There are a lot of rifles sold today in the stores and the markets. Some of them have been of extreme help for hunters and shooters during their hunting trips, among those popularly known rifles widely used in the .22LR rifles.Use the best scope for rimfire helps you to improve your hunting skill and lead you to success.
Known for its reliability and fairly inexpensive ammunition, this rimfire rifle scope has been one of the most preferred firearms by many seasoned shooters. However, just like all things in this world, it has its limitations too.
The range of this particular rifle is not very far compared to other rifles you are using. Fortunately, there is something that you can do about that—you can buy a scope that will help it reach distances that are far beyond its limits. Once you are using the right scope, you can unlock the capabilities that your .22LR rifle has.
But choosing a scope for this rimfire rifle can be very hard since many choices are proliferated in the markets around the world; that’s why we are here; we’ve discussed the best scopes for rimfire (.22LR) rifles that can be bought these days. With their best features and characteristics, you will surely have a glimpse and even a decision about what you will buy for you .22LR.
Best Scope for Rimfire (.22LR) Rifles
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire Riflescope
- Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150 Riflescope
- Bushnell Optics BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
- Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm .22 Mag Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
- BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
- Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm Rifle Scope
- BARSKA 4x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
- Bushnell Rimfire Optics 6-18X40 Riflescope
What is a Rimfire Scope?
Rimfire scope is specially made for the rifle chambered .22LR and similar ammo. Rimfire scope has a parallax setting around 50 yards, and that is perfectly suitable for short-range shooting.
They are specially designed for use with rifles that have low recoil because they do not have the capacity to withstand the high level of the recoil. If you have a rimfire rifle with milder recoil, then you don’t need to have long eye relief.
Due to this fact, rimfire scopes are used for close-range shooting. You should have a scope with 20 yards parallax setting instead of having 100 yards parallax setting you often see in all types of hunting scope.
Table: 10 Best Scope for Rimfire (.22LR) Rifles
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10 Best Scope for Rimfire (.22LR) Rifles Reviews
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire Riflescope
This specific rimfire riflescope is perhaps the most popular iteration of Vortex Crossfire II. With its wide variety of intended applications, this rimfire riflescope is adored by many hunters and shooters.
Its manufacturer, Vortex, has designed this rimfire riflescope, to have a design that can serve for many purposes and in any situation in the shooting grounds. In addition, this rimfire riflescope’s reset turrets bring convenience when you use them since they can be very easy to use.
This specific scope is reasonably priced, so you do not have to think twice about buying it. Furthermore, the long eye relief and the eye box of this one will provide you with the speed you need in shooting.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
2-7x
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
4.7 inches
Field of view
12.6 - 42 ft at 100 yds
Parallax
50 yards
Ruggedly Built and Designed
This one-piece tube scope has a shock-proof performance, durable construction, and long-lasting life. It allows you to shoot and hunt in the fields or forests without worrying about your scope. Specifically, this rimfire (.22LL) riflescope is made from an aircraft-grade aluminum proven and tested to withstand almost anything that you throw at it. With a scope like this one, you sure will have an amazing experience anytime you want to use it.
Fog Proof and Water Proof Construction
This rimfire riflescope has two characteristics that make it waterproof and fog-proof—it being o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. With these two features working together, you will experience using this scope without worrying that it might get damaged or slowed down by fog and water. Even when different situations in the shooting grounds become tough, this rimfire riflescope will still perform the functions that are designed to show.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated
- Zero resettable turrets
- BDC and illuminated reticle option
- Easy adjustment setting
Cons
- Turrets does not track well
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire has a V-plex reticle that is popular in all- purpose hunting. It provides you a high level of hunting experiences and reliability. This scope has a lot of advantages such as long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lens and o-ring sealed for water and fog proof.
2. Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150 Riflescope
Nikon is a brand known to be very consistent in producing the best scopes that hunters and shooters can buy from stores and markets. The best thing about this rimfire rifle scope is that it is specifically designed for rimfire rifles.
It has a specialized design for its reticle known to be very suitable for .22Lr rimfire rifles. From a distance that ranges from 200 yards to 500 yards, this rimfire rifle scope is known to shoot accurately without missing to hit its targets.
With the maximum power of its magnification, this rimfire rifle scope will make your long-distance targets look like they are just 22 yards away from you.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
3 to 9X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.7 inches
Field of view
33/11 ft at 100 yards
Parallax
50 yards
Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology
The spot-on ballistic match technology of this rimfire riflescope is designed with a feature that will let you discover and see the exact aiming points that you must fire at. With this feature, you will be sure that you’ve more precise and accurate shots under any condition in the shooting place.
