Are you talking a 26 inch overall length, or a 26 inch barrel? I have an Alaskan guide scope (6.5-20x44AO) on a savage 17HMR with a 26 inch barrel and it doesn't look bad at all. I would post a pic, but in order to update my website I need to use explorer (I normally use Mozilla but it won't work for some reason on that site) and explorer keeps locking up my computer when I try to use it. Probably one of the reasons I use Mozilla.

Here are a few pics from Varmint Al's website. They are of a contender with a 22 inch stainless bull barrel in 17 HMR with a pretty decent sized scope on it. Should give you an idea what yours should look like.








This is pic of a CZ, but it is pretty close to what my Savage looks like with the scope on it.




And here is a pic of a gun with a pretty short barrel and a huge scope on it so can see what overkill looks like.




By the way, Like I said above I have a similar scope to what you are looking at, just a bit more power is all. I also have the mil dot reticle in it. I am VERY happy with it for what I paid for it (just under $400 dollars). I also have the Cabela's quick detach scope mounts and like them as well.

I compared this scope with a few for more money (Leupold for 600 bucks!) and ended up liking this one more.

Post some picks when you get it done so we can check it out.

Paul