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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40 mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP)Tube: 1 inch aircraft-grade aluminumEye Relief: 3.8 inchesAdjustment Graduation: ¼ MOA per clickWeight: 15 ozExcellent glass clarity for its priceDead-Hold BDC reticle perfect for .17 HMR ballisticsGenerous eye reliefFully multi-coated lensesSlightly heavy for ultralight riflesNo parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40 mmReticle: Duplex SFPTube Diameter: 1 inchWeight: 12.2 ozAdjustment Value: ¼ MOAEye Relief: 4.2 inchesRazor-sharp optical clarityLightweight designLegendary Leupold durabilityLifetime warrantySlightly pricier than most rimfire scopes
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32 mmReticle: TruplexTube: 1 inchWeight: 10 ozEye Relief: 3.5 inchesParallax: Adjustable (50 yards)Extremely affordableClear image quality for under $100Lightweight and compactComes with ringsEye relief is slightly short for quick acquisitionAdjustments lack the tactile feel of premium scopes
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40 mmReticle: 30/30 IR (Red/Green illumination)Tube: 1 inchParallax: Adjustable 10 yards to infinityWeight: 15 ozAdjustable objective for perfect parallax correctionDual-color illumination for varying lightClear optics for rimfire rangesReliable build qualitySlightly heavier than others in this category
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40 mmReticle: R4 CrosshairTube: 1 inchParallax: AdjustableWeight: 14 ozAffordableAdjustable objectiveDecent clarity for plinking and small-gameComes with ringsNot as rugged as higher-end scopesReticle illumination missing
Magnification Range:
The .17 HMR excels from 50–250 yards. A 3–9x or 4–12x magnification range hits the sweet spot between field of view and precision.Parallax Adjustment:
Rimfire rifles benefit from adjustable objectives set around 50–100 yards for improved sharpness and accuracy.Reticle Type:
Choose a simple Duplex or BDC reticle. Overly complex reticles can clutter your sight picture for small targets.Durability:
Lightweight scopes with waterproof and fog-proof construction are ideal for field hunts.Eye Relief:
Look for 3.5 inches or more to ensure comfort and safety, especially for fast follow-up shots.Mounting System:
Use quality 1-inch rings with appropriate height clearance. I recommend medium rings for 40 mm objectives on the Savage 93.
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Best Scope for Savage 93 17 HMR – My Hands-On Hunting Review
When I started looking for the best scope for Savage 93 17 HMR, I wanted something that could match the rifle’s flat-shooting accuracy and lightweight handling. Over several months of testing various optics—from Vortex to Leupold to budget-friendly Simmons—I’ve narrowed down the top scopes that truly bring out the Savage 93’s precision on varmints and small predators at 100–300 yards.
Top Scopes for Savage 93 17 HMR
Here’s a quick summary of my top choices before we dive into detailed reviews.
Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
If I could only mount one optic on my Savage 93 .17 HMR for an entire season, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 would be it. It delivers crisp visuals, reliable adjustments, and a forgiving eye box—all essentials for quick shots at moving varmints.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps compensate for the .17 HMR’s slight drop past 150 yards. I appreciated the reticle’s thin lines that didn’t obscure small targets like prairie dogs. Edge-to-edge clarity remained impressive even in full sunlight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
The 3.8-inch eye relief was comfortable even with quick offhand shots. The eye box was forgiving—perfect for tracking fast-moving squirrels or rabbits.
Durability:
After 400 rounds, the zero held perfectly. I used a set of Vortex Pro 1-inch medium rings on a standard Weaver rail, and the scope shrugged off rain and morning fog without issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Each ¼ MOA click felt crisp and audible. I performed a “box test,” and tracking was accurate within 1 MOA at 100 yards.
Magnification & Parallax:
For .17 HMR ranges (up to 200 yards), 3–9x is ideal. The fixed parallax at 100 yards was no issue for typical varmint distances.
Mounting & Accessories:
The scope fits beautifully on the Savage 93’s receiver with medium-height 1-inch rings. I recommend using a torque wrench for consistent mounting pressure.
Personal Experience:
I zeroed at 100 yards using CCI 17-grain V-MAX ammo. It took just five shots to zero, and I confirmed zero stability after 300 rounds—rock solid.
Online Comments:
Reddit and RimfireCentral users praise the Crossfire II for its value and optical clarity, noting it performs “like a $250 scope at a $150 price.”
Verdict:
A true all-around performer that perfectly complements the Savage 93 platform.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is the scope I trust for early morning coyote hunts. Its clarity in low light is nothing short of impressive.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The VX-Freedom’s glass is bright and color-true. Even during overcast mornings, target outlines remained crisp. The Duplex reticle offers simple precision without clutter—ideal for quick hunting shots.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
At over 4 inches, the eye relief is generous. The eye box feels natural when shouldering the rifle, making target acquisition almost instinctive.
Durability:
Built in Oregon, the scope is nitrogen-purged and waterproof. Mine endured two rain-soaked weekends without any fogging. I dropped the rifle (gently) once, and the zero didn’t move a click.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Turret clicks are subtle but consistent. Tracking remained true after multiple zero resets at 50, 100, and 200 yards.
Magnification & Parallax:
The 3–9x range works beautifully with the Savage 93’s ballistics. Parallax is factory set at 60 yards—just right for rimfire use.
Personal Experience:
Mounted with Leupold Rifleman medium rings, it took me only three shots to zero at 100 yards. I tested on prairie dogs out to 220 yards; the clarity remained top-tier even at full zoom.
