Wanted, Scope recomendation for .17 HMR

[Fisher16]

I got the rifle as a gift and don't want to dump a bunch of cash into a scope until I know if Im even going to use the rifle much.

Who makes a "cheaper" scope good enough to target shoot 100yrds+ and hunt small game with? Does anyone have one laying around they don't use anymore they want to let go cheap?

Im looking for a variable power scope. Something with low enough power for closer shots but enough for good longer range shooting on things like sage rats or rabbits. I have a few 3-9 scopes but would like something with a higher power max.

PM's are welcome also.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Happy holidays everyone!

[oregonoutdoors]

My buddy has a BSA on his .17 that is drop compensated for the .17 bullet. From 1-300yrds it will hit if you do your part. I have seen them for $50-130 depending on the optical power you want.

[skein]

I've got 6X18 Simmons ProHunters on both our .17's, and they work great. And don't worry, I'm not touting Simmons as THE scope to buy, I'm just saying they are cheap and adequate for our needs - sage rats and jackrabbits. I think I gave $80 apiece for them.

Skein

[Just Fish]

I realy dig the 17 for diggers and rabbits.mine is a tac driver also.My longest shot on a digger is 185 yards with v max ammo pop/drop my cuz was impressed so he bought one.I just bought a cheap bushnell 3/9 works for me.

[High Country]

I used a Bushnell Banner 4/12 on mine it worked great and is very inexpensive and surprisingly clear it's also guaranteed for life.When i bought it I think it was $99.99

[Fisher16]

Thank you everyone so far. Im looking at a 6-24 and a 4-20 but may just put one of my 3-9 scopes on it for now.

What make/model rifles do you guys have?

[pythonwill]

My buddy has a BSA on his .17 that is drop compensated for the .17 bullet. From 1-300yrds it will hit if you do your part. I have seen them for $50-130 depending on the optical power you want.

Yup, its the "sweet 17" from BSA, pretty good deal IMO only about $100 and they work great

[Quack Attack]

I've played with a lot of 6-24 or other high power scopes and the only reccomendation I can give you is if you are not willing to spend money on it don't bother. If you buy one of the more affordable ones (bushnell-except the elite series-, bsa, simmons, tasco, or even sightron) when you zoom past about 16x everything just becomes blurry, which just makes them innacurate because you can't tell where the crosshairs go. I wouldn't go over 4-16 unless your at least willing to spend the money for a bushnell elite, or weaver grand slam. I am not sure how much either of those run, but check out midsouth shooting supply, by far the cheapest place to buy shooting equipment. Just google it up.

[Fisher16]

when you zoom past about 16x everything just becomes blurry,

Thats one reason i haven't ordered one online yet. I cant pick it up and look through it first.

It will be a 3-9 or 4-16 for now I think. If I want more later then I will decide then.

Thanx again everyone.

Im still curious as to what type of .17 rifles you all have though. :grin:

[mcknerkneykak]

I would feel under-scoped with a 3x9 on the 17 HMR. At least go with that Banner 4X12.

[skein]

I agree with macNerkieNak (or however you spell that :grin: )

I rarely use 16 power, but I often crank it up to 12, and I'd feel hampered with a 3X9. What's nice about the 17 is the lack of muzzle jump when you fire. Even with scopes cranked up where the field of view is small, you can still see the impact.

Now if anyone could just point me to some cheap 17HMR ammo.

Skein

[Quack Attack]

Cheap Ammo try the reloaded stuff!!

[GO-FASTER]

sportsmans has tasco 6-24 dot for $130 I have 2 of them. on .17 and 22-250

[billc_sbio]

I picked up a "like new" B&L 4000 6x-18x AO, which is the predecessor to the Bushnell 4200 Elite on eBay for a pretty reasonable price. I think that by shopping around you can find some real "deals" on some discontinued model scopes that are just fine.

I put it on this T-C Contender carbine


http://community.webshots.com/photo/...44175062SEITTZ

and it's a real tack driver. It's also set up to switch onto a .204 Ruger barrel on the same frame.

[Killertraylor]

I have the BSA sweet .17 3x9 and it works great - easy range compensating adjustments and affordable. I have it on the single shot bull barrel handi-rifle from NEF.

[goforchrome]

Strange...I was going to post the same question.
Christmas cash burning a hole in the pocket.
I'm thinking a CZ 452 American or Varmint in 17HMR.

[Quack Attack]

CZ 452, great rifle, poor man's anschutz. Pretty well built, and very accurate. Only problem is that it can't out shoot a marlin or NEF...but for those of us that like a little class...

[goforchrome]

See my 'WTB' post on the classifieds.
Thanks.

[Fisher16]

Well after shooting my Marlin .17 a couple times with a 3-9 on it I decided to try a "cheap" (even though so many said to go with a higher $$ scope, BTW I like ABU reels too and dont need Shimanno ) scope with more power. I couldnt see putting alot of $$ into a scope on a rifle I wont be using a whole lot. I went with a 6-18x42AO and am very happy with it. I sighted it in today and it is a great scope. Very clear from as close as about 15 yards on 6x and with adjustment stays clear way out to well over 200 yards. Havent had a chance to look more than that yet but that seems like a long ways to be shooting a rat/rabbit for me anyway. :grin:

The scope only cost me a total of $49.99 including shipping from back east through Ebay. I figured I couldnt lose by trying it as it has a money back guarentee. Im very happy I did. I put about 150 rounds through it today just for fun and trying a couple different makes of ammo. It doesnt like CCI near as well as it likes the Remington or Hornady rounds.

If you are looking for a "cheap" varment scope PM me and I will give you some info being I cant post a link here. I may have gotten lucky and got a good one but from all Ive heard/read they seems to be good scopes.

[sunshinefisherman]

I bought this one.
They make a couple of less expensive partially coated one here and here.