The rounds made to fit the Winchester Super Magnum .17 rifle are now widespread and useful for many other firearms. Their small caliber, low recoil, and power make them ideal for vermin, target practice, headshot hunting, and more.
In this article, we will take a look at the best scope for .17 WSM, along with some helpful tips to help you choose a model that suits your needs.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For Best scope for 17 wsm
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The addition of a scope to a rifle using .17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridges has many benefits. These unique rimfire rounds are versatile, and the right scope can make all the difference.
Created as vermin hunters for animals up to 50 pounds, .17 WSMs are ideal for short to medium range hunting and pest control.
In general, a scope will help you lock on to and fire at your target more quickly. A consistent, lightweight method to act rapidly in response to situations, especially vermin, is incredibly important. Even if all you do is shooting targets, various speeds are always interesting.
The magnification of a .17 WSM scope can give you a much better idea of your surroundings. Being able to pick off a coyote from further away is always more ideal than getting close to your home and anything that needs protection.
Naturally, a closer, clearer shot contributes to a further shot. Accuracy depends heavily on how well you can see something, after all.
Target practice and plinking can be from various distances as well, and improving your accuracy is usually a common goal, regardless of how casual or serious you are.
While there are many similarities, scopes for .17 WSM also have their differences. Depending on what kind of shooter you are, you may need individual specifications that not every model has.
The main differences between these scopes are the magnification power, size and weight, and illumination type.
Scopes for .17 WSM come in both variable and fixed magnifications. As their names suggest, you cannot alter fixed magnification scopes, and variables will both differ in ranges and allow a certain amount of adjustments.
Not all fixed and variable scopes have the same magnification power, even within their category. The right magnification will depend on how you use your .17 WSMs.
Both size and weight affect the shoot-ability of any rifle. Since WSMs are heavy cartridges, some scopes can end up weighing down your rifle more or less than others. This factor relies on your rifle’s weight and size, and not everybody finds the same traits comfortable.
Nighttime shooting is an endeavor of its own, and having an illuminated scope can be super useful. In addition to clear, bright lenses, these illuminating mechanisms provide even more visibility. If a little more light is something you need, keep that in mind when considering your options.
When looking for the right scope for your .17 WSM, certain features are more relevant and essential than others. These features vary, suited to the different needs of everyone.
Distinguishing these factors and paying them close attention will help you narrow down the options to meet your requirements.
Size and weight are integral components of a scope. Sometimes, a larger, heavier scope is ideal, but the opposite is true for other situations.
For example, if you are looking for an upgrade to a kid’s rifle, something more lightweight might be a better match.
Even though this trait depends on magnification power, it is an essential one. The distance between your eye and the scope can make a lot of difference in comfort and usability.
Fixed magnification scopes will have an equally fixed eye relief distance, and the dimensions of variable scopes will differ depending on the design.
Excellent clarity, brightness, and quality of a scope’s lens are vital. It can be frustrating for those with poor eyesight to find a scope that will meet individual vision needs.
Additionally, a blurry, dim, or unclear lens does not do anyone any good, and being able to see better is the main point of a scope.
Installation, operation, and adjustment are critical, especially considering skill level. While no one likes a challenging process, newbies are likely to prefer something a little more intuitive than a seasoned shooter would.
The search for a .17 WSM scope can be intimidating with all the products out there. Because of this, we decided to compile some of the best scopes for 17 wsm to help your process.
At 7.5 ounces, this fixed scope is an excellent lightweight option. It has a magnification of 4x28mm.
Reviewers say that Leupold has much to offer with this excellent .17 WSM scope. Overall, it has everything one could ask for in regards to quality, accuracy, and dependability. Short and medium-range targets come into clear focus effortlessly.
A waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof lens is just the first on a long list of great things about this scope. It has a variety of uses in many situations and is a well-rounded option for almost anything.
The high-quality craftsmanship and materials allow this scope to be dependable. For younger shooters, from kids to adults, this is one of the best, if not the best, choices you can make.
