The .17 HMR changes what a rimfire rifle is capable of. At 200 yards, the cartridge still delivers a useful velocity with a trajectory flat enough for confident varmint work in calm conditions.
The Savage A17’s delayed blowback system manages the .17 HMR’s operating pressure in a semi-automatic platform, giving a shooter the ability to make rapid follow-up shots across a prairie dog town or a clover field edge at distances no .22 LR shooter can access.
What changes with the .17 HMR is the scope requirement. Shooting beyond 100 yards with any regularity means you need an adjustable objective for parallax correction at varied distances, higher maximum magnification than a rimfire squirrel setup needs, and glass that resolves small targets at 150 to 200 yards under real field conditions.
A 2-7x scope with a 50-yard fixed parallax that works on a .22 LR squirrel rifle is the wrong answer here.
The six scopes below are selected for the Savage A17’s .17 HMR capabilities and the hunting distances where this rifle is used.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 – Best Overall
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire – Best for Mixed Hunting
- Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 – Best Mid Range
- Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 – Best with BDC Reticle
- Bushnell Trophy 4-12×40 DOA – Best Budget High Magnification
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 AO – Best Budget with Adjustable Objective
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| Optic | Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 | Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 | Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 | Bushnell Trophy 4-12×40 | Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 AO |
| Magnification | 4-16x | 3-9x | 4-16x | 3-9x | 4-12x | 3-9x |
| Objective | 44mm | 40mm | 42mm | 40mm | 40mm | 40mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.0 in | 4.2 in | 3.5 in | 3.6 in | 3.4 in | 3.5 in |
| Glass Tier | XD | HP | HP | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Weight | 15.4 oz | 11.0 oz | 15.8 oz | 11.7 oz | 15.5 oz | 13.0 oz |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC | Duplex | V-Brite | BDC 150 | DOA 600 | V-Plex |
| Parallax | AO 10 yd – ∞ | 100 yd | AO 25 yd – ∞ | 50 yd | AO 25 yd – ∞ | AO 10 yd – ∞ |
| Warranty | VIP Lifetime | Lifetime | VIP Lifetime | Limited | 1 Year | VIP Lifetime |
| Best Range | 25-250 yd | 25-150 yd | 25-200 yd | 25-100 yd | 25-200 yd | 25-200 yd |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
1. Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 – Best Overall
The Viper HS is the correct scope for the Savage A17 when .17 HMR is being used to its capability. At 16x you can call shots on prairie dogs at 200 yards and read wind drift from the impact relative to the point of aim. The 4-16x range starts wide enough for a coyote crossing at 60 yards and scales to full distance varmint precision.
The adjustable objective goes down to 10 yards and resolves parallax at every distance the .17 HMR is used. At 44mm objective the light gathering is adequate for morning varmint fields. The 4.0 inch eye relief is generous for a semi-automatic rifle.
The Viper HS uses Vortex’s XD extra low dispersion glass, which is a step above the HP tier. In field conditions at dawn on a varmint flat, the XD glass produces image contrast that lets you identify a prairie dog’s posture at 175 yards, which is a different category from what standard glass delivers at that distance and light level.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides holdover reference points useful from 100 to 300 yards. For .17 HMR field shooting the BDC circles give a practical starting point that can be dialed in against the specific load being used.
The Viper HS 4-16×44 is the scope that unlocks the Savage A17’s full .17 HMR capability. If you are shooting prairie dogs or ground squirrels at 175 yards in a Wyoming wind, this is the glass that makes those shots practical rather than speculative. The XD optics, generous adjustable objective range, and Dead-Hold BDC reticle are matched to what this rifle can do. Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable. The clear top choice for serious .17 HMR hunters.
