Best Scopes for 17 WSM Rifle

A Comprehensive Guide

If you want to experience the simplicity in hunting, you need to step up your game with the best scopes for 17 WSM. Whether you are a deer hunter or any kind of hunter, having the best scope to hunt down that animal is a sure way to having a good day out in the field.

Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50 PA SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA

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Last update was on: Mar 22, 2023 02:50:37 AM

However, a few people end up returning with their heads down and hunting seems to be more laborious than they expected. This is not due to a lack of skill or competence but to an incomplete rifle. Just a tiny bit of an accessory is missing – a 17 WSM rifle scope. What exactly is a rifle scope? It is a device for optical sighting which is based on a refracting telescope. It helps to provide accurate aim and magnification of the target. And with the right riflescope for you yes, you can catch the biggest game ever.

 

The excitement you should feel now when going to the forest should be that of a proud mom and not with your heart hoping you would succeed in the next hunt. If you, as a 17 WSM rifle hunter, would be seen as the best hunter for your field, you need nothing but the best scope. While we are talking all about the scope, there is a process of searching out the best one needed for you and this can be tricky because of the diverse products on the market. 

Table of Contents

If you are in a hurry to purchase the best scopes for 17 WSM rifle, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:

Top 3 Best Scopes for 17 WSM Rifle

And we have saved you from the problem of deciding which to get by putting out this article so you can see which suits you best. Following extensive research, we have been able to select 5 specific scopes that can be used for a 17 WSM Rifle. Each of these selected scopes has its characteristics and none is better than the other, it just suits the type of hunting you want to venture into. And while selecting what you need with each one competing with the others, bear in mind that you are purchasing what you need, not what looks nice to own. And now, you can refurnish your 17 WSM by getting any of the scopes below

What a 17 WSM Scope Should Offer You?

In your purchase of scope, do not just be excited with the scope that has all the features you desire, purchase the scope that offers you the following.  

Productivity

It is becoming more rampant that many see hunting as a skill rather than a profession. Though the majority seem to live with just being able to go into the woods and catch a small squirrel. I tell you that with scope for your rifle, you can catch a big game or several big games. And the question is how? When you go into the woods, one of your success rates is dependent on how good the optics is. A more advanced optic, helps you magnify the game and see its location. Compared to when the magnification is low, you can decipher the area you want to shoot and get the game. Productivity is enhanced and you go back with smiles on your face when you can aim at the intended game and get it. 

Improved Shooting Accuracy

What else can increase the productivity of your hunt if not having a good shot at the target? The scope helps you to achieve this by allowing the target to look closer to you, and your aim clearer. The successful completion is when you eventually hit the target – this can be likened to when a soldier eventually catches that being that has been disturbing the society – sweet victory.

Cost Effective

Having a rifle where every single time after a hunt you go to the gun store to purchase a bullet can be tiring, am I right? So now, with the scope as an accessory, you can avoid all the unnecessary expenses. The scope gives you a clearer image and shot at the target and prevents you from using numerous bullets. This on one side, saves you, the hunter from purchasing new packs of bullets after a hunt.

5 Best Scopes for 17 WSM Rifle (Ranked And Reviewed)

1. Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
$499 $0
22 03 2023
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
20 new from $499

Specifications

Vortex Optic Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescope is built on a 30mm main tube. It uses Dead-Hold BDC which is good for hunting at varying ranges. It has an objective lens of 50mm which makes it heavy, but this also gives it the ability to transmit a clear image at any time of the day. Not only does this transmit the image clearer, but it can also view the target or image very clearly. You would experience little or no stress in handling.

 

Along with all the pleasant surprises that the scope comes with, one of them is its fast-focus eyepiece. It allows you to easily locate the target, and coupled with its great transmission, your hunt should be a successful one. Its light transmission ability helps you to be able to hunt at any time of the day. If you are a night hunter, you should consider being a proud owner of this. It is a good scope to purchase and it is relatively cheap.

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2. Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope
$129.99 $179.99
22 03 2023
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
10 new from $129

Specifications

Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope is a scope that has its tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum that gives it the ability to withstand harsh conditions fog proof and waterproof. It uses a BDC reticle which is good for hunting at varying ranges, and its ease in controlling. Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope has an objective lens (diameter) of 32mm.

