Rifle Scopes Thoughts on the SS 3-9x

[eleaf]

I'm contemplating this scope for my Savage 93r17 BTVS .17 HMR and want some people's experiences with them before plunging $600 sight unseen.

This rifle is big and heavy. Laminate thumbhole stock with SS bull barrel. By the time the base, rings, bipod and scope are mounted we're at well over 10 pounds. I would like to primarily use it as a groundhog buster and paper puncher.

Any insights would be appreciated.

 

[Oodin]

Re: Thoughts on the SS 3-9x

I haven't used mine much yet (it's freakin' snowy here this year) but I'm happy with it so far. Big upgrade from the Chicom crap I'd been used to.

I'm not an 'opticophile' so I'm not comfortable commenting on glass quality. The construction is sound and the mechanics repeatable.

A couple things I noticed right away was how smooth the magnification ring was, the feel of the clicks, and how easy it is to zero the knobs.

I wasn't prepared for how tiny the mil-dot reticule is on 3x, but I can't imagine having to use holdovers at that power anyway.

If you have any other specific questions, post 'em.

Oh and be prepared to have people tell you to use the search function.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Thoughts on the SS 3-9x

Are you dead set on an FFP scope?
The new Mueller APT might do nicely on a .17.
The buckmaster 4.5-14 would make a pretty dandy whistlepig scope.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Thoughts on the SS 3-9x

Honestly I think your over buying for a 17 HMR. The thing the little 17 has going for it is accuracy. It is also a short range round. I would suggest looking at the Vortex Viper and crossfire lines. I would look at higher magnification, fine crosshair or target dots and second focal plane.

The longest shot I've made with a 17 hmr on a Rock Chuck was 212 yards. I was setting on the deck of my cabin playing with a new spotting scope when I noticed the RC across a meadow thruogh a thin string of Pines across a narrow patch of meadow and in the rocks. With the scope on 18X I was able to pick a path for the bullet through the pines and the fine crosshairs allowed me to put the sights right where I wanted them. I have made shots on Prairie Dogs out to 240 yards. Some of them were in tall grass. With that little 17 grain bullet I want to be able to see anything between me and the target.

I have a 3-9 SS on order right now but it is going on a M1a Match. I really don't think the range finding capability would be useful on a 17 hmr and the FFP would be a handicap in my view.

You can spend less and get a scope that better fits you application.

But hey. If ya gotta have a SS variable just to play with it thats cool to. Good luck.

 

[Broc]

Re: Thoughts on the SS 3-9x

+1 on the Buckmaster 4.5-14. I have that scope on my HMR and is a perfect match for the caliber's capabilities IMO.