16 Best 17 Hmr Scope of 2026 For Precision Varmint Hunting

1

6-18X40mm, 30/30 Duplex Reticle, Side Parallax, Black, 6-18x40mm

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  8.9
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Parallax Adjustment

Side parallax knob allows quick optical sharpening from 6x up to 18x magnification without reaching forward toward the objective bell.

Reticle Design

30/30 Duplex Crosshair

Pros & cons43

Pros

• 6-18x magnification provides substantial magnification for spotting distant targets
• Side parallax turret enables swift target focusing without reaching the front bell
• 30/30 Duplex reticle keeps sight picture uncluttered for traditional target hold
• 40mm objective lens balances light transmission with low-profile rifle mounting

Cons

• Duplex crosshairs lack dedicated .17 HMR bullet drop compensation markings
• Side focus dial distances must be confirmed during field zeroing
• Scope tube diameter is unstated in product details and requires confirmation

2

Monstrum Picatinny Rail Mount for Ruger American | Rimfire |

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  7.6
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Receiver Fit

Ruger American Rimfire

Ring Dimensions

1-Inch Tube / High Profile

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Pairs a dedicated Ruger American Rimfire rail directly with matching scope rings
• 1-inch ring diameter accommodates standard rimfire and hunting scope main tubes
• High-profile design provides necessary height to clear 40mm to 50mm objectives
• Picatinny rail cross-slots allow flexible ring spacing along the rifle receiver

Cons

• High ring profile may create an elevated line of sight on compact objective optics
• Rings do not fit 30mm diameter rifle scope tubes
• Receiver base is engineered specifically for Ruger American Rimfire actions

3

Monstrum Picatinny Rail Mount for Ruger American | Rimfire |

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  9.4
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Ring Dimensions

30mm Tube / High Profile

Objective Clearance

High-profile ring geometry creates adequate clearance for large 50mm objective bells over standard-contour rimfire barrels.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Bundles a Ruger American Rimfire rail with precision 30mm scope rings
• 30mm ring size fits heavy-duty long-range scopes with thicker main tubes
• High profile clears wide 50mm objective lens housings over the rifle barrel
• Cross-slot Picatinny rail ensures firm ring clamping under recoil

Cons

• Rings cannot clamp 1-inch diameter scope tubes without adapter sleeves
• High mount stance may raise sight plane above standard factory comb heights
• Compatibility is limited strictly to Ruger American Rimfire receivers

4

Monstrum Picatinny Rail Mount for Ruger American | Rimfire |

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  7.4
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Mounting Style

Slim Profile Offset Cantilever

Eye Relief Positioning

The offset cantilever geometry shifts 1-inch optics forward or backward along the receiver to achieve comfortable eye relief.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Complete bundle includes Ruger American Rimfire rail and a cantilever mount
• Offset cantilever design assists in setting optimal eye relief for comfortable shooting
• 1-inch mount clamps common 1-inch hunting and rimfire rifle scopes
• Slim profile reduces unnecessary mounting bulk over the receiver

Cons

• Incompatible with 30mm rifle scope tubes
• One-piece cantilever bracket cannot be adjusted for custom ring spacing
• Mounting plate fits only Ruger American Rimfire receiver screw spacing

5

Monstrum Picatinny Rail Mount for Ruger American | Rimfire |

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  7.1
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Mounting Style

Slim Profile 30mm Offset Mount

Tube Sizing

30mm Scope Tubes

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Combines a Ruger American Rimfire Picatinny rail with a 30mm offset mount
• 30mm tube aperture accommodates high-magnification tactical rimfire optics
• Cantilever extension helps position the ocular bell for correct eye relief
• Slim structural profile minimizes mounting footprint across the action

Cons

• Will not fit scopes featuring standard 1-inch main tubes
• Fixed ring separation cannot adjust to fit compact scope tube lengths
• Engineered exclusively for Ruger American Rimfire receivers

6

Monstrum RM135 and ZR32M-B and T13 Bundle

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  7.6
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Included Components

