Are you a hunter or a shooter? Then you should understand the changes in the rifle world. As of 2022, the 17 WSM has become one of the best cartridges to use for hunting. It is lightweight, and easy to use when taking down targets at both medium and close range.
However, you cannot enjoy using a good cartridge unless you have a good rifle and scope for it. Finding the right scope is a very crucial step if you want to hunt with perfection.
It is not easy to find the best scope for 17 WSM with the many options in the market. However, do not worry since we have done the research for you and reviewed the top products for you.
7 Best Scope for 17 WSM
After intensive research and testing, we found these 7 scopes for 17 WSM which are durable, effective, and budget-friendly.
#1. Vortex Optics CF2-31015
Here is among the greatest scopes under $200, you will ever come across in the Crossfire II line. If you are a regular and busy hunter it will work very well for you.
The Vortex Optics CF2-31015 scope comes from many configurations you will find in the Crossfire II line.
This is a line that is known to perform very well in shooting and hunting activities where an estimate of handover is of concern due to varying ranges. The main player here is the fact that it has a great Dead hold BDC reticle.
This is a scope that is built with a long eye relief together with an ultra-forgiving eye box. The two are designed to enable you to quickly get the right sight picture and your target with ease.
Its eyepiece has a fast focus capability which enables you to attain an easy and quick reticle focusing.
It is a scope with complete multi-coated lenses that are also anti-reflective allowing it to offer bright plus clear views for you when using it.
The turrets are capped allowing adjustment using your finger and MOA clicks to allow resetting to zero once done sighting in.
The Vortex optics crossfire II is constructed from aircraft-level aluminum with a single tube structure to allow shockproof performance and maximum strength. Since the crossfire II is made with sealed O-rings that are nitrogen purged, it is fog and waterproof.
Pros
- It is good for shooting at varying ranges due to its DeadHold BDC reticle
- Has a long eye relief that allows quick access to a sight picture
- Fitted with a fast-focus eyepiece
- Provides clear views from its anti-reflective lenses
- Lenses feature adjustment feature of 60 MOA
- Comes with capped turrets
- Zero reset feature
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum material making shockproof
Cons
- Can feel a bit bulky
#2. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire with BDC Reticle
Nikon has been a major player in the camera and riflescope market and it would be a good idea to trust them for they make quality products. And this is one of them.
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire BDC reticle happens to be among the best rifle scopes that you will find from Nikon. It is a magnificent tool for your hunting and shooting activities.
It is a riflescope designed to offer the best magnification of 4 to 12x which gives you the best experience when dealing with mid-range targets.
This scope is fitted with a 40mm lens. It is fitted with a multicoated optical system that makes it easy to get a clear picture due to better transmitting of light. The scope can transmit more than 98% of the light available. It makes it also ideal for long-range targeting.
This is a riflescope from the Nikon ProStaff line. It brings a reset turret that is able to reset to zero. It is fitted with an adjustable knob that is spring-loaded. As a result, the scope will offer an eye relief of 3.7 inches.
For better use in different hunting environments, This scope is designed with a sealed O-ring and nitrogen-filled that makes it both fog and waterproof. This will give you the best performance whether it is on a chilly morning or rainy season.
It is a rifle scope fitted with a quick focus eyepiece of 14.1 inches making it easy to focus on your target easily.
Pros
- Made with a BDC reticle
- The riflescope is lightweight making it easy to carry around and use.
- Made of durable material
- The lenses are multicoated offering better performance
- Good magnification of 4-12x
- Excellent light gathering under different conditions
- Turrets for zero reset available.
Cons
- Does not have a parallax turret
- A large objective bell makes it not ideal for youth model guns
#3. BSA Optics 17 Super Mag Rifle Scope
It happens to be one of the best rifle scopes you will get for 17 WSM. This is because it is among very few scopes that are specifically designed for this particular rifle.
BSA optics 17 super mag rifle scope comes with several features that make it stand out and will make you enjoy every minute you are using it. The first and most significant one is that it is a long scope that comes with large turrets. A feature that makes it good for target shooting.
With the large turrets, it is easy to use the scope as they can easily be grabbed even by using gloves. The process is made fast.
It is a scope that is made of high-quality and durable materials making it strong and long-lasting.
Its reticle is well calibrated in addition to graduated for both 25gr and 20gr 17wsm projectiles making sure you are comfortable when aiming. The reticle is also RGB illuminated.
It is a scope that has been designed with durable and well-structured materials making it shockproof, fog-proof in addition to waterproof. You can comfortably use it under various environmental conditions.
