This is our comprehensive analysis of the 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle. The Savage 17 HMR rifle is renowned for its flat trajectory, accuracy, and effectiveness in varmint hunting and small-game shooting. To truly unlock its potential, pairing it with the right scope is essential.
The 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle provide a perfect balance of magnification, clarity, and durability, ensuring shooters can make precise shots at varying distances. Whether you’re targeting small game in open fields or managing varmints at extended ranges, the right optic enhances accuracy, improves low-light performance, and gives you confidence in every shot.
Choosing the 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle means considering factors such as magnification, optical quality, reticle design, parallax adjustment, and rugged construction to match both your shooting style and environment.
7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope stands out as one of the best optic choices for the Savage 17 HMR rifle, thanks to its balance of rugged durability, reliable performance, and clear optics. Engineered with precision and built to last, this scope combines Leupold’s decades of optical excellence with practical features suited for rimfire hunting and varmint control.
One of its defining highlights is the Duplex Reticle, designed with bold outer posts that remain highly visible against cluttered or low-light backgrounds. At the same time, the thin central lines allow for fine aiming, making it easier to acquire fast-moving targets like varmints while also supporting precise shot placement at distance. This dual nature of speed and precision makes the reticle ideal for the versatile capabilities of the Savage 17 HMR.
The scope also incorporates scratch-resistant lenses that meet extreme military-grade standards, ensuring clarity and durability even in rugged outdoor environments. Whether brushing through thick cover or resting your rifle against rough terrain, the lens coating protects your investment while maintaining a clear sight picture.
Another standout feature is the Advanced Optical System, which delivers excellent light transmission, particularly valuable during dawn and dusk hunting sessions. It also minimizes glare in harsh sunlight, giving you dependable visuals in varying light conditions. Extended glassing sessions remain comfortable thanks to its optimized balance of brightness, clarity, and resolution.
Durability is a core strength of the VX-Freedom. The scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This rugged construction means it can handle everything from recoil to unexpected weather without compromising performance. To top it off, Leupold backs the scope with its legendary customer care and warranty, giving shooters peace of mind.
When paired with the Savage 17 HMR, this riflescope provides the clarity, precision, and reliability needed for both hunting and target shooting. It’s a practical, no-nonsense optic that combines Leupold quality with an affordable price point.
Pros
- Duplex Reticle offers quick target acquisition and fine aiming precision
- Advanced Optical System provides excellent light transmission and glare reduction
- Scratch-resistant lenses protect against field wear and tear
- Rugged construction: waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
- Fixed parallax may not suit all precision rimfire shooters
2. BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope
The BSA 3-12×40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope is purpose-built for the .17 HMR cartridge, making it an outstanding companion for the Savage 17 HMR rifle. Unlike many general-use scopes, this optic was engineered with the ballistics of the .17 HMR in mind, providing shooters with precise adjustments and reliable accuracy when using 17-grain and 20-grain bullets. Its specialized features and affordable price point make it a go-to choice for varmint hunters and target shooters who want a scope tailored to their caliber.
One of the scope’s strongest assets is its calibrated turret system, which is specifically designed for .17 HMR 17gr. and 20gr. bullets. This eliminates much of the guesswork in bullet drop compensation and allows for quick, confident adjustments when shooting at varying distances. Paired with its 1/4 MOA click adjustments, the scope gives you the fine-tuned precision needed for long-range varmint hunting.
The scope’s 3-12x magnification range provides versatility, offering a wide field of view for closer shots at 3x while giving ample magnification at 12x for longer-range precision. The fully multi-coated optics enhance brightness and clarity, ensuring a clear sight picture even in changing light conditions. Combined with its generous 4 inches of eye relief, shooters can enjoy comfortable, extended shooting sessions without excessive eye strain or worry about recoil.
Durability is another strength of the BSA Sweet 17. The scope is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, meaning it can withstand recoil, harsh weather, and challenging environments without losing zero or compromising image quality. While it may not carry the same premium polish as higher-end optics, its rugged design ensures reliable performance in the field.
When mounted on a Savage 17 HMR rifle, the BSA Sweet 17 provides a purpose-driven shooting solution that maximizes the rifle’s potential. It’s an excellent choice for small game hunting, pest control, and long-range varmint shooting.
