The .22 Hornet rifles are one of the rifles that are considered to be known for its accuracy, precision and speed. With all those characteristic combined, .22 Hornet needs a scope that would be of great match for the skills and characteristics it possesses.
Its vintage-inspired design of cartridge is considered even more versatile when compared to the most modern cartridges that we have today that’s why it is still a relevant choice for shooters and hunters nowadays—not mentioning that is also one of the most reliable firearm for varmints and coyotes hunting.
With all those things said, it is truly essential that you get a scope would be able to keep up with the abilities of .22 Hornet.
Table: 10 Best Scopes for .22 Hornet
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Now that you know some of the very basic things about .22 Hornet, here are the best rifle scopes that you can pair it with. Together with their features and their short descriptions, here are the best that we can find for you:
Best Scopes for .22 Hornet - Reviewed
1. BARSKA 3-9x40 Hornet Riflescope
This is one of the Best BARSKA Riflescope which is a 1-inch diameter tube scope features an adjustable side parallax, and some click adjustments for better accuracy and precision.
It has an objective lens with a diameter of 40 millimeters. When you buy this scope, it comes with included set of 5/8-inch rings, one lens cover, and one lens cloth.
Its weight in total is just 16.93 ounces and its total length is 12.91 inches. BARSKA’s 3-9x40mm Hornet Riflescope scope is perfect for hunting purposes, plinking and even target shooting.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Magnification
The magnification setting of this scope is perfect for short to medium ranges of hunting activities. To be more specific, it offers 3X to 9X. With a feature like that, you would be able to have a scope that is of perfect match for .22 Hornet.
Waterproof, Fog-proof and Shock-proof
With its robust design and construction that is extra rigid, this scope has become waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof too. With those combined features, you would be able to rely on this scope to be durable and reliable simultaneously.
30/30 Crosshair Type of Reticle
If you want to do any type of activities or shooting, this scope’s reticle is made for a wide variety of purposes. Also, this reticle type is perfect for acquiring targets faster than you can imagine.
Fully Coated Optics
This scope is built with fully coated optics which is very reliable when it comes to transmitting the maximum possible light from the surroundings for you to be able to see bright view of the field you are viewing through the lenses.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Since the early parts of the 20th century, Leupold has been in the industry and already has manufactured some of the high-quality scopes that we see at the markets these days.
That is one of the reasons why this brand is among the most trusted brands in the hunting industry. Leupold’s VX – Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope is among the best scopes that the brand of Leupold has ever manufactured.
It has an objective lens that is perfect for hunting because of its size—to be more specific, its diameter is 40 millimeters. Also, this scope has a weight of only 1.3 pounds.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Durability
This scope is made for the different conditions that you might face in the field. With it being constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft quality of aluminum, you would be able to use it for rugged use. Also, it would be able to withstand even the harshest recoils—it was tested and guaranteed to still perform well under hard recoils, so you would be able to rely on this one. Its matte finish also prevents corrosion and scratches from occurring.
Twilight Light Management System
With this scope having this feature, the glare in the image quality would be reduced while images with crisp qualities would be produced. Also, this feature would give you 10 more minutes of shooting light even when you are faced with conditions that are low in light.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire MOA Reticle Riflescope
The brand of Leupold never compromises when it comes to the quality of their glasses and optics. From its lowest magnification of 2X to its highest magnification of 7X, you would be able to enjoy views and images that are of crystal-clear quality.
The design of this scope is very portable because it has a weight of only 11.1 ounces. Also, Leupold VX – Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope has an eye relief that ranges from 3.7 inches for up to 4.17 inches.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Durability
The material used for this scope is 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum—with this type of material as the main body, this scope is made very durable and very high in strength. Also, its lenses are resistant to scratches; thus, ensuring durability and long-lasting quality.
Multi-Coated Lenses
This Rimfire rifle scope is made with finesse when it comes to talking about its optics. Its multi-coated lenses are very reliable when reducing color aberrations in order to offer a bright and vivid image and view.
Twilight Light Management System
If you want to have decent visibility even in conditions where there is very critical lighting, you would be able to rely on this scope to still perform due to this feature that it has. Even at night, this scope would still perform just as well as it does in the morning.