This 14-ounce variable scope for .17 WSM has a variable magnification of 2-7x32mm.
This scope consistently exceeds the expectations of beginners and veterans alike. It has a great range of magnification power for everyday shooting. This versatility has many regularly trusting the quality they know they will receive.
This scope leaves a great impression with its high-quality and ease of use. It is resistant to the elements and ideal for short to medium ranges.
.17 scopes vary widely, but this one is great at everything from plinking to target practice to pest control. It has an impeccable design, durability, and versatility.
Twenty-two ounces with variable magnification, this scope has a 4.5-14x44mm power range.
Too heavy for hunting, this .17 scope is best for everyday target practice, according to recent buyers. The adjustable brightness settings allow for a clear view of what is ahead. However, nighttime is a different story, and it is not known for having much effectiveness in the dark.
Easy to assemble, install, and use, this scope excels in durability and quality. It repels fog, water and can handle recoil with little issue.
The bright, transparent lens of this scope allows you to see vermin before they see you and to deal with them accordingly.
With an accurate and variable magnification from 6 to 24x50mm, this variable scope comes in at around 8 ounces.
An illuminated reticle allows for better sight, especially in the dark. It also gets a few extra points for being accurate and comfortable, even for glasses wearers.
While everything about this scope is excellent, there is no instruction manual. Additionally, the rings included with the scope tend to need tweaking or even replacement.
The choice between green and red reticles can make a huge difference in accuracy for many. Regardless of potential adjustments, this scope is well-built and looks great.
Being able to shoot with glasses comfortably is something others may take for granted. This scope is also ideal for anyone looking for something a little more technologically advanced.
This variable scope is 10 ounces and has 3-9x32mm magnification power.
For casual plinking and vermin control, this scope is incredible. The eye relief is excellent according to buyers, as are the optics. Extra features allow for even more adaptation for different situations.
A special HydroShield coating on the lens repels any water, dirt, or oil from the environment. There is also an easy to adjust SureGrip, and dials for windage and elevation adjustments.
Other than the issue concerning ring compatibility, this scope is a solid choice for casual plinking, target practice, and more.
Any scope compatible with .17 WSMs are potential options, but not all are of the same level. With a higher quality scope, you have to worry less about defects or lackluster performance.
Additionally, you can choose the features you want, have a clear vision ahead of you, and a scope that you can count on in any situation.
If you find your current setup not to your liking, a quality scope might be what is missing. You can choose which features are most important to your style, needs, and budget.
With so many options out there, it is possible to find the exact model of .17 WSM scopes with the same elements you need.
A high-quality scope will provide a clear picture of what is in front of you. Without this exact picture, there is little point in making this kind of purchase. After all, the whole idea behind a scope is to see what you cannot already see.
Reliability is a vital attribute for anything that has to do with firearms. Even an inconsistent accessory can cause larger problems in the long run.
Regardless of why you are looking for a scope for .17 WSM, there are things to keep in mind. Knowing what you need from a scope is just the first step. It helps to remember that the real best scope for 17 WSM is the one that suits your needs the best.
When looking for a high-quality .17 scope, you may find that you have other questions. There is a lot to keep in mind, and sometimes it may get overwhelming.
We took the time to determine and answer some of the more common queries to aid your search.
As far as hunting scopes go in general, there is a sweet spot when magnification comes into question. Generally, a scope that is 3-9x40mm will cover nearly any scenario while hunting.
Going higher than this requires caution and will not often provide a significant enough difference to consider unless for a specific reason.
Both Vortex and Leupold have excellent reputations. Vortex scopes usually come with a price advantage on well-crafted products that are comparable in quality to Leupold. On the other hand, Leupold tends to have more bells and whistles like motion sensors or aiming systems.
Overall, neither brand is better than the other in a significant way. It ultimately comes down to your preferred shooting style and how many additional features you want.
Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.
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