Pros
- XD glass delivers the best image quality on this list at extended .17 HMR distances
- 4-16x magnification covers the full varmint hunting range of the .17 HMR
- Adjustable objective from 10 yards to infinity covers every shooting distance
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides holdover reference from 100 to 300 yards
- 4.0 inch eye relief is comfortable for a semi-automatic field rifle
- Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable
Cons
- 15.4 ounce weight is significant on a semi-automatic rimfire
- XD glass premium is larger than necessary for hunters who stay inside 100 yards
- Requires ranging and BDC calibration for best results at distance
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire – Best for Mixed Hunting
The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire is the right choice for the Savage A17 hunter who uses the rifle for a mix of squirrel timber work, small predator hunting at field edges, and occasional longer varmint shots. The 3x minimum gives a workable field of view for close shots in mixed terrain while 9x provides enough magnification for confident 125 yard target identification.
At 11 ounces the VX-Freedom is the lightest scope on this list, which matter on a semi-automatic that is carried more than it is shot during a mixed game day. The 4.2 inch eye relief is the most generous available.
Leupold’s Twilight coatings give the VX-Freedom a real advantage in the gray light of morning varmint work. At dawn on a clover field edge the Twilight system produces an image that holds contrast on a fox or a coyote at 80 yards in the minutes before shooting light is established.
The 100 yard factory parallax setting is the one compromise for this scope on the A17. For shots inside 100 yards there is a minor parallax error that affects precision. For hunting use rather than benchrest work, it is manageable.
The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire is the right scope for the A17 hunter who values a light, versatile setup that performs well in dawn and dusk light across mixed terrain. The 9x top end limits maximum varmint range compared to a 16x option but delivers excellent glass quality at the distances most .17 HMR hunters shoot. Leupold lifetime warranty covers this scope. A strong choice for hunters who prioritize glass quality and light weight over maximum magnification.
Pros
- Twilight coatings deliver the best low light image quality on this list
- Lightest option at 11 ounces for a long carry day
- 4.2 inch eye relief is the most generous available
- 3-9x magnification covers practical mixed hunting distances
- Leupold lifetime warranty
Cons
- 100 yard factory parallax is not ideal for .17 HMR precision inside 100 yards
- 9x maximum limits confidence at the 150 to 200 yard varmint ranges the .17 HMR can reach
- No adjustable objective for variable distance precision shooting
3. Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 – Best Mid Range
The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 is the mid tier answer for the Savage A17 hunter who wants the 4-16x magnification range and adjustable objective of the Viper HS at a lower price. The HP tier glass is a genuine step above standard coating and performs well in moderate to good light at varmint distances.
The adjustable objective starts at 25 yards and covers the full range of .17 HMR shooting distances. At 4x the field of view is wide enough for a crossing shot on a jack at 50 yards. At 16x the image is sharp enough for precise shot placement on a prairie dog at 175 yards in good light.
The HP glass in the Diamondback delivers better contrast than standard coated options at distance. On a bright morning with the sun behind you, the Diamondback HP at 12x resolves a prairie dog’s head above the burrow mound at 150 yards with clarity that lets you select your aiming point rather than just fire at the target mass.
The V-Brite illuminated reticle is useful in overcast or low angle sun conditions where a standard black crosshair is hard to see against a dark hillside background.
The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 is the most practical value proposition on this list for the Savage A17 hunter who needs the full varmint magnification range with above average glass quality. It does not match the Viper HS in low light but performs well in the conditions where most prairie dog and ground squirrel hunting happens: midday to late afternoon in good light. Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable. The correct choice for the A17 hunter who wants 16x at a mid tier price.
Pros
- HP glass delivers meaningful image quality improvement over standard coated options at distance
- 4-16x magnification covers the full .17 HMR varmint range
- Adjustable objective covers 25 yards to infinity
- V-Brite illuminated reticle aids target acquisition in low contrast conditions
- 42mm objective is a practical size for hunting weight
- Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable
Cons
- 15.8 ounces is the heaviest scope on this list
- HP glass shows limits at dawn and dusk compared to the Viper HS XD tier
- 25 yard minimum AO is less flexible than the Viper HS 10 yard minimum
4. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 – Best With BDC Reticle
The ProStaff Rimfire II BDC 150 is factory calibrated for .22 LR trajectory, but the .17 HMR shoots flatter. At 100 yards with a 50 yard zero the .17 HMR’s drop is 2 inches compared to 5 to 6 inches for standard velocity .22 LR. This means the BDC circles are not applicable for .17 HMR holdover without range calibration.
