Are you on the search for the best Vortex scope for 17 WSM? You came to the right place. When it comes to precision and accuracy in long-range shooting, having the right scope can make all the difference for the 17 WSM caliber.
The .17 WSM is a super versatile round with a lightweight design that makes it move as fast as 3000 ft/s. Hunters widely use this rimfire round for taking down targets at close to medium ranges. The round is a great in-between cartridge when overshooting is an issue.
What is 17 WSM used for?
The 17WSM is primarily used for varmint hunting and target shooting at medium to long ranges. The cartridge’s speed and trajectory make it appropriate for shooting small varmints such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other pests at extended distances. The cartridge’s high velocity also contributes to its impressive accuracy, allowing shooters to make precise shots at longer ranges.
What is the Effective Range of a 17 WSM?
The effective range of a 17 WSM for varmint hunting and target shooting typically falls within 100 to 250 yards, with optimal performance seen at medium distances of around 150 yards.
How Fast Does a 17 WSM Shoot?
Best Vortex Scopes for 17 WSM
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The 2-7×32 Crossfire II Rimfire riflescope is the best Vortex scope for 17 WSM, it features a V-Plex reticle which is a versatile choice for different hunting scenarios.
The scope features a long eye relief and forgiving eye box, allowing for quick target acquisition. With a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing and quick target acquisition.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to minimize reflections and provide clear and bright views.
The capped reset turrets are easily adjustable by hand and have MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
The scope’s one-piece tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and shockproof performance. It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making the Crossfire II waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- V-Plax reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
Pros
- Used for a variety of hunting applications
- Long eye relief
- Bright and clear views thanks to the multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope
Next on our best Vortex scope for 17 WSM list is the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope featuring XD (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements for increased resolution and color fidelity, these deliver sharp and clear images even at high magnifications.
The XR fully multi-coated lenses further contribute to superior light transmission, ensuring bright and crisp views in various lighting conditions.
Designed with a second focal plane reticle, the Viper HS maintains the size of the reticle as you change magnification, making it ideal for quick target acquisition and precise shot placement.
The tube size of the scope is constructed as a single piece, using aircraft-grade aluminum, which guarantees exceptional durability and resistance to recoil, ensuring the scope holds zero even under heavy use.
Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the Viper HS is both waterproof and fog proof, thanks to its O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged construction. It is also shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in rugged environments. The hard-anodized finish adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and abrasions, prolonging the scope’s lifespan.
The Viper HS features capped reset turrets, which can be finger-adjusted with MOA clicks. Additionally, the side focus adjustment allows for easy parallax correction, delivering optimal image clarity at various distances.
The Precision-Force Spring System ensures maximum repeatability and ease of adjustment, while the Precision-Glide Erector System ensures smooth and accurate magnification changes.
For quick and easy reticle focusing, the scope is equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece. The MAG-View Fiber Optic provides a highly visible reference point for magnification settings.
Altogether, these features make the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope one of the best Vortex scopes for 17 WSM.
Features
- Advanced optical system with XD glass
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Waterproof, fog proof, and Shockproof
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Side Focus
Pros
- Hard-anodized for durability and low glare
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick target acquisition
- Durable Aircraft-Grade Aluminum construction
- Precision-Force Spring and Precision-Glide Erector Systems
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
3) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm riflescope offers pinpoint accuracy to make your hunting adventures magnificent.
The Crossfire II is outfitted with an adjustable objective lens that takes care of parallax errors. The integrated sunshade helps minimize glare delivering clear pictures of the target.
It is designed with fully multi-coated optics that increase light transmission rates resulting in images with optimal brightness, sharpness, and clarity. A fast-focus eyepiece keeps the reticle in sharp focus, allowing speedy target acquisition.
Additionally, the scope is made with durability in mind. The single-piece tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand challenging conditions. The matte anodized finish minimizes glare and keeps you hidden in the brush so you don’t spook the target.
For more durability and resistance to damage-causing elements, the turrets are capped. The generous 6-18x magnification ensures that you are always in position regardless of how far the object you aim is.
Features
- 3.7 to 4.3 inches of eye relief
- Hard anodized matte finish
- The lens system is fully multi-coated
- Capped reset turrets
- Adjustable objective
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- A fast-focus eyepiece
Pros
- The image quality is commendable with fully multi-coated optics
- Sufficient amount of eye relief
- Adjustable Objective
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Hard Anodized for low glare and durability
- CCapped Reset Turrets
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Vortex has a reputation for producing top-of-the-line optics that are of A-grade quality, giving you value for money, and the Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope continues this tradition. The scope is another match for your .17 WSM.
The scope is built from solid aircraft-grade aluminum for resilience and straightness. The 30mm tube provides more room for windage and elevation travel. The adjustments are repeatable and designed for dialing.
Also, the turrets are exposed with a tactical style. Complementing these cool adjustments is the hashmark-based reticle that enhances precision when shooting at long ranges.
