Ever since the day it was invented, the .22 Mag has become among the famous firearms used by many hunters and shooters. Its very cool and aesthetic design has become a top choice for people who are considered firearm enthusiasts.
.22 Mags are among the firearms that can give you the most promising shooting experiences. With its shooting power and its quality, it is a great firearm to use for a wide variety of hunting purposes and shooting activities. But with .22 Mag alone, you can be limited to do some things. You will need a great scope to make sure that you would be able to do a lot.
This article will serve as your guide in choosing the best scopes for .22 Mag. Together with their features and their best assets, you will come to discover why they made it to our list. So, without any further delay, we will start with the review of the best scopes that you may buy for your .22 Mag.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Best Overall
- Brand:Nikon
- Magnification: 4 to 12x
- Objective lens: 40mm
- Reticle: BDC reticle
- Eye relief: 3.7 inches
- Parallax: free @ 50 yards
Best Digital
- Brand: Simmons
- Magnification: 3 to 9X
- Objective lens: 32mm
- Reticle: Truplex reticle
- Eye relief: 3.7 inches
- Parallax: free @ 50 yards
Best Value
- Brand: Simmons
- Magnification: 4X
- Objective lens: 32mm
- Reticle: Truplex reticle
- Eye relief: 4 inches
- Parallax: free @ 50 yards
This article will serve as your guide in choosing the best scopes for .22 Mag. Together with their features and their best assets, you will come to discover why they made it to our list. So, without any further delay, we will start with the review of the best scopes that you may buy for your .22 Mag.
Quick View: Best Scopes For .22 Mag
- Nikon ProStaff Rimfire Rifle Scope
- Simmons 511039 Riflescope
- Simmons .22 Mag TruPlexReticle Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Reticle Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope
- BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
- Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Riflescope
- Hawke Vantage Riflescope
- BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
Table: 10 Best Scopes for .22 Magnum Rifle
|  | |||
| | |||
| | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | |
10 Best Scopes for .22 Magnum Rifle in 2021 - Reviewed
1. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire Rifle Scope
This rifle scope is among the best scopes for .22 Mag. With its objective lens that measures 40 millimeters in diameter, this rifle scope will help you have the best and widest views of the shooting grounds.
This specific scope improves the user’s accuracy for both close-range and long-range shots due to the magnification option that is 4x to 14, to be exact.
In addition, this riflescope is made more reliable with its spot-on ballistics match technology that will help you hit specific aiming points for an ensured precision and accuracy.
This rifle scope is famous among hunters and shooters since it delivers optimal performance in the shooting grounds. Due to the high-quality feature of this scope, it is consider as one of the best scopes for .22 mag.
This .22 Mag Scope is best known for its
Magnification
4 to 12x
Objective lens
40mm
Eye relief
3.7 inches
Reticle
BDC reticle
Parallax
free @ 50 yards
Quick Focus Eyepiece
The quick focus eyepiece of this scope measures 14.1 inches. With this feature, it will not be hard to have a fast-focusing reticle. When partnered with this scope’s generous eye relief of 3.7 inches, this feature will deliver more ease by causing the acquisition of targets to happen in less time and with more speed. With the benefits these two combined feature gives, you can to have full experience in shooting.
Zero Reset Turrets with Spring-Loaded Adjustment Knobs
The zero-reset turrets of this rifle scope will provide you with the convenience of going back to the default elevation setting, even if you are on a setting for a different elevation. In addition, this scope has some spring-loaded turrets that are very easy to be used whenever you decide to do some adjustments for this scope’s settings. With these turrets and knobs, your adjustments are made easier than ever.
Pros
- Excellent scope
- Zeroed at 50 yards
- Parallax free
- Rugged design
Cons
- Not has hold zero
2. Simmons 511039 Riflescope
Among the easiest scopes to mount on your .22 Mag is this scope. As its name suggests, you can see that it is specifically made for .22 Mag that’s why its compatibility with the said rifle cannot be questioned.
This scope provides plenty of eye relief, which will provide your eyes and your head protection they need for long hours of using this scope on the shooting grounds.
