Best scope for 17 WSM
The .17 WSM stands for .17 Winchester super magnum and is a cartridge developed by Winchester in the year 2012. It stands out for its high velocity of around 3000ft/sec, and a relatively flat trajectory that allows it to hit targets with admirable accuracy.
The rimfire round also has low recoil, can achieve decent range, and is relatively quieter compared to other rounds.
These characteristics have made it popular and is mostly used in varmint hunting and target shooting by many shooters who have realized its capabilities.
To effectively enjoy this capability fully, however, one needs a good rifle scope to pair with the 17 WSM cartridge.
This article, therefore, reviews some of the best rifle scopes that can be used with the 17 WSM to give a shooter the best performance.
Let us start right away…
Best scope for 17 WSM-Top Picks
| Product | Image | Best Price |
| Burris Signature HD Scope 5-25×50 mm |  |
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| Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scopes |  |
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| Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope |  |
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| Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm |  |
Detailed review…
1. Burris Signature HD Scope 5-25×50 mm
The Burris signature is a precision scope that is able to shoot perfectly at medium to long-range targets. What sets it apart is a thin crosshair that makes aiming precise.
Next, the scope has a dynamic zero reset turret that is designed to give a shooter a consistent zero at any range and to ensure the changes in windage and elevation are held exactly the same for the life of the scope
Lastly, the scope has a multi-coated lens that delivers crisp and bright images under different conditions. The lens does this by allowing an optimum amount of light inside the lens.
The scope works well with both centerfire and rimfire rounds and this includes rounds from a 17 WSM cartridge. It guarantees that a skillful shooter will not miss.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 22.5 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.6 in
- Weight: 24 oz
Pros
- High-quality glass
- Excellent reticle
- Zero reset turret
- Push and pull locking turrets
Cons
- Bulky at 24 Oz.
2. Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope
This is an affordable way in which you can perfect your shots using a 17 WSM cartridge. This scope is purposefully designed to be used on a rimfire round and performs excellently in that case.
The scope has a simplified duplex reticle that is simple to use and gives the shooter unparalleled accuracy no matter the situation.
Secondly, this scope has a long eye relief which makes it comfortable to shoot, and this is complemented by a twilight light management system on the lens.
The system gives a crisp image of the target, balances light transmission, and reduces glare when it’s too bright outdoors.
Lastly, the scope is waterproof, fog proof, and has been thoroughly tested against impact to make sure it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
- Weight: 14.3 oz
Pros
- Excellent lens
- Long eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Duplex reticle
Cons
- Comes with a fixed power
3. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Vortex is renowned for great optics and the Crossfire II doesn’t disappoint. It comes with one of the clearest lenses that deliver a sharp image irrespective of the conditions present.
The scope is also available at a budget-friendly price which means that its ideal for a shooter who wants a good quality rifle scope to use with a 17WSM cartridge for small-scale tasks
The reticle of the Crossfire II is a crosshair with customized hash marks that can be used to compensate for windage and holdover without making physical adjustments. Moreover, there is a fast-focus eyepiece that helps the shooter quickly acquire a target
Overall, this is a great rifle scope to use with a 17 WSM cartridge. It’s well-constructed and has great optics, in addition, it’s available at a budget-friendly price.
The shooter is guaranteed peace of mind because it’s covered by a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
- Weight: 14.3 oz
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Budget-friendly price
- Excellent optics
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- Hard to turn dials
4. Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scopes
This is a rifle scope that costs less than $100 making it the cheapest option that can still give decent performance when used with a 17 WSM.
The scope is ideal for small-scale applications such as varmint hunting and target practice.
It doesn’t match the advanced more expensive rifle scopes but will easily outclass similarly priced and slightly more expensive rifle scopes.
The scope maintains a decent image of the target and has one of the most forgiving eye boxes of any rifle scope. This helps the shooter to comfortably use the rifle to aim at a target.
Additionally, it’s simple to mount and use, with features like solid dials with rubber grips that make it easy to adjust even when wearing gloves.
Finally, the scope is well-made, and the Trueplex reticle it uses is highly accurate, albeit only to a distance of about 120 yards.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 mm
- Field of View: 33 – 11 ft at 100 yds
- Field of View: 31.4 – 10.5 degrees
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
- Weight: 10 oz
Pros
- Cheap
- Decent quality glass
- Lightweight at only 10oz.
