Rabbit hunting is a thrilling outdoor activity enjoyed by many people. It is a great way for the youth to hone their hunting skills and for seniors to spend time outdoors. It becomes even more fun when you have the right hunting gear by your side. We have created this article on the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting that are extremely beneficial for this type of hunting.
The .22lr is one of the most popular calibers available on the market today. It is available in a wide variety of rimfire cartridges for firearm enthusiast to choose from. Besides, it is highly versatile and a perfect choice for a ton of applications such as small game hunting, pest control and recreational plinking.
For rabbit hunting, the .22lr is extremely beneficial. As such, it is in your best interest to invest in the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting. In this post, we will first walk you through the design features of a great scope for 22lr rabbit hunting and then take a look at the top-performing scopes that make a handy companion for this excursion.
What Makes a Great Scope for 22lr Rabbit Hunting?
The first feature that makes a great scope for 22lr rabbit hunting is good make. The scope should be sturdy enough to withstand recoil and hold zero consistently for extended range sessions.
Secondly, a great scope should be able to perform in a wide variety of lighting conditions. It should employ top-quality glass elements to optimize both resolution and color. Additionally, the lenses should have anti-reflective coatings to cut on glare and internal light reflection.
The other noteworthy features that the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting should also have include:
- Lightweight design so as not to throw off the rifle’s balance
- Moderate magnification power
- Sufficient eye relief
- Waterproof and fog proof construction for use under any kind of weather condition
- A crisp and simple to use reticle
Best Scopes for 22lr Rabbit Hunting
If you are having a difficult time finding the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting, here are the best-rated models ideal for you. Let’s take a look.
1)Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope
The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope is our best overall scope for 22lr rabbit hunting. It is off the charts when it comes to picture quality, construction quality and overall feel of the fast focus eyepiece and the turrets.
Built with a variable 2-7x zoom power, the scope is good for hunting in a wide variety of hunting environments. To complement the versatile magnification is a V-Plex
reticle that is an all-purpose hunting reticle. This reticle is located on the second focal plane and it maintains the same appearance in all environments.Robust construction is another facet that makes this optic the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting. It is made for maximum durability is a single-piece 1-inch body. Furthermore, the optical tube is argon gas purged and O-ring sealed to be fully fog proof, waterproof and dust proof.
Optically, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses that are responsible for maximizing every minute of shooting light. Over and above that, this optic brings to the table a fast focus eyepiece for seamless reticle focusing and a precision glide erector system that ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
Features
- 2-7x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Metal on metal precision turrets
- Solid 1-piece body tube
- Second focal plane V-Plex reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof and argon purged
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Ease of use
- Accurate
- Bright and clear glass
- Sturdy and well built
- Wide field of view
Cons
- The elevation and windage knobs are a little soft
2)Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Carrying the highly respected Leupold name, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is an excellent sighting tool for 22lr rabbit hunting. It delivers the legendary Leupold performance and reliability with a host of new and advanced features that promise to get the job done every time.
A defining feature of this optic is the Twilight Light Management System. With this system, the scope delivers unmatched brightness and clarity by balancing light transfer, glare reduction and image contrast.
The built quality of this optic is outstanding. It is crafted from aircraft quality aluminum, tested for rough handing and guaranteed to perform for a lifetime. Additionally, the scope has scratch resistant lenses to offer additional protection in the field.
For all weather use, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is fog proofed and sealed against moisture and dust. The scope also features a crisp and easy to use Rimfire MOA reticle that is housed in the second focal plane.
Features
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1-inch main tube
- Scratch resistant lenses
- SFP Rimfire MOA reticle
- Twilight Light Management System
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sufficient eye relief
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- Non illuminated
3)Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Specifically designed for hunting, the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope offers the highest levels of performance and reliability. It is good for hunting at close to medium ranges and is very simple to use even for the beginners in hunting.
Vortex made this compact and lightweight rifle scope ready for outdoor use. It has a single piece main tube constructed from aircraft quality aluminum. This quality construction ensures strength and shockproof performance.
Complementing the superb build quality is a long eye relief that guarantees glassing comfort with or without eyewear. Over and above that, this scope has a fast focus eyepiece that allows quick and simple focusing of the reticle. It also boasts resettable MOA turrets that are capped to prevent accidental dialing in the field.
For all weather reliability, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. Other than that, it features anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses which enhance light transmission to provide bright and clear views.
Features
- Capped reset turrets
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- 2-7x total magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Second focal plane V-Plex reticle
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Excellent craftmanship
- Phenomenal picture quality
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- The turrets could be better
4)Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm FMC Rifle Scope
Fourth in our list of the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting is the Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm. This rimfire rifle scope strikes the perfect balance of value and performance. Because of that, it is an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including small game hunting.
The selling point of this rifle scope is the interchangeable ballistic turrets. This makes it an ideal choice for .17HMR and .22LR rimfire calibers. Other than that, the scope has fully multi-coated which allow for better light gathering capacity.
