This guide curates a list of the best rimfire scopes for 22LR. It covers an assortment of options to suit every shooter’s preference and budget, highlighting the scopes’ features and specifications and providing insights to help you make an informed buying decision.
The .22LR rifle is well-known for its versatility and affordability. Its low recoil, economical ammunition, and inherent accuracy make it a favorite among new and seasoned shooters alike. The rifle excels at various applications, including hunting, competition, and shooting.
The .22 LR platform demands good optics to unleash its full potential. A quality rimfire scope is one crucial component that stands paramount. Unfortunately, so many options on the market can make the selection process taxing. Fortunately, we have done the homework for you and come up with a list of top-notch products that will make your day.
Let’s have a look at the best rimfire scopes that are suitable for the rifle.
Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR
1)VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rimfire Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm offers unmatched clarity and brightness. It features the Twilight Light Management System that offers up to 10 additional minutes of usable light at twilight, which can be the thin line between filling your tag and going home empty-handed.
It has a second focal plane reticle that is precise. The MOA-based references on the vertical crosshair make it a good option for taking down distant targets. The lenses are scratch-resistant for abrasion and scratch protection.
In addition, the scope brings to the table MOA click turrets with an adjustment value of 1/4 MOA.
Another reason the scope is one of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR is its durability. The housing is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for rigidity and strength. It has a one-inch main tube that is completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This makes it suitable for all environmental conditions and terrains, so you can have peace of mind that it will do the job all the time.
Features
- Built from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Second focal plane
- One-inch main tube
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- 33mm objective lens diameter
- 2-7x magnification
- MOA click turrets
- The lenses are scratch-resistant
- Twilight Light Management System
- Eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches
Pros
- The glass is crystal-clear
- Generous eye relief
- Build quality is top-notch
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2)Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Riflescope
If you are looking for fast target acquisition when hunting in dense cover or at short range, the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm riflescope suits the bill. This rimfire scope is manufactured by one of the best brands, so you can be sure that you are getting a fantastic product.
It comes with a BDC reticle on the second focal plane. This reticle pattern is perfect for hunting at varying ranges where holdover estimation is a concern. Since it is a second focal plane, it remains the same size across all magnification levels.
The scope scores highly when it comes to construction quality. Aircraft-grade aluminum material is a staple in Vortex scopes, and the Diamondback is not left behind. Fortifying this high-grade design is a hard anodized finish that creates a shockproof and robust scope while helping camouflage position.
Still on construction quality, the scope has O-ring seals and argon gas purging to maintain waterproof and fogproof integrity.
To add to that, the optical system is fully multi-coated for crystal-clear, bright images from morning to evening. A fast-focus eyepiece helps focus the reticle, aiding quick target acquisition.
Another inclusion is a precision glide erector system that guarantees accurate tracking and repeatability.
Features
- Argon gas purged and o-ring sealed for weatherproofing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- A BDC reticle with a second focal plane design
- Aircraft-grade aluminum build
- Metal-on-metal precision turrets make zero-resetting after sighting in a breeze.
- Reticle focusing is easy thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece
- The objective lens diameter is 32mm
- Sturdy, one-piece tube
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Decent light-gathering ability
- The glass is crystal-clear
- Good eye relief
- The build quality is off the charts
Cons
- Edge distortion
3)Simmons 8 Point 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Simmons 8 Point 3-9x40mm is an affordable riflescope that brings to the table more impressive features than any other in its class. The high-quality optics are fully coated for maximum light collection, which is essential for brightness and clarity.
The QTA eyepiece increases target acquisition speed while the TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment stays locked tight to zero, even in high-stake conditions. The SureGrip audible-click ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments configure without hassle for fast execution in the heat of action.
The riflescope is designed for a lifetime of performance regardless of the conditions, as it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Magnification varies from 3x to 9x, making the unit ideal for short to intermediate distances. The objective lens size is 40mm.
