17 HMR's.

[ChrisO]

I'm considering getting a cz452 Varmint for some varmint control. I have centerfire LR rigs and a heavy barrel 10/22 but I think this will fit the bill to 150 yards or so heck even on a coyote within 100 yards if I can get the right shot. I want to add a nice scope but don't want to spend more than the rifle. I'm thinking of around 300-400 bucks. Any suggestions? I'm considering a bushnell elite.

[mikengracie]

Nikon Buckmaster on sale is in your price range and an excellent optic. I put a 6x18 on my Savage and it is just enough for paper and long range shots. But there are a lost of scopes in your range worthy of the 17. Never go cheap on the scope. I did once and still regret wasting the money.

[ChrisO]

I'm not gunna go throw a ncstar on it or something but I'm thinking 300-400 is about right for the gun and can get me a nice scope for what the round is capable of.

[bridgeport]

I use a Leupold 2-7 variable, with the fine duplex. Light, tough, glass is clear, and it costs a little over $200. With a 100 yard zero, the point between where the reticle lines thicken
gives me my 150, and if I hold where the thin line intersects with the thick, 200 yd hold.
Installing a rifle basix trigger is a must. I have the 452 in varmint config in .17 HMR and .22 mag.... my .22 lr is the American. All sport the same glass.
Hope that helps.

[ChrisO]

Whats the difference in the american one? I was reading about the rifle basix trigger. How much did it run you? I really like my 10/22 with tac-sol barrel but at 150 yards and little beyond sometimes they make it back to their hole even with a hit even on neck shots sometimes! I think the 17HMR will fill the niche quite well. I go out and can easily make a headcount of 40+ ground squirrels on hunting day.

[bridgeport]

.17 HMR is flat shooting and hard hitting, compared to .22. The CZ in varmint configuration has a shorter, heavier barrel and is better suited to shooting from the bipod than offhand, although I do shoot my varminters from offhand with success, while the American configuration has a longer barrel in the traditional style, and to me is better suited for walking with and taking balanced shots from standing offhand or kneeling position. Both configurations work, and work well, it is just a slight difference.
The Rifle basix trigger ran me about $85, and it is crisp and very adjustable.... Don't leave home without it !

[Fred C Dobbs]

A lot of people like Weaver V16 or V24 or the money. I personally like Clearidge or Vortex scopes.
If you want a good one for not much money consider the Mueller 4.5-14x scope APV. Mueller sells them for $130 but they are available for that including free shipping and sometimes a shade thrown in as well. I just got my first one and the clarity and sharpness is impressive. I don't pretend the internal mechanicals are up to more expensive scopes but then for rimfires they seem to be quite good.
The top level Vortex, Viper and Diamondback lines from Vortex are great scopes. Clearidge impressed me with their optical quality.

[oddjob]

I have the Mueller 4.5-14x scope APV. It is low cost and a great scope for my 17HMR. I have Leupold's, Weavers, Bushnell's, but this scope is impressive.

[Unit74]

I have no complaints about my Barska Hot Magnum scope. The rifle has 50 squirrel kills on it in two days. Most were 75-100 yards out.

[trob]

Nikon Buckmaster on sale is in your price range and an excellent optic. I put a 6x18 on my Savage and it is just enough for paper and long range shots. But there are a lost of scopes in your range worthy of the 17. Never go cheap on the scope. I did once and still regret wasting the money.

i have a nikon buckmaster 6-18 as well. I would recommend this scope as well.

[shootin' nuke]

My CZ 453 Varmint in 17HMR wears a Burris Full Field II 4.5-14x42 with the Ballistic Plex. Great scope for range work and taking long range squirrel shots. Great optic for long shots, but the field of view is a bit small for snap shots. If you hunt around online, you can find the FFII for about $350.

[Stealth]

+1 on the Mueller. Good quality scope for the money.

[bridgeport]

Leupold 2-7 is small, light, has decent glass, costs just a bit over 200 and gets me squirrel out to ranges in excess of 200 yds if conditions cooperate. Also, as I said in my previous post, the reticle seems to fit the cartridge.

[JBird33]

I too have the Mueller APV and like it a lot. I usually punch paper more than I hunt, and sometimes I wish I had a little more magnification.

[Jim McCoin]

This is my CZ 17 HMR American with a 3x9 Leupold, to tell the truth it's boring. I installed a Timney trigger, it seems like it does all the work while you just relax.

I highly recomend the combination.

Jim