The .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) is a remarkable cartridge, prized for its flat trajectory and explosive performance on varmints and small game. To fully harness its potential, pairing it with the right riflescope is not just an upgrade—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re hunting prairie dogs at long range, punching paper targets, or enjoying an afternoon of plinking, the correct optic makes all the difference in accuracy, clarity, and overall shooting enjoyment.
With a market flooded with options, selecting the perfect scope for your 17 WSM can feel overwhelming. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with eight of the best scopes available. We’ve considered a range of uses and budgets, from dedicated hunting optics to feature-packed models for precision target shooting, ensuring you can find the ideal match for your rifle and your mission.
Our Top Picks for 17 WSM Scopes
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
- Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9×40
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 APLR FFP IR
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Ballistic Plex Reticle
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO V-Plex Reticle
- Simmons 3-9×32 .17 WSM Truplex Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
Built with the modern shooter in mind, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 is a feature-rich scope that excels in fast-paced shooting scenarios. Its second focal plane Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle provides hold points out to 600 yards, which pairs exceptionally well with the flat-shooting .17 WSM cartridge. The Throw Down PCL lever allows for almost instantaneous magnification changes, while the exposed turrets let you make quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
Durability and optical clarity are key strengths of this scope. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can withstand heavy rain and immersion, ensuring reliability in all weather conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, high-contrast images, which is crucial for identifying small targets in low-light environments. Its compact profile also makes it an excellent candidate for use with offset iron sights or a red dot sight, offering a versatile setup for various shooting disciplines.
Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
The Nikon ProStaff P3 is a trusted name in the hunting world, offering a perfect balance of performance and value. Its 3-9x magnification range is ideal for the varied distances encountered when hunting with a .17 WSM, from close-range shots to longer pokes at prairie dogs. The BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop, giving you clear aiming points for extended range shooting without needing to dial adjustments.
Nikon’s optical expertise is on full display with the fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission. This results in a bright and sharp sight picture, especially during the critical low-light periods of dawn and dusk when many animals are most active. Built to be both waterproof and fog-proof, the ProStaff P3 is a rugged and dependable companion that will hold zero and perform consistently season after season.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle
Leupold is synonymous with American-made quality and rugged reliability, and the VX-Freedom series brings that heritage to shooters at an accessible point. The 3-9×40 configuration is a classic for a reason, providing a versatile field of view for hunting in timber and enough magnification to reach out across a field. The crisp Duplex reticle is simple and fast, allowing for quick target acquisition on running varmints or game.
Where the VX-Freedom truly shines is in its optical performance. Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System provides extra minutes of shooting light in the morning and evening, delivering a brighter image than other scopes in its class. It’s also incredibly lightweight and built to withstand the harshest conditions, thanks to its rugged, waterproof, and fog-proof construction. You get exceptional clarity and legendary durability in one package.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9×40
Specifically engineered for performance when light is fading, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn scope is an outstanding value for hunters. Its multi-coated optics, including a special Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) lens coating, are designed to gather more available light than standard coatings. This results in a noticeably brighter sight picture during the first and last minutes of shooting light, giving you a critical advantage.
The 3-9×40 magnification is perfectly suited for the .17 WSM, and the simple Multi-X reticle provides a clean, uncluttered view for precise shot placement. Built with a one-piece tube, this scope is both waterproof and shockproof, ensuring it can handle the recoil of your rifle and the elements you encounter in the field. It’s a robust, purpose-built optic that performs when it matters most.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 APLR FFP IR
For the serious long-range target shooter or varmint hunter, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 is a powerhouse. With a massive 6-24x magnification range and a 50mm objective lens, this scope is built for seeing and engaging small targets at extreme distances where the .17 WSM excels. The first focal plane (FFP) APLR reticle means the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at every magnification level, allowing for precise holdovers and windage corrections at any power.
The feature set is comprehensive, including an illuminated reticle for use against dark backgrounds, side focus for parallax adjustment, and precise, tactile turrets that are resettable to zero. The glass is fully multi-coated for a bright and clear image, which is essential when you’re trying to spot tiny bullet holes on paper or small pests at long range. This scope offers high-end features that are typically found on much more expensive models.
Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Ballistic Plex Reticle
The Burris Fullfield II has earned a reputation as a workhorse scope, known for its exceptional optical quality and rugged construction. The Ballistic Plex reticle offers a simple yet effective system for compensating for bullet drop at longer ranges, with aiming points that correspond well to the trajectory of many .17 WSM loads. This allows for rapid follow-up shots without taking your eye off the target.
Burris uses its proprietary Index Matched Lenses to eliminate parallax and internal reflections, resulting in a sharp, high-resolution image from edge to edge. The scope is waterproof and nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging, making it ready for any hunting condition. With its proven durability and crisp optics, the Fullfield II represents a solid investment for any hunter who demands reliability.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO V-Plex Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×50 offers a great blend of versatility and performance for the .17 WSM shooter. The 4-12x magnification gives you a wider field of view on the lower end for closer shots and plenty of power on the top end for precision at distance. A key feature is the Adjustable Objective (AO), which allows you to correct for parallax and focus your target, a significant advantage for target shooting and long-range varminting.