It also provides a recoil-proof performance that you will surely make long-lasting, even when mounted on other firearms known to have powerful recoils. Due to the recoil-proof feature, it is also consider as best scope for .44 magnum.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
3 to 9X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.75 inches
Reticle
Truplex reticle
Parallax
free @ 50 yards
Hydro Shield Lens Coating
The hydro shield lens coating of this riflescope ensures the deliverance of the desired clarity for your sight pictures. With this unique coating that Simmons has incorporated in this scope, you will experience a scope that will prevent reflections and glares from distorting the clear sight pictures you want to see.
Sure-Grip Rubber Surface
The surfaces of some parts of this scope are made of the material rubber. With this rubber construction, you will have a sure grip at your scope, even when you are doing some adjustments for its settings. In addition, you will get the assurance of not dropping it accidentally since the rubber construction increases the friction between your hands and on its surfaces. In fact, this scope’s rubber surfaces add up to the ease that this scope’s adjustment provides.
Pros
- Made from high quality optic glass
- TrueZero Flex Erector System
- QTA quick target acquisition eyepiece
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for big games
3. Simmons .22 Mag TruPlexReticle Riflescope
If you like unparalleled comfort while using a scope, then this is the scope that will best fit your desire. In fact, this riflescope is made to be very convenient and light in weight.
When these features are partnered with its generous eye relief, this riflescope is made for the best and most comfortable shooting experience.
This rifle scope is also made for some heavy-duty use since it has a very rugged design that makes sit waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof. To top all that, this scope has a matte black finish that gives it the overall modern look.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
4X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
4 inches
Reticle
Truplex reticle
Parallax
free @ 50 yards
Fully Coated and High-Quality Optical Glass
The fully coated lenses of this scope and the high-quality optical glass are two reasons why this rifle scope can provide sight pictures of the best quality. To be exact, the sight pictures you will see are sharp and high in contrast. With that quality of sight pictures, you can be more accurate and precise.
Quick Target Acquisition
The fast target acquisition eyepiece of this rifle scope will let you acquire targets in just a matter of seconds. This feature is paired with this scope’s plenty of eye relief to ensure that acquisition can be made faster than other scopes that do not have these features. To be honest, these are two of the main reasons why hunters and shooters recommend this scope.
Pros
- Provides crystal clear view
- Suitable for all type of weather condition
- Fully coated optics
- Compact in size
Cons
- Hard to handle for beginners
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire, SFP Riflescope
This scope has a sturdy yet lightweight built because it is made from aluminum material. This scope’s design is versatile so that it can be mounted on many firearms besides .22 Mag.
This rifle scope is proven to be compatible with 22 rimfire, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. This rifle scope is built to have a precision glide erector system to ensure the settings’ repeatability and tracking.
In addition, this scope also has metal-on-metal precision turrets that make some setting adjustments to be easy. The adjustable elevation and windage turrets are also easy to use with its simple and precise design.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
2-7x
Objective lens
35 mm
Eye relief
3.5 inches
Reticle
V-plex reticle
Parallax
free @ 50 yards
Hard Anodized Finish
The exteriors of this one-piece solid tube are reinforced with a hard-anodized finish. With this feature, this rifle scope is made stronger. In fact, the hard-anodized finish causes this scope to be more shockproof in performance. So, even powerful impacts such as being accidentally dropped will cause no harm to this scope. In addition, that type of finish adds more camouflaging properties too.
Waterproof and Fog-Proof Construction
To ensure that this riflescope will deliver a performance that is waterproof and fog-proof, this rifle scope is constructed to be purged with argon and sealed with o-ring. With these two added properties for its construction, you will expect this scope to perform its functions still, even when the conditions in the shooting grounds become tough. Even when it rains, the sealing will protect your scope the rainwater’ and even when the humidity changes, the purging will not permit fogging to occur.
Pros
- Made from Aircraft grade aluminum
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Comes with single piece tube
Cons
- Hefty
5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
The Multi-X reticle of this scope, together with the quick focus eyepiece, makes it easy for target acquisition and maintenance of focus on targets to occur.