When it comes to construction, the Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm rifle scope is built with premium grade materials that maximize durability. It is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to be ready for anything Mother Nature will have in store for the hunt.
Features
- Variable 2-7x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Interchangeable 1/4 MOA ballistic turrets
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Second focal plane Truplex reticle
Pros
- Weaver style ring included
- Inexpensive
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Non illuminated
5)Tasco Air Gun 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
The Tasco Air Gun 2-7×32 Rifle Scope is an ideal option for beginners. It is built with an array of user-friendly features that make it easy to operate. On top of that, the scope is available at a reasonably low cost.
Weighing a mere 14.7oz, this optic is remarkably light and easy to maneuver with in the field. It boasts a wide field of view to allow easy target finding and acquisition. Furthermore, it boasts a long eye relief of 4.3” to be eyeglass-friendly and to maximize glassing comfort during long hunting sessions.
Another impressive thing about this riflescope is stunning picture quality. This is thanks to the fully coated lens that limit glare and light loss. Besides that, the scope has a fast focus eyepiece that aids in quick and easy focusing of the reticle.
Features
- 1-inch main tube
- 2-7x magnification power
- Fully coated optics
- Second focal plane Truplex reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click
- Non-reflective matte black finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generous eye relief
- Beginner friendly
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Not built for long term use
6)Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex
Another best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting on our list is the Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm. This is a fixed power rimfire scope that is built with avid hunters in mind. It is simple to use and great for use in all hunting environments.
The scope boasts a classic fast focus eyepiece with a low profile lock ring for easy reticle focusing. Over and above that, it features micro-friction dials marked in 1/4 -MOA increments for effortless windage and elevation adjustments.
Regarding construction, this rimfire scope is built with durability in mind. It has a 1-inch body tube that is impact tested and verified to survive rough handling, shock and repetitive recoil. In addition to that, the tube is designed with advanced sealing methods to withstand extreme temperatures and elevation changes, so the internals of the optics stay free of moisture, dust and fog.
In addition to everything else, this rifle scope has a Twilight Light Management System which deliver unmatched brightness and clarity by balancing light transmission and glare reduction.
Features
- 4x fixed zoom power
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- 1-inch main tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Twilight Light Management System
- Second focal plane duplex reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Large field of view
- Lightweight
- Unmatched low light performance
7)Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. Well known for its outstanding low light performance, the Banner 3-9x40mm is an excellent companion for hunting rabbits in virtually all lighting conditions.
This all-round hunting scope has a variable 3-9x magnification power. At close ranges, it provides an ultra-spacious field of view that is vital for rapid target finding. It also enhances quick target acquisition for targets at longer ranges with the powerful 9x zoom.
Another impressive feature about the scope is lightweight construction. It weighs 13oz only for ease of portability as you are looking for game. Other than that, this optic is filled with dry nitrogen and sealed on both ends to offer a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
The other noteworthy features included are multi-coated optics, fast focus eyepiece and 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment.
Features
- Multi-x reticle
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- 3-9x magnification
Pros
- Decent glass quality
- Lightweight
- Superb low light visibility
- Versatile
Cons
- Short eye relief
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for 22lr Rabbit Hunting
Durability
You will want to purchase a scope that is durable enough to last long. Look at the quality of materials used and ensure that they are able to endure the rough use that comes with hunting. The best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting should also be shockproof and able to hold zero consistently during use.
Glass Quality
Any scope that is going to be mounted on a hunting firearm needs to be built of quality glass. With quality glass elements, you are guaranteed of bright and high-quality sight pictures rich in color accuracy. You also want the scope to have proper lens coatings to help with light transmission especially when you are hunting in low light environments.
Weight
The next thing to consider is weight. For rabbit hunting with .22lr, it is important to get a scope that is lightweight. A product that is large and bulky will throw off the balance of the .22 rifle and get in your way of shooting.
Magnification Power
Most shooting and hunting scenarios that occur with .22lr are not more than 200 yards. For such a range, a scope with a variable zoom power of 2-7x or 3-9x will be more than sufficient. It will give you the flexibility to acquire the rabbits at different ranges while still maintaining a large field of view that is vital for hunting.
FAQs
- What is the best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting?
The best scope for 22lr rabbit hunting is one that has all the features you require for your unique hunting needs. The scope should have a versatile zoom power, a clear and easy to use reticle and quality lens coatings that provide bright and clear views of the target in any lighting condition.
- Is illuminated scope required for rabbit hunting?
An illuminated scope is not a must have for rabbit hunting, but it might be helpful in low light conditions. Rabbits are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoons, both of which are low light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right scope for 22lr rabbit hunting is easy when you know the features that you need for your individual hunting needs. Each scope we have mentioned above is built ready for hunting and has all the basic features you will need to better your performance in the field. Look for the key specs and features that make each scope the right purchase and choose accordingly.