• Monstrum RM135 receiver rail
• Monstrum ZR32M-B mounting rings
• T13 installation hardware tool

Setup Requirement

Verify ring diameter and receiver screw spacing on your specific firearm before pairing this hardware bundle.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Bundles Monstrum RM135 base rail with ZR32M-B rings and T13 tool
• Complete mounting hardware package provides coordinated parts in a single set
• Includes dedicated hardware tool for secure fastener tightening

Cons

• Ring diameter and profile height are not detailed in the product title
• Rifle receiver compatibility must be confirmed via the RM135 model specification
• Does not include an optical scope

7

Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-12 x 40mm Rifle

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  9.3
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Ballistic Calibration

.17 HMR Specific Trajectory

Focus Mechanism

Adjustable objective bell eliminates target parallax across standard rimfire engagement distances.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Ballistic calibration matches the flat trajectory of .17 HMR rimfire ammunition
• 3-12x zoom range handles close-range pests as well as distant varmint targets
• Adjustable objective (AO) provides fine parallax correction across shooting ranges
• 40mm objective bell provides sharp sight pictures without requiring extra-tall rings

Cons

• Elevation trajectory is calibrated for standard rimfire loads and may vary with alternate grain weights
• Main tube diameter is omitted from product title and must be confirmed for ring selection
• Does not include reticle illumination for dim lighting conditions

8

Gamo BSA Optics Sweet 17 AO 3-9 X 40mm Rifle

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  9.2
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Magnification Range

3-9x Zoom / 40mm Objective

Varmint Application

3-9x magnification provides a broad view for locating pasture pests quickly while maintaining .17 HMR ballistic elevation tracking.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Purpose-built Sweet 17 elevation tracking matched directly to .17 HMR ballistics
• 3-9x magnification provides a wide field of view for acquiring moving quarry
• Adjustable objective allows front-bell parallax correction on close targets
• 40mm front lens maintains light intake while keeping the scope profile compact

Cons

• 9x maximum magnification offers less target detail beyond 150 yards than 12x or 16x optics
• Unilluminated crosshairs can disappear against dark background cover
• Ring diameter requirement is not stated in title data and must be verified

9

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

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  7.8
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Ballistic Calibration

Multi-Grain .17 HMR Turrets

Turret System

Interchangeable multi-grain elevation drums allow marksmen to swap zero calibrations between different factory bullet weights.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Multi-grain elevation drum system accommodates various .17 HMR bullet grain weights
• 3-12x zoom covers short pasture shooting out to longer field boundaries
• 40mm objective lens maintains optical clarity with standard medium scope rings
• Sweet 17 ballistic references simplify holdovers at known shooting distances

Cons

• Dial calibration requires matching exact bullet grain weights to the installed turret drum
• Lacks illuminated reticle for dawn or dusk varmint control
• Tube diameter is not specified in listing details and must be verified before buying rings

10

Vantage IR Riflescope 4-12x40 AO, 1", Rimfire .17 HMR (Etched)

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  9.1
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Reticle Design

Glass-Etched Illuminated .17 HMR

Focus Mechanism

Adjustable objective collar corrects parallax error at close rimfire distances and extended 150-yard targets.

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Etched Rimfire .17 HMR reticle provides caliber-specific aiming points for drop compensation
• Reticle illumination improves crosshair visibility against dense, dark underbrush
• Adjustable objective (AO) eliminates parallax blur from close range out to 150 yards
• 1-inch tube fits readily into standard rimfire scope rings
• 4-12x magnification provides versatile zoom for small varmint hunting

Cons

• 1-inch tube offers less internal elevation adjustment travel than 30mm optics
• 40mm objective gathers less light than larger 50mm lenses in dawn conditions
• Reticle illumination depends on fresh battery power in the field

11

Vantage IR Riflescope 4-16x50 AO, 1", Rimfire .17HMR (Etched)

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  8.0
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Objective Lens Size

50mm Adjustable Objective

Long-Range Visibility

Combining 16x top-end magnification with an illuminated .17 HMR etched reticle clarifies small varmints in shadowed fields.