Pros
- Specifically designed for the .17 HMR cartridge
- Turrets calibrated for 17gr. and 20gr. bullets simplify ballistic compensation
- Versatile 3-12x magnification range for both close and long-range shooting
- Fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear images
- 4″ eye relief offers comfort and safety during extended sessions
- Durable construction: waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Affordable price point with strong value for money
Cons
- Slightly bulkier than more compact rimfire scopes
3. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 Rimfire .17 HMR Riflescope is a feature-rich optic designed with rimfire shooters in mind, making it an excellent match for the Savage 17 HMR rifle. It comes as a complete bundle, including the riflescope and Match Mount 1-inch 2-piece Weaver medium rings, ensuring a solid, ready-to-use setup straight out of the box.
This makes it an appealing option for shooters who want a straightforward installation without needing to purchase additional mounting hardware.
One of the key design advantages of this scope is its low-profile, no-snag turrets. These turrets allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments in 1/4 MOA clicks, and they can be easily reset to zero for quick re-calibration in the field.
This setup is especially useful for varmint hunters who often switch between different ranges and need fast, accurate adjustments without hassle.
The fully multi-coated optics provide excellent light transmission, delivering a bright, crisp image throughout the 4-12x magnification range. To further enhance versatility, the scope includes red and green illumination with five brightness levels, allowing shooters to maintain visibility and reticle clarity in low-light environments such as dawn or dusk.
This feature makes the Hawke Vantage particularly well-suited for the Savage 17 HMR’s role as a small game and varmint rifle, where low-light hunting is common.
Durability is another highlight of the Vantage series. Built on a single-piece mono-tube chassis, the scope offers superior strength and recoil resistance. Combined with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, it is ready for demanding hunting conditions without sacrificing reliability. This rugged design ensures that once mounted on a Savage 17 HMR, the scope will hold zero and deliver consistent performance shot after shot.
Pros
- Purpose-built for rimfire and .17 HMR rifles
- Bundle includes scope and Weaver rings for quick mounting
- Low-profile, no-snag turrets with easy zero-reset and 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Fully multi-coated optics for excellent clarity and light transmission
- Red/green illuminated reticle with five brightness levels for low-light shooting
- Durable mono-tube chassis; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Wide 4-12x magnification range ideal for both mid-range and long-range shots
Cons
- Slightly heavier than simpler rimfire scopes
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope is a versatile and budget-friendly option that pairs exceptionally well with the Savage 17 HMR rifle. Designed to provide hunters and target shooters with a balance of clarity, durability, and ease of use, this scope delivers strong performance at a price that won’t break the bank. Its magnification range is particularly well-suited for the effective shooting distances of the .17 HMR, offering both wide-field views for closer shots and precision at extended ranges.
At the core of its performance is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, a practical feature for hunters who deal with varying ranges. This reticle helps shooters estimate holdover and windage without guesswork, making it easier to stay accurate whether you’re targeting varmints up close or stretching the capabilities of the Savage 17 HMR further out.
Comfort and usability are strong selling points of this scope. With its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box, shooters can quickly acquire their target without struggling to find the right position behind the scope. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle focusing, which is especially useful when switching targets in dynamic hunting environments.
Optical performance is enhanced by anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses, which deliver bright and crisp images across lighting conditions. While it may not match premium glass, the Crossfire II consistently punches above its price range, offering clear views for small-game hunting or range sessions.
Durability is a defining feature of Vortex scopes, and the Crossfire II is no exception. Built from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, it is strong and shockproof, capable of withstanding rough handling in the field.
Additionally, it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, guaranteeing waterproof and fogproof performance even in unpredictable weather. Backed by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime VIP Warranty, this scope offers peace of mind, ensuring that it will be repaired or replaced if damaged or defective.
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover and windage estimation at varying ranges
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box for quick target acquisition
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustments
- Fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses provide bright and clear views
- Durable single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design
Cons
-
Limited magnification
5. Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope is a versatile optic that combines brightness, clarity, and rugged dependability making it a great match for the Savage 17 HMR rifle. Known as part of Bushnell’s trusted Banner Dusk & Dawn series, this scope is designed to give shooters an edge in the low-light conditions where varmints and small game are most active. Whether you’re hunting at first light or near dusk, its specialized coatings help maximize visibility and accuracy.
