Scope or Red Dot for new .17?

[Northslope Nimrod]

Brother-in-law just bought a Savage .17 bolt action. He wants to know what kind of optic to put on it. He's leaning toward a red dot...do people use red dots on .17's? I was concerned that the dot may cover the target past 100 yards.

1. What is a good red dot for a .17? Keep the $$ low as possible for quality product. He prefers a large objective.

2. If not a red dot....what kind of scope? Power? Variable? Manufacturer?

 

[Rockstar]

Can't begin to understand why anybody would even ask the question of using a red dot with a precision bolt rifle. Get a scope; variable power; Leupold, Burris, Nikon, etc.

 

[Skipper]

A VERY BIG ++1 to ROCKSTAR !

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Hence my question in my post.....I had never heard of a red dot going on a .17 and while my red dot on a 10-22 is fun....I don't see the benefit for the .17....only disadvantages.

Should he be looking at scopes "made" for the .17 or just a quality variable?

What is the lowest end scope you would use (if you're a cheapo) and what are the next few going up?

 

[220_Swift]

I have the BSA Sweet 17 om my Savage. I was leary of buyiong a BSA scope, but I figured if I didn't like it I could get most of my money back. I love this scope, and it has functioned flawlessly for me. I have shot it out to 200 yards, and the BDC works expremely well as long as you are shooting 17gr slugs. And I think I gave $100 for it. My only real complaint was I had to use high rings because of the rubber grip on the objective bell. But that complaint is something I can live with.

 

[Jacobus Rex]

A red dot won't take advantage of the accuracy of a .17. Red dots are good in their niche but don't work well for precision applications like a .17 HMR.

I think the BSA Sweet 17 is a pretty good buy for the money. They have some quality control issues but are good given their price range.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I have a .17hmr NEF. It shoots MOA.

I have a 4.5-14x AO on it, and find that to be perfect.


Reddot would render all advantages of the .17 useless.

 

[PITBULL]

scope it!!!!! i would only red dot a shotgun or a handgun

 

[brentwal]

scope

 

[dfaugh]

scope it!!!!! i would only red dot a shotgun or a handgun

Agreed...red dot turns a 150 yrd gun into a 25 yrd gun.

 

[Sactown]

Scope it. At .17 ranges, unless the dot is super small, it will cover too much of the target.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

What scopes do you recommend under $100?

 

[timyarb]

I have a BSA

I H ave a BSA Contender 4-16 AO on my Marlin .17. I know a lot of people HATE BSA scopes but I have to say it has served me well. Are there better ... Yep but it was worth the $70 i spent on it.

Tim.