As a hunting scope for the Savage A17 inside 100 yards the ProStaff Rimfire II remains a valid option. The 50 yard factory parallax is set for close to mid range shooting and the 3-9x magnification handles all field hunting distances within that window.
Nikon’s multi-coated glass in the ProStaff line is above average for its price tier. The image in good to moderate light is sharp and contrasty enough for confident target identification at 75 yards. The BDC 150 circles give rough holdover reference points that can be calibrated to the .17 HMR’s specific trajectory with range work.
For a Savage A17 used inside 100 yards for squirrel and small game hunting where the .17 HMR’s flat trajectory means the standard zero holds well, the ProStaff Rimfire II covers the application.
The ProStaff Rimfire II is best suited for the A17 hunter who uses the rifle as an extended range squirrel and small game tool inside 100 yards rather than a dedicated varmint rifle at maximum .17 HMR distances. The 9x top end and 50 yard parallax are correct for that application. Hunters who want to push to 150 to 200 yards should step up to the Diamondback HP or Viper HS. Nikon limited lifetime warranty. A practical choice for mixed hunting use inside 100 yards.
Pros
- Solid Nikon glass quality in good light for hunting distances
- 3-9x magnification covers small game and varmint work inside 100 yards
- BDC 150 circles can be calibrated for .17 HMR holdover at distance
- 50 yard parallax is set for inside 100 yard precision
- 3.6 inch eye relief is comfortable for a semi-automatic field rifle
Cons
- BDC 150 is calibrated for .22 LR, not .17 HMR, requiring field recalibration
- 9x maximum magnification limits confidence at the .17 HMR’s full capability range
- No adjustable objective limits precision at distances outside the factory set parallax
5. Bushnell Trophy 4-12×40 DOA – Best Budget High Magnification
The Bushnell Trophy 4-12×40 gives the Savage A17 hunter a higher magnification range at a budget price with the adjustable objective needed for variable distance varmint shooting. At 12x you can make confident 150 yard shots on prairie dogs in good light. The adjustable objective corrects parallax from 25 yards through extended distances.
At 15.5 ounces it sits heavier on the A17’s receiver than lighter options. The 3.4 inch eye relief is adequate for a low recoil semi-automatic. The DOA reticle provides holdover reference points that can be adapted to .17 HMR trajectory.
Bushnell’s multi-coated glass in the Trophy line is functional in good to moderate light conditions. At 8x to 10x in midday sun the image is usable for varmint identification and shot placement at 100 to 125 yards.
At 12x in overcast or low light the image quality drops off more than the Diamondback HP at equivalent magnification. For midday prairie dog shooting in bright conditions the Trophy performs at this price tier.
The Trophy 4-12×40 is the correct budget answer for the A17 hunter who needs higher magnification and adjustable parallax without a premium investment. Its limitations in low light and at the edge of the 12x range are honest tradeoffs at the price. For bright day prairie dog shooting inside 150 yards, it covers the application. Bushnell one year warranty is basic coverage. A practical starter scope for the Savage A17 varmint hunter on a limited budget.
Pros
- 4-12x magnification covers most .17 HMR varmint distances
- Adjustable objective corrects parallax from 25 yards to extended ranges
- Budget price point for high magnification
- DOA reticle provides holdover reference adaptable to .17 HMR
Cons
- Glass quality is the weakest on this list at distance in moderate and low light
- 15.5 ounce weight is significant on a semi-automatic rimfire
- One year warranty is the minimum coverage available
6. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 AO – Best Budget With Adjustable Objective
The Crossfire II 3-9×40 AO is the budget option that gets the most important variable right for a .17 HMR hunting scope: the adjustable objective allows parallax correction across the varied distances where the Savage A17 is used. At 10 yard minimum the AO covers everything from a rabbit at 15 yards to a prairie dog at 200.
The 3-9x range is a reasonable starting point for the A17 used in mixed terrain. At 9x the image resolution at 150 yards is adequate for varmint work in good light. The 3.5 inch eye relief is comfortable for a semi-automatic field position.