The highlight feature of the Banner series is its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, which provide superior light transmission and image clarity during those critical hunting hours. By reducing glare and enhancing contrast, the scope ensures you can clearly see your target even when the light begins to fade an essential feature for rimfire shooters who rely on precise shot placement.
This model offers a 4-12x magnification range, giving shooters flexibility for close to mid-range shots as well as longer distances that the Savage 17 HMR is capable of reaching.
Combined with the Multi-X reticle, which offers a simple and intuitive sight picture, it allows for quick aiming and dependable accuracy. The fully multi-coated optics further enhance brightness and sharpness, providing a clean view across magnification settings.
Durability is another key strength of the Banner 4-12×40. Its construction includes argon-purged fog-proofing, which ensures optical stability across varying temperatures, and IPX7 waterproofing, which protects the scope even if submerged in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes. Paired with its rugged one-piece design, the Banner is built to withstand both weather and recoil without losing zero.
While originally designed with centerfire rifles and even adult break-barrel airguns in mind, the Bushnell Banner 4-12×40 is an outstanding option for rimfire use, offering the magnification and clarity needed to get the most from the Savage 17 HMR platform.
Pros
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) lenses enhance visibility in low-light conditions
- Wide 4-12x magnification range ideal for short to long-range rimfire shooting
- Fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, high-contrast images
- Multi-X reticle is simple and effective for quick target acquisition
- Argon-purged design ensures fog-proof performance in varying temperatures
- IPX7 waterproof construction protects against immersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes
- Rugged and dependable build for field use
Cons
- Glass clarity is solid but not as refined as higher-end scopes
6. Burris Hunting Durable Waterproof High-Grade Optical Glass Droptine Riflescope
The Burris Droptine 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope is a versatile and durable optic designed for hunters and shooters who want to maximize the performance of their Savage 17 HMR. As the largest scope in the Droptine family, it stands out for offering extended shooting range capabilities without coming with a premium price tag. Whether you’re taking precision shots at small varmints or aiming at long-range targets, this scope ensures accuracy, clarity, and reliability.
One of its biggest strengths lies in its adjustable parallax focus, a feature that is crucial for long-distance shooting. Unlike other Droptine models, this scope allows shooters to fine-tune focus at varying ranges, minimizing parallax error and improving precision when accuracy matters most. Coupled with the Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides holdover points for longer distances, this scope makes stretching the legs of your Savage 17 HMR both practical and ethical.
The Burris Droptine also excels in optical performance. With high-grade optical glass and precision-ground lenses, it offers excellent brightness and clarity. Its Hi-Lume multicoating enhances low-light performance while reducing glare, ensuring crisp visibility even during dawn or dusk hunts when game is most active. The 42mm objective lens provides strong light transmission without making the scope overly bulky.
Durability is another hallmark of this riflescope. Built with a waterproof, nitrogen-filled tube, it resists fogging even in harsh weather conditions, and its rugged construction is designed to handle the demands of field use. The steel-on-steel adjustments guarantee repeatable accuracy, while the integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip ensures smooth, on-the-go adjustments.
Pros
- Extended range capability with 4.5-14x magnification and parallax adjustment
- Ballistic Plex reticle simplifies holdovers for longer shots
- High-grade optical glass for excellent clarity and light transmission
- Hi-Lume multicoating enhances low-light performance and reduces glare
- Durable and reliable: waterproof, nitrogen-filled, and fogproof
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments ensure repeatable accuracy
- No-slip grip eyepiece for easy field adjustments
Cons
- Parallax adjustment may require extra time for beginners to master
7. Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope
The Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope is an excellent choice for the Savage 17 HMR rifle, combining high-quality craftsmanship with reliable performance in the field. Built with precision and durability in mind, this scope is designed to deliver consistent accuracy whether you’re out varmint hunting, target shooting, or testing your rifle’s long-range capabilities. Its construction uses only the highest quality materials, ensuring rugged performance even under tough hunting conditions.