Magnification
The magnification of this scope is very reliable when it comes to having short to medium ranges of different applications. Its magnification ranges from 2X to 7X—with that, you would be able to see clear views within short to medium ranges.
4. Nikon PROSTAFF P3 2-7x32 Matte Rifle Scope
A lot of varmint hunters do consider PROSTAFF P3 2-7x32mm Matte as a favorite scope—it’s because of the reason that it has an all-purpose design that makes it very versatile.
With a compact design and a 32-millimeter objective lens, this scope is made one of the best scopes that are compatible with .22 Hornet.
Another good thing about this scope from the brand of Nikon is that it would be able to keep up with your long hunting trips.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Fully Multi-Coated Optics
This feature maximizes the light transmission that you need—thus, offering the brightness and the contrast in the images of the field that you are viewing through your scope. This feature is enhanced with multiple layers of coatings that have anti-reflective properties that would ensure better quality.
Quick Focus Eyepiece
This scope has a quick focus eyepiece that has a smooth-turn ring made from aluminum with an eye guard that is rubberized. This feature is perfect for allowing crisp focusing of the reticle and quick acquisition of your targets. If you are a hunter, you should know that speed when targeting and shooting is one of the most important skills you should practice—well, this scope would help you achieve that.
Waterproof and Fog-proof
This scope is made with an o-ring sealing that prevents water from entering it and also moisture from distorting the view through the lenses. With this built, this scope’s body is protected from harmful and tough elements.
5. Weaver Classic V-Series Hunting Riflescope
Because of .22 Hornet’s proven speed and accuracy, it is one of the firearms that are among the best for hunting purposes—and that is how Weaver’s Classic V – Series Hunting Riflescope becomes a great pair for it.
It has a large objective lens that is best for the exit lighting that your eyes can only handle. Also, it comes with an adjustable objective diameter. This scope has length of 14.3 inches in total. It has a very light weight of only 17.5 ounces.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Magnification
This scope offers a magnification setting that starts from 6X to 24X—a perfect range for doing medium to long-range hunting activities that you want to conduct in the field. With this feature, this scope is perfect for doing a wide variety of hunting activities that you can think of.
Shock-proof, Waterproof, Fog-proof
This 1-inch tube is made waterproof, shock-proof and fog-proof with its construction. These properties are also paired with a matte finish to have an exterior that is less susceptible to scratches, corrosion and other things that might destroy its outside.
Multi-Coated
The lens of this scope is multi-coated—thus, making it more reliable when transmitting the maximum possible amount of light available in the surroundings. With this type of coating, you would be able to be assured that you would see vivid and clear images from this scope. Also, this type is coating is proven to be one of the recommended types that scopes should have.
Comparison Table of Top 5 Scopes
| Features / Brands | BARSKA Hornet | Leupold VX | Leupold VX | PROSTAFF P3 | Weaver Classic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 3X - 9X | 4X - 12X | 1.5X - 4X | 2X - 7X | 6X - 24X |
| Optical System | Multicoated Optics | Multicoated Optics | Multicoated Optics | Multicoated Optics | Multicoated Optics |
| Reticle | 30/30 Crosshair Reticle | Tri-MOA Reticle | MOA Reticle | Ballistic-X Reticle | Ballistic-X Reticle |
| Tube Diameter | 1 Inch | 1 Inch | 1 Inch | 1 Inch | 1 Inch |
6. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
Vortex’s Optics Crossfire II Riflescope is considered as a compatible scope that can be paired with .22 Hornet.
With its unquestionable performance in targeting and price that feels right, this scope is perfect for hunters. This is a top-rated scope and surely a favorite by many shooters out there.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Fast-Focusing Eyepiece
This feature of having a fast-focusing eyepiece allows the reticle to focus faster. When paired with the long eye relief of this scope and its ultra-forgiving eye box, you would be able to view the images of the field quickly; thus, allowing you to have faster acquisition of targets as well.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
For you to have a clear and bright view of the field, this scope is designed to have fully multi-coated lenses—the feature responsible for doing that. Also, this scope’s lenses are improved with anti-reflective properties that ensure more quality images.
