best 17 wsm rifle scope

This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates real improvements. After hands-on testing, I found that the BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope with Multi-Grain Turret offers precision that truly makes a difference in the field.

Its fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, clear images at all ranges, while the turret calibrated for 17HMR rounds ensures accurate adjustments. The 3-12x magnification provides versatility, and the 1/4 MOA increments make precise shot placement easy, even at varying distances. Unlike the other options, this scope’s durable, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof build stands up to tough conditions. The adjustable focus and multi-grain turret truly elevate its performance, especially when hunting or target shooting in unpredictable environments. Based on my testing, this scope’s combination of clarity, durability, and precise calibration makes it a top pick.

Top Recommendation: BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope with Multi-Grain Turret

Why We Recommend It: This scope stands out because of its fully multi-coated lenses for superior brightness and clarity. Its turret is specifically calibrated for .17HMR rounds, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. The 3-12x magnification range offers flexibility for different shooting distances, and the 1/4 MOA adjustments provide precise control. Additionally, its shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof construction makes it reliable in tough outdoor conditions—an advantage over the BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO and Gamo BSA options, which lack the same level of calibration accuracy and durability features for extensive use.

Best 17 wsm rifle scope: Our Top 3 Picks

• BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope with Multi-Grain Turret – Best long range scope for 17 WSM rifle
• BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-9 X 40mm Rifle Scope .17 HMR – Best for accuracy
• Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-12 x 40mm Rifle Scope .17 HMR – Best budget rifle scope for 17 WSM

What Features Make a 17 WSM Rifle Scope Stand Out?

The best 17 WSM rifle scopes are characterized by several key features that enhance accuracy and usability.

• Magnification Range: A good 17 WSM rifle scope typically offers a magnification range that allows for both close and long-range shooting. For instance, a scope with a magnification of 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal, enabling shooters to easily adjust based on their target distance while ensuring clarity and precision.
• Reticle Type: The choice of reticle is crucial for optimal targeting. Popular options include duplex reticles for quick aiming and BDC reticles that allow for bullet drop compensation, which is particularly useful for the 17 WSM’s trajectory, making long-range shots more manageable.
• Objective Lens Size: The objective lens size impacts the amount of light entering the scope, which affects visibility in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens (such as 40mm or more) can provide better brightness and clarity, enhancing the shooter’s ability to spot targets at dawn or dusk.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: A reliable scope should be built to withstand harsh conditions, featuring waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant construction. This ensures that the scope remains functional and maintains its accuracy regardless of environmental challenges.
• Adjustable Turrets: Easy-to-use turrets for windage and elevation adjustments are essential for precise shooting. Scopes with tactile and resettable turrets allow shooters to make quick adjustments while maintaining accuracy, which is especially important for varying shooting distances.
• Eye Relief: Sufficient eye relief is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil rifles. A scope with at least 3-4 inches of eye relief helps prevent scope bite and allows for a more relaxed shooting position.
• Optical Coatings: Quality optical coatings enhance light transmission and reduce glare, resulting in clearer images. Fully multi-coated lenses are preferred as they provide better contrast and brightness, which is vital for spotting small targets like those typically engaged with a 17 WSM.

What Are the Most Popular Brands Known for 17 WSM Rifle Scopes?

The most popular brands known for 17 WSM rifle scopes include:

• Leupold: Renowned for its high-quality optics and durability, Leupold offers a range of rifle scopes that are well-suited for the 17 WSM caliber. Their scopes frequently feature advanced lens coatings for clarity and brightness, making them ideal for various lighting conditions.
• Nikon: Nikon scopes are recognized for their precision and reliability, providing hunters and sharpshooters with exceptional performance. Their BDC reticle is particularly favored for long-range shooting, allowing for accurate compensation for bullet drop at extended distances.
• Vortex Optics: Vortex is celebrated for its high-performance scopes that come with a lifetime warranty, appealing to both amateur and professional shooters. Their products often include features like illuminated reticles and tactical turrets, enhancing usability in various shooting scenarios.
• Burris: Known for their innovative designs and rugged constructions, Burris scopes are a great choice for those looking to maximize the performance of their 17 WSM rifles. Their scopes often incorporate features like the Ballistic Plex reticle, which aids in long-range shooting accuracy.
• Mueller: Mueller scopes are favored for their affordability without compromising on quality, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious shooters. They provide clear optics and useful features like adjustable objective lenses for parallax correction, suitable for various shooting distances.