This rifle scope is also designed to be both aesthetic and strong. The materials used for its construction are of premium quality and tested to be high in strength too.
With an eye relief of 3.3 inches and a fast focus eyepiece of 12 inches, this rifle scope is made to be among the easiest and most comfortable to use. This one-piece tube is designed to be of great help for some activities like big-game competitions and turkey hunting. It is consider as one of the best scopes for .22 mag in medium price range.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
3 to 9X
Objective lens
40 mm
Eye relief
3.3 inches
Reticle
Multi- X reticle
Parallax
free
Dusk and Dawn Brightness Multi-Coated Lenses
The lenses of this scope are specifically designed to have some properties that make it very useful during dark times, such as dusk and dawn. Every lens of this rifle scope is coated to transmit the brightness from the surroundings into the sight pictures’ scope to have enough light for a higher definition of quality of the sight pictures that you will see through it. With a clearer view, you will have more accurate shots.
Waterproof, Shock Proof and Fog Proof Construction
This scope has a design of 100% waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof construction. With this premium quality of materials used for this scope’s construction, this feature adds more strength to it and causes it to last longer even when used ruggedly.
Pros
- Made from high quality optic glass
- Dry- nitrogen filled
- Easy adjustment feature
- Easy to use
Cons
- High pricing
6. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope
While you are in action or you are on the move, you can do quick adjustments with this scope through the use of its finger-click adjustments.
The clicks of this scope are audible while its turrets are all protected. This scope has an eye relief that range from 3.7 inches to 4.17 inches; thus, making it safe to use even when recoils happen.
The durability of this rifle scope is also proven and tested since its design can withstand being submerged in water even up to a depth of 33 feet.
In addition, this rifle scope is, in fact, tested to withstand impacts since Leupold used a recoil simulation machine in designing it.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
3-9x
Objective lens
40 mm
Eye relief
3.7 inches
Reticle
Rimfire MOA
Parallax
Fixed
Twilight Light Management System
Shooting and hunting in conditions that are low in light can be a problem to some hunters and shooters, but you will not encounter that problem with the use of this scope. It has a light management system that will assist you every time you are in dark conditions. In addition, this light management system will provide you with 10 extra minutes for your shooting light once the batteries of your scope run out of power.
Matte Finish
The common and popular finishes these days is the matte finish because it adds a lot of elegance to the scope’s aesthetics. But besides the aesthetics that it gives the scope, it also has a lot more to provide. In fact, it has some protective properties that make this scope less likely to develop corrosion from its surfaces; even scratches are prevented from occurring due to this finish.
Pros
- Rugged design
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Scratch resistant lenses
Cons
- Only available in single color
7. BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
This certain scope is specifically designed for a wide variety of hunting and plinking activities. When you buy this scope, it comes with some free accessories such as one lens cloth, some mounting rings and lens covers.
Another good thing that makes this scope worth it is its lifetime warranty. With that, you can be assured that you can have it fixed or replaced once it gets broken due to some defects, whether it is on the materials or the craftmanship.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
3-9x
Objective lens
32 mm
Eye relief
3.6 inches
Reticle
30/30 reticle
Parallax
free @ 50 yards
Compact and Lightweight Construction
This specific scope for .22 mag is made to be light in weight and compact in size. With a total length is only 12 inches, you can use this scope in narrow places without experiencing any problem. Its weight is only 11.46 ounces, which makes it very portable. Even when you go on hunting trips for extended hours, this rifle scope will not be much of a hassle when you carry and use it.
Magnification
One of the commonly known magnifications that you will see in the markets is a magnification range of 3x to 9x. This range is among the best and most popular designs for scopes because it can serve for having close-range shots and long-range shots. With its magnification, this rifle scope is made to be more versatile in the shooting grounds.
Pros
- Comes in finish black matte
- Multi-coated optics adjustable for wind-age and elevation
- Easy to handle
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Cons
- Hard to control
8. Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Riflescope
With the magnification that this scope has, it becomes among the best and most outstanding scopes when shooting within mid-range to long-range targets.