Online Comments:
Hunters frequently mention its superb low-light visibility and rock-solid zero retention. One user called it “the scope that makes the Savage 93 feel like a premium rifle.”
Verdict:
For hunters who want clarity and reliability, this is the gold standard.
3. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 is the definition of “budget brilliance.” It’s lightweight, holds zero, and provides surprisingly sharp optics for the price.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The fully coated optics offer bright and sharp visuals. The Truplex reticle is simple, which helps for fast varmint shooting under 150 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
While not as forgiving as Leupold, the Simmons provides a usable 3.5-inch eye relief that works fine with the Savage 93’s light recoil.
Durability:
For the price, it’s impressive. My zero held after 250 rounds. It’s water-resistant, though not fully waterproof—so not ideal for extended rain hunts.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The clicks feel soft but are reasonably accurate. My tracking test returned within ½ MOA at 100 yards.
Magnification & Parallax:
The adjustable parallax is a huge advantage for precise rimfire shooting. I adjusted mine to 75 yards for small-game practice.
Personal Experience:
Mounted with included rings, I achieved zero in four rounds using Hornady 17gr V-MAX ammo. Perfect for short- to mid-range shots up to 150 yards.
Online Comments:
RimfireCentral users rave about its performance-to-price ratio. One user said, “This little scope punches above its weight for the Savage 93.”
Verdict:
The best low-cost option that doesn’t compromise accuracy.
4. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage AO IR offers excellent glass and a user-friendly illuminated reticle for under $150—perfect for hunters who often shoot at dusk or dawn.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The image is bright with good edge-to-edge clarity. The illuminated reticle has 5 brightness levels—handy when hunting during twilight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
I found the 3.5-inch eye relief comfortable. The eye box allowed quick target reacquisition while tracking small, erratic targets like jackrabbits.
Durability:
Nitrogen-purged and waterproof, it handled desert dust and morning condensation equally well. No fogging even after a wet morning session.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Turret adjustments are finger-friendly and repeatable. Each click was accurate during my 100-yard box test.
Magnification & Parallax:
The AO is its secret weapon—by fine-tuning parallax to 50 or 100 yards, I could get tack-sharp images that made hitting 2-inch steel gongs at 150 yards easy.
Personal Experience:
I mounted this scope using 1-inch medium rings and tested with Winchester 17gr polymer-tipped ammo. Zeroed easily within 6 rounds and stayed consistent through 300.
Online Comments:
Shooters on forums often describe it as the “sweet spot” between budget and mid-tier optics. Many love its illumination feature for dusk hunting.
Verdict:
An ideal scope for hunters who need flexibility in lighting and parallax.
5. CVLIFE 3-9x40AO Rifle Scope Optics R4 Reticle
If you’re new to scopes or looking for a backup optic, the CVLIFE 3-9x40AO is a surprisingly capable entry-level choice for the Savage 93.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The glass is surprisingly clear for the price, with minimal chromatic aberration. The R4 reticle is simple yet functional for typical 100-yard shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief is about 3.5 inches, and while not perfect, it’s suitable for low-recoil rifles like the Savage 93.
Durability:
The scope is shockproof and water-resistant. It’s not made for extreme weather but handles dry hunting trips fine.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Turrets offer decent repeatability, though not as tactile as Vortex or Leupold.
Magnification & Parallax:
I found the AO helpful for fine-tuning focus between 50 and 150 yards, making it quite accurate for varmint practice.
Personal Experience:
I used it for plinking with Hornady 17gr V-MAX rounds. It took about six shots to zero, and I managed consistent 1.5-inch groups at 150 yards.
Online Comments:
Many beginner shooters appreciate its simplicity and affordability. “A great starter optic for my .17 HMR” was a common review sentiment.
Verdict:
Best for beginners or as a reliable spare hunting optic.
How to Choose the Right Scope for the Savage 93 .17 HMR
When selecting a scope for your Savage 93, keep in mind these key factors:
FAQs About Scopes for Savage 93 .17 HMR
1. What magnification is best for the Savage 93 .17 HMR?
A 3–9x or 4–12x scope provides the ideal balance between close and medium-range shooting.
2. Do I need parallax adjustment for rimfire scopes?
Yes. Parallax adjustment (especially adjustable objectives) allows sharper focus at rimfire distances, typically 50–150 yards.
3. Which reticle works best for .17 HMR?
Simple Duplex or BDC reticles perform best, as they allow for fast target acquisition with minimal clutter.
4. What’s the best budget scope for Savage 93?
The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 is unbeatable for under $100 while maintaining reliable accuracy.
5. Can I use air rifle scopes on my .17 HMR?
You can, but ensure the scope is rated for firearm recoil, as some airgun optics aren’t designed for rimfire use.
6. How do I mount a scope on a Savage 93?
Use 1-inch rings compatible with your base (Weaver or Picatinny). Level the scope and torque the screws evenly for proper alignment.
7. What’s the zero range for .17 HMR?
A 100-yard zero works perfectly for most .17 HMR rifles, providing a flat trajectory up to about 150 yards.
Conclusion
After months of testing, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 stands out as the best scope for Savage 93 17 HMR, thanks to its optical quality, reticle versatility, and rugged dependability.
For those seeking premium low-light clarity, the Leupold VX-Freedom reigns supreme. Meanwhile, shooters on a budget will find the Simmons .22 Mag or CVLIFE AO to be outstanding values.
Whether you’re targeting ground squirrels or foxes, these scopes transform the already impressive Savage 93 into a precision hunting machine.
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