My first impression of BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of rifle scopes, from budget-friendly to high-end. Today, I’m diving deep into the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope, a optic designed specifically for the popular .17 HMR cartridge. My interest was piqued by the promise of a scope tailored for rimfire precision at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank.
I needed a reliable optic for my .17 HMR rifle, primarily for varmint hunting and recreational target shooting. I was searching for something with adjustable magnification, decent glass clarity, and, crucially, .17 HMR-specific bullet drop compensation.
Unboxing the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope, my first impression was of a surprisingly robust build for its price. The finish was a decent matte black, and the turrets felt positive, although not exceptionally refined. Compared to a Leupold VX-Freedom or a Vortex Diamondback, both offering similar magnification ranges, the BSA felt slightly less polished in terms of overall fit and finish, but also significantly lighter. Ultimately, I chose it for the .17 HMR-specific turrets and compelling price. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; it looked promising, but the proof would be in its performance downrange.
Real-World Testing: Putting BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope was at my local shooting range, under clear, sunny skies. I mounted it on my Savage A17 and zeroed it at 50 yards using 17-grain Hornady V-Max ammunition. The adjustments were relatively straightforward, and the positive click 1/4 MOA adjustments allowed for reasonable precision. After a few shots, the scope was dialed in.
Later that week, I took the rifle out for some groundhog hunting in a nearby field. Conditions were somewhat challenging: overcast, with a slight drizzle. The fully multi-coated lens helped to gather enough light to maintain a reasonably bright sight picture, but image clarity definitely suffered compared to brighter conditions. Also, I found adjusting the magnification at dusk to be a little stiff.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope has held up reasonably well. The finish shows some minor scratches from being bumped around in the field, but the scope’s internals seem unaffected.
The scope’s elevation turret has remained accurate, while the windage has needed slight adjustment. I’ve cleaned the lenses regularly with a lens pen and microfiber cloth, and the adjustments still feel fairly crisp. Compared to a more expensive scope, like my Nikon Prostaff, the BSA’s glass isn’t quite as clear or bright, but it’s adequate for the price point.
Breaking Down the Features of BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
The BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope boasts several features tailored to .17 HMR shooters. It has an adjustable magnification ranging from 6-18x, with a 40mm objective lens. The field of view is 6.20 – 18.80 ft at 100 yds, and the eye relief is a generous 4 inches.
The tube diameter is 1 inch, and the scope’s total length is 13.20 inches, weighing in at 19.90 oz. It has a 30/30 finish and is designed for a 10 yds-Infinity parallax setting. The 0.25 MOA adjustment size provides for incremental precision.
Performance & Functionality
For a scope in this price range, the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope performs adequately. The image quality is decent for its class, and the adjustable magnification is useful for various shooting distances. The multi-grain turrets with zero reset are a definite plus, making it easy to dial in for different .17 HMR ammunition.
However, the glass clarity isn’t exceptional, and low-light performance could be better. The turrets, while positive, don’t have the refined feel of higher-end scopes, and the zero reset isn’t always perfectly repeatable. The BSA Sweet 17 meets expectations for its budget price point, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope features a straightforward and functional design. The materials used are adequate, and the scope feels reasonably solid. The generous 4-inch eye relief is a welcome feature, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
The scope is relatively easy to mount and adjust. However, the magnification ring can be a bit stiff, especially in cold weather.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope appears to be reasonably durable. I have used it in a few light rain drizzles, and the Nitrogen filled construction prevented internal fogging. Routine cleaning is simple, requiring only a lens pen and a microfiber cloth.
The ball and coil spring erector tube retention seems to provide decent shock resistance. But, I wouldn’t subject it to heavy abuse.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope comes with a 3-inch sunshade, which helps reduce glare in bright conditions. The scope is designed to fit standard 1-inch scope rings, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options.
There aren’t many specific customization options for this scope. However, you could upgrade the scope rings for a more secure mounting solution.
Pros and Cons of BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Multi-grain turrets designed specifically for .17 HMR ammunition.
- Generous 4-inch eye relief for comfortable shooting.
- Adjustable 6-18x magnification for versatile use.
- Nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging.
Cons
- Glass clarity isn’t exceptional.
- Turret adjustments lack the refinement of higher-end scopes.
- Low-light performance could be better.
Who Should Buy BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope?
The BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope is perfect for budget-conscious .17 HMR shooters who primarily engage in varmint hunting or recreational target shooting. It is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate shooters looking for a dedicated .17 HMR scope without breaking the bank.
Someone who requires exceptional glass clarity, very refined adjustments, or plans on using the scope in extremely low-light conditions should probably skip this product. Upgrading the scope rings for added security is a recommended, but not mandatory, modification.
Conclusion on BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope
The BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope is a decent optic that offers good value for its price. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more expensive scopes, it performs adequately for its intended purpose.
For around $150, you get a functional and adjustable scope specifically designed for the .17 HMR, making it a solid choice for budget-minded shooters. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and effective .17 HMR scope. If you’re in the market for a dedicated rimfire optic without emptying your wallet, give the BSA Sweet 17 6-18x 40mm Rifle Scope a serious look!