The Crossfire II’s standard multi-coated glass is the baseline for this comparison. In good morning light at 7x to 8x the image quality is sufficient for shot placement on varmints inside 100 yards. At 9x in moderate light and at distance the standard coating tier shows its limits relative to the HP and XD options above it.
The V-Plex reticle is clean and appropriate for hunting use. It does not provide BDC holdover reference for .17 HMR shooting, requiring holdover estimation at distance.
The Crossfire II 3-9×40 AO is the correct budget entry for the Savage A17 hunter who needs an adjustable objective and reliable zero retention without a large investment. The adjustable parallax is the key feature that separates this from the fixed parallax budget options and makes it useful for .17 HMR shooting across varied distances. For varmint hunters pushing past 125 yards, the HP and XD tier options are stronger recommendations. Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable. The best budget foundation for the A17.
Pros
- Adjustable objective covers 10 yards to infinity, essential for .17 HMR variable distances
- Reliable zero retention through varied field conditions
- 3-9x covers practical hunting distances inside 150 yards
- Budget price tier with adjustable parallax
- Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable
Cons
- Standard glass shows limits at the distances the .17 HMR can realistically shoot
- 9x maximum magnification is not enough for confident 175 to 200 yard varmint work
- No BDC holdover reference for .17 HMR long range shooting
Cartridge to Magnification Guide: .17 HMR in the Field
Inside 75 yards (timber, close mixed terrain)
3x to 4x is adequate for identification and shot placement. Wide field of view matter more than magnification at this range. The 3-9x options on this list cover this application at their minimum.
75 to 125 yards (field edges, open woodland)
6x to 9x is the practical range for confident .17 HMR work at these distances. The .17 HMR’s flat trajectory means holdover is minimal and shot placement is a magnification and parallax accuracy question.
125 to 175 yards (open country, prairie, varmint fields)
10x to 13x is where the .17 HMR’s capability starts requiring better glass to match. At this range target size is small enough that image clarity at distance becomes a limiting factor before trajectory does. The HP and XD tier glass on this list earn their place at these distances.
175 to 225 yards (maximum practical .17 HMR range)
14x to 16x in good conditions with XD or better glass and a adjusted parallax. Wind is the primary variable at this range. The Viper HS is the scope built for this application. Below this tier, shots are speculative rather than precise.
Field Notes: Savage A17 Scope Selection
Adjustable objective is not optional for .17 HMR hunting
The .17 HMR is used at distances ranging from 25 yards on a tree squirrel to 200 yards on a prairie dog. A fixed parallax scope set at 50 yards introduces visible aiming error at 150 yards that exceeds the cartridge’s inherent accuracy at that range. Every scope on this list has an adjustable objective or is noted for the specific distance at which its fixed parallax operates best.
The A17’s delayed blowback creates a different platform consideration than a bolt action
The Savage A17 is a semi-automatic. The delayed blowback system produces more receiver movement under fire than a bolt action. Scope mounting with quality rings torqued matter more here than on a single-shot rimfire. Every scope on this list maintains zero under this operating system, but budget rings introduce variables that undercut even the best glass.
Wind is the limiting factor at .17 HMR distances, not trajectory
Past 150 yards in any wind above a 5 mph crosswind, the .17 HMR’s light bullet begins to drift. At 200 yards a 10 mph crosswind moves the bullet 3 to 4 inches. No amount of magnification or glass quality eliminates this physical reality. Understanding wind reading and limiting shots to calm or near-calm conditions is as important as scope selection for a serious .17 HMR hunter.
Final Thoughts
For the Savage A17 used as a serious .17 HMR varmint rifle, the Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 is the scope that matches the cartridge’s capability with XD glass that resolves small targets at distance and an adjustable objective that covers the full range of realistic shooting situations.
For hunters who want meaningful performance at a lower investment, the Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 delivers HP glass and the full 16x magnification range at a mid-tier price.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire is the right answer for the hunter who uses the A17 for mixed small game and light predator work where premium low-light glass and a lighter carry weight matter more than maximum magnification.
Match your scope to the distances you shoot and the light conditions you hunt in, and the Savage A17 will deliver .17 HMR performance that justifies every dollar spent on glass.