When you look at the scope’s design, you will see that it is outfitted with XR fully multi-coated lenses that maximize brightness and minimize glare interference. A fast-focus eyepiece helps in the fast acquisition of that sneaky target.
Armortek covering on the lenses keeps away dirt, oil, and scratches, maintaining the top-shelf performance of the lens system.
The Precision glide erector system ensures the components in the zoom lens mechanism are working efficiently and help you make seamless magnification changes so that you never miss a target.
Features
- CRS Zero Stop
- Exposed turrets with a tactical style
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Aircraft-grade aluminum make
- Precision force spring system
- Precision glide erector system
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- XD glass that is fully multi-coated
Pros
- Side Focus and CRS Zero Stop
- Easy to use
- Hard Anodized Finish
- XR Fully Multi-Coated and XD Lens Elements
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
5) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Riflescope
Another candidate on this review of the best Vortex scopes for .17 WSM is the Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Riflescope. This is the ultimate long-range scope as it eliminates guesswork making your shootings thrilling and successful.
Its reliability and performance come second to one, making it a desirable companion to include in your hunting regimen.
The 30mm tube is thoughtfully and durably made from aircraft-quality aluminum providing many years of long-lasting use. The scope is not left behind when it comes to all-weather functionality.
It puts waterproof and fogproof performance on the agenda, ensuring you have a great time despite sudden weather changes.
Recoil and impact will not take a toll on the scope as it is shockproof. Moreover, the optics are fully multi-coated for unsurpassed light transmission, leading to high-quality, sharp, and clear images.
The elevation and windage turrets are capped for protection from harsh elements. They easily reset to zero without hassle. Also, a fast focus mechanism quickens target acquisition even when eyeing moving targets.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
- XR multicoating
- Single-piece, aluminum tube
- Armortek treated lenses
- Side focus
- Capped reset turrets
- Extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- Fogproof and waterproof performance
- Durable hard-anodized matte black finish
- Excellent performance in weak light
- Well-executed design
- Ultra-hard and scratch-resistant Armortek coatings
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope is the best Vortex scope for 17 WSM if you are looking for a First Focal Plane Reticle scope.
The optics on this scope are hard to beat. The light collection and transmission are at an all-time high due to the fully multi-coated lenses. The 44mm objective lens also contributes to impeccable light transmission. The extra-low dispersion glass boosts resolution and color fidelity resulting in crisp images.
The rifle scope is made from top-notch aircraft-grade aluminum materials making it virtually indestructible. The glass is treated with Armortek to keep away scratches and dirt, as they can cause lens malfunction.
The scope is your ideal companion if you intend to hunt in wet or chilly weather. It is made to be waterproof and fog proof in rough weather, so your pursuit doesn’t stop because the conditions are unforgiving.
Besides, the reticle is illuminated, allowing precise aim in dark environments. Not even darkness will stop the unit from excelling.
The Precision Glide Erector System ensures the zoom is smoother than ever, giving you a performance that will blow your mind.
Features
- RZR zero stop
- Tactical-style turrets
- Precision Force Spring System
- Single-piece tube engineered from quality aluminum
- Hard anodized design
- Glass-etched reticle on the first focal plane
- Special multi-coating for maximum brightness
Pros
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Tactical-Style turrets
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Built-In Accuracy Features
- Illuminated Glass-Etched Reticle
Cons
- None
7) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope gives some serious competition to other units on the market owing to its impressive features. This scope’s optical performance and clarity cements it as one of the best for pairing with the .17 WSM.
The unbeatable optical performance of the riflescope is augmented by the extra-low dispersion glass that is coated with proprietary coatings. These inclusions combine to increase contrast, resolution, and color accuracy while optimizing light gathering for best-in-class image rendition.
The scope is built like a tank. Aircraft-grade aluminum is used in housing construction, giving you a lightweight yet robust scope that will last multiple years.
It is waterproof and fog proof, so internal lens fogging will not be an object of worry when using the riflescope. Besides that, it is shockproof to protect it from rugged conditions like bumps, knocks, and falls that are inevitable with hunts.
On top of that, the ribbed magnification ring allows easy power changes, whether you want to go as low as 4x or crank up the 16x zoom. With this, you will always have the upper hand over your target.
The fast-focusing mechanism makes target acquisition a breeze, even when chasing fast-moving sneaky targets. It is no secret that the Diamondback will unlock the potential of your .17 WSM, giving you the best shooting performance.
Features
- 30mm tube diameter
- 44mm objective lens
- Fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- 3.8 inches of eye relief
- Magnification rib facilitates smooth transitions
- Hard anodized finish
- Special multi-coating for stunning image delivery
- The reticle is etched on the glass
Pros
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Incredible brightness and clarity
- Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact
- Adjustable parallax
- Highly durable hard-coat anodization for low glare
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
8) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Riflescope
Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm is a great .17 WSM scope. The scope sports an array of features that enhance precision and deliver the sharpest views on the hunting grounds.
It is engineered with an HD optical system that delivers chromatic aberration-free images with maximum resolution. The lenses have proprietary coatings that increase light transmission and lessen glare for crisp, clear images.
