Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy do I have a treat for you today. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field with various firearms, I can tell you that finding the perfect scope for your .22 Mag can make all the difference between a frustrating day and a successful hunt.
Now, I remember the first time I mounted a quality scope on my trusty .22 Mag. It was like a whole new world opened up – suddenly those small targets at 100 yards weren’t so small anymore! But I also know how overwhelming it can be to choose from the sea of options out there. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 10 best scopes for .22 Mag in 2024.
I’ve spent weeks testing these scopes in various conditions – from bright sunny days to those misty dawns where you can barely see your hand in front of your face. Trust me, if a scope can’t handle a foggy morning in the woods, it won’t make this list!
So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of .22 Mag scopes. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, I promise you’ll find something here to take your shooting to the next level.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. Now, I’ve got to tell you, this scope has become my go-to for most of my .22 Mag hunting trips.
Key Features:
Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens: 32mm
Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
What I love about this scope is its versatility. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the . 22 Mag’s effective range. I’ve used it for everything from plinking cans at 25 yards to taking down small game at 150 yards. The clarity of the glass is impressive, especially given its price point.
The V-Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered, which I find perfect for quick target acquisition. And let me tell you, when you’re trying to line up a shot on a skittish rabbit, every second counts!
One feature that really stands out is the generous eye relief. At 3.9 inches, it’s comfortable to use even if you wear glasses. Plus, it gives you that extra peace of mind when shooting a more powerful round.
The only downside? The turrets aren’t the most tactile I’ve used. But for the price, it’s a minor quibble.
Pros:
Excellent clarity
Versatile magnification range
Generous eye relief
Durable construction
Cons:
Turrets could be more tactile
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Riflescope
Next up is the Leupold VX-Freedom. Now, if you’ve been around firearms for any length of time, you know Leupold is synonymous with quality. This scope lives up to that reputation.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Rimfire MOA
Eye Relief: 3.66-4.17 inches
Parallax Setting: 60 yards
I took this scope out on a cloudy day last fall, and I was blown away by how bright and clear the image was. The twilight light management system really shines in low-light conditions. I was able to keep hunting well past when I’d normally pack it in.
The Rimfire MOA reticle is specifically designed for .22 LR ballistics, which translates well to the .22 Mag. It has hash marks for holdover out to 150 yards, which I found incredibly useful.
One thing to note – the parallax is set at 60 yards, which is a bit farther than some other rimfire scopes. It took me a little getting used to, but once I did, I found it worked well for most of my shooting scenarios.
Pros:
Exceptional clarity, especially in low light
Rimfire-specific reticle
Durable and fog proof
Cons:
Parallax set at 60 yards might not suit all shooters
Simmons 511039 3-9x32mm .22 Mag(R) Riflescope
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable scope, the Simmons 511039 is worth a look. I’ve recommended this scope to several friends who were just getting into hunting, and they’ve all been pleasantly surprised.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 32mm
Reticle: Truplex
Eye Relief: 3.75 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
Now, I’ll be honest – this scope won’t give you the crystal-clear edge-to-edge clarity of some high-end options. But for its price point, the image quality is more than adequate for most hunting situations.
The Truplex reticle is simple and effective, with thick outer posts that thin towards the center. I found it quick to acquire targets, even in bushy areas where critters like to hide.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece. It allows for fast and easy focusing, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to get on target quickly.
Pros:
Very affordable
Easy to use
Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece
Cons:
Image quality not as crisp as higher-end scopes
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback is another solid option that won’t break the bank. I’ve used this scope extensively for squirrel hunting, and it’s never let me down.
Key Features:
Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens: 35mm
Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)
Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
What stands out about this scope is its excellent low-light performance. The fully multi-coated lenses do a great job of gathering light, which has allowed me to extend my hunting time during those crucial dawn and dusk periods.
The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the typical ranges you’ll be shooting with a .22 Mag. I found the lower end great for quick shots in thick brush, while the 7x magnification allowed me to reach out to the limits of the cartridge’s effective range.
One thing to note is that the eye relief is a bit shorter than some other scopes on this list. It hasn’t been an issue for me, but if you wear thick glasses or are sensitive to eye relief, you might want to keep this in mind.
Pros:
Excellent low-light performance
Solid build quality
Clear glass
Cons:
Shorter eye relief than some competitors
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner has been a staple in the hunting community for years, and for good reason. This scope is designed specifically for low-light conditions, which makes it perfect for those early morning or late evening hunts.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Multi-X
Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
I’ve used this scope on several dawn hunts, and I have to say, the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating really does make a difference. It’s allowed me to see my target clearly when other scopes were struggling.
The Multi-X reticle is simple but effective. It’s not as sophisticated as some of the BDC reticles out there, but for the typical ranges you’ll be shooting with a .22 Mag, it gets the job done.
One thing to be aware of – the eye relief is a bit on the short side at 3.3 inches. It hasn’t been an issue for me, but if you’re recoil-sensitive, you might want to consider a scope with more forgiving eye relief.
Pros:
Excellent in low-light conditions
Affordable
Durable construction
Cons:
Shorter eye relief
Basic reticle
Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Mil Dot Riflescope
Now, if you’re looking to squeeze every bit of accuracy out of your .22 Mag, the Hawke Vantage might be just what you need. I’ve used this scope for some longer range target shooting, and I’ve been impressed with its performance.
