The 17 HMR is a fantastic rimfire cartridge, prized for its flat trajectory and impressive accuracy at extended ranges. Whether you’re varmint hunting or punching paper, pairing it with the right glass is non-negotiable. The ideal scope needs to handle the round’s capabilities, offering clear glass and reliable adjustments to make the most of its potential. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect match can feel overwhelming.
I’ve spent a lot of time behind various optics on my own 17 HMR rifles, testing them in real-world conditions. This hands-on experience has given me a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. The goal here is to cut through the noise and give you a straightforward look at the top performers for 2025. Let’s get into the list of the best scopes for 17 HMR that deliver on their promises without breaking the bank.
Top Picks for the Best Scopes for 17 HMR
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
- Burris Droptine Riflescope 3-9×40 Ballistic Plex
- Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 MAG Riflescope
- Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II is a workhorse that I find myself recommending time and again. Its 3-9x magnification is the sweet spot for a 17 HMR, giving you enough power to reach out to 200 yards while staying wide enough for closer, faster shots. The 50mm objective lens is a standout feature, pulling in a ton of light during those critical dawn and dusk hours when varmints are most active. The glass is surprisingly clear for its price point, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is simple and effective, allowing you to hold over without fiddling with dials.
Where this scope really shines is in its build quality and Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty. It feels solid, the adjustments are crisp and audible, and it holds zero perfectly on the sharp recoil of a 17 HMR. I’ve used this scope in everything from light rain to dusty conditions without any issues with fogging or clarity loss. It’s a bit larger and heavier than some options, but the extra light transmission is a fair trade-off. For a hunter or plinker who wants a reliable, no-nonsense optic from a top-tier company, the Crossfire II is an excellent starting point.
Pros
- Excellent light gathering with a 50mm objective lens
- Very clear glass for the price
- Vortex’s VIP warranty is unbeatable
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than scopes with smaller objectives
- Reticle is not illuminated
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
If you’re looking for American-made quality in a lightweight package, the Leupold VX-Freedom deserves your attention. Weighing in at just over 11 ounces, it’s one of the lightest scopes in its class, which is a huge benefit if you do a lot of walking while hunting. The Twilight Light Management System is not just marketing jargon; it genuinely extends your shooting time in low light by reducing glare and boosting contrast. I’ve found the image to be exceptionally bright and sharp from edge to edge.
The VX-Freedom is built to be tough. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, and I can confirm it handles the elements without a problem. The finger-adjustable CDS dials are precise and easy to use, even with gloves on. While it comes at a slightly higher price point than some budget options, you’re paying for optical clarity, rugged reliability, and a lifetime warranty that Leupold is famous for. For the shooter who values quality over features and wants a scope that will last a lifetime, this is a top-tier choice.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Superb optical clarity with Twilight Light Management System
- Rugged, waterproof construction backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Higher price point than entry-level scopes
- Standard duplex reticle may be too simple for some long-range shooting
Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
It’s a shame Nikon exited the riflescope market, but the Prostaff Rimfire II remains a fantastic option if you can find one. This scope was specifically engineered for rimfire cartridges like the 17 HMR. The BDC 150 reticle is calibrated for the trajectory of a 17-grain V-Max bullet zeroed at 100 yards, which is spot-on for this round. I found it to be incredibly easy to use; the circles on the reticle correspond almost perfectly to holdover points out to around 200 yards.
The optics are what you’d expect from Nikon: bright, clear, and color-accurate. The spring-loaded adjustment turrets are designed to be reset to zero, which is a nice touch. While it may not have the bomb-proof reputation of a Leupold or Vortex, it’s a well-built scope that performs exactly as intended. For a dedicated 17 HMR setup, especially for hunters who want a reticle tailored to their cartridge, the Prostaff Rimfire II is a purpose-built tool that works wonderfully.
Pros
- BDC 150 reticle is perfectly matched to the 17 HMR trajectory
- Very good optical quality for the price
- Simple and effective design for rimfire applications
Cons
- Nikon no longer manufactures riflescopes, so availability is limited
- Build quality is good but not on par with higher-end brands
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
For the precision-minded shooter who wants to push their 17 HMR to its absolute limits on the benchrest, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 is a fantastic value. The 6-24x magnification range is overkill for most hunting scenarios but is ideal for target shooting and small group analysis at 100-200 yards. The first focal plane (FFA) reticle is the key feature here; the reticle subtensions remain accurate at every magnification level, making precise holdovers and windage corrections a breeze.
The glass is clear, the turrets are tactile and repeatable, and the included flip-up lens caps are a nice bonus. The illuminated APLR2 reticle is busy at lower powers but becomes very useful on higher magnifications. This scope is larger and heavier than a traditional hunting scope, so it’s best suited for a rifle that will primarily be shot from a rest. If you’re serious about seeing what your 17 HMR can do on paper, the Argos BTR Gen2 offers features typically found on scopes costing twice as much.
Pros
- First Focal Plane reticle is excellent for precision shooting
- High magnification range is perfect for target work
- Great feature set for the price, including illuminated reticle
Cons
- Large and heavy, not suitable for a lightweight hunting rifle
- Reticle can be too complex for quick shots in the field
Burris Droptine Riflescope 3-9×40 Ballistic Plex
The Burris Droptine is another solid, dependable option that punches above its weight class. The Ballistic Plex reticle is straightforward, with hash marks below the crosshair for holdover points. It’s not cartridge-specific like the Nikon, but it’s very easy to learn and use effectively with the 17 HMR. The optics are bright and sharp, and the entire scope feels robust and well-made. I’ve been impressed with its ability to maintain zero and its overall durability.