It has a very large objective lens that surely helps prevent brightness under any lighting condition in the shooting grounds. The lenses of this scope are built with properties that make it scratch resistant and anti-reflection.
With those enhancements added to this scope, you can expect it to provide balanced and contrasted sight pictures. Made from the best materials, this scope’s rugged durability is ensured to last long. Due to the feature and construction of this scope, it is one of the best scope for varmint hunting.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
2.5-10X
Objective lens
42mm
Eye relief
3 inches
Reticle
True mil-dot
Parallax
free 10 ft to infinity
Glove-Grip Turrets
The turrets design of this scope and its setting adjustments are made more convenient and easier. As its name suggests, these glove-grip turrets can be used to change some adjustments, even when you are wearing gloves. With that said, you will not have to be distracted by taking off your gloves first before doing some adjustments. This feature is made for the easy configurations of this scope.
Eye Relief
Scope manufacturers these days are designing their scopes to have adequate eye relief. If you don’t know, the eye relief is the distance that makes your eyes safe from heavy and powerful recoils. This specific rifle scope is built with adequate relief, 3 inches, to be exact. With these 3 inches of space between your eyes and the scope, you can already be assured that you will not get hurt.
Pros
- Excellent refile
- Compact in size
- Multi coated optics
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Refuse to hold zero
9. Hawke Vantage Riflescope
This is an another excellent scope for .22 mag that you must consider for rifle. This scope has passed some strict standards to ensure its deliverance of unwavering accuracy.
This rifle scope provides its flexibility through the different settings for its brightness. You can choose from these settings depending on the light you need and the lighting condition in the shooting grounds.
The parallax adjustments of this scope will maintain the focusing of its reticle to provide the best view of the area you are shooting in. Another best property of this rifle scope is its turrets that are fully protected and easily adjustable; also, these turrets allow precise adjustments even when you are in action.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
4X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.5 inches
Reticle
Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Parallax
Free
11 Layers of Coating for Lenses
This rifle scope is built to have 11 layers of coating for its lenses. This design is applied to the entire optical system of this scope. With these multiple layers, this rifle scope will increase the contrast in the sight pictures for a better view and for more accuracy to be delivered. This coating is among the newest, advanced and among the highest in quality that you will in the markets; thus, making this scope a very reliable one.
Illuminated Mil Dot Reticle
If you are one of those hunters who like to go hunting at night when some of varmints, coyotes and other animals are actively roaming the forests, this illuminated mil dot reticle scope would be of extreme help for you. You will see targets with ease at night and eventually take them down with just fewer shots through the aid of this feature. With this scope, you will surely find hunting at low-light conditions very fun too.
Pros
- Excellent refile
- All calibre rated
- Multi coated optics
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- High price
10. BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
The last on our list of the best scopes for .22 Mag is this scope from BSA. It is offered for a very affordable price while having many features that make it equally great compared to the high-end ones.
This rifle scope comes with a lifetime warranty that makes it indeed worth the price you paid for it.
Besides having easy adjustment turrets, this scope also has a waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof performance, which makes it very reliable during almost any condition that you want to make use of it.
The one-piece tube construction is proven to be strong and portable, with aluminum as its main component.
This .22 Mag Scope is known popularly for its
Magnification
3-9X
Objective lens
40mm
Eye relief
4 inches
Reticle
30/30 reticle
Parallax
Free
Quick Change Turret System
The turrets of this rifle scope will let you have full control over it. With a design that focuses on giving you easily adjustable turrets, optimal convenience will be yours. In addition, this rifle scope allows you to be quick and precise adjustments, even when you are on the shooting grounds.
Side Parallax Adjustment
This scope also features an adjustable objective lens that is designed to eliminate parallax. This rifle scope will provide you the best performance through the help of this feature. In addition, you will not be having any difficulty when zeroing at varying yardages with the use of this specific feature.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Side parallax
- Suitable for all type of temperature
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- High price
Things / Factors to be Considered When Buying Scopes for .22 Mag
To fully have the maximum use of the capabilities that your .22 Mag has, you have to understand the factors that you are going to need for a scope and mount on it. With that said, here are the most important ones that you must consider checking first to ensure a wonderful shooting experience with you .22 Mag.
