of view of 31.4 feet at 100 yards on its lowest setting and a consistent 3.75 inches of eye relief, this scope offers a user-friendly experience. It’s a straightforward and effective choice for hunters seeking reliable performance.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
This model from the Crossfire II series is specifically tailored for rimfire rifles, with a parallax setting optimized for shorter distances typical of .17 HMR use. The 2-7x magnification range is perfectly suited for the quick, off-hand shots often required in small game hunting.
It incorporates the same reliable features as other Crossfire II scopes, including a durable construction, fully multi-coated lenses, and a simple, effective reticle. This scope provides a dedicated solution for rimfire enthusiasts who demand Vortex quality.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a .17 HMR Scope
Choosing the right glass for your .17 HMR is more than just grabbing the first scope you see. This little cartridge is a laser beam for varmints and small game, and your optic needs to match its unique personality. After spending a lot of time on the range and in the field, I have a good feel for what makes a scope and a .17 HMR rifle a perfect pair. Let me walk you through the key things to consider for your setup.
First up is magnification. The .17 HMR is flat-shooting and accurate out to 150-200 yards, but you are not shooting at prairie dogs a mile away. A variable power scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range is the sweet spot. It gives you a wide field of view for closer, faster shots on rabbits and a bit more zoom for patiently picking off a groundhog at a longer distance. Super high magnification is overkill and can actually make it harder to find your target quickly.
Next, think about the reticle. For a round that is this precise, a standard Duplex is fine, but a Mildot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is where the real fun begins. These reticles have holdover points that help you account for bullet drop without constantly fiddling with your turrets. Since the .17 HMR has a pretty predictable trajectory, a BDC reticle calibrated for a similar velocity can be incredibly effective, letting you make quick shots at varying ranges.
Parallax adjustment is a feature often overlooked by new shooters, but it is a game-changer for accuracy. Many scopes are set at a fixed parallax, usually 100 yards. For a .17 HMR, you want an Adjustable Objective (AO) or a side-focus parallax knob. This allows you to focus the reticle and eliminate parallax error at the exact distance you are shooting, whether it is 50 yards or 175. This is critical for making those tiny groups even tighter.
Finally, do not forget about durability and optical clarity. You get what you pay for. Look for fully multi-coated lenses; they brighten the image and reduce glare, which is vital during those low-light moments at dawn and dusk. The scope should also be nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to be fog-proof and waterproof. A .17 HMR is not a heavy-recoiling round, but a tough scope ensures your zero stays put even if your rifle takes a bump. Getting the right one from a list of the 10 best .17 HMR riflescopes of 2025 can make all the difference in your shooting experience.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a .17 HMR?
For the vast majority of .17 HMR shooting, a variable scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range is ideal. This gives you enough low power for scanning fields and taking closer shots, and enough high power to clearly see and aim at smaller varmints like squirrels or prairie dogs out to 200 yards. Going much higher than 12x is usually unnecessary and can make the scope heavier and the field of view too narrow.
Do I need a scope with an Adjustable Objective (AO)?
I strongly recommend it. An AO or a side-focus parallax knob is a huge advantage for the precise shooting the .17 HMR is capable of. It allows you to fine-tune the focus of the reticle and eliminate parallax error at any specific distance. This prevents aiming errors and is key to achieving the smallest possible groups, especially at ranges inside 100 yards where fixed-parallax scopes can struggle.
Is a BDC reticle useful for the .17 HMR?
Yes, a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle can be very useful. The .17 HMR has a relatively flat trajectory, but it still drops noticeably at longer ranges. A BDC reticle provides you with holdover points, so you can quickly aim higher for a 150 or 200-yard shot without having to adjust your turrets. Just make sure to verify the holdovers with your specific rifle and ammunition at the range, as the calibration can vary.
What is a good budget for a .17 HMR scope?
You can find perfectly serviceable scopes for a .17 HMR in the $150 to $300 range. In this price bracket, you will get good optical clarity, reliable construction, and features like AO and BDC reticles. While you can certainly spend more for premium glass, this mid-range budget hits the sweet spot for the performance level of the cartridge, ensuring you get a quality piece of gear without overspending.
Can I use a .22 LR scope on a .17 HMR?
You can, but you might not be using the rifle to its full potential. While both are rimfire cartridges, the .17 HMR shoots much faster and flatter, reaching out to distances where features like an AO and a precise BDC reticle become more important. A scope built for the 10 best .17 HMR riflescopes of 2025 will often have these enhanced features tailored for the round’s longer effective range compared to a basic .22 LR scope.
How important is eye relief on a .17 HMR scope?
Eye relief is always important for safety and comfort. The .17 HMR has very mild recoil, so you do not need the long eye relief required for a heavy magnum. However, a consistent and comfortable eye relief, typically around 3-4 inches, is still necessary for getting a quick, clear sight picture every time you shoulder the rifle. It helps with fast target acquisition, which is crucial for hunting.