Protective Eye Relief
The protective eye relief of this rimfire riflescope has a measure of 3.6 inches in length. With a length, you can be so sure that your eyebrows and eyes are both safe, especially when powerful recoils hit. In addition, this special feature will let you position yourself comfortably and not too close to it while you are shooting and without affecting both your precision and accuracy.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Zero reset windage and elevation turrets
- HD quality sight image
- Quick adjustment
Cons
- Short eye relief
Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150 Rifle scope is the perfect optics for long range guns and it combines with Nikon's BDC 150 reticle. The optical lens of this scope has multiple layers of anti- reflective compounds that provide a clear view of your target.
3. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
If you want to extend the power of your .22LR’s shots, then this is the specific scope that you should get for it. With the design of this rimfire rifle scope, shooting beyond your .22LR’s capabilities can be very easily done.
The no-tunnel vision effect of this rimfire rifle scope is also an amazing feature that brought it to this list of best rimfire (.22LR) riflescopes. In addition, the knurling on its turrets makes it really easy to hold and carry.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
4X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
4 inches
Field of view
21 ft at 100 yards
Parallax
50 yards
Recoil Proof and Shock Proof Construction
This rimfire riflescope is built to have a very strong body is made from the highest quality of materials. With that sturdy body, this rimfire riflescope has a shock-proof and recoil proof performance that you can expect from it at all times. But this specific scope has another feature that makes it more protected from recoil and impacts—it is its anodized finish.
Parallax Adjustments and Fast Focus Eyepiece
Some of the things that make this rimfire riflescope are its side-focus parallax adjustments and its fast focus eyepiece. With its parallax adjustments, you will easily have the ability to remove or eliminating parallax without exerting much effort. With its fast focus eyepiece, you will have a faster speed for acquiring your targets regardless of their distance.
Pros
- Side focus parallax
- Easy to use
- Incredible brightness
- Rugged design ,durable and sturdy
Cons
- Hard to mount
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope proved max accuracy and reliability. This scope is designed in AR optics features fully with multi coated lens optics for increasing brightness and our drop zone 22LR rimfire BDC reticle provides accurate target acquisition.
4. Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Riflescope
This 32-millimeter objective riflescope is among the most comfortable scopes that you can choose for your .22LR. If budget is your concern, this riflescope will provide you with the features found in high-end ones.
The Truplex reticle of this rimfire riflescope will provide you with the accuracy you need when you are shooting at different ranges.
When you purchase this rimfire riflescope, it comes with free mounting rings that are ready to use. This rimfire riflescope has a very light weight of 9.6 ounces, and it has an eye relief that is 3.75 inches in total length.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
3-9X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.75 inches
Field of view
31.4/10.5 ft @ 100 yds
Parallax
50 yards to infinity
Hydro Shield Lens Coating
This unique coating is used to design these rimfire rifle scope’s lenses provide sight pictures with the best and the clearest quality. This feature, together with this rimfire rifle scope’s high-quality glass, makes it one of the best when considering its optics’ performance.
SureGrip Rubber Surfaces
The surfaces of this rimfire riflescope are enhanced with a rubber material that adds more protection to it, especially when it gets bumped into something in the shooting place. This rimfire riflescope’s rubber surface is not just a protection, but it is also a feature that simplifies the adjustments that can be done on this rimfire riflescope. In addition, this rimfire riflescope is said to be very reliable; even when you are wearing gloves—you will still have easy adjustments with just your fingers.
Pros
- High quality optic glass
- Hydro shield coating glass
- QTA eyepiece
- Sure grip adjustment
Cons
- Reticle is not clear in low light
Simmons Black Riflescope has high quality optical glass and the fully coated optics delivers you a bright image. The lens of this optics is hydroshield coated that helps you to maintain a clear sight picture and it works well even in the worst weather conditions.
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire Riflescope
The lenses of this rimfire riflescope are one reason why hunters and shooters can hunt during conditions that have a very little amount of light.
Even from dawn until dusk, these rimfire riflescope’s lenses are very reliable to the point that it still provides the brightest and crystal-clear views. The hard-anodized finish helps this rimfire riflescope to have more camouflaging properties.