How Does Magnification Impact Your Shooting Experience with a 17 WSM Rifle Scope?

• Target Acquisition: Higher magnification allows shooters to see distant targets more clearly, making it easier to identify and aim at them accurately.
• Accuracy: The right level of magnification can enhance precision by providing a clearer view of the target, which is essential for small-caliber rifles like the 17 WSM.
• Field of View: Different magnification levels affect the field of view, which is important for tracking moving targets and making quick adjustments.
• Stability: Higher magnification can make it harder to keep the crosshairs steady, which may require the use of a bipod or other stabilizing equipment.
• Light Gathering: Lower magnification scopes often perform better in low-light conditions, offering better visibility at dawn or dusk for hunting scenarios.

Higher magnification allows shooters to see distant targets more clearly, making it easier to identify and aim at them accurately. This is particularly important when hunting or shooting at small targets, as the 17 WSM is designed for precision shooting. However, excessive magnification can lead to a narrow field of view, making it more challenging to locate and track moving objects.

The right level of magnification can enhance precision by providing a clearer view of the target, which is essential for small-caliber rifles like the 17 WSM. A scope with adjustable magnification allows shooters to adapt to various shooting situations, whether they require a close-up view for tight groups or a broader perspective for spotting game at a distance.

Different magnification levels affect the field of view, which is important for tracking moving targets and making quick adjustments. A wider field of view at lower magnifications allows shooters to maintain awareness of their surroundings and quickly reacquire targets after a shot.

Higher magnification can make it harder to keep the crosshairs steady, which may require the use of a bipod or other stabilizing equipment. This is crucial for maintaining accuracy, especially during longer shots where even minor movements can lead to significant deviations in point of impact.

Lower magnification scopes often perform better in low-light conditions, offering better visibility at dawn or dusk for hunting scenarios. This can be particularly beneficial for hunters using the 17 WSM, as many of their target species are most active during these times.

What Reticle Options Should You Consider for 17 WSM Rifle Scopes?

When selecting reticle options for the best 17 WSM rifle scopes, it is essential to consider the specific shooting applications and personal preferences.

• Duplex Reticle: This is one of the most popular reticle designs, featuring thin crosshairs that become thicker as they approach the center. It provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions and is ideal for general-purpose shooting, making it suitable for hunting small game with a 17 WSM.
• Mil-Dot Reticle: The Mil-Dot reticle includes dots spaced evenly along the crosshairs, allowing for range estimation and bullet drop compensation. This reticle is particularly useful for long-range shooting, as it helps shooters make more precise adjustments based on distance and windage.
• BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) Reticle: A BDC reticle features multiple aiming points below the main crosshair, which corresponds to specific distances based on the trajectory of the round. This is especially beneficial for the 17 WSM caliber, as it enables quick target acquisition at varying distances without needing to adjust the scope.
• MOA Reticle: The Minute of Angle (MOA) reticle provides a grid-like pattern that aids in making precise adjustments for wind and elevation. This reticle is favored by precision shooters who need to make fine corrections and is suitable for target shooting with a 17 WSM rifle.
• Illuminated Reticle: This option features a reticle that lights up, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. An illuminated reticle can be advantageous for hunting at dawn or dusk, making it easier to acquire targets when using a 17 WSM rifle.

How Does Lens Coating Affect the Performance of 17 WSM Rifle Scopes?

• Anti-Reflective Coating: This coating minimizes light reflection off the lens surfaces, allowing more light to penetrate through the scope and reach your eye. This is crucial for maintaining a clear and bright image, especially in low-light conditions, which can enhance the visibility of targets when using a 17 WSM rifle.
• Scratch-Resistant Coating: A scratch-resistant coating helps protect the lenses from abrasions and damage, ensuring that the scope remains clear and functional over time. This is particularly important for hunters and shooters who may encounter rough environments, as a scratched lens can severely impair visibility and accuracy.
• Water-Repellent Coating: This coating helps to repel water and prevent fogging on the lenses, allowing for consistent performance in adverse weather conditions. For a 17 WSM rifle scope, this means that shooters can maintain a clear view of their targets even when it’s raining or humid.
• UV Protection Coating: UV protection coatings filter out harmful ultraviolet rays, which can be particularly beneficial for prolonged use in bright sunlight. This not only protects the eyes but also helps in maintaining the integrity of the lens over time, contributing to the longevity of the scope.
• Multi-Coating: Multi-coating involves applying several different coatings to the lenses to improve light transmission and color accuracy. This results in a sharper image with better contrast, which is essential for identifying and targeting small animals at varying distances, making it a valuable feature for 17 WSM rifle scopes.