Features
- inches of eye relief
- Truplex reticle
- Multiple layers of coating on the lenses
- TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system
- QTA eyepiece
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- One-inch main tube
- 40mm objective lens diameter
- 3-9x magnification range
Pros
- A simple reticle that provides a clear sight picture without obstructing the target
- The lens lets in plenty of light for bright and clear images
- Lightweight yet tough enough to withstand punishment
Cons
- The power ring is a bit stiff
4)Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm riflescope is tailored from aircraft-grade aluminum. Its 30mm tube is sealed and nitrogen-charged for relentless waterproof and fogproof performance. You can easily transition from indoor to outdoor settings without worrying about temperature variations or shoot on rainy days with peace of mind.
The scope boasts a 1-4x magnification, a 24mm objective lens, and eye relief that ranges from 4 to 4.5 inches. It ships with a set of medium-profile Picatinny rings, a removable honeycomb filter shade, a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers, a battery, and a lens cloth. This means you have everything you need to get started right out of the box.
As one of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR, the scope has a rangefinder with a functional design that allows quicker range estimation and holdover correction. It features easy-to-read range information that stays constant across all zoom levels.
Reticle visibility even in low-light conditions will be the least of your concerns. This is because of the dial-controlled reticle illumination in both red and green with a variety of brightness intensities.
Another attribute of the scope is the 1/2 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation with the ability to zero-reset.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Multi-layered coated optics
- 24mm objective lens
- Sealed and nitrogen charged for water and fog resistance
- The etched reticle is visible in black without illumination or available in green or red illumination.
- First focal plane
- Variable 1-4x magnification
- The tube diameter is 30mm
Pros
- A set of accessories are included
- Sufficient eye relief
- The reticle is illuminated
- Fingertip turrets
Cons
- Needs a battery to function
5)Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
A stand-out feature of the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm riflescope is the Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses, which admit lots of light and enable you to make the most of your hunting expeditions in the crucial hours of early morning and late evening.
The scope has the classic 3-9x magnification, which is popular for hunting. The 40mm objective lens complements the zoom power, making this the perfect partner for your outdoor pursuits.
It is built for anything and everything. Its IPX7 waterproof construction ensures immersion in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes while O-ring seals ensure the optics remain dry and moisture-free even in adverse weather.
The inside of the scope also has argon purging for fog protection in various temperatures. The turrets for windage and elevation are resettable and capped for ultimate protection from extreme use.
Also worth noting is the Multi-X reticle, which provides a classic sight picture. The crosshair reticle is easy to see even in low light, making target acquisition easy and quick. This makes the Bushnell Banner a simple but mighty sighting device.
The tip of the iceberg is the fast-focus eyepiece, which makes adjusting the reticle to your eye a walk in the park. This allows you to focus on your target with seamless clarity.
Features
- Multi-X reticle
- Adjustable 3-9x magnification
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated optics
- O-ring sealed for waterproofing
- Can be immersed in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes
- Resettable windage and elevation turrets
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Fogproof construction
- 40mm lens size
Pros
- The click adjustments are true to their measurements when sighting in
- Works well in low light, dusk, and dawn
- Superb lens clarity
Cons
- It is not covered by the forever warranty
6)EOTech Vudu 1-10x28mm Riflescope
This one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum constructed riflescope harbors an illuminated, glass-etched reticle with a first focal plane style to allow for estimation of distance at any power level and lighting condition. The illumination is bright and is complemented by the intuitive push-button control.
This riflescope is designed with a host of features for rimfire target work and small-game hunting. It works well in foul weather as it has resistance properties to fog and water and is shockproof to withstand hard knocks and bumps.
It comes with XC High-Density glass with stunning light transmission, which helps yield images with more than enough brightness and clarity.
The turret system is made with surgical precision in mind, empowering you to deliver that critical shot when it matters most. The low-profile elevation turret has a push/pull locking system, while the windage turret is capped to hold your zero securely.
Features
- 34mm tube
- The rugged design protects from damage caused by harsh recoil and rough handling.
- Nitrogen gas purging for fog proofing
- Aircraft-grade aluminum design with an anodized finish
- XC High Density glass
- Matte finish
- Capped windage turret
- Low-profile elevation turret
- Waterproof
- The magnification power ranges from 1x to 10x
- Fixed parallax
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Dual-purpose tactical reticle
- Extreme durability
Cons
- Pricey
Why Does Brightness Matter?
