Whether you are aiming for a precise shot in the range or pushing the limits of your .17 HMR cartridge, you need a scope that will harness the true potential of this rimfire cartridge. We have put together a comprehensive guide on the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR suitable for a wide range of hunting and shooting expeditions.
As the popularity of the 17 HMR continues to surge for mid-range hunting and shooting, different brands have come up with scopes to pair it with. One of the most outstanding brands is Hawke Optics. This brand makes a wide variety of high-quality rifle scopes that pair well with a lot of rimfire cartridges including 17 HMR.
With the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR, you will be able to fine tune your accuracy in the fields, boost your speed of target acquisition and get the most out of every hunting expedition. In our article today, we will first look at the design features of a great scope for 17 HMR then proceed to look at the best-rated models from Hawke Optics.
What Makes a Good Scope for 17 HMR?
Several features make a good scope for 17 HMR and the main one is optical clarity and precision. It is vital for the scope to have clear optics for accurate target identification and precision shooting.
Furthermore, the scope should have a sturdy and durable housing that shields the optics from impacts and damage. The body should also have dependable protection from elements for all weather use.
Sufficient eye relief is the other feature that the best Hawke scope for 17HMR should have. Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, eye relief is vital in enhancing eye safety and glassing comfort.
Lastly, a good scope for 17 HMR should have a reticle that is crisp, accurate and easy to spot even in the low light settings.
5 Best Hawke Scopes for 17 HMR
Hawke optics is committed to providing high-quality and reliable optics and here is our selection of the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR. Let’s have a look.
1) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is our first recommendation for 17 HMR. It will get you closer to the target at close and mid ranges and enhance your overall hunting performance in all environments. The scope has a variable 3-9x magnification power. Across the entire zoom range, it maintains a significantly large field of view for fast target finding. Besides, the magnification is built in a second focal plane reticle that is glass-etched and illuminated with 5 different brightness settings. Solid and sturdy construction is another thing that makes this optic the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR. You can subject it to the most unforgiving conditions and it will still perform. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to enhance durability and provide a lifetime of reliable performance in all fields. Optically, this Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has fully multi-coated lenses responsible for amplifying light transmission. It also equipped with a fast focus eye bell for quick image focusing and long eye relief for snug and safe glassing. Features
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2) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12X50mm AO Rifle Scope
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Made with superior strength for virtually any caliber firearm, the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12X50mm AO Rifle Scope is an excellent companion for your next hunt. It is built with an intuitive and user-friendly design to accommodate hunters of all levels. The scope features a broad zoom range that spans from 4x to 12x. This gives you the flexibility to take shots at varying distances in a wide range of environments. Furthermore, the scope boasts an adjustable objective for reticle focusing and parallax correction. In this rifle scope, the reticle is put on the second focal plane. It maintains the same size across the entire zoom without obstructing the target. Besides, it is illuminated with 5 adjustable illumination intensities to ensure confident aiming in low light. Construction-wise, the scope has a 1-inch body made from high-strength aluminum. It is toughly built to weather abuse, yet lightweight for easy carrying in the field. Besides, the tube is completely waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for all weather use. In addition to everything else, the Vantage 4-12X50mm AO Rifle Scope has fully multi-coated optics that enhance optical clarity and performance in low level light settings. Features
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3) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope
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The Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope is the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR for use in low light. It boasts an oversized 56mm objective lens responsible for drawing in large volume of light inside the optics. It also features 11-layer fully multi-coated optics that ramp up light transmission. To complement the superb low light visibility, the scope has a glass-etched second focal plane reticle that is illuminated. With the illumination, the contrast between the target and the reticle is enhanced for accurate aiming in low light. Furthermore, the scope is built to last. It is manufactured using the state-of-the art materials which guarantee unrivaled strength and durability. The solid make coupled with weather protection make the scope suitable for use in all conditions, season after season. What’s more is the Vantage 3-12x56mm Rifle Scope features a generous eye relief of 3.5” to enable confident and snug shooting from any angle. On top of that, it is designed with a wide-angle optical system for rapid target finding. Features
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4) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-16x50mm AO Rifle Scope