It is also known for its versatility since it is designed to be an all-purpose scope that can be used for any hunting applications that you want to do.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
3 to 9X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.5 inches
Field of view
39ft @ 3x 13ft @ 9x
Parallax
50 yards to infinity
Ruggedly Designed and Built
The design of this rimfire riflescope can withstand powerful recoils from some heavy-duty firearms that it might be mounted on. Made up of aluminum, this rimfire riflescope is tested to have a lifetime performance of being durable. You surely don’t have to think twice about this rimfire riflescope since it is indeed built with the durability that you want for your scopes.
Second Focal Plane Reticle
If you are one of those hunters and shooters who do not want the size of your reticle to change, even when you change the magnification option to a greater power, this rimfire riflescope is the one that you must consider. With its second focal plane reticle, you will have the luxury of seeing the full size of your target without having some parts of it getting blocked by an increasing size reticle.
Pros
- High quality optic with stunning HD clarity
- Rugged design, durable quality
- Dawn brightness multi coated
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons
- Expensive
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire Riflescope is an ideal choice for close range on 22 rimfire. A lens of this scope is fully multi coated that provides crystal clear image , bright images from dawn till dusk, Argon purged and O-ring sealed scope deliver good performance in all types of weather conditions.
6. Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
The classic design of this rimfire riflescope is among the reasons why many hunters and shooters like it. It is specifically made for those who like to have a minimalist reticle type that can be used for a wide variety of scenarios in the shooting place.
In addition, this rimfire riflescope is made very compact and lightweight, which is a very good thing since it is able to fit in a lot of legacy rings. It is also known to have finesse optics that reduce the color aberrations to provide true to the life quality of images.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
2-7x
Objective lens
33mm
Eye relief
4.2 to 3.7 in
Field of view
43.8 - 29.8 ft at 100 yds
Parallax
50 yards to infinity
Twilight Light Management System
There are a lot of hunters shoot and hunt at night, dawn and dusk because that is when some of their target animals are active. If you are one of them, then this feature is a must-have for the scope you will buy. With this feature, you will have 10 to 30 more minutes of shooting light once your batteries run out of power. Well, you will never know what happens next, so it is better to be prepared with a back-up.
Longevity and Dependability
This rimfire riflescope is made from a very durable material that is called 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum. With this built, this rimfire rifle scope has a long-lasting quality that you can enjoy. In fact, there are also some properties that make it long lasting and dependable; some of them are its scratch-resistant lenses, its waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof performance.
Pros
- Scratch resistant lens coating
- Duplex or tri-MOA reticles
- Twilight light management system
- Waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- Hard to adjust
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope is 100% water proof, fog proof and shockproof. Twilight light management system provides 10 mins of extra light shooting light and reduces glare for crisp image quality.The rugged design of this scope helps you to hunt in all types of weather conditions.
7. BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
This rimfire riflescope is designed to be mounted on 22 rifles and rimfire rifles. It has an eye relief that measures 3.5 inches while it has a magnification option with a range that starts from 3x and extends for up to 9x.
This scope comes with a free set of mounting rings, a set of lens covers, and one lens cloth. In addition, being back with its lifetime warranty is another thing that makes this rimfire riflescope truly worth the money that you are going to spend on it.
It also has a versatile design that you can use for many activities that you want to do, such as hunting and plinking.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
3-9X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.5 inch
Field of view
43.8 - 29.8 ft at 100 yds
Parallax
39ft @ 3x 13ft @ 9x
Lightweight and Compact Construction
If you’ve long wanted to improve your mobility in the field, this rifle scope is the right choice you must buy. With its 0.72 pounds, you will surely have the luxury of moving fast without even noticing that you have this rimfire rifle scope on your carry. In addition, this rimfire riflescope’s length will let you have the option of using it in narrow places since it only has a length of 12 inches.
Fully Coated Optics
Another reliable feature that this riflescope has is its high-quality optics. With it being fully coated, you can definitely see the best quality of sight pictures that you want to see through it. That is made possible since all the lenses of this rimfire riflescope are coated with multiple layers.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Windage and elevation turret
- Pretty lightweight
- Easy zoom and turrets
Cons
- Expensive
BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope is engineered especially for your .22LR rifle. It is perfect for long range shooting and it is built to withstand the rough outdoors because the scope is featured with the water proof, fog proof and shockproof.
8. Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm Rifle Scope
This rimfire rifle scope is known to increase the chances of hitting your targets while decreasing the acquisition of targets.
It has a low-profile design paired with its adjustable turrets that will not require any tools from you when you make some adjustments.
