Best 17 HMR Scopes: Our Top 19 Recommendations

The 17 HMR scope is a popular optic choice for 17 HMR rifles, combining affordability with accuracy for various shooting applications. Our review examines the most reliable and affordable options available, helping you find the right scope for your 17 HMR setup.

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Reviews

Explore Scientific VF0850S Finder Scope

This versatile 8x50 finder scope nails the basics with its precise crosshair reticle and solid build quality. The straight-through design gives you a generous 6° field of view, while the included universal base makes it adaptable to different mounting setups. Whether you’re scanning the night sky or nailing down targets, the Explore Scientific VF0850S delivers on its promise of reliable pointing assistance.

Vanguard Endeavor XF 17 HMR Scope

At an surprisingly affordable price point, the Vanguard Endeavor XF delivers premium optics through its fully-multicoated lenses and BAK4 roof prism construction. Its 15-45x zoom allows you to comfortably track subjects from 5 to 600 yards, while the rubber-armored magnesium body provides remarkable durability for outdoor use. The included padded raincoat and versatile tripod mounting system make it a practical choice for both casual observers and serious enthusiasts.

Vixen Polarie Polar Scope

The Vixen Polarie polar scope might not be the easiest accessory to install, given its specialized threading. Once mounted, though, its benefits become apparent. With its 5x magnification and 20mm aperture, it provides a clear view of the sky through its illuminated 3-star reticle, making it a valuable tool for aligning telescopes and other observational equipment. The red illumination and adjustable brightness levels help preserve night vision while providing just the right amount of light to see the star pattern clearly.

Swarovski STR 80 HD

This premium spotting scope delivers breathtaking clarity over long distances, with its fluorite-coated lenses revealing remarkable detail in any light. The adjustable MRAD reticle system gives you pinpoint accuracy for your targets, while the sleek straight-body design keeps everything comfortable for extended viewing sessions. Whether you’re birdwatching, hunting, or just exploring the great outdoors, this scope has earned its stellar reputation among serious observers.

Hawke Nature-Trek 20-60x80 Spotting Scope

The Hawke Nature Trek 20-60x80 spotting scope combines impressive optical quality with practical features for outdoor enthusiasts. From crisp views in your backyard to detailed observations at the range, this scope delivers exceptional clarity and detail in every use. The nitrogen-filled aluminum body and fully multi-coated optics ensure durability and reliability in any weather, making it a standout choice in its class.

Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50

From backyard birdwatching to backpack hunting, this versatile spotting scope delivers sharp HD images through its APO system and XR Plus coatings. At just 26.16 cm long, it’s surprisingly compact for its 33x magnification, making it ideal for quick field transitions. The angled body design and generous 50mm objective lens give you consistent views, even when worn glasses are needed.

Sig Sauer Oscar8 Spotting Scope

This impressive spotting scope combines exceptional optical clarity with versatile ergonomics for demanding outdoor use. The HDX optical system featuring extra-low dispersion glass and multi-coated lenses delivers exceptionally sharp, color-accurate images across its 27-55x magnification range. Built for reliability in any environment, the robust aluminum body features waterproof construction and FDE rubber armor that provides excellent grip while protecting the scope’s premium glass.

Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 Angled Spotting Scope

This versatile spotting scope delivers sharp, multi-coated images with a comfortable 3.5-inch exit pupil across its 20-60x magnification range. The angled design and 60mm objective lens make it ideal for both casual glassing and serious wildlife viewing, though some users note it excels more at lower to mid-magnifications. The waterproof scope includes an adjustable eyecup and comes with a protective carrying case, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Talos delivers impressively clear views through its K9 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, though some users note the image quality slightly diminishes at the maximum 60x magnification. The nitrogen-purged tube provides excellent waterproofing and thermal stability, while the 80mm objective lens diameter ensures plenty of light transmission. Whether you’re birdwatching, stargazing, or spotting targets at the range, this versatile spotting scope handles a wide variety of conditions with its durable construction and sturdy tripod mounting.

Nikon Prostaff 5 16-48x60 Angled Scope

The Nikon ProStaff 5 delivers impressive optical performance in a portable package, combining a generous 60mm objective lens with flexible 16-48x zoom. At just over 30 ounces, the scope feels surprisingly nimble despite its Nitrogen-filled construction and o-ring-sealed body that protects against both fog and water. Whether you’re birding or pursuing outdoor targets, the multicoated optics and bright exit pupil make it an excellent choice for detailed long-distance viewing.

Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80 Angular Spotting Scope

This versatile spotting scope brings distant details into crystal-clear focus, with its bright optics and generous 80mm objective lens delivering impressive views of wildlife and landscapes. The ergonomic soft rubber eyecup and smooth focus mechanism make it comfortable to use for extended periods, while the weather-sealed design ensures reliable performance in any conditions. Whether you’re hunting, birdwatching, or just exploring the great outdoors, this scope delivers exceptional value as a mid-priced option in the Vortex lineup.

Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled

At 65mm, the large objective lens gathers plenty of light for sharp views in any light. The 16-48x zoom lets you adjust magnification for different situations, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up details. The 45-degree angled design helps with shoulder and neck fatigue during long viewing sessions.

Bear x Speed Comp Crossbow Scope

The Bear X Speed Crossbow Scope delivers impressive optical clarity through its multi-coated glass lenses and 1-5x magnification. It’s particularly effective in low-light conditions thanks to its illuminated reticle system, though users report occasional fogging issues that can be resolved with proper lens treatment. The scope’s versatility is demonstrated by its ability to maintain pinpoint accuracy across various shooting speeds, from 205 to 430 fps, making it a solid investment for crossbow hunters and enthusiasts.