The elevation turret has a locking design to prevent unwanted adjustments, while the windage turret is capped for ultimate protection and accurate adjustments.
Another facet of the scope is the RevStop Zero System, which provides a solid return to zero after sighting in. The eye relief stands at a generous 3.8 to 4.1 inches, ensuring you are safe from injury caused by recoil.
Also, the scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof, so fogging inside is a foreign concept to this scope. This is made possible by argon purging, which is used instead of the common nitrogen purging. The shockproof incorporation ensures no recoil or impact will damage the scope.
Moreover, the scope is durably made from quality aluminum, and the lenses are treated with Armortek to prevent scratches and dirt from interfering with the system’s functioning.
Features
- Armortek coated lenses
- Functions in all weather conditions
- Capped windage turret
- Locking elevation turret
- Lenses have multi-coating for exceptional images
- Optically indexed lenses enhance brightness and clarity
- Single-piece tube
- RevStop Zero System
- Matte anodized structure
Pros
- Super clear glass
- Positive and solid clicks
- Eye relief is generously placed
- Handles fog and moisture
Cons
- Battery life could be better
9) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Last but not least is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-14x50mm Riflescope. This .17 WSM scope is designed with a brilliant optical system to deliver the best performance in all lighting.
Lenses are fully multi-coated and have anti-reflective properties to enhance visibility from first to last light. The XD glass boosts resolution and color fidelity leading to high-quality images.
The fast-focus eyepiece is another highlight of the scope. It speeds up target acquisition as fractions of seconds matter when taking a shot.
Construction-wise, the scope is toughly built from aircraft-grade aluminum built to last. The durability is reinforced by the matte anodized finish that also reduces glare to keep you hidden in the forest.
Being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof means the scope will do the job regardless of the conditions it encounters in the field.
This .17 WSM scope has a magnification rib that ensures your eyes are on nothing except your target when making power adjustments.
Nonetheless, it is outfitted with zero reset tactical windage and elevation turrets with precise adjustments for more accuracy.
Features
- Eye relief of 3.9 inches
- Glass-etched reticle
- Magnification rib for smooth power changes
- Precision glide erector system ensures the smooth functioning of the zoom
- Precision force spring system for repeatability and easy adjustments
- 30mm tube
- Lenses are fully multi-coated
- Extra-low dispersion glass increases resolution and color fidelity
Pros
- Solid Aircraft Grade Aluminum build
- Reliable performance in all environments
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Increased light transmission
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
See Also
- Best Vortex FFP scopes
- Best Vortex Scope For 17 HMR
- Best Vortex Scope For 7mm 08
- Best Beginner Compound Bows
- Best FFP Scope under 500
- Best Vortex Scope for 1000 Yards
- Best Vortex Scope For 7.62×39
- Best Vortex Scope for 200 Yards
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Vortex Scope for 17 WSM
Build Quality
Scopes are pricey units, so you need to ensure that the one you pick is made of premium materials for long-lasting dependability. These include aircraft-grade aluminum that survives anything it encounters. It should have waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance on its agenda so that it suffices in various conditions.
Ease of Assembly and Use
This aspect is imperative to consider for both newbies and seasoned shooters. A scope that is tricky to mount, assemble, and use could impede shooting or hunting field performance. The best Vortex scopes for .17 WSM are easy to use and comfortable. They provide a hassle-free performance.
Clarity
Another aspect to think about is the clarity of the scope. The .17 WSM is a fast cartridge with a scope supporting quick and clear sight pictures. The optical quality and reticles determine the clarity. A larger objective lens enhances light transmission and delivers a wide range of views. However, it adds to the weight of the scope. Choose depending on your eyesight and comfort.
Magnification
The effective range of the .17 WSM is about 800 yards. Therefore, a very high magnification is not necessary. A maximum of 9x power is more than enough if you intend to shoot within 200 yards. If you are a hunter who wants to stretch out their ability, then you should opt for something more than 9x. However, go for only high magnifications only when necessary, as they can be bulky and pricey.
FAQs on the Best Vortex Scope for 17 WSM
1) What is the .17 WSM used for?
The .17 WSM ammunition is a fantastic option for eliminating pests and varmints. It is also suitable for deer and coyote hunting as well as similar-sized game thanks to its low recoil.
2) What is the difference between a .17 HMR and a .17 WSM?
The .17 WSM is pricier than the .17 HMR. The HMR provides a wider variety of ammo options, while the WSM offers a litany of bullet weights. The heavier bullets can be paired with the WSM to take down larger prey.
3) What does WSM mean in rifles?
WSM stands for Winchester Short Magnum, which is a family of rebated bottlenecked centerfire short magnum cartridges invented in the early 2000s.
Conclusion
From this guide, it’s clear that selecting the best Vortex scopes for .17 WSM should not be daunting. We hope this information has been helpful and you are now in a better position to make a wise decision.
Vortex maintains its exceptional reputation by creating innovative and high-quality optics to fulfill the needs of.17 WSM shooters.
See Also