I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes:

I had the same questions when I was going to put a scope on my .17. I started with a 3-9x32 Simmons 22mag. That scope didn't end up having enough power for my tastes.

I didn't want to put a ton of coin into a scope for this rifle. I ended up looking in the Sportsmans Guide and finding a Barska 4-16x50 AO (25 - INF.). Now, I know....you get what you pay for. You can get one of these out of SG for about $59.99 right now. Believe me, I had my doubts.....but the .17 has no recoil. This scope doesn't get beat up at all on my .17 and has held up very well out hunting through all the banging around in my vehicle.

I've been pleased with my purchase....much more than I thought I would. I've shot woodchucks and tree squirrels from 10 yards to 100 yards, on 4x all the way up to 16x. My POI has not changed with any magnification change. As was said, for hunting purposes.....that's all I'm looking for.

I took a chance on a production line scope and was pleasantly surprised, even when I was told by the masses not to bother with them. Did I get lucky.....maybe.