Choosing the right optic for your .22 pistol can dramatically improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience. With so many options on the market, from compact scopes for plinking to feature-rich models for small game hunting, finding the perfect match for your firearm and shooting style is crucial. The ideal scope should offer clear glass, reliable adjustments, and a reticle that complements the trajectory of .22 LR ammunition.
Our team has rigorously field-tested a wide array of models to separate the best from the rest. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with eight top-tier scopes that deliver performance and value. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a weekend plinker, our hands-on analysis will guide you to the ideal optic for your rimfire pistol.
Our Top Picks for .22 Pistol Scopes
- UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Scope
- Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire 2-7×32 BDC 150
- Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Multi-X Reticle
- Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescope
- BSA Sweet .22 3-9×40 AO Scope
- Burris Droptine Rimfire 2-7x35mm Ballistic Plex
UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope
The UTG BugBuster is a compact and incredibly resilient scope, built to handle the rigorous demands of a .22 pistol. Its true strength lies in the adjustable objective (AO) that allows for precise parallax correction from a very short 3 yards out to infinity. This feature is invaluable for close-range plinking or hunting in dense brush where quick target acquisition is key.
Adding to its versatility is the RGB Mil-dot reticle, which provides illuminated aiming points in red, green, and blue. This gives you a significant advantage in various lighting conditions, from the bright midday sun to low-light scenarios at dawn or dusk. Combined with its shockproof construction, the BugBuster is a feature-packed option for the shooter who needs adaptability and durability in a small package.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Vortex Optics is renowned for its exceptional value and the Crossfire II Rimfire is a prime example. This scope is specifically engineered with a parallax setting optimized for .22 LR rifles and pistols, ensuring a clear and focused sight picture at common rimfire distances. The dead-hold BDC reticle is perfectly matched to the bullet drop of .22 LR, allowing for accurate holdovers at varying ranges without dialing adjustments.
Built on a solid platform, the Crossfire II is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, guaranteeing reliable performance in all weather conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece and multi-coated lenses work together to provide a bright, sharp image. For hunters and sport shooters who demand optical clarity and a purpose-built reticle from a trusted brand, this scope is an outstanding choice.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom represents the pinnacle of optical performance in the rimfire scope category. It features the Twilight Light Management System, which extends shooting light in low-visibility conditions by reducing glare and enhancing contrast. This gives you a critical edge during the early morning and late evening hours when small game is most active.
This scope is built to last a lifetime, backed by Leupold’s legendary ruggedness and the guaranteed waterproof/fogproof performance of the Argon/Krypton purging process. The precision 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments are reliable and repeatable, ensuring your shots land exactly where you aim. For the shooter who refuses to compromise on glass quality and overall build integrity, the VX-Freedom is a premium investment.
Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire 2-7×32 BDC 150
The Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire scope utilizes Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match technology, which pairs perfectly with the BDC 150 reticle. This system allows you to customize the reticle’s holdover points to your specific .22 LR load and barrel length, providing a new level of precision for longer-range shots. It takes the guesswork out of holdovers, making you a more effective and confident shooter.
Optically, this scope delivers bright, high-contrast images thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses and generous eye relief. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets are a nice tactile feature, allowing for quick and easy field adjustments. While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the P-Tactical remains a sought-after model for its advanced ballistic technology and reliable performance.
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Multi-X Reticle
Bushnell’s Rimfire scope is a classic, no-fuss option that delivers reliable performance for a wide range of .22 applications. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for everything from close-quarters pest control to more precise target shooting. The Multi-X reticle is simple and uncluttered, providing a clean aiming point that won’t obscure small targets.
With its dry nitrogen purging, this scope is both fog-proof and waterproof, ensuring your view remains clear regardless of the weather. The 1/4 MOA adjustments are crisp and accurate for making necessary windage and elevation corrections. If you are looking for a straightforward, dependable scope from a well-known brand that gets the job done without complication, the Bushnell Rimfire is an excellent candidate.
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag has been a favorite among rimfire shooters for years, and for good reason. It is specifically calibrated for the trajectory of .22 Magnum and .17 HMR rounds, though it works very well with standard .22 LR. This pre-calibrated adjustment system simplifies shooting at different distances, allowing you to quickly and accurately compensate for bullet drop.
This scope is also known for its QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece, which allows for fast focusing. The lenses are fully coated to maximize light transmission, resulting in a bright and clear sight picture. As a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice essential performance features, the Simmons .22 Mag offers tremendous value for hunters and plinkers alike.
BSA Sweet .22 3-9×40 AO Scope
The BSA Sweet .22 is distinguished by its highly sophisticated and adjustable ballistic turret system. The elevation turret is designed with multiple dials that can be set for various .22 LR ammunition types and velocities. This level of customization allows for remarkably precise long-range shooting, making it a top choice for competitive target shooters and serious varmint hunters.
Complementing the turret system is an adjustable objective (AO) that ensures a parallax-free view and crisp focus from 10 yards to infinity. The combination of the customizable turret and the AO gives the shooter an unprecedented level of control for a scope in its class. If you handload your .22 ammo or frequently switch between different brands, the BSA Sweet .22 can be fine-tuned to match your exact ballistics.