 

Although this is fairly heavy (in weight), its light transmission is fairly good, but would not be advisable for night hunting. With Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope in your grip, you have a guarantee that you are going to have a successful hunt. This scope has all-around goodness attached to it even with its inability to give a good light transmission at night, you should aim towards getting it and be a proud user.

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Negatives

3. BSA Optics

BSA Optics
$0 $0
22 03 2023
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new from $

Specifications

The BSA Super Mag 17SM scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It was specifically designed for Winchester 17 Super Mag Cartridge and has an adjustable objective which helps it focus well. This scope would help you to aim at your target well even if the animal is moving. With its reticle which has red, green, and blue colors (RGB) that are glass-etched, it provides more illumination. The scope is equipped with a ranging ballistic reticle in which you can calibrate bullets at 20 and 25grain, and its eye relief reduces the risk of accident every time the scope is fired because there is an adequate distance between your eyes and the eyepiece. It is considerably cheap and affordable, and one nice thing about this is that it can be used in the dark where there is little or no light because of its illuminated feature. It is used for hunting and can properly focus within about 200 yards. However, it is larger than other riflescopes.

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Negatives

4. BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope

BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope
$90.84 $117.99
22 03 2023
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2 new from $89.99

Specifications

BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot is a superb choice for long-range shots. It focuses properly in harsh conditions. It is not a scope that is only good for taking long shots in harsh conditions but also allows you to see your target very close to you – zoom adjustment. You can easily take accurate shots. It has a Mil-Dot reticle itself and its adjustable objective lens helps it to correct parallax error. This would enable you to see the target (not other things) and take accurate shots. Along with the ability to correct errors, BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot has a target dot which makes it easier to focus on the animal and trace its movement. You would want to consider getting this scope if you prefer to shoot down the animal from a very long distance.

BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope.

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5. Simmons 3-9 x 32mm .22 Waterproof Fog-proof Matte Black Riflescope

Simmons 3-9 x 32mm .22 Waterproof Fog-proof Matte Black Riflescope
$49.38 $0
22 03 2023
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
22 new from $49.38

Specifications

The matte black Simmons 22 Mag 3 – 9×32 riflescope is a great rifle for hunting and it is very affordable. It can be used to magnify objects with a minimum magnification of 3 and a maximum of 9. Simmons 22 Mag 3 – 9×32 riflescope is better used for short distance targets. It has lots of features which portrays its beauty. These features aid their performance – ranging from Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece, which helps the scope I’m focusing accurately and easily on the target; to the triplex reticle. The triplex reticle is a very good reticle and its heavy lines that are intersected in the middle give a finer aim.

 

They allow the eye to find the center of the target easily and hence take a good shot. This scope for a 17 WSM rifle is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. You do not have to worry about the rain when hunting because its HydroShield exterior lens also helps it to maintain a clear sight. If you are thinking about how you can assemble it, note that it is very easy. It has accompanying mounting rings and machine screws; along with its handle which aids with the manipulation of the scope. The scope also comes along with optical glass lenses that are fully coated and an adjustment system for TruZero elevation and windage adjustment.

Simmons 3-9 x 32mm .22 Waterproof Fog-proof Matte Black Riflescope.

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What to Look Out for When Getting the Best Scope for 17 WSM?

There are some factors that you should consider before buying your scope. This would help you avoid buying a scope that will not fit into your requirements. So we have provided you with some guides below to ease your search.

Magnification

In a rifle scope, magnification is one of the key features. This would help you to see and focus on your target. It would be wise to ensure that you know the range you want to target or to know the area you want to hunt so you do not buy that of a different range or different area. But generally, riflescopes have different magnification sizes. If your goal is to shoot long distances, then you should consider purchasing one of at least 12-20x magnification. The farther the target you want to aim at, the more magnification is needed to focus appropriately. Moreover, taking into consideration the animal, target, location, etc that you want to hunt in, would help you in purchasing the appropriate scope and having an excellent result.

Clarity

In purchasing, take note not to just get any scope but one that has the appropriate objective lens and lens coating to prevent waste of resources. Always ensure that you have a set rule for the type of animal you want to venture in, to prevent unwanted scope that would give you obscured views. So, choose the scope that best fits the characteristics of what you want to hunt for. For example, in selecting a scope, the objective lens which refers to the lens diameter helps you in figuring out the amount of light that your scope can transmit is very important. If you want a clearer image, you should consider going for a scope with a larger diameter. Even though, this would mean that the scope with a larger diameter is larger than others.