Durability: To ensure a shock-proof performance and high-strength quality, this scope is constructed to have an aircraft grade aluminum. With that construction, this scope is proven durable because the material used is one of the types of materials that are used to produce the most durable scopes in the world.
Waterproof and Fog-proof
Also, this scope is o-ring sealed and also nitrogen purged in order for it to be waterproof and also fog-proof. With that, water and fogging would not be allowed to occur.
7. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Some hunters and shooters love to go hunting either at dusk or at dawn. With those two times of the day, hunting can be really difficult since the lighting condition becomes very critical; but those times are when varmints and coyotes go out, so it is a good time for hunting.
Based on its name, Bushnell’s Banner Dusk and Dawn Multi – X Reticle Riflescope is the best scope that you can pair with your .22 Hornet in case that you want to do hunting at critical conditions of low lighting.
This scope only weighs 0.81 pounds and is considered inexpensive—with that said, this one is a great choice you should consider getting.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Magnification
This scope is a perfect choice when it comes to doing short to medium ranges of shooting and hunting—with a magnification setting that ranges from 3X to 9X, it truly is an excellent choice for a wide variety.
DDB Multi-Coated Lenses
This scope is designed to have a brightness setting that is made perfect for dusk and dawn. Also, this setting is paired with its multi-coated lenses that are very reliable when offering bright and clear images of the surroundings you are viewing.
Waterproof and Fog-proof
This scope is designed to have a construction that makes it very durable and is further improved by properties that make it waterproof and fog-proof. Also, harmful elements such as water and fog would not be allowed to penetrate through this scope due to these properties.
8. BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
This specific scope offers a lot of enhanced features that make hunting and shooting activities more exciting and fun.
This scope is designed specifically for .22 rifles that is why it is a perfect fit for a .22 Hornet. One good thing about this scope is that it can be mounted too on other types of rifles and handguns as well.
BSA’s 3-9x40mm Sweet 22 Riflescope has a large objective lens with a diameter of 40 millimeters and it has a weight of 1 pounds.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Side Parallax Adjustments and Turrets
This scope features turrets that are very precise and quick when doing adjustments. This scope’s knobs are the same with military specified scopes. To compensate for the negative effects of gravity and windage, these turrets are the ones that you can use when adjusting.
Waterproof, Fog-proof and Shock-proof
This scope’s built is of very good quality and it is expertly crafted. Even when used in the toughest and the roughest terrains, this scope can be relied on to perform well. It has waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof properties that make it a very great choice for a long-lasting scope.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
You will also be able to rely on this scope when it comes to producing images that are bright and clear because of this feature. Maximum light transmission can be experienced and enjoyed with this type of coating that this scope’s lenses have.
9. Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold’s VX – R 3-9x40mm Riflescope is another great choice that you should consider when you are planning to buy a scope that would be compatible for your .22 Hornet.
This is a scope with a timeless optic that is precision coated. This scope is very versatile and can be used for different purposes and different types of cartridges and rifles.
Its main tube that is 30 millimeters in diameter would give you an increased range for your elevation and windage adjustments. Also, it would give you an incredible strength.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Durability
With the materials used for this illuminated reticle scope, it is made very high in strength—the main tube is made from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum that is tested to withstand even the harshest recoils that you would encounter in the field.
Twilight Light Management System
This feature will give you 10 more minutes of shooting light when your battery runs out of energy especially when you are using your scope in low-light conditions.
Motion Sensor Technology
Another amazing feature of this scope is its sensor technology. It conserves its battery by automatically deactivating after 5 minutes of inactivity. But once it senses some movements, it becomes instantly active again.
Illuminated Reticle
This scope’s illuminated reticle is very ideal when it comes to shooting in low-light conditions in the field. With this feature, you would be able to see your targets easily; thus, giving you a performance thar has faster acquisition of targets.
10. CVLIFE 4x32 Compact Rifle Scope
The last on our list is the CVLIFE’s 4x32mm Compact Riflescope, but that does not mean that it is the least. It has a very compact design with just a total length of 7.48 inches—thus, making it very suitable for fast aiming and moving in the field.