One of the key strengths of the Fullfield E1 is its tested reliability. Every scope undergoes strict quality control to guarantee dependable function, meaning shooters can trust it in a wide variety of environments. From its crystal-clear optics to its simple yet effective reticle, this scope offers ease of use without compromising on performance. The reticle provides precision for both short- and medium-range shooting, making it a versatile option for the flat-shooting Savage 17 HMR.
Additionally, the Burris Forever Warranty offers peace of mind. Covered for life with no questions asked, this warranty makes the Fullfield E1 a long-term investment. Hunters and shooters alike can rest assured that their scope will be repaired or replaced in case of defects or damage, without the hassle of complicated paperwork or conditions.
Pros
- Made with high-quality, durable materials
- Reliable performance tested for quality assurance
- Clear, bright optics suitable for hunting and target shooting
- Covered by Burris’s no-questions-asked lifetime warranty
- Easy-to-use design with a straightforward reticle
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features like parallax adjustment
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Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle
Magnification Range
The Savage 17 HMR is well-known for its flat trajectory and accuracy, making it ideal for small game hunting and varmint control at mid-to-long ranges. Choosing a scope with the right magnification is crucial. A lower magnification (3-9x) works well for close to medium distances, while higher magnifications provide better target identification and precision for longer shots. The best choice depends on your typical shooting distance and the size of your targets.
Optical Quality and Clarity
High-quality optics are essential for making the most of the 17 HMR’s accuracy. Look for scopes built with precision-ground, high-grade glass that ensures sharp images and minimal distortion. Features like multi-coated or index-matched lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare, giving you a brighter, clearer view even in low-light conditions. Clarity is especially important for small targets like varmints, where fine details can make the difference between a hit and a miss.
Reticle Design
The type of reticle can greatly influence your shooting experience with the 17 HMR. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and uncluttered, while ballistic reticles, such as the Ballistic Plex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), help account for bullet drop and wind drift at extended ranges. Since the 17 HMR is designed for precision shooting, choosing a reticle that matches your style—whether straightforward or tactical—can improve accuracy and confidence in the field.
Durability
Scopes for the Savage 17 HMR should be rugged enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Durability comes from high-quality materials, shockproof construction, and steel-on-steel adjustments for repeatability. Waterproof and nitrogen-filled scopes are essential to prevent fogging in rain, snow, or sudden temperature changes. A durable, field-ready design ensures consistent performance whether you’re hunting in the early morning dew or during a cold, wet evening.
Parallax Adjustment
As the 17 HMR is capable of ethical shots at extended distances, having a parallax adjustment can significantly enhance precision. Parallax-free shooting at longer ranges ensures that your point of aim aligns perfectly with your point of impact. While not every scope comes with adjustable parallax, it’s a valuable feature for shooters who regularly engage small targets at 100 yards or beyond.
FAQs of the 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle
Do I need a special reticle for the 17 HMR?
While a standard duplex reticle can perform well for short to medium distances, a ballistic reticle (such as a BDC or Ballistic Plex) is recommended if you want to account for bullet drop and wind drift at extended ranges. This helps maximize the 17 HMR’s accuracy for long-range varmint hunting.
Is parallax adjustment necessary on a 17 HMR scope?
It depends on your shooting style. For close to mid-range hunting, a fixed parallax setting is sufficient. However, if you plan on taking precise shots at longer distances, especially on small targets, a scope with adjustable parallax provides better accuracy and minimizes aiming errors.
What features ensure durability in a Savage 17 HMR scope?
Look for scopes that are made from high-quality materials, fully sealed, and nitrogen-purged to resist water and fog. Since the 17 HMR has low recoil, shock resistance is less demanding, but overall durability ensures consistent performance in various weather conditions.
Conclusion
Selecting the 7 Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle ensures you maximize its accuracy and performance in the field. From versatile hunting scopes with user-friendly designs to advanced optics with ballistic reticles and superior glass quality, each option offers unique advantages depending on your needs.
Whether you are a seasoned varmint hunter or a recreational shooter, investing in the right scope transforms the Savage 17 HMR into a highly effective and enjoyable tool for any shooting adventure.