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Large 50mm objective lens captures substantial light for low-light morning shooting
• 4-16x magnification resolves small pests cleanly at extended rimfire yardages
• Glass-etched Rimfire .17 HMR reticle provides holdover marks matched to bullet drop
• Adjustable objective corrects optical parallax across varying target distances
• Illuminated reticle improves contrast against dark wooded backgrounds

Cons

• 50mm objective bell requires higher scope rings that may affect cheek weld
• Increased optic length and weight can unbalance ultra-light rimfire rifles
• 1-inch tube provides less internal turret adjustment range than 30mm bodies

12

Hawke Vantage 30 WA SF IR 4-16X50 Riflescope | Illuminated

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  8.6
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Parallax Adjustment

Side Focus Turret

Optical Construction

• 30mm mono-tube chassis
• Wide-angle optical system
• Fully multi-coated glass
• Waterproof and shockproof housing

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Sturdy 30mm mono-tube chassis offers generous internal adjustment room
• Wide-angle optical system with fully multi-coated glass ensures bright target clarity
• Side focus (SF) parallax dial enables fast focal adjustments from the shooting stance
• Illuminated .17 HMR reticle keeps aiming marks crisp in failing evening light
• Waterproof and shockproof construction withstands rough hunting environments

Cons

• 30mm tube and 50mm objective lens add physical weight to walking setups
• Requires dedicated 30mm high-profile mounting rings
• Illumination module relies on battery power to maintain reticle lighting

13

Weigand Combat Weigand No Drill and No Tap Mount for

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  8.5
• Brand
  Weigand Combat

Key specs2

Action Compatibility

Engineered specifically for Ruger 77/22 and 77/17 receivers, fitting .17 HMR, .22 LR, and .22 Mag platforms.

Receiver Fit

No Drill / No Tap Ruger 77 Interface

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Installs on factory Ruger 77/17 and 77/22 receivers without drilling or tapping
• Converts proprietary receiver notches to an open rail mounting surface
• Retains original factory firearm condition by avoiding permanent modification
• Fully compatible with .17 HMR, .22 LR, and .22 Mag Ruger 77 platforms

Cons

• Base mount only, requiring separate purchase of appropriate scope rings
• Fits only Ruger 77-pattern receivers and cannot mount to Ruger American actions
• Flat rail profile provides no built-in elevation angle for extreme-range shooting

14

Weigand No Drill and No Tap Mount Compatible with Ruger

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  7.4
• Brand
  Weigand Combat

Key specs2

Elevation Cant

20 MOA Downward Incline

Long-Range Utility

Built-in 20 MOA slope provides additional upward turret adjustment for shooters tracking .17 HMR drops out to 200 yards.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• 20 MOA downward cant preserves upward turret travel for extended .17 HMR distances
• Clamps directly onto Ruger 77/17 and 77/22 actions without drilling or receiver alterations
• Upgrades proprietary Ruger receiver cuts to accept standard Picatinny-style rings
• Durable black finish blends seamlessly with factory rimfire rifles

Cons

• 20 MOA downward angle may prevent a 50-yard zero on scopes with narrow elevation travel
• Does not include scope rings or mounting hardware accessories
• Strictly compatible with Ruger 77-series receivers and will not fit other actions

15

Monstrum RM135 and SG41244AO-B Bundle

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  9.3
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Kit Contents

RM135 Rail & 4-12x44 AO Scope

Optical Specifications

Offers 4-12x variable zoom with an adjustable objective and a 44mm front lens for extra light transmission.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Combines the RM135 mounting base with an SG41244AO-B variable rifle scope
• 4-12x zoom range suits intermediate varmint shooting and target plinking
• 44mm objective lens captures more ambient light than conventional 40mm optics
• Adjustable objective (AO) enables crisp parallax focus at different target ranges

Cons

• Specific receiver compatibility for the RM135 rail must be confirmed prior to purchase
• Reticle style and drop compensation marks are not specified in listing details
• 44mm front bell requires ring clearance verification over the rifle barrel

16

Weigand Combat No Drill and No Tap Mount for Ruger

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  9.3
• Brand
  Weigand Combat

Key specs2

Action Compatibility

Locks into factory Ruger 77/17 and 77/22 receiver recesses to provide a standard Weaver-style attachment plane.