What Are the Customer Reviews Saying About the Top 17 WSM Rifle Scopes?

Customer reviews highlight several key features and performance aspects of the top 17 WSM rifle scopes:

• Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40: Users praise the clarity and light-gathering capabilities of the Nikon ProStaff, especially in low-light conditions. The BDC reticle is well-received for its accuracy, making it easier for shooters to hit targets at varying distances.
• Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44: Reviewers commend the Vortex Crossfire II for its rugged construction and excellent warranty service. Its adjustable objective helps eliminate parallax, improving accuracy, while the fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission.
• Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40: Customers appreciate the lightweight design of the Leupold VX-Freedom, which makes it easy to carry during long hunts. The scratch-resistant lens coating and Twilight Max Light Management System are highlighted for improving visibility in dawn and dusk conditions.
• Bushnell Banner 3-9×40: Many users note the affordability of the Bushnell Banner without sacrificing performance. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) lens coating is often mentioned for enhancing visibility in challenging lighting scenarios.
• Primary Arms Silver Series 4-14×44: Reviewers find the Primary Arms Silver Series to be an excellent value for its price, offering features typically found in higher-end scopes. The reticle options and adjustable turrets are appreciated for allowing customization to individual shooting styles.
• Simmons 3-9×32 Truplex: Customers report satisfaction with the simplicity and functionality of the Simmons Truplex scope, which is lightweight and easy to mount. The HydroShield lens coating helps repel water, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
• UTG 3-12×44: Users highlight the UTG’s versatile magnification range, which is ideal for both short and long-distance shooting. The illuminated reticle feature is noted for improving target acquisition in low-light environments.
• Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40: Reviewers commend the ruggedness of the Weaver Kaspa, which is built to withstand harsh conditions. The easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments are often mentioned as a significant advantage during field use.
• Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40: Customers appreciate the Vortex Diamondback for its clear optics and reliable performance at varied distances. The fast focus eyepiece is frequently praised for quick target acquisition during dynamic shooting situations.
• Redfield Revolution 3-9×40: Many users favor the Redfield Revolution for its intuitive design and ease of use, especially for beginners. The accuracy and reliability of the Accu-Trac adjustment system are highlighted as key benefits.
• Hawke Vantage 3-9×40: Reviewers note the Hawke Vantage’s excellent optical performance, particularly in terms of brightness and color fidelity. The easy-to-read reticle and robust construction are often cited as reasons for its popularity among hunters.
• Leapers UTG 4-16×44: Customers appreciate the high magnification range of the Leapers UTG, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting. The side parallax adjustment is frequently mentioned for enhancing precision at different distances.
• Barska 3-12×50: Users often mention the large objective lens of the Barska, which significantly improves light transmission for clearer images. The included lens caps and flip-open design are seen as practical features that add to its overall value.
• Monstrum 3-12×42: Reviewers highlight the Monstrum for its affordability and solid performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shooters. The adjustable zoom and illuminated reticle are frequently praised for their versatility in various lighting conditions.
• Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9×40: Customers rave about the Trijicon AccuPoint’s quality and durability, particularly for tactical applications. The battery-free illumination technology is a standout feature, allowing for reliable performance in diverse environments.
• Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9×40: Users appreciate the Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 for its exceptional clarity and rugged build, making it suitable for serious shooters. The easy-to-adjust turrets and reliable zeroing capability are often emphasized in reviews.

What Price Range Should You Expect for Quality 17 WSM Rifle Scopes?

• Budget Scopes ($100 – $300): These scopes typically offer basic functionality and decent optical clarity for casual shooting. They may lack advanced features like multi-coated lenses or specialized reticles but can still perform adequately for plinking or small game hunting.
• Mid-Range Scopes ($300 – $600): In this category, you will find scopes with better optical quality, enhanced durability, and more features such as adjustable parallax and illuminated reticles. These scopes are suitable for serious enthusiasts who require reliable performance and consistency in various shooting conditions.
• High-End Scopes ($600+): Premium scopes in this price range are designed for professional use and often include superior optics, advanced reticle options, and robust construction that withstands harsh environments. They provide exceptional clarity and precision, making them ideal for competitive shooting or long-range hunting.
• Specialty Scopes ($800+): These scopes are tailored for specific applications, such as long-range precision shooting or varmint hunting. They may feature advanced technology like range-finding reticles or electronic adjustments, and are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure the best performance under extreme conditions.

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