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If you are looking for a premium quality scope that doesn’t break the bank, look no further than the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-16x50mm AO Rifle Scope. It offers a ton of premium features all at a price that is remarkably affordable. Other than affordability, this rifle scope excels in virtually all lighting conditions. It is made with a large 50mm aperture to enhance performance in low light. Additionally, the lenses feature 11-layer anti-reflective coatings for optimal clarity and incredible picture quality. Another highlight of this optic is the reticle. It is equipped with a rimfire .17HMR reticle that has aim points calculated for your specific caliber of rifle. Even better, the reticle is illuminated for optical visibility in low light and glass-etched for permanency. In terms of construction, the Vantage 4-16x50mm AO Rifle Scope is outstanding. It is built with high-quality materials to handle whatever a rigorous hunt may bring. Furthermore, it is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. With all these features plus the adjustable objective, this rifle scope is without doubt worth investing in. Features
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5) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
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Our last recommendation for the bets Hawke scope for 17 HMR is the Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Getting this rifle scope for your 17 HMR platform will transform your day at the hunting field and make every hunting expedition easier and successful. It brings to the table a large objective lens that works together with the fully multi-coated optics to ensure the best light transmission. Besides, the scope has a lighted second focal plane reticle with 5 adjustable brightness levels. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the brightness of the reticle to match the ambient lighting conditions. The optical performance of this rifle scope is stunning and so is the build quality. It is built with a 1-inch mono-piece chassis for superior strength. Furthermore, the tube is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure unimpeded performance in the field. And that’s not all. The Vantage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope has adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity to fine tune accuracy at long ranges. It also boasts a fast focus eye bell for easy reticle focusing. Features
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Why Hawke Scope for 17 HMR?
Hawke Sport Optics is known for its exceptional quality optics. Here are the benefits that come with buying the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR.
- All Hawke rifle scopes are made with versatility in mind so you can use them for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications
- Quality Construction. The quality of Hawke Sport Optics rifle scopes is a force to reckon with
- Ease of Use. To accommodate all hunters and shooters, Hawke makes it rifle scopes with an intuitive design which is simple to operate
- Superb Optical Performance. These rifle scopes utilize high quality glass elements and superior coatings for optimal image quality, brightness and detail
What Magnification Do You Need?
The magnification that you need for hunting with the 17 HMR depends on how far you will be hunting and your individual preference.
For close and medium range hunting up to about 200 yards, a scope with up to 9x magnification should suffice. Above 200 yards, you are going to need a scope with a higher magnification of at least 10x.
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Criteria for Choosing Best Hawke Scope for 17 HMR
Intended Usage
The 17 HMR is a versatile rimfire cartridge whose performance in unmatched. It excels at close to medium ranges and is ideal for a ton of applications including varmint and small game hunting. When making a purchase, be specific about the application you will be using the scope for and focus on finding the model that is best for that activity.
Eye Relief
It is important to have a scope with adequate eye relief. This is no matter whether you wear eyeglasses or not. The longer the eye relief, the more comfortable you will the scope to use. A long eye relief also keeps your eye safe from getting hit by the scope when it recoils.
Picture Quality
In rifle scopes, picture quality is determined by the type of glass the scope uses and the quality of the lens coatings. For the best Hawke scope for 17 HMR, go for a model that is made with the best quality glass you can afford. Additionally, the scope should feature premium anti-reflective lens coatings to ramp up light transmission.
Construction and Durability
Rifle scopes are an investment. It is therefore vital that you invest in a model that will offer you the best value for money in the long run.
Look at the type of materials used and settle for a model made from either magnesium alloy or aircraft grade aluminum. Such scopes are optimized for durability. Also, pick a scope that is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Weight
It is also important to look at how heavy a scope weighs as weight determines the overall effectiveness. The best scope for 17 HMR has a lightweight design of not more than 2lbs. With lightweight construction, the scope is portable, easy to shoot with and effective at scattering the recoil this rimfire cartridge emits.
Final Words
We do hope that this article has given you all the information you need to find the best scope for 17 HMR. Ultimately, the ideal Hawke sport for 17 HMR is dependent on your specific shooting needs. So, take that into account and look for the rifle scope that will help you achieve the most out of this rimfire cartridge.
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