Two things that make this rimfire riflescope amazing are its very affordable price and its high-performing features.It also comes with a free manual when you buy it for you to fully utilize its features.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
6X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3.10 in
Field of view
17.50 ft for 100 yrds
Parallax
39ft @ 3x 13ft @ 9x
Fixed Magnification
The magnification of this riflescope is just focused on one range. You may think that it is a disadvantage, but it is not. With this fixed magnification power, this scope is specialized and unstoppable when it comes to shooting within mid-range distance. In addition, with the fixed magnification, this riflescope is made more durable since it has fewer movable parts.
Versatile Reticle Type
This riflescope’s reticle type is not the illuminated one, but it has a lot of benefits and uses. In fact, this ACSS 22LR type of reticle is among the most versatile reticle types available in the stores and markets. To be more specific with its uses, it can be used for plinking, shooting competitions, and hunting.
Pros
- Lightweight and gives crystal clear image
- Easy to control
- Great reticle
- Holds all one in system
Cons
- Poor quality control
Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm RifleScope helps you to hit your target accurately. magnification range of this scope is 6x with a second focal plane that provides you to hit accurately target acquisition and it is perfect for medium range shooting.
9. BARSKA 4x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
Made from a lightweight yet high-strength aluminum, this riflescope will surely withstand extended hours of being used in the shooting place, even when faced with adverse conditions.
One good thing about this specific scope is that it is parallax free within the range of 50 yards. It means you will have an easier targeting experience when you are shooting in close ranges of distances.
When you purchase this rimfire riflescope, it comes with some free 3/8-inch dovetail rings that you can use for mounting. It is also another scope that has a fixed magnification, just like the previous one.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
4X
Objective lens
32mm
Eye relief
3 inches
Field of view
29 ft at 100 yds
Parallax
39ft @ 3x 13ft @ 9x
Lightweight and Compact Construction
This rimfire riflescope can be by your side anytime without noticing its weight because it is really light in weight. To be more exact about that, its weight has a total of 16.08 ounces only. Even if you are up to spontaneous hunting trips, you can easily bring this rimfire riflescope by your side without having to feel exhausted. Another thing that makes this rimfire riflescope great is its length—its length is less than one foot, 11.93 inches only to be exact.
30/30 Crosshair Reticle
This type of reticle is a good feature that this rimfire riflescope has. 30/30 crosshair reticle is ideal for any variety of hunting and shooting activities you want to do. Your accuracy and precision will be ensured with this reticle type, whether you are target shooting, joining long-range competitions, deer hunting, varmint hunting, and many more.
Pros
- Crosshair reticle for easy targeting
- Parallax free
- Precision aiming
- HD image quality
Cons
- Need better magnification range
BARSKA 4x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope Black Matte has 1/4 MOA dot reticle click adjustment for precision accuracy. Quality construction with fully coated optics provides high quality images that helps you to improve your hunting experiences.
10. Bushnell Rimfire Optics 6-18X40 Riflescope
It is designed with a bullet drop compensation system, which ensures that its magnification option can be used up to the maximum power by providing perfect shots for long-distance hunting.
Hunters and shooters have witnessed that this rimfire riflescope provides sight images that are clear regardless of the magnification level you will use with it.
What makes this rimfire riflescope more interesting is that its multi-x reticle is etched on its first focal plane, making it very easy to use during any condition. With this specific scope’s solid structure, bumps and accidental falls will not do even small damage to it.
This Rimfire (.22LR) Rifle Scope is best known for the following features
Magnification
6-18X
Objective lens
40mm
Eye relief
4 inches
Field of view
18.8 - 6.2 ft at 100 yds
Parallax
Fixed
Adequate Objective Lens
The objective lens size of this rimfire rifle scope is adequate and enough in providing the needed light that will enter it. The needed light that enters this riflescope is what will cause the sight pictures to be bright and pleasing to the eyes. In addition, high-definition quality of sight pictures will not be possible without this feature.
Matte Black Finish
The matte black finish of this rimfire scope tackles three functions—the first is being a protective cover; the second purpose is to add beauty to this scope’s overall look while the third one is for stealth purposes camouflage. This matte black protective cover causes the outside of this rimfire riflescope to be harder; thus, scratches will be prevented from occurring on its surfaces.
Pros
- Crystal clear image
- Longest shot magnification
- Side parallax adjustment
- Weather proof
Cons
- Little expensive
Bushnell Rimfire Optics Riflescope has high magnification 6x to 18x, it is perfectly suitable for long distance targets that helps to zoom your target larger than the original image so that you easily hit your target precisely.
