7 Best Scope For 17 Hmr of 2026 For Varmint Hunting

1

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.3
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Magnification Range

3-12x variable zoom

Parallax Control

Adjustable objective (AO) collar focuses target image and minimizes reticle movement at various shooting yardages.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated .17 HMR design matches the trajectory of fast rimfire rounds
• Adjustable objective lens helps eliminate parallax error on small targets
• 3-12x magnification offers balanced zoom for close brush to 150-yard shots

Cons

• Main tube diameter is unlisted in product data and must be verified for ring fit
• Lacks reticle illumination for low-contrast targeting at dusk

2

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Zoom Configuration

3-9x40mm

Varmint Application

Suited for shooters who prefer a lighter, standard rimfire zoom range for close to mid-range pest management.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Calibrated specifically for .17 HMR varmint rifle platforms
• Adjustable objective collar allows precise focus adjustment at typical rimfire distances
• 3-9x zoom range delivers quick target acquisition for closer pests

Cons

• Top magnification of 9x provides less detail on small targets past 150 yards than 12x or 16x models
• Reticle type and lens coating levels are not detailed in listing specs

3

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.1
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Reticle System

Etched .17 HMR rimfire ballistic reticle with IR

Tube Diameter

1 inch

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Etched rimfire .17 HMR reticle provides dedicated holdover marks matched to caliber ballistics
• Illuminated reticle (IR) improves crosshair visibility against dark backgrounds and low light
• Adjustable objective corrects parallax across varied rimfire distances
• Standard 1-inch tube fits widely available scope mounting rings

Cons

• 4x minimum magnification provides a narrower close-quarters field of view than 3x optics
• Requires battery power to operate reticle illumination features

4

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.9
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Focus Mechanism

Side parallax adjustment knob

Reticle Pattern

Standard 30/30 duplex crosshair

Pros & cons32

Pros

• High 6-18x magnification helps spot tiny varmints at extended rimfire ranges
• Side parallax adjustment knob offers convenient focus correction from the shooting position
• Traditional 30/30 duplex reticle provides an uncluttered field of view

Cons

• 6x base magnification is too strong for quick tracking of close, moving pests
• Duplex reticle lacks caliber-specific .17 HMR holdover markings for bullet drop compensation

5

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.6
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Optical System

Wide-angle optical design paired with a 50mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics for crisp rimfire pest targeting.

Chassis Build

• 30mm main tube diameter
• Side focus parallax wheel
• Waterproof and shockproof construction

Pros & cons52

Pros

• Large 50mm objective lens and fully multi-coated glass maximize ambient light gathering
• Side focus (SF) parallax wheel allows smooth focus correction without reaching the objective bell
• 30mm tube structure provides increased internal adjustment travel compared to 1-inch scopes
• Illuminated .17 HMR ballistic reticle and wide-angle optical design enhance target acquisition
• Waterproof and shockproof housing protects against outdoor hunting elements

Cons

• 50mm objective bell requires higher scope mounting rings to clear rifle barrels
• 30mm main tube requires matching 30mm mounting rings instead of standard 1-inch hardware

6

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.0
• Brand
  Hawke

Key specs2

Reticle System

Etched .17 HMR rimfire ballistic reticle with IR

Objective Size

50mm adjustable objective (AO)

Pros & cons42

Pros

• 4-16x zoom range provides high magnification needed to resolve small targets at 150 to 200 yards
• Etched rimfire .17 HMR reticle features ballistic marks tailored to standard .17 HMR drops
• 50mm objective lens gathers significant light during dawn and dusk pest hunts
• Built on a standard 1-inch tube to fit common rimfire mounting rings

Cons

• Adjustable objective collar on a 50mm bell is bulkier to turn than side focus knobs
• Larger bell diameter requires medium or high rings to prevent barrel contact

7

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

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.8
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Turret Calibration

Multi-grain elevation turret engineered to dial in trajectory drops for specific .17 HMR bullet grain weights.

Magnification Range

3-12x variable zoom

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Multi-grain elevation turret allows direct trajectory dialing for different .17 HMR bullet weights
• 3-12x zoom range covers close varmint tracking out to mid-distance target shooting
• 40mm objective lens keeps a low mounting profile while maintaining adequate light entry

Cons

• Specific tube diameter and parallax adjustment type are unstated and need verification
• Does not feature reticle illumination for low-light varmint hunting

Last update on 2026-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Does a .17 HMR rifle require a dedicated caliber reticle or turret?

It is not strictly required, but a caliber-specific system eliminates guesswork at varied distances. Scopes featuring an etched rimfire .17 HMR reticle or a BSA Sweet 17 multi-grain elevation turret provide aiming points tailored to the specific trajectory of this cartridge. Standard 30/30 duplex reticles require manual holdover calculations, while ballistic designs allow you to hold dead-on at designated distances. Check your selected cartridge grain weight against the dial markings if you use a multi-grain turret model to ensure elevation adjustments match your ammunition.

What magnification is best for hunting small varmints at 150 to 200 yards?

Variable magnification ranges such as 3-12x, 4-12x, 4-16x, or 6-18x provide the clarity required to identify and target small pests at those distances. Lower settings like 3x or 4x allow you to spot active varmints in wider terrain, while cranking up to 12x, 16x, or 18x isolates tiny target zones on ground squirrels or prairie dogs. Pairing these magnification ranges with fully multi-coated lenses ensures target definition remains sharp across varied lighting conditions.

Do you need an adjustable objective (AO) or side parallax for .17 HMR shooting?

Yes, parallax adjustment is essential for precision shooting on small targets across rimfire distances. Standard centerfire rifle scopes often carry fixed parallax set beyond 100 yards, leaving the reticle prone to shifting against the target at closer or intermediate ranges. An adjustable objective (AO) ring on the bell or a side parallax dial lets you bring the target image and reticle onto the same focal plane for a crisp sight picture. While night operations might call for specialized platforms like a best gun for a thermal scope, daylight rimfire pest control relies on proper parallax focus to prevent missed shots on skittish game.

What is the difference between an adjustable objective (AO) and side parallax?

The main difference is the placement of the control mechanism. An adjustable objective (AO) uses a rotating ring positioned directly on the front bell of the scope, seen on models like the Vantage IR 4-12x40 AO. Side parallax places an adjustment dial on the left side of the main scope turret housing, as found on 6-18x40mm or side-focus wide-angle models. Both systems correct focus and eliminate optical reticle drift, but a side turret allows you to make adjustments without reaching forward to the front lens.

Should you choose a 1-inch or 30mm scope tube for .17 HMR?

A 1-inch tube offers a lighter, traditional profile, whereas a 30mm tube accommodates wide-angle optics and wider internal adjustment room. For instance, the Hawke Vantage 30 WA SF IR utilizes a 30mm chassis for wide-angle viewing, while standard Vantage IR models use a 1-inch tube. You must match your mounting rings precisely to your optic's tube diameter and confirm receiver clearance. If you also balance other compact hunting tools like a best scope for bullpup air rifle, verifying ring height and tube size ensures proper alignment without touching the barrel.

How does an illuminated reticle help when hunting small varmints?

An illuminated reticle keeps fine aiming points visible against dark ground cover and shadowed tree lines during early morning or dusk hunts. Fine etched glass crosshairs on rimfire .17 HMR scopes can easily blend into dark pest fur in low light. Models equipped with illuminated rimfire reticles light up the center crosshair or holdover points so you can place shots cleanly without losing the target. You can also turn off the illumination mechanism in full daylight to shoot with standard black etched crosshairs.