The .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) has made quite a splash on the small game hunting and target shooting scene for being the newer, faster cousin of the .17 HMR. First introduced in 2012, the 17 WSM was designed to be the ideal small game rifle that could consistently shoot at speeds in excess of 3,000 feet per second.
Here are the 5 Best Scopes for the .17 WSM
- Leupold VX-1 2-7x33mm
- Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150
- Bushnell 633184 Rim Fire
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40
- BSA Optics 17 Super Mag
Many shooting enthusiasts will attest to the speed of the 17 WSM and its ability to accurately hit targets at a greater distance than the 17 HMR, but the gun’s overall effectiveness truly rests upon which scope it is mounted with.
Best Scopes for .17 WSM
There are plenty of different scopes to choose from in 2020 that would be a decent fit for the 17 WSM, but we took the time to compile the top 5 scopes currently on the market for use with a 17 WSM.
Leupold VX-1 2-7x33mm
Since the introduction of rimfire rifles, many top scope producers have been scrambling to create the perfect scope to pair with something like a 17 WSM. The Leupold VX-1 is tough to beat when it comes to producing consistent, accurate results when shooting with a 17 WSM.
Featuring fully multi-coated lenses and the same great sight picture clarity that Leupold is known for, this scope is close to as good as it gets. Backed by Leupold’s famous lifetime warranty, the nitrogen sealed scope is a nice blend of both toughness and quality.
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Good eye relief
- Great for long distance shooting
- Two reticles
Cons:
- Some issues reported with durability
Takeaway:
As expected, Leupold unveils a great product that will stand toe-to-toe with just about any other scope for a 17 WSM. However, this one leave just a bit to be desired in rugged durability.
Related: Best AR-15 Scopes Under $200
Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150
The Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 was originally intended to be paired with a .22 caliber rifle, but many shooters have found that it is a great pick for mounting on to a 17 WSM. It has fully multi-coated lenses which provides plenty of brightness in low light conditions, making it a good choice for a varmint rifle.
The nitrogen-sealed body is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum and is both waterproof and fogproof. Many shooters love that the Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 has clear, thin crosshair lines, which allow for better aiming at longer distances.
Pros:
- Nitrogen sealed body
- Rugged durability
- Good brightness
Cons:
- Some reported issues with the sight staying zero-ed in
Takeaway:
Nikon usually delivers when it comes to making a solid rifle scope and this one is no exception. The P-Rimfire is great for hunting or target shooting with your 17 WSM.
Bushnell 633184 Rim Fire
If you’re a fan of Bushnell scopes, you’ll like what their company brings to the table with this Rimfire scope. The Bushnell 633184 Rim Fire is designed specifically for the 17 WSM rifle and it’s clear that this deserves to be listed among our top choices.
Many shooters report that the Bushnell Rim Fire scope is one of the most easily-adjusted scopes for a 17 WSM that’s currently available. With a magnification of up to 18x, this one, like the 17 WSM, is made for distance. With nearly four inches of eye relief, it’s easy to see why so many serious shooters love the Bushnell Rim Fire.
Pros:
- Single, aluminum tube construction
- Decent brightness
- Good clarity at longer ranges
- Easily adjustable
Cons:
- Some durability concerns have been reported
Takeaway:
As usual, Bushnell has crafted a solid scope that will get the job done while not carrying with it the hefty price tag of other major manufacturers.
Related: The 5 Best Scopes For A .300 Win Mag
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40
It’s hard to create a list of the best scopes for a gun like the 17 WSM without mentioning one of Vortex’s Crossfire II models. The scope has earned its place among the best of the best when it comes to quality and performance, but the fact that it isn’t manufactured in the United States might turn some buyers away.
If you’re a fan of Vortex, this might be the best choice for you as it offers all the same great characteristics the brand has become known for. Made for extra durability, the Crossfire II has Armor-Tek coating that prevents the housing from being easily scratched and scuffed up. This scope is also nitrogen sealed and has some of the best sight picture clarity of any scope on our list.
Pros:
- Great clarity
- Quality made
- Easily adjusted
- Good brightness
Cons:
- Some issues have been reported with mounting
- Expensive
Takeaway:
Vortex is almost never short on quality and the Crossfire II 3-9×40 makes a strong case for being our top pick for the best scope to mount on a 17 WSM rifle.
Related: Best Rimfire Scopes Of 2020
BSA Optics 17 Super Mag
The clear winner among our list of the best scopes for a 17 WSM is the BSA Optics 17 Super Mag. BSA is well-known for making quality scopes and this one is designed solely for the 17 WSM. For any rimfire rifle fans, this one is the gold standard of optics for a 17 WSM.
The Super Mag offers oversized turrets, which make in-the-field adjustments easy. Most buyers have raved about the fast focus feature that provides exceptional clarity in either target shooting or hunting conditions. The Super Mag also features an adjustable illuminated reticle that make it a great choice for hunting in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof
- Fast focus (great for moving targets)
- Good eye relief
- Great overall durability
Cons:
- Some reported issues with sight picture clarity
Takeaway:
BSA has created a scope that is intended to meet every need that a 17 WSM shooter has in both target shooting and in the field. While some reviews consider this scope to be more suited for target purposes, the fast focus feature easily makes it a great all-around choice for any use.
Related: Best .17 HMR Rifles
Those are the Best Scopes for .17 WSM
And that’s a wrap! There are plenty of different scopes to choose from in 2020 and we have laid out which are the best. Thank you for reading.