What magnification do you need?
Before buying the scope make sure that which type of scope you need for your hunting. Each scope has a different magnification range; you can select the scope depending on the shooting distance.
If you are a beginner then you can buy the fixed magnification scope. If you want to shoot different ranges then you want to buy various magnification scope.
Close range (up to 100 yards)
If your target are at a close range then you need a scope that has the magnification range from 1X to 4x
Medium Range(100 to 500 yards)
To shoot the target with the 100 to 500 yards then you want to have the scope that offers 4x to 7x magnification range.
Long range (500 yards to infinity)
When it comes to long range shots, shooting clarity is most important. when you shoot at 500 yards and above you want to have the magnification range at least 7 x to 9 x then only you can see the clear view of the object.
Things / Factors To Be Considered When Buying The Best Scope For Rimfire (.22LR) Rifles
Now that you’ve discovered the best scopes for rimfire (.22LR) rifles, it is just right to have a broader knowledge about the importance of the features that they possess.
With that considered we will also be discussing here a guide for you to have a full understanding and eventually pick the best scope that will suit your needs as a hunter and as a shooter. Here are the factors and their importance.
Lens Coating
The lens coating is a great contributor to the quality of the views that you are going to see through it. With that considered, you have to get a scope that will transmit the maximum possible brightness from the surroundings into the lenses of your scope.
In addition, some anti-reflective properties for the lenses are also important to reduce the distortion of images once the condition in the shooting place becomes very bright due to broad daylight. The reduction of glare is also a property that is important for the lenses to provide clear and detailed sight pictures for you to see.
With all that, you have to consider the best quality of lenses for your scope as much as possible. Poor quality of lenses will only cause you to have a bad experience in shooting, so do not let them ruin the wonderful experiences that you can have when you buy high-quality ones.
Weatherproofing
Your scope’s resistance to different tough conditions in the shooting place is probably among the most important factors that you must consider. In the wilds or in the shooting place, there will be times that heavy rainfall will suddenly take place without a warning.
Remember that it is always better to prepare for unexpected things. So, even if the weather forecasts say that the chance of rain is very little, there is still some probability that it might take place.
That is why a waterproof scope is important, especially with the fast-changing weather we have these days due to the climate change in the whole world.
Eye Relief
The maximum distance between your eyes and the lenses of scope is considered to be the eye relief. The importance of this said distance is to keep your eyes and other parts of your heads safe from any harm that recoils from firearms may bring.
When you buy a firearm, recoil cannot be prevented from sometimes happening, even when the firearm you bought is said only to have a very small amount of recoil. It is an important feature that you have to consider seriously since it is for your own safety.
Magnification Power
To further improve the range that your .22LR can reach, you have to choose a scope with a very powerful magnification option.
With a magnification power that can help you reach beyond your .22LR’s limits, you will have accurate shots within long ranges.
But the most amazing thing about it is that you will never expect that you .22LR can reach a distance that long, but it is made possible by choosing the right and the suitable scope that will unlock all the potential capabilities that .22LR has.
Adjustable parallax
If the reticle of your focus floats around or comes in and out while focusing your target, sometimes you may notice the parallax error. Some scope allows you to adjust manually and you can bring everything into the focus.
This parallax adjustment helps you to zero the parallax to enhance accuracy at various ranges so you can see the clear sight picture.
Weight
This type of rifle scope is light , kid-friendly and quite handy, mostly this rifle scope is 5 pounds in stock configuration. If you attach the heavy optic in the rifle that will throw it off balance and reduce the speed of your movement. While hunting the fast moving varmints or small games this can act against you.
Reticle
Reticle is used to line up the object on your scope. There are a lot of scope available in the market with various types of reticle. The reticle helps you to aim your target accurately that helps you to hit your target precisely.
The illuminated reticle is bright, it helps you to see the accurate target even in the low light condition.
Bottom line
If you’ve read everything that has been written and said above, then you must have known by now that scopes play a very vital role, especially to a lot of firearms that are only limited to do something.
That’s why choosing a scope is not a task that must be taken lightly since it greatly impacts the experiences you are going to have when you use it. For your .22LR, it is important that you consider all the factors mentioned to go beyond your rifle’s limits.
With all the things that we’ve discussed and written above, we really hope that this article has served as a guide for you to decide what to buy.