Scopes are a fairly new thing to me, so ...

[Ambidextrous]

... please let me ask: Are they (scopes) fairly "universal" - in general? In other words, how important is it to know your rifle model when going to purchase a scope? Or, will the majority of (inexpensive) scopes fit on my new .17 cal. Savage (93R)?

This puppy has no site (which is new to me!), so I need to do something here.

Thanks in advance.

[nathangdad]

so I would advise talking with a good gunsmith about mounts
and preferred scopes for your caliber and rifle. When the purchases
are made let the gunsmith do the work as this is not always the best of tasks for a newcomer to the area.

Scope quality has come a long way since I was younger but I would
advise you to check out some of the major manufacturers rather than rushing into the purchase of a less expensive scope from a newer name in the marketplace. Again, some time spent with experienced people will have big dividends.

On the positive side it is not necessary to part with big bucks to get a quality scope.

Good luck, good scoping, and good shooting.

[SilverRun]

It is not that complicated! Most scopes are universal and will work for any caliber. But, some scopes are calibrated for use with certain calibers - luckily for you the .17HMR happens to be one of the calibers you get a specific scope for. These caliber specific scopes are set up to compensate for bullet drop at specific ranges. A good option for your rifle would be the BSA Sweet 17. Get some good mounts and you should be able to put it together without too much problem.

Here are the general steps:
1. Get all your parts and pieces (scope mounts, scope, and correct tools)
2. Mount your scope rings and bases to the rifle. Simple unscrew the little bolts in the top and mount the bases there - do not oil them! Some people use lock-tight (easy to undo one). I don't really see the need with the .17 HMR though.
3. After securing the rings to the bases (some mounts have the rings and bases together - I like those best), take the two ring halves apart and place the scope in the rings and loosely tighten the bolts - leaving slack to move the scope around.
4. Mount the rifle to your shoulder like your shooting it - move the scope forward or backward until you get the full field of view - you should see a nice crisp outline around the edge. Make sure you crosshairs are level.
5. Tighten the rings up and see if your crosshairs are still straight. Tighten the bolts evenly (rotating tightning kinda).
6. That is it for the mounting
7. With a bolt-action - you can boresight the rifle at home. Put the rifle in a rest or somehow immobilize it horizontally - look down the bore and line it up on something on the opposite wall - then move your scopes crosshairs (see owners manual) to that spot. That should get you close enough to fine tune it when you get to the range.
8. Sight it in at the range (see scope's owners manual).

Good Luck - I think you will enjoy the rifle. My buddy has one and he loves it - pretty much one inch groups or less at 100 yards!

p.s. - The above are the basic steps - it is possible to add additional steps in here if you want to get fancy, but for the 17HMR this is really all you need to do.

[jimkim]

You should have mounts on the rifle already. You should be able to find any good inexpensive scope for your rifle. The only thing usually different in a rim-fire scope is the parallax is adjusted for 50 yards instead of 100. I would go with a variable scope like a BSA 3-12x44 or something comparable. I know it is listed as an air rifle scope but I have friends that love this model. You also might enjoy long-range and the 12x does come in handy at times. You can spend more if you want but I think that would be a good starting point. BSA Air Rifle 3-12x44 Scope. SCOPES.

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by Ambidextrous

... please let me ask: Are they (scopes) fairly "universal" - in general? In other words, how important is it to know your rifle model when going to purchase a scope? Or, will the majority of (inexpensive) scopes fit on my new .17 cal. Savage (93R)?
This puppy has no site (which is new to me!), so I need to do something here.
Thanks in advance.

Your Savage should have what are called Weaver style bases. You will need Weaver syle rings to fit these bases. They do not have to be made by Weaver. I would suggest you look at the 1" Weaver B-Square Sport Utility Rings, the Leupold Rifleman rings, and the Weaver Grand Slam. The major complication is that they come in differing heights and you need to get the right hight so the scope objective clears the barrel, but is not too high. These all cost in and around the $10 mark, so not too expensive. There is no need to go with super expensive rings on a rimfire.

Most put an moderate priced scope that is intended for a centerfire gun, and has an adjustable objective. This lets you shoot at closer ranges without parallax error and a clear image. Many put this Mueller APV scope from Mizzou Mule at $115 delivered.

Mueller Scopes, THE APV & 8X25 50MM ERATICATOR SCOPES

I have a Bushnell Banner 6-18x50AO on mine, and you can get them for about the same price. I think it is a bit better than the Mueller.

On ring height the simplest way is to get the scope and then take it to a dealer or gunsmith and let them trial and error fit the ones that work. Or, if you want to do it yourself, post again, and I think I have enough dimensions to get you started.

Ron

[SwedeSteve]

I would def put the Sweet 17 on it. You won't be disappointed.