With a weight of just 1.36 pounds, it is a lightweight scope that won’t feel like a burden on your shooting or hunting adventures. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Made of strong and durable material
- It is a lightweight scope making it easy to use when hunting
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- The turrets are large and easy to use even with gloves
- Has an adjustable objective
- A clear glass
Cons
- A bit expensive when compared to others
- Its reticle can sometimes go slightly off
#4. Barska Varmit Mil-Dot Riflescope
For someone looking for a well-built scope for 17wsm and with the highest accuracy, then the Barska Varmit mil-dot riflescope is a good choice.
Here is why.
This scope is considered the most powerful one among the best rifle scopes under $100. It is made with an amazing lucid glass. In addition, it gives you excellent zooming capabilities with enough clarity for each case. And its crosshair is hair-thin.
The optics are also multi-coated hence providing extra clarity.
This scope is built with the best adjustable objective. So, in case you are looking for something practical when it comes to range estimation, then this is the scope to get.
It is designed and made of high-quality materials that make it not only lightweight but also durable. This scope is made with a magnification of between 6.5 and 20x. It also comes with 1/8 MOA adjustment making it ideal when finding a precision accuracy.
With a dot reticle, This scope is ideal for different kinds of shooting.
This scope is also built to withstand reverse recoil resulting from airguns. It is made of strong materials hence making it shockproof.
Designed with an O-ring to make it waterproof and fog proof. So, if you like hunting in the rain or all-weather then you are sorted.
When you buy this product you get a lens cloth and scope caps. These are accessories that will come in handy when storing the scope and protecting it from dirt or damage.
With the lucid glass on this scope, you are assured of immense clarity whenever locating targets even at medium or low power settings.
Pros
- Provides easy and high magnification capabilities
- Can be used for featherweight bullets
- It is a practical scope for target shooting and varmint hunting
- Shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof
- Easy to sight in and mount
- Durable material
- Lightweight
Cons
- It has tight adjustment knobs that can cause discomfort.
#5. Simmons 511039 3-9 x 32mm Matte Black
If you feel that you need a good scope for 17wsm and you have a small budget, then this is the riflescope to get.
The first thing is that the Simmons .22 Mag (R) is a well-built scope. It is made of high-quality materials that make it strong and durable. It is not bulky. So you do not have to worry about too much weight on your rifle.
This scope is painted matte black which is an added advantage for you if you are hunting or you need to hide when shooting your target. With matter black finish, there is no glare from the sun that might alert the target of your presence.
It is designed with the best quality optical glass lenses that are fully coated. This gives you the best experience under various conditions. It is a scope you can easily use for long-range targets since it has a parallax correction feature ranging from 50 yards up to infinity.
With this scope, you get other extra features that make it an ideal choice. You will get elevation dials, TrueZero Flex Erector System, and TrueZero Windage.
The lenses are made with HydroShield coating making it possible to get clear sight pictures.
It is a scope designed with SureGrip rubber surfaces which make it easy to make adjustments under any conditions.
Pros
- Strong and durable for reliable performance
- SureGrip adjustment capabilities
- Built with HydroShield coating for better sight picture
- Lightweight
- It is affordable in its category
- Comes with a QTA eyepiece whose eye relief lasts for a long time
- Good optical glass for the best sharp pictures.
- Beautiful matte black finish
Cons
- Cannot hold zero
- Poor quality windage controls and elevation.
#6. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50
If you are seeking stranded-looking but high-quality scope then this is a scope that is worth trying. It is a scope designed with a high-quality single-piece tube hence making it durable and effective.
The Vortex Optics Viper is one of the best scopes that you will find in the market for a 17wsm cartridge.
There is no doubt that this is a scope that is designed to offer the best performance under any circumstance. To start with is that it is built with high-quality materials that give it the best light transmission.
If you are looking for a scope that is able to give very fast focus then this is the best option to get. Due to its construction, it can provide the best lucid images at various magnification ranges. Its 50mm objective lens makes it easy to find your targets.
Since it is built from aluminum it makes it durable and at the same time very lightweight hence it is a convenient scope to use on your rifle and you do not have to be bothered by the weight.
Whenever you buy the Vortex Optics you will be getting a premium scope with the best performance features such as multi-coated optics in addition to mil-dot MOA reticle.
With this type of reticle that originates from the US Marine, you are able to estimate range, bullet holdover, and windage. It makes it also ideal for hunters interested in good range in addition to shooters dealing with long-distance targets.
It is a scope that is made with a second focal plane which is an added advantage whenever you are magnifying. As a result, the reticle will always maintain the same appearance.