Brightness is a big deal, as it makes a huge difference between landing your shot successfully and going home empty-handed. It all boils down to the fact that when looking through your scope, you are restricting the amount of light available. Therefore, even though you might be able to see well without your scope on a cloudy day, it might not be easy to see your target when looking through it.
Thanks to systems like Twilight Light Management, which increase the amount of light entering the scope, you can see through your scope for longer. Although Leupold is the only brand with the Twilight Light Management System, other manufacturers’ scopes include features that boost light transmission.
One of the most significant distinctions between scopes that are ranked higher and those that are ranked lower is this. Brightness is important and significant.
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Buying Guide for the Best Rimfire Scopes for .22LR
There are various factors that you need to consider before investing in a .22LR rimfire scope, including:
Magnification Range
A scope with a 1-10x magnification range is effective for .22rifle. However, there are plenty of options, and the range you need depends on how you intend to use the rifle and how much magnification you prefer.
Keep in mind that monster magnification ranges like 10-40x are way overkill for the rifle and will more likely cause trouble than good.
Weight
The second factor to consider when buying the best rimfire scopes for .22 LR is weight. Most rimfires weigh only 5 lbs., so adding a bulky scope can interfere with the rifle’s balance. Offhand shots with an unbalanced rifle are troublesome even in the best conditions. Ensure you get a lightweight scope if you plan to use it for varmint hunting or even as a cheap training rifle for offhand positions.
Objective Lens Size
You don’t necessarily need a gigantic objective lens for the .22LR unless you intend to shoot in odd lighting conditions like dusk or dawn. You will most likely need objective lenses ranging from 20mm to 50mm. Anything bigger is usually excessive, and anything smaller will cause significant issues with your sight picture.
Durability
Durability cannot be overlooked when searching for the best rimfire scopes for .22LR. The scope should be constructed from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum for ruggedness and a lifetime of performance. It should be purged with gases like nitrogen or argon to prevent moisture from seeping in and fogging up the lenses. In addition, it should be sealed for waterproof protection.
Reticle
When choosing an appropriate reticle, you need to consider the .22LR’s short-range capabilities. Many shooters value having a reticle that offers some sort of hash marks in MOA or MILs, which enable the shooter to adjust for variables like windage and elevation. These aren’t necessary, though, because the .22 round can’t fly far enough in most circumstances to warrant changes.
Duplex reticles are the crosshair of choice for the common shooter; they are straightforward and clear. More complex rimfire reticles provide BDC features for drop and wind holdovers. An illuminated reticle is a wise choice if you plan to hunt in weak lighting. Illuminated scopes have increased versatility, but keep in mind that most require batteries.
Parallax
Many centerfire riflescopes with fixed parallax focus between 100 and 150 yards. Since this is typically the maximum distance when shooting .22LR rounds, shooting from as near as 10 yards and within 100 yards can be somewhat challenging.
Because of this, the parallax setting on almost all rimfire scopes ranges from 10 to 100 yards, with an average of 50 to 60 yards. This reduces parallax effects and offers clarity across the whole magnification range.
Best Rimfire Scopes for .22LR FAQs
Is A Specific Scope Needed for Rimfire Firearms?
No. A specific type of rimfire scope is not needed for use with a rimfire platform. However, since rimfire rifles are commonly used for smaller-scale applications, like plinking and target shooting, many shooters find that a scope with low power is more than enough.
How Far Does A 22 Rimfire Shoot?
The .22LR has an effective range of roughly 300 to 400 yards for stationary targets, assuming good wind conditions and remarkable marksmanship. Although you can be able to hit targets beyond 400 yards, do not expect your shots to be consistent.
What is the downside of rimfire?
Rimfire ammo is not reloadable, and you have to be cautious when dry firing a rimfire gun. If you don’t use a special training round, empty cartridge, or snap cap, the firing pin will strike and may damage the firearm’s chamber.
Conclusion
All the best rimfire scopes for .22LR above promise superior performance and clarity. They have an assortment of features tailored to boost your shooting experience. We hope the guide has provided valuable insights and that you have been able to choose a scope that you are carrying next on your trip.