Key Features:
Magnification: 4-12x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Mil Dot
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Parallax Setting: Adjustable from 10 yards to infinity
The standout feature of this scope is the adjustable objective (AO). This allows you to dial out parallax at any range, which is crucial for precision shooting. I’ve found it particularly useful when shooting at smaller targets at varying distances.
The Mil Dot reticle is a bit more complex than some others on this list, but if you take the time to learn it, it can be an incredibly useful tool for range estimation and holdover.
The glass quality is impressive for the price point. I’ve used this scope in various lighting conditions, and the image has always been clear and bright.
Pros:
Adjustable objective for parallax correction
Higher magnification for longer range shooting
Mil Dot reticle for range estimation
Cons:
May be more scope than some .22 Mag shooters need
BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
If you’re just getting started with scoped rifles or you’re looking for an affordable option for casual plinking, the BARSKA Plinker-22 is worth considering. I’ve used this scope on a budget .22 Mag build, and it’s performed better than its price tag would suggest.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 32mm
Reticle: 30/30
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
The 30/30 reticle is simple and uncluttered, which I find great for quick target acquisition. It’s not the most precise for longer ranges, but for typical .22 Mag distances, it works just fine.
One thing I appreciate about this scope is how lightweight it is. If you’re building a lightweight .22 Mag for carrying on long hikes, this scope won’t weigh you down.
The optical clarity isn’t going to compete with high-end scopes, but for its price point, it’s more than adequate. I’ve used it successfully for small game hunting out to about 100 yards.
Pros:
Very affordable
Lightweight
Simple, effective reticle
Cons:
Optical clarity not on par with more expensive scopes
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 Riflescope
Nikon might have exited the riflescope market, but their ProStaff Rimfire II is still available and remains a solid choice for .22 Mag rifles. I’ve had this scope on one of my .22 Mags for years, and it continues to impress me.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: BDC 150
Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
The BDC 150 reticle is specifically designed for rimfire cartridges, with aiming points out to 150 yards. I’ve found it to be surprisingly accurate once you get it dialed in for your specific load.
The optical quality is excellent, with fully multicoated lenses that provide a bright, clear image. I’ve used this scope in various lighting conditions, and it’s always performed well.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets. They make it easy to make field adjustments and return to your original zero.
Pros:
Rimfire-specific BDC reticle
Excellent optical clarity
Easy-to-use zero-reset turrets
Cons:
Nikon no longer produces riflescopes, which may affect future support
Burris Droptine 2-7x35mm Ballistic Plex .22 Riflescope
The Burris Droptine is another solid option for .22 Mag shooters. I’ve used this scope for both small game hunting and target shooting, and it’s performed admirably in both roles.
Key Features:
Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens: 35mm
Reticle: Ballistic Plex .22
Eye Relief: 3.1-3.8 inches
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
The Ballistic Plex .22 reticle is designed specifically for rimfire cartridges, with holdover points out to 125 yards. I’ve found it to be quite accurate, especially once you get familiar with your specific load’s ballistics.
One thing I really appreciate about this scope is its durability. I’ve accidentally banged it against tree branches more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s held zero without issue.
The optical quality is good, though not quite as bright as some higher-end scopes. However, for most hunting and shooting situations, it’s more than adequate.
Pros:
Rimfire-specific reticle
Durable construction
Good optical quality
Cons:
Not as bright as some higher-end scopes
BSA 3-9×40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
Rounding out our list is the BSA Sweet 22. Now, I’ll be honest – when I first tried this scope, I was a bit skeptical due to its low price point. But after using it for a season, I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
Key Features:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Duplex
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Parallax Setting: Adjustable
What sets this scope apart is its adjustable objective lens, which allows you to dial out parallax from 10 yards to infinity. This is a feature you don’t often see in scopes at this price point, and it’s particularly useful for the varying ranges you might encounter with a .22 Mag.
The scope comes with three interchangeable turrets calibrated for different .22 loads. While these are primarily designed for .22 LR, I found that with a bit of experimentation, I could get them to work reasonably well with my .22 Mag loads.
The optical quality is decent for the price, though not on par with some of the higher-end scopes on this list. However, for most hunting and plinking scenarios, it’s more than adequate.
Pros:
Adjustable objective for parallax correction
Interchangeable ballistic turrets
Very affordable
Cons:
Optical quality not as high as more expensive scopes
Short eye relief
Conclusion
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground here, folks. From high-end glass to budget-friendly options, there’s a scope on this list for every .22 Mag shooter.
Remember, the best scope for you depends on your specific needs. Are you primarily hunting small game? Target shooting? Plinking? Consider your typical shooting scenarios when making your choice.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Vortex Crossfire II more often than not. Its versatility and optical clarity make it a great all-around choice for my .22 Mag. But hey, that’s just me – your mileage may vary!
No matter which scope you choose, remember that practice is key. Even the fanciest scope won’t make you a better shooter overnight. Get out there, have fun, and stay safe!
Happy hunting, and as always, keep those scopes clear and your shots true!