Vortex is renowned for its VIP Warranty, which is a full unlimited lifetime warranty, guaranteeing the scope for life. The single-piece tube construction is built to handle heavy recoil and is both waterproof and fog-proof. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide a clean, bright sight picture, making this scope a high-value option that is backed by unbeatable customer service.
Simmons 3-9×32 .17 WSM Truplex Reticle Riflescope
The Simmons .17 WSM model is a purpose-built optic designed specifically for the ballistics of this cartridge. This eliminates the guesswork, as the reticle is calibrated to provide accurate holdover points for the .17 WSM’s trajectory. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile for most hunting scenarios, and the compact 32mm objective keeps the overall profile light and low-profile on your rifle.
This scope incorporates Simmons’ HydraShield lens coating, which helps repel water, oil, and dust to maintain a clear view in adverse conditions. It is also waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance. As an affordable and dedicated solution for .17 WSM owners, it offers excellent value and straightforward functionality, making it a great choice for plinking and hunting without a complex setup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scope For 17 WSM
Choosing the right glass for your 17 WSM is more than just picking the first scope you see on a shelf. This little cartridge is a laser beam, capable of impressive accuracy at distances that would humble other rimfires. Because of that, your scope needs to be a perfect partner. I always start by thinking about my primary use. Am I hunting varmints, punching paper, or just plinking? The answer dictates everything.
For magnification, I find a variable power scope in the 4-12x or 6-18x range to be the sweet spot. This gives you the flexibility for close, fast shots on a woodchuck at 50 yards and the precision to see your bullet holes on a target at 200. A 50mm objective lens is great for gathering light during those early morning or late evening hunts, but a 40mm or 42mm will keep your setup lighter and more streamlined. Just make sure the tube is 1 inch; it’s the standard and gives you the most mount options.
Next up is the reticle. For the flat-shooting 17 WSM, a simple duplex is fine, but if you plan on stretching its legs, a scope with hash marks or a Christmas tree style reticle is a game-changer. It helps with holdovers for wind and drop without fiddling with knobs. And speaking of knobs, exposed target turrets are fantastic for the bench, but if you’re carrying the rifle through brush, I prefer capped turrets to prevent an accidental bump from throwing off my zero.
Finally, don’t skimp on the mounts. A 17 WSM has noticeably more recoil than a .22 LR, but it’s still mild. A good set of standard rings will usually do the job, but I make sure they are torqued to spec. Parallax adjustment is another feature I look for. Being able to set the parallax for a specific distance, like 100 or 150 yards, removes one more variable and helps me shoot tighter groups. Getting the best scope for 17 WSM really comes down to matching these features to how you actually shoot.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a 17 WSM?
I think a variable power scope is the way to go. Something in the 4-12x, 6-18x, or 4-16x range gives you incredible versatility. You can keep it on a lower power for scanning fields or shooting at closer ranges, then crank it up to see your target clearly when you’re trying to hit a small varmint or a tiny bullseye at 200 yards. A fixed power scope can work, but you lose that flexibility.
Is the recoil of a 17 WSM enough to damage a scope?
While the 17 WSM has more ‘oomph’ than a standard .22 Long Rifle, its recoil is still very mild. It’s highly unlikely to damage a scope that is built to any reasonable standard. The real issue I’ve seen isn’t damage from recoil, but scopes that can’t hold zero due to poor internal construction. As long as you buy a scope from a reputable brand, even an budget-friendly one, you should be perfectly fine.
Do I need an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus on my scope?
For most shooting with a 17 WSM, I would say yes, it’s a valuable feature. Because this cartridge is so accurate and you’ll likely be shooting at varying distances, being able to correct for parallax is important for precision. An Adjustable Objective (AO) on the front bell or a side focus knob lets you set the parallax for the exact distance you’re shooting, which helps eliminate aiming error and makes your groups tighter.
What is a good budget for a scope for this rifle?
You can find perfectly serviceable scopes for a 17 WSM in the $150 to $300 range. These will have the features you likely need, like decent glass, variable magnification, and an AO. If you’re a serious varmint hunter or target shooter, moving up to the $400-$700 range gets you better glass clarity, more robust construction, and more precise turrets. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but investing in a quality optic makes a difference.
Can I use a .22 LR scope on my 17 WSM?
You physically can, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it. Many scopes marketed specifically for .22 LR are built to a lower price point and may not have the internal durability to maintain a consistent zero with the slightly sharper recoil impulse of the 17 WSM. It’s better to choose a scope that is built for a centerfire rifle, even a lightweight one, as it’s overbuilt for the task and will be more reliable. Finding the best scope for 17 WSM means getting one that’s built to handle its specific characteristics.