Reticle

This particular feature in a rifle scope helps to direct the bullet. A scope without a reticle is like a hunter going through lots of stress before firing at the static or moving target. Life has been made easier with reticles. And these reticles come in different forms – some are built for specific types of targets, some are built for specific environmental conditions. The duplex reticle is a very good one for hunting – for hunting big game or in thick bushes. And while a duplex reticle is good for particular types of game, a dot reticle might not be, so be careful not to just purchase anyone irrespective of your hunting type. Each reticle has its peculiarity.

Price

As much as you want and as much as we are providing you with the best budget, it would be wise for you to stick with a pre-planned budget so you don’t overshoot yourself. If you are in search of a scope that has a fast-focus eyepiece, you can consider BSA Optic Super Mag which is affordable. Also bear in mind that sticking within your budget can still afford you the best scope you need.

Material

A lot of people might just see the material or the make of the scope as the design the manufacturer decided to come up with. But instead, also let the choice of the scope be dependent on the material. Purchase scopes that can withstand water, rain, shock, or even fog, this would go a long way in making it possible to use the scope for a long time. Its durability is very important, and you do not want to be purchasing a new scope every 2 months because you went to the thick forest and it couldn’t withstand the weather. Vortex Optics Crossfire Second Riflescope is an example of a scope that can withstand any weather condition.

Type of Rifle

Are you a stupendous buyer? Here is the time to pause. In purchasing a scope, firstly note the type of rifle you have at hand, is it a 17WSM or 17HMR? Was the rifle built for short-range shots? Or does it produce low recoil? This would help you in purchasing the right size of scope – in weight and other features like the best objective lens or magnifier that is required. When you are clear on the type of rifle you want to purchase or the type you already have, then you can decide which of the scopes to get.

Weight

As much as weight seems like an insignificant feature in a riflescope, a lightweight scope like BSA Optic Super Magnification would go a long way in relieving stress especially if you have had a long day hunting. So be very cautious of the weight of the scope you want to purchase. 

FAQs

Important Note:

Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.

A 17 Winchester Super Magnum will shoot for 165 yards. Its varmint cartridge is what gives it an accurate shot. 

Important Note:

Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.

The magnification of a scope is directly proportional to the distance of the target. And so, for a 500-yard shot, the magnification needed is 18x. This is the minimum being at 5x but for a better focus, 18x. Its adjustable magnification helps it to focus on the different targets.

Important Note:

Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.

The best 17 WSM rifle is built by Ruger. This is because it is good for a longer shooting session. And for a large number of hunters who aim far, Ruger’s product is the very best for them. The Ruger’s rifle can be made up of different materials, a cold hammer-forged alloy, a matte stainless, or rugged stainless steel with a 900 bolt throw.

Conclusion

We have made your search for the best scope for 17 WSM by putting this article together. And seeing that owning the best scope is not all about going to the market, but also updating yourself on the products that serve your preference, you would have the best times in the wild. In the selection process, remember to choose based on your preference so you don’t have a scope that is just uselessly lying at home. One way to make your hunt interesting is paying attention to the color, structure, and design of the scope. This would give you a colorful hunting session. Safety is also a vital factor you must consider when making your purchase.

 

Get scopes that allow you to quickly take your shots whenever you see a target, especially when you are in the woods. This is why it is important to get scopes that can catch any activity in the location you are in – this helps you to be better protected in your hunt. Imagine going for a hunt and you find your target but when you focus on the target, it is blurry and dark. That would give you a fruitless hunt because you cannot make accurate shots and the essence of getting a scope is made of no effect again. So, you must get a scope that has a high level of light transmission – this would provide a very clear and bright picture anytime and any day.

 

Like we said, having a scope with a high level of light transmission is very important but also bear in mind that it would be best to purchase a scope that can function properly during the day and night time. It would greatly benefit you because it would prevent you from purchasing additional scopes for day and night. A scope that can also withstand any harsh condition should be gotten so you do not have to necessarily run under a shade to prevent the rifle and scope from getting destroyed. We believe this article would guide you in the proper selection of your preferred. Make your choice of purchasing the best scope for your hunting preference and improve your all-around performance.

Our Research Process

Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.

Author Profile

Gabriel Tackett
Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.