Burris Droptine Rimfire 2-7x35mm Ballistic Plex
Burris brings its high-quality standards to the rimfire world with the Droptine model. It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, which uses aiming points below the crosshair to compensate for the drop of .22 LR ammunition at 75, 100, and 125 yards. This intuitive system allows for rapid, accurate shots at extended ranges without needing to adjust your turrets.
The scope is built to be exceptionally durable, with a one-piece tube that is both waterproof and fog-proof. The index-matched, multi-coated lenses ensure maximum brightness and clarity, providing a sharp sight picture from dawn until dusk. For those who appreciate a clean, effective reticle design and the robust construction typical of the Burris brand, the Droptine is a reliable and effective partner for your .22 pistol.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best .22 Pistol Scope
Choosing the right scope for your .22 pistol isn’t just about picking the one with the highest magnification. I’ve tested a lot of models, and the best choice really depends on what you plan to do with it. The first thing I always consider is the intended use. Are you plinking at tin cans, hunting small game, or competing in a silhouette match? For fast, close-range plinking, a simple 1x or 2x red dot might be perfect. For hunting squirrels or rabbits where shots can be 25-50 yards, a low-power variable scope, like a 2-7x, gives you the flexibility you need. For precision target shooting, you might want a fixed 4x or even a 2-12x scope to see those tiny bullseyes clearly.
Next up is eye relief, and this is a big one for pistols. Unlike a rifle scope that sits inches from your eye, a pistol scope is mounted far forward. You need a scope with long eye relief, typically in the 12 to 24-inch range. This allows you to hold the pistol at arm’s length and still get a full, clear picture through the scope without a “tunnel vision” effect or, worse, getting smacked in the forehead by the ocular lens during recoil. All the scopes on our list of the 8 best .22 pistol scopes in 2025 have generous, forgiving eye relief designed specifically for handgun use.
Durability and construction are also critical. A .22 pistol doesn’t have heavy recoil, but it’s still a firearm, and scopes get bumped and jostled. Look for a scope with a one-piece tube, preferably made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Nitrogen or argon purging is essential for fog-proof performance, and O-ring seals keep moisture and dust out. You don’t want your hunt ruined because your scope fogged up on the inside from a sudden temperature change.
Finally, think about the reticle and adjustments. For a .22, a simple duplex reticle is often all you need. It’s uncluttered and great for quick acquisition on small game. If you’re doing more precision work, a mildot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can help you hold over for longer shots. Make sure the windage and elevation adjustment knobs are tactile and repeatable. They should click positively with each adjustment, so you can be confident your point of impact is moving exactly as you intend. Getting a scope that balances these features with your budget will lead you to the perfect optic for your pistol.
FAQ
What magnification is best for a .22 pistol scope?
For most .22 pistol applications, low magnification is key. I find that a fixed 2x or 4x scope is excellent for general plinking and hunting within 50 yards. If you want more versatility, a variable power scope like a 2-7x32mm is a fantastic choice. You can keep it on 2x for close, quick shots and dial it up to 4x, 5x, or even 7x for more precise shots at longer ranges or on very small targets. High magnification can be difficult to hold steady on a pistol, so I rarely recommend going above 7x for a .22 handgun.
Can I put a rifle scope on my .22 pistol?
Technically, you can physically mount one, but I strongly advise against it. Rifle scopes are designed with very short eye relief, meant to be used with the scope just a few inches from your eye. When you mount a rifle scope on a pistol, you have to hold the gun at arm’s length, and you will only see a tiny, black circle through the scope, making it unusable. Pistol scopes are engineered with long eye relief specifically for this extended-arm shooting position.
How do I zero a .22 pistol scope?
Zeroing a pistol scope follows the same basic principle as a rifle, but it requires a very stable rest due to the challenge of holding a pistol steady. I start at a close range, usually 25 yards. Using a solid sandbag rest, I fire a 3-shot group at the center of the target. Then, I look through the scope and see where the group landed relative to my crosshairs. I turn the windage and elevation knobs in the direction indicated on the caps (usually “UP” and “R”). Most scopes adjust in Minutes of Angle (MOA), so each click will move the point of impact by a certain amount (e.g., 1/2 MOA or 1 MOA) at 100 yards. Since you’re at 25 yards, the adjustment will be four times more sensitive. Fire another group to confirm and repeat until you’re centered.
Are expensive .22 pistol scopes worth it?
This depends entirely on your use case. For casual plinking, a budget-friendly scope will likely serve you just fine. However, if you are a serious hunter or a competitive shooter, investing in a higher-end model from our tested list of the 8 best .22 pistol scopes in 2025 is absolutely worth it. You’re paying for superior glass clarity, brighter light transmission in low-light conditions, more robust and reliable construction, and precise, repeatable adjustments that will hold zero shot after shot. The better optical quality also reduces eye strain during long shooting sessions.
What is the difference between a pistol scope and a red dot sight?
The main difference is magnification and the sight picture. A pistol scope uses a magnified lens system and a etched reticle (like crosshairs) to magnify your target and provide a precise aiming point. A red dot sight is a non-magnifying electronic sight that projects a red dot (or other reticle) onto a lens, allowing for very fast target acquisition with both eyes open. Scopes are better for precision and identification at distance, while red dots are superior for speed and close-range shooting.