This scope is one of the most inexpensive scopes that you may find, but it is still one of the best. This scope is also one of the most top-rated in market; thus, it is also a favorite of hunters and shooters out there.
Some of this .22 Hornet scope’s best features are the following:
Durability
This scope is made from a high-strength aluminum alloy for its one-piece tube. With this construction, this scope is definitely durable and long lasting. Also, this scope is gas purged on the inside that is why this scope can be relied on even when you use it under adverse weather conditions.
Fully Coated Optical Glass
This scope would surely give you bright and high contrast images of the field you are viewing—that is because of this scope coating for its lenses or glass. Even when the condition becomes very low light, you can expect this scope to still deliver the maximum light transmission you are desiring.
Magnification
This scope focuses on giving you short to medium ranges shooting. Since it has a magnification that is maintained at 4X, this scope is truly perfect for your shooting needs within distances that are classified as short and medium in range.
Factors that You Should Consider Before Buying Scopes for .22 Hornet:
Durability
One of the things that you should first check is if the scope you are buying is proven to last long even when used ruggedly in the field. If yes, then you should consider buying it especially when it can also withstand different condition such as adverse weathers and climates.
With that said, it is important that you get a scope that are made from high-strength materials such as the following: 6061-T6 aluminum, aircraft grade aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum and steel. Those materials listed are the ones that are proven to give long lives to the scopes out there.
Also, it is important that you get a scope with o-ring sealing, nitrogen purging, nitrogen filling, inert gas purging and complete sealing—with all these construction, you can be assured that the scope you are getting would be able to withstand being used in the rain and in moist conditions in the field and being exposed to different harmful elements such as dust, snow, water and moisture. A scope that is long lasting is a good investment.
Price
The cost of the scope that you are buying greatly matters too—the price is what depicts if the scope you pick is worth it. Nowadays, there are a lot of brands that offer inexpensive scopes but with a lot of great features.
You must be smart in choosing since you are investing in a scope that you expect to be worth it. With a lot of scopes available nowadays, their prices should be compared since they are almost of equal prices—so, the price is where they differ and should be taken seriously.
Magnification Range
The magnification is also an important factor to be considered when choosing a scope since it is where the type of hunting activities you can do depend. Whether short, medium or long-range shooting, you would be able to do if you get a scope that has a good magnification setting.
For example, a scope with a magnification that ranges from 1X to 4X would be a good choice for short-range activities—may it be shooting or hunting. While a scope that has a magnification setting that ranges from 3X to 9X is a perfect choice for short to medium range of shooting activities.
There are some scopes that offer magnification settings that reach for up to 24X and 42X—these scopes are perfect for very long ranges of shooting activities.
Quality of Optics
The scope you get should be of high quality when it comes to optics too. The optics is what will cause the scope to be reliable when used for viewing the images of the surroundings you are shooting it.
Without a very high-quality optic, you would not be able to see bright, clear and vivid images—thus, you also would not be able to have precise and accurate shots.
So, if you want to improve your accuracy, speed and precision, get a scope with a proven reliable optic. In that case, you would be able to enjoy shooting even in conditions that are considered critical when it comes to lighting—shooting at nighttime, dusk, dawn and other low-light conditions would never be a problem that you face again.
Compactness and Portability
Also, two of the features that you should also consider is the weight and the size of your scope. Of course, you should have a scope that would give you the ability of maneuvering through the field with ease and speed.
A lightweight scope would never be a hassle even when used and brought to long and extended hours of hunting trips.
Also, a scope that is small in size can be used in areas where movements are slightly restricted. Besides all the cool features, you should also consider these two properties.
Takeaway
The best scopes for .22 Hornet that are mentioned above are all proven to be long lasting and reliable. With a lot of uses that they can be dependable on, they are of versatile characteristics.
Also, they are all proven to have great features that have been and are still of extreme help for hunters and shooters. So, if you have been long wanting to have an improved experience with your .22 Hornet, you should really consider one of the scopes mentioned above.
Remember that you should get a scope that would give you easy use—when you are comfortable of using it, you would surely be at your best when shooting. Thus, your experience and skills would both be improved.