Riton 5 Primal 15-45x60 AGLD SPT Scp

Riton has constructed their optics line with experienced shooters in mind, crafting a scope that can handle whatever you dish out in the field. The 15-45x60mm magnification range gives you plenty of power for both close-range and distant targets, with the 60mm objective lens gathering plenty of light for crystal-clear views in low-light conditions. The fully multi-coated optics and waterproof construction ensure your precision shots won’t be compromised by fog or rain.

Sky-Watcher Evoguide 50DX APO Guide Scope

The Sky-Watcher Evoguide 50DX APO guide scope delivers exceptional planetary and deep-sky imagery through its 50mm apochromatic refractor lens with a single ED element. Its 242mm focal length and 1.25” helical focuser provide precise control for guiding cameras and astrophotography. The robust Vixen-style mounting plate and M42 rings offer secure attachment options for both guiding and wide-field imaging when used with a focal reducer.

Bushnell FDE Flp Rifle Scope

Combining Mil-Hash reticle precision with 15-45x optical zoom, this Bushnell scope delivers clear views from 35 feet to over a mile away. The ED Prime glass and multi-coated lenses handle light conditions from dawn to dusk, while the compact design keeps it manageable in the field. Whether you’re spotting targets at the range or observing wildlife, it nails the balance between performance and value.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 FFP Crossbow Scope 1021

With its 1-inch tube construction and multicoated optics, this crossbow scope delivers impressive clarity that’s perfect for getting those long-range shots. The 4x magnification and illuminated blue and red reticle make it stand out in low-light conditions, while the fast-focusing eyepiece lets you dial in your sight quickly and smoothly. The solid build quality and adjustable focus make it a reliable choice for both casual shooters and serious competitors.

TruGlo TG8504C3 Crossbow Scope

Balancing decent optics with essential rangefinding features, this crossbow scope offers clear visibility through its fully-coated lenses while its adjustable reticle helps compensate for trajectory. The durable aluminum body and robust leaf spring mechanism provide reliable performance in various shooting conditions, though some users have noted limitations in elevation adjustment range.

Killer Instinct Lumix Crossbow Scope

This crossbow scope combines durable construction with essential features for both novice and experienced hunters. With its 1.5 to 5x magnification and infrared illumination, it helps you hit your target from any distance, whether you’re spotting game at dawn or dusk. The included speed ring makes it easy to match your scope to your crossbow’s speed, while the adjustable red and blue reticle gives you clear aiming points day or night.

Buyer’s Guide

17 HMR (Hired Marksman Round) scopes represent a specialized category designed for specific shooting scenarios. Understanding their key features and considerations will help you select the right scope for your needs.

17 HMR Specifics

These scopes are optimized for the 17 HMR cartridge, offering superior performance at closer ranges compared to longer-barrel rifles. The shorter overall length makes them ideal for compact builds and specialized applications.

Optical Considerations

Look for scopes with high-quality glass and multcoated optics for superior light transmission and clarity. Common mounts include 1.5” or 30mm diameter tubes, which provide ample space for adjustments and future upgrades.

Feature Breakdown

Key features include durable outer coatings, adjustable objective lenses for windage and elevation, and various reticle options. Popular designs include horizontal and vertical hairline dots, which excel in close-range scenarios.

Size and Compatibility

These scopes maintain a low profile while delivering the necessary magnification for effective shot placement. Ensure compatibility with your specific rifle model, particularly concerning mounting points and overall length.

FAQ

What is an HMR scope?

HMR stands for Homing Reticle, which is a type of reticle designed for long-range shooting. These scopes feature a central dot or line that helps the shooter maintain proper aiming alignment with the target, even when the crosshairs are partially obscured or when tracking a moving target.

Unlike traditional glass reticles, HMR scopes often use illuminated or reflective materials that can be adjusted for brightness and visibility. This technology allows shooters to maintain accurate aiming at extreme ranges while minimizing parallax error and increasing target acquisition speed.

How do HMR scopes compare to traditional scopes?

HMR scopes offer several advantages over traditional fixed or variable power scopes. They typically feature illuminated or reflective reticles that are easier to see in low light conditions, and the homing feature helps maintain accurate point-of-aim during target acquisition.

However, they may be more expensive than standard scopes and require regular battery maintenance if they include illumination features. The reticle design is also more complex, which can affect visibility and potentially increase weight slightly.

What types of targets are HMR scopes best suited for?

These scopes excel in long-range shooting scenarios where precise target acquisition is crucial. They are particularly effective for hunting, competitive shooting, and military applications where rapid target engagement is required.

While they perform well in various conditions, HMR scopes may not be ideal for close-range target practice or rapid fire applications where quick aiming adjustments are needed between shots.

Are HMR scopes difficult to mount?

The mounting process for HMR scopes is generally similar to that of traditional scopes, requiring standard scope bases and rings. However, their slightly longer profile and additional components may slightly increase the overall height of the mount.

Proper alignment and zeroing procedures remain similar to other scopes, but shooters may need to account for the homing reticle’s specific characteristics during initial setup and adjustment.

Can HMR scopes be used in different weather conditions?

Most modern HMR scopes feature waterproof and fog-proof designs, making them suitable for use in various weather conditions. They typically include O-ring seals and nitrogen-filled tubes to prevent moisture and fogging.

However, extreme temperature changes or exposure to harsh conditions may affect optical clarity or reticle visibility. Regular maintenance and proper storage are recommended to ensure optimal performance in different environments.

What maintenance requirements do HMR scopes have?

Basic maintenance for an HMR scope includes regular cleaning of the exterior and lens surfaces to prevent dirt and debris accumulation. For electronic components, such as illuminated reticles, regularly check and replace batteries as needed.

Professional maintenance may be required for more complex adjustments or repair of mechanical components. Keep the scope in its case when not in use and avoid storing it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight to maintain optimal performance.

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