Magnification Power
The versatility of your scope somehow depends on the magnification power that it has. A scope with an adjustable and wide magnification will be a great advantage for you. In addition, if you like to choose a scope that will allow you to do close-range, mid-range and long-range types of shots with ease.
The magnification is among the great contributors to a scope’s precise and accurate performance, be sure that you take it seriously. In addition, it is also a great advantage if you choose a scope with a throw lever.
The throw lever will let you change your magnification from one magnification option to another smoothly. So, it will be of great convenience if you buy a scope with that type of lever.
High Quality Glass
The glass’s quality is used for the construction of your scope’s lenses must be of premium. As you know, it will be hard for you to have precise and accurate shots when you are having some difficulties in seeing clearly from your scope.
So to ensure that you will have more successful shots, pick a scope with the quality of glass that will provide you with the sight pictures that are of defined clarity all the time. In addition, the light transmission that you can get from your scope depends on the quality of the glass too.
Generous Eye Relief
A scope with a generous eye relief can be of great protection both for your eyes and eyebrows. With an eye relief that is of adequate length, you can prevent injuries from happening. Your .22 Mag is known to be a powerful firearm; it will be inevitable for it to have some powerful recoil too from time to time.
With that considered, a scope with a plenty and consistent eye relief, you can be assured that you will have a good time in the shooting grounds without having to worry about getting some injuries from recoils.
Besides the performance of scope, it is important the safety that it brings when you use it too. So, this factor is as important as the features that you want your scope to have.
Durability
Of course, it is one of the important features to consider because everyone would like to choose a scope that can withstand for a long time.
So you should look for a scope that has the durability guarantee and make sure that the scope is constructed from the best quality material.
The lightweight scope is highly advisable to choose. Nowadays, the scope with the fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof feature is very easy to find.
Ease of Adjustments
The turrets, dials, and knobs of the scope you are going to buy must not give you a hard time using them. Scopes made with complicated setting adjustments often confuse shooters and hunters; thus, causing them to slow down a bit when it comes to their performance.
That’s why it is important that you get a scope that will bring convenience when you want to do quick adjustments, even if you are in action. Besides the convenience, the adjustments you will make with your turrets must be precise and accurate. You have to consider the ease of adjustments because you will find it very useful when you are in the shooting grounds.
Lens
The quality of the lens massively affects the image quality that the scope delivers. A good quality lens provides the optimal light transmission and effectively balances the contrast and brightness of the scope.
You can check the lens is fully multi-coated for edge-to-edge clarity. The focal plane and the size of the lens also affect the image quality because these two control the light transmission of the scope. The large objective lens transmits a large amount of light to the scope.
Weather Proof
The most versatile feature of the rifle scope for .22 mag is weather resistant. The scope should have water-proof and fog-proof features. With this feature, you don’t need to worry, if the scope gets damaged in bad weather conditions.
Price
With many options you have in the stores and markets, it might be confusing and difficult to pick a scope for your .22 Mag. Especially now that most of the brands manufacture scopes with almost the same features, capacities and built.
With that considered, it is important that you look at the price tag for you to decide what to buy. You have to remember that you don’t need to spend much on a scope; there are many inexpensive ones that you can consider as an option for you to buy. With the same quality and features, you must know that there are scopes out there that are more budget friendly.
Bottom line
Choosing a good scope can be very hard to do, and it is not something that you should take lightly. You have to spend time researching and looking for the best ones. With that said, this article has done the work for you because the scopes mentioned above are proven to have reliable performances in the shooting grounds.
In addition, they are also durable and of the best quality. Your .22 Mag is a very great firearm, so it is just right to equip it with the best scopes you can find in the stores and markets. We really hope that this one article has somehow been of great help for you to decide what to buy.