Marlin XT-17v

M

mellow_c

New member
I just got myself a brand new Marlin XT-17v for $210 out the door!!! I've never shot a 17 HMR and I'm pretty excited.

But, as is always the case for me when buying a new bolt action, I have no idea about what scope to put on it.

I see lots of people using scopes with 14x or even more. I cant imagine using anything more than a 14x on a 200 yard rifle.

I don't intend to use it for anything other than just plinking, but there is a chance it might see some use for small game hunting some day.

I'd like to keep the cost of the scope well bellow $300. I'm thinking around $200 would be good. And of course a BDC reticle would be useful.

So, I'm looking for suggestions on a good scope to mate with this rifle. Also if you have any idea about which height rings to use to keep the scope as low as possible while still allowing everything to clear, I'm all ears.
 
Since the 17hmr is low-recoil rimfire just about any ol cheap scope will last forever on one. I have a Tasco 6-24X42 with medium rings due to the heavy barrel on my rifle. I like the all the magnification I can get, usually. Plus, there's something to be said about calling your shot through the scope without having to readjust after the shot. I had a lower power scope at first but found I needed to remember the spotting scope...which I never do. :rolleyes:
 
That's a good point. There are some pretty affordable decent quality scopes with high magnification out there.

Anyone have some more recommendations in the $200 range?
 
Mueller APV

The Mueller APV is a standard for a lot of folks wanting higher magnification on a rimfire rifle. For about 130 bucks you get a 4.5-14X40 AO scope thats actually pretty darn nice for the money. Check out rimfirecentral.com for some great reviews. I have one on my savage 11 in 223 and i have no issues slamming 6 inch steel at 300 yards. Plenty clear and tracks well. My only complaint is eye relief but on a 17 hmr thats negligible. The extra magnification is nice for those tiny holes!
 
Hmmmm.... thanks for the comments guys...

Mueller APV sounds pretty attractive! I've never heard of it, but the comments "Cant beat it for the money" and "The extra magnification is nice for those tinny holes" have a reasonable ring to them.

I hate to say this after posting my most recent thread, but I have to wonder if there is something that would do the same thing, but with a slightly higher price point with the potential for greater quality and longevity?
Although maybe that's not the route I should be considering given my general idea of keeping this rifle in the "great performance for little money" range.

Honestly though, what do I know??? I just like the idea of a good quality optic that will last a lifetime no matter the price point, and if the Mueller is the way to go, then I hope I can find it within myself to spend so little on what might be the right scope.


A serious question for you guys...
With it being a 40mm objective... what height rings are you guys using to clear the bolt handle and barrel?
 
I used med height leupold rings and bases. Worked like a charm. To get an equal scope feature wise but of higher quality would cost atleast double. More like 300 on up. If you settled for say a 9 power of less scope there are some great options. I personally really like weaver glass. There are usually great deals on natchez. Also check out the open box/demo section at optics planet. If you dont plan on shooting real close, which with a 17 why would you? You could just get a leupold vx1 3-9x40 off ebay brand new for 175. Although having the AO is nice just in case. Lots of options!
 
Adjustable Objective.Rimfire scopes historically have their parallax set at about 50 yards and centerfire scopes at 100. Having that adjustment at closer ranges is nice to fine tune your sight picture. Not easy to accomplish with a centerfire scope.
 
Ooooooh! I see... well, understand anyway, kind of, lol.

I had a scope with parallax adjustment at one point. But I never ended up using it.

I know the adjustment for it is usually on the left side of the scope, and that you basically just set it to the number that is representative of how many yards away the target is. I've figured it's probably pretty simple.

I don't remember why exactly it is completely necessary for fine tuning your accuracy, but if it is, then I'm sure I should take advantage of it, since I'm hoping that this rifle will be one where I can really take advantage of it's accuracy... putting holes in coins and that sort of thing ;-)
 
Well, I hate to say it, but I've been reading up on the Mueller, and I think I'll continue my search. It sounds like a good scope for the money, but maybe not something that I'd like to have permanently fixed to the rifle, that is, if the rifle performs as well as I'm thinking it will.
I get the feeling that it would be good enough. But I really want something that will compliment the rifle for it's lifetime, and will last as long as the rifle so to speak. Based on the reviews, I'm not sure I could expect that from the Mueller if the rifle were to see regular use year after year after year.

For me, confidence in my optics is key. And I only like to buy once.

And now I start over :)
 
I have 3-9x and 4-12x redfield revolutions with accu-range reticle both have sat atop .17 hmr rifles.

I prefer the 4-12x on my heavy barrel marlin, the 3-9x was on a savage 93r17 with a light barrel, it was less accurate than the marlin but the 3-9x was completely adequate on it.
 
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The Redfield Accu-Range might be a better bet for me. I want a bullet drop reticle and a 4-12x would probably be perfect. I've heard nothing but good things about Redfield too. Thanks for the recommendations guys!
 
The circle x reticle on the accu range is the best circle x I have ever used. Not so much for fast target acquisition, but more for framing a target at 100 and 200 yards. The size and thickness is ideal. I don't have any super high dollar scopes. I have some vx 1,2 and 3 Leupolds that are fine for what I use them for. I like the Revolution best at this point. Optical clarity is subjective to some degree. I think too that some optics match different people's eyes in different ways. To me the Revolution is the clearest. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
Redfield is a great scope company but i would rethink the accurange reticle. Its horrible for small precision shots at diatance. I just dont like that big circle thing. Its nice for hunting but range play not so much.
 
You both make good points regarding the reticle...

I hope I like the accu range, because I just bought it :D

I got it for $218 shipped from optics planet with a 5% off coupon code.


I'll admit, I was hesitant to go with this scope and reticle. I figured something with straight thin lines would be better, and I was looking for some sort of BDC reticle like that in this scope, but it looks like they only offer the accu range, or normal cross hairs.

So rather then start over by looking at all the Nikon's and Vortex stuff, I decided to just go for it.

I suspect it would be a great reticle for small game hunting though, because of the circle framing the target.

I guess if I'm at the range looking for tinny groups, I'll just hold as steady as possible and be happy that I have 12x rather then just 9 or 10 and call it good enough.

Thanks for all the help guys :)
 
I think you'll enjoy it, there are better scopes for precision shooting. I've found the 4-12x to be precise enough to shoot the symbols out of regular playing cards at 75 yards with 4-5 shot groups, which is about as accurate as you could ever hope for from a $200 marlin 17 with a $200 scope.

If the range is known inside 200 yards you really don't need the bdc. For plinking you can adjust the turret to compensate for drop at known ranges. Focus more on learning to read the wind and holding over instinctively as it tends not to be consistent and the .17's enemy. I suppose it would be handy but if you don't like it on your .17 i the redfield is a great hunting optic that is built for centerfire recoil if you want to put it on a non plinking hunting rifle.
 
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