Installation Method

No Gunsmithing / Clamp-On Mount

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Secures onto Ruger 77/17 and 77/22 receivers without gunsmith drilling or tapping
• Replaces proprietary Ruger ring mounts with a standard rail platform
• Aluminum construction delivers rigid stability while maintaining light rifle balance
• Black finish integrates smoothly with both blued and synthetic rifle builds

Cons

• Scope rings are not included and must be purchased separately to mount optics
• Zero MOA flat base does not add elevation compensation for long-range holdover
• Incompatible with Ruger American Rimfire or other non-77 platform actions

Last update on 2026-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do I need a caliber-specific .17 HMR reticle or custom turret?

A caliber-specific reticle or turret is not mandatory, but it removes holdover guesswork on small targets. Optics built specifically for this round, such as models featuring a multi-grain turret or an etched rimfire .17 HMR reticle, provide aiming references calibrated directly to the flight path of the cartridge. Scopes using a traditional 30/30 duplex reticle still work, but you must manually calculate drop compensation at longer distances. Choosing an optic with caliber-matched adjustments simplifies rapid target acquisition when varmints appear at unpredictable yardages.

How much magnification is practical for small pests at extended distances?

A variable optic spanning from 3-12x up to 4-16x or 6-18x gives you the precision required to pinpoint tiny targets. Configurations such as 3-9x40mm or 3-12x40mm provide a wider field of view for scanning closer terrain, while 4-16x50mm and 6-18x40mm models deliver the visual enlargement needed for precise shot placement past 100 yards. When locating small varmints across open pastures before setting up your rifle, using a spotting scope for backpack hunting helps you spot movement early. Always confirm that the high-magnification setting maintains sufficient exit pupil width for your hunting conditions.

Why does an adjustable objective or side parallax matter on a rimfire scope?

Parallax adjustment eliminates optical shift and keeps your reticle locked on target when your eye moves off center. Because rimfire varmints present tiny vital zones, subtle parallax error can cause clean misses at both short and long distances. Scopes equipped with an adjustable objective (AO) or side parallax allow you to dial out that optical misalignment at your exact target distance. This focus mechanism ensures that both the target image and the reticle stay crisp on the exact same focal plane.

What tube diameter and scope ring height are required for mounting?

Your scope tube diameter dictates ring size, while objective lens size determines the required ring profile height. Optics featuring a 1-inch tube require 1-inch precision rings or slim profile offset mounts, whereas 30mm tube designs require 30mm mounting hardware. Scopes built with larger 50mm objective lenses generally require high-profile rings so the front bell clears the rifle barrel. Models with a 40mm objective sit lower to the receiver, but you should always measure barrel and bolt handle clearance before tightening your mounts.

How do I mount a scope to a Ruger rimfire rifle without drilling the receiver?

Dedicated receiver adapters install directly onto factory mounting points without gunsmithing. For the Ruger American Rimfire, direct-fit Picatinny rail mounts screw straight to the receiver to accept standard 1-inch or 30mm rings. For the Ruger 77/17, a Weigand no-drill and no-tap mount attaches directly into the factory receiver scallops to provide a stable Picatinny base. That mount is also available in a 20 MOA configuration, which preserves elevation travel when setting up for long-range rimfire shooting.

Does reticle illumination help when hunting small game in low light?

Yes, an illuminated reticle keeps the crosshairs visible against dark fur, shadows, and timber during early morning or late evening hunts. Scopes equipped with illuminated rimfire .17 HMR reticles and fully multi-coated lenses preserve sight picture brightness without washing out small targets. Shooters who also manage pests with small-bore airguns often use an air rifle scope with similar focus and reticle features for tight shooting conditions. Check the optic to confirm it has adjustable brightness settings so you can dial down the intensity in deep dusk.