In the 80 to 160 pricee range I have had or have Tasco, Barska, Bushnell, viper, Simmons, redfield (old type bought used). My opinion and experience the Barskas are not worht buying, I sent mine in, got it replaced and tossed the replacement in the garbage, I wouldn't even give it to someone for free.
With the 17 HMR, the fine mil-dot is a great reticle. The higher the power the more they usually cost, a 4x14 is usually a lot cheaper than 6x24. I like 6x24s for mixed target and gopher shooting, but for straight gopher and little target 4x14 is more than lots. Most days the heat mirage means you can't zoom above 12 or 14 anyhow.
You can often find good used 3x9 Leupolds in that price range, Sightron series II or 3200 or 4200 series used Bushnells. If you want new in that price range I would be looking at the Bushnell Banner or Trophy line, deendign on how much magnification you want. (Trophy is hte better line and actually a very nice scope for the price, and would work up to the 4x14 range).
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