Since this riflescope is made with a precision-force spring system, it makes it easy to make adjustments.
It is designed with high-quality components in the lens such as the precision-glide erector system which enables smooth magnification even under harsh conditions.
Pros
- Tough and durable construction
- Great magnification capabilities even under harsh conditions
- Best light accumulation abilities
Cons
- Zoom adjustment is a bit tight
- It can be difficult to use the focus knob.
#7. Leupold FX-3 6x42mm Riflescope
Leupold is well-known for its high-end scopes. For someone interested in a well-structured and built scope for 17wsm with a great finish and amazing features then this can be a good option to get.
Leupold FX-3 features a clear matte black finish that makes it great when hunting and you do not want your target to know of your presence from any reflections. Leupold is a trusted brand for making great scopes for hunters.
This scope is made of high-quality and sealed materials which makes it shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. As a result, you do not have to worry when using it under harsh environmental conditions.
The scope is also created with a bullet drop compensation which is ballistically matched with the elevation dial that is optimized to work for a 55 grain.
It is also designed with a twilight light system. It works by adding up to 10 minutes of extra shooting light in addition to reducing glare for a clear image.
The scope has a ¼ MOA precision adjustment that makes it reliable and repeatable even when using it under dark conditions as you will still be able to acquire your target.
Pros
- Durable from quality materials on construction
- Very compact and easy to carry
- Allows easy use even at low light conditions
- Nice matte black finish
- Good magnification
Cons
- A bit expensive for those with a limited budget
Features to Look for Before Buying
Getting the right scope is not easy if you do not know what to look for. There are many riflescopes in the market and it can be confusing and difficult to narrow down the best.
Here are some of the factors you should look for before buying.
Magnification
Before you can select a scope to get for your rifle make sure that you understand the type of magnification power or level you need? To determine the magnification capabilities you need, you have to know the purpose of your rifle.
If you do not understand the magnification level to get, you can consult an expert.
However, many 17wsm rounds are used for hunting purposes. In that case, you will need a scope that has a magnification that is not above 12x. Nevertheless, make sure you get a scope with the right magnification for what you want to use your rifle for.
Construction Material
Scopes are an expensive investment. You do not want to spend that much on something that is not durable. That is why you have to make sure that you go for a scope with good material construction that can last for a long time.
A well-constructed scope will offer water-resistant, shockproof, and fog proof. As a result, you can use it even under very harsh conditions without worrying about any damage and it will serve you for a long time.
Focal Plane
This is a case of either the first or second focal plane. For those scopes with the first focal plane, the reticles will always increase in size as the scope’s magnification power increases. As you decrease the magnification, they will become smaller.
It is a feature that will ensure that the holdover points will remain accurate when compared to your target irrespective of magnification.
For the second focal plane, there is no change in reticles no matter how much magnification is done. This is an ideal feature for hunters especially when the scope does not have a large magnification range.
It is all about choosing whichever works very well for you.
Weight and Structure
Whenever you are looking for the right scope make sure that you consider the weight and structure. The best scopes are lightweight and compact. Always choose the lightest and most compact one.
This will come with many advantages. One of them is that it will be easy to carry and handle the scope under any condition. Storage will also be easy.
Assembly and Mounting
The whole process of assembly, mounting, sighting, and general use may be for people who are not pros yet but it is crucial to consider.
If you do not have enough knowledge of scopes, it may be difficult to set and use. As a result, it is appropriate to make sure that you get a scope that is easy to use and does not give you any difficulties when mounting or using it in any way.
Functionality and Reliability
Do not select a scope without considering how reliable it is and its functionality. The best scope will always give you the best clarity whenever you are using it which works very well for shooting and hunting activities.
To know about the reliability of a scope, look at extra features that it has to enhance its performance. There are also features added to suit use in a certain area. Make sure you consider them based on the purpose of your rifle.
Cost
Cost and budget go hand in hand. Whenever you have a plan to buy a scope, you need to look at your budget. It will enable you to know which is the right scope to buy that will fit within your pocket.
Make sure that you can get a scope that will serve you right based on your needs.
Look at the cost of the scopes as well can compare them. That way you will be able to find the best scope based on the cost compared to features.
Final Words
Finding the best scope for 17 WSM is not easy. There are so many products in the market that can choose from. And that is why you have this review to help you make the right decision.
The above buyer’s guide is based on thorough research hence listing the best products. Make sure that you compare several products and their features to enable you to narrow them down to the best one to buy. Take your time and compare all the features.