- Great reticle
Cons
- Effective only on short-range targets
5. Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope
This scope comes with a 3-12 x magnification that works perfectly for both close and medium-range targets.
What makes it stand out, however, is its short and compact design which makes it portable and easy to use. Moreover, UTG rifle scopes carry a good reputation for dependability and performance.
The reputation for performance is evident when firing a 17 WSM round since the mil-dot reticle makes it easy to estimate the distance and holdover to a target.
Next, the reticle is illuminated with 7 brightness settings and a multi-color mode with 36 colors from the color spectrum for personalized illumination, which enhances visibility in the most extreme conditions.
Lastly, it’s easy to make all the adjustments on the turret to guarantee you a great level of accuracy
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Reticle: Mil-Dot
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 13 – 3.9 mm
- Field of View: 10 – 32 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3 – 3.4 in
- Weight: 23.1 oz
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Short and compact design
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Slightly heavy
6. Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm
The diamond black shines when it comes to the build quality. It’s been constructed using solid aluminum and then given a high-quality finish that matches some of the pricier rivals on the market.
Additionally, the scope offers the exceptional optics that Vortex rifle scopes are known for.
The reticle is a simplified crosshair with thin lines in the center that help the shooter make a precise aim, in a wide variety of applications like hunting, self-defense, and target shooting.
This scope will provide a shooter with one of the best performances at its price.
Additionally, it’s durable because it’s been well put together and uses high-quality materials. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof meaning that it will withstand most rigors of the outdoors
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5 – 17.5 mm
- Field of View: 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.5 in
- Weight: 14.2 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great optics
- Lifetime warranty
- Rugged
Cons
- The reticle lacks holdovers
Buying the best scope for 17 WSM
Having gone through the reviews of the best rifle scopes for 17 WSM, it’s imperative that we also look at some of the other things that will help a buyer make a perfect decision on what scope to choose.
Magnification
High magnification is used for farther and smaller targets. The magnification helps to enlarge the target and make it appear closer so that the shooter can make an accurate shot.
The size of magnification to choose also depends on the skills of a shooter. Most skillful shooters do not require very high magnification because they are able to estimate what it takes to make an accurate shot.
The 17 WSM is most efficient for short-range targets anywhere from 50 yards to around 300 yards. If the scope is mostly used for small targets like varmint, then it would also be necessary to use a slightly high magnification something like 7x to12x
lens quality
The quality of the lens shouldn’t be overlooked when buying a rifle scope for the 17 WSM. This is because good quality glass enhances visibility and how accurately a shot can be made.
The lens quality depends on the quality of the glass that has been used as well as the coatings applied to the surface. The scopes we have included on our list give great quality and are suitable for everyday use with a .17 WSM.
Durability
We have some very good scopes when it comes to performance but fail when it comes to durability. However, some other options like the Vortex are well made and come with a lifetime warranty that guarantees the shooter a long life.
Price
It’s obvious that rifle scopes come at different prices. More advanced types come at a slightly higher price but this in no way means that a shooter cannot get a cheaper rifle scope with good performance. The good news is that we have good options available at every reasonable budget.
FAQs
What is the difference between the 17 WSM and 17 HMR?
The HMR stands for Hornady Magnum Rimfire and it is the more popular round because it has a wider selection of firearms chambered for it. The cartridge is also less expensive and has a lower recoil compared to the .17 WSM.
The .17 WSM, however, has a higher velocity and flatter trajectory enabling it effective for longer ranges than the HSM. The WSM with a skillful shooter will easily hit a target at 300 yards, whereas the HSM is only effective up to around 190 yards
What is the effective range of the .17 WSM?
The effective range is typically around 190 yards, although some experienced shooters can effectively engage targets beyond that distance.
What are the advantages of the .17 WSM over traditional rimfire cartridges?
The .17 WSM offers higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and improved performance, with less drift at longer ranges compared to traditional rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR or .17 HMR.
CONCLUSION
After going through the whole review of the best scope for 17 WSM you’ll have familiarized yourself with scopes that will give you the best performance and dependability.
But one should also remember that the skills of a shooter will count when it comes to the accuracy of the shots. A more skillful shooter will get the most out of their rifle scope and rounds.
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