One of the best features of any Burris scope is the Forever Warranty. It’s a no-fault policy that protects your investment for life. The Droptine offers excellent value, providing Burris’s quality and warranty at a very accessible price point. It’s a simple, effective scope that does everything you need a 17 HMR scope to do without any unnecessary frills. For a hunter who wants a trusted name and a worry-free warranty, the Droptine is a smart buy.
Pros
- Clear optics and a simple, effective Ballistic Plex reticle
- Built to last with solid construction
- Backed by Burris’s excellent Forever Warranty
Cons
- Reticle is not illuminated
- Turret adjustments are a bit mushy compared to more expensive models
Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 MAG Riflescope
If your budget is the primary concern, the Simmons 3-9x32mm is a classic that has been mounted on countless rimfire rifles for decades. It’s a basic, no-frills scope that gets the job done. The .22 MAG designation means it’s parallax-adjusted for rimfire distances, which is a plus for accuracy. The optics are decent for the price, allowing you to see your target clearly within the effective range of the 17 HMR.
It’s not going to have the crystal-clear glass or rugged construction of the more expensive options on this list, but it’s a perfectly serviceable scope for plinking or casual pest control at shorter ranges. The QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece allows for fast focusing, and the whole package is lightweight. For a beginner or someone with a truck gun who needs a functional scope without a significant investment, the Simmons represents the bare minimum I’d recommend while still being reliable.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point
- Parallax adjusted for rimfire distances
- Lightweight and simple to use
Cons
- Optical quality is noticeably lower than other scopes here
- Durability is not on the same level as higher-priced competitors
Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
Hawke is a brand that has earned a great reputation in the airgun and rimfire world, and the Vantage series shows why. The 4-12×40 AO model is a great fit for the 17 HMR, offering a bit more top-end magnification for precise shot placement. The adjustable objective (AO) is a critical feature; it allows you to correct for parallax at any distance, which is a huge advantage for accuracy when shooting at varying ranges. I find this feature especially useful on a flat-shooting round like the 17 HMR.
The glass is very good, with a crisp, mil-dot reticle that is easy to see and use. The build quality feels solid, and the scope includes Hawke’s lifetime warranty. The Vantage strikes a nice balance between a hunting scope and a target scope, giving you the flexibility for both applications. If you want more magnification and the precision of an adjustable objective without stepping up to a large, heavy tactical scope, the Hawke Vantage is an excellent middle-ground option
Buying Guide: 8 Best Scopes for 17 HMR in 2025
Choosing the right scope for your 17 HMR is a big part of getting the most out of this fantastic rimfire cartridge. The 17 HMR is known for its flat trajectory and minimal wind drift at its effective range, making it a top pick for varmint hunting and target shooting. To match its performance, you need an optic that offers clear glass and reliable adjustments. I always look for scopes with a variable magnification, something like a 3-9x or 4-12x, which gives me the flexibility for closer, quicker shots and longer, precise ones.
Parallax adjustment is another feature I consider essential. Many scopes are set for parallax at 100 yards, but the 17 HMR shines at distances where a 50-yard parallax setting is more appropriate. A scope with an adjustable objective (AO) or a side focus parallax knob lets me get a sharp, clear sight picture without any point-of-impact shift. It makes a noticeable difference in accuracy.
When I’m thinking about reticles, a simple duplex is great for hunting, but I prefer a mildot or MOA-based reticle. It helps with holdovers for those longer shots, which is where the 17 HMR really shows its stuff. The turrets are important too; you want them to be tactile and repeatable. While you might not be dialing for windage constantly, knowing your adjustments are consistent is a huge confidence booster.
Finally, consider the build quality. A scope for the 17 HMR doesn’t need to be as bomb-proof as one for a heavy-recoiling magnum centerfire, but it still needs to be tough. Look for nitrogen purging to prevent fogging and a solid construction that can handle being carried through the field. The best scopes for 17 HMR in 2025 balance optical clarity, useful features, and a price that makes sense for a rimfire rifle.
FAQ
What magnification range is best for a 17 HMR?
For most uses like varmint control or target shooting, I find a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x to be the sweet spot. This gives you a wide field of view for acquiring closer-moving targets and enough power to place precise shots out to 200 yards and beyond. Higher magnifications can be useful for target work, but they can be overkill and make finding a target in the scope harder at typical hunting distances.
Why is parallax adjustment so important for a 17 HMR scope?
Parallax error can cause your point of aim to shift if your eye isn’t perfectly centered behind the scope. Since the 17 HMR is often used for precise shots on small targets at varying distances—from 50 to 200 yards—having a parallax adjustment that you can set to the exact range eliminates this error. It’s a key feature for achieving the best accuracy this round is capable of.
Can I use a scope designed for a centerfire rifle on my 17 HMR?
You absolutely can. There’s no technical reason stopping you. However, scopes built for high-recoil centerfires often have features you’re paying for but don’t necessarily need on a low-recoil rimfire, like a super-robust internal construction. You can often find scopes specifically marketed for rimfire that have more appropriate parallax settings (e.g., set at 50 yards) and a better price point for the 8 best scopes for 17 HMR in 2025.
What type of reticle should I choose?
This depends on your primary use. A standard duplex reticle is simple, uncluttered, and excellent for most hunting situations. If you plan on shooting at various distances and want to use holdover points without adjusting your turrets, a reticle with hash marks like a mildot or MOA is a great tool. It adds a bit of versatility for longer-range shooting.
How much should I spend on a scope for my 17 HMR?
This is a personal decision, but a good rule I use is to spend an amount proportional to the rifle’s capabilities and your own expectations. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but investing in a quality optic from a reputable brand in the $150 to $400 range will generally get you a scope with clear glass, reliable adjustments, and a durable build that will improve your shooting experience.