Target shooting with a .22LR rifle is one of the most enjoyable and affordable ways to hone your marksmanship. Whether you’re punching paper, ringing steel, or plinking at the range, the right scope can dramatically improve your accuracy and overall experience. However, with so many options available, finding a scope that offers quality features without a hefty price tag can be a challenge.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect optic for your rimfire rifle. We’ve compiled a list of the best budget-friendly scopes that deliver on performance, reliability, and value. From illuminated reticles for low-light conditions to adjustable objectives for precise parallax correction, these picks will help you get on target without overspending.
Our Top Picks for Budget 22LR Scopes
- CVLIFE EagleFeather 2.5-10X50 AO Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Optics- 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
- PINTY 3-9×40 Rifle Scope with Red Green Illuminated Reticle
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Range Reticle Crosshair Scope
- Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
- Simmons 511039 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
- UTG 3-9×32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
- Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope with Mounts
CVLIFE EagleFeather 2.5-10X50 AO Rifle Scope
The CVLIFE EagleFeather stands out for its versatile 2.5-10x magnification and large 50mm objective lens, which work together to provide a bright and clear sight picture. Its fully multi-coated lenses ensure exceptional light transmission and clarity, making it easier to acquire your target in various lighting conditions. The included sunshade and lens covers are thoughtful additions that help protect your optic from the elements and reduce glare.
This scope is packed with features typically found on more expensive models. The adjustable objective (AO) lens allows for precise parallax correction and focus at different ranges, which is crucial for target shooting. You also get five levels of red and green illumination for the mil-dot reticle, along with precision reset turrets that offer reliable 1/4 MOA adjustments and a resettable zero feature for easy re-calibration.
Bushnell Optics- 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
Built with the modern shooter in mind, the Bushnell AR Optics 4x24mm scope offers a fixed 4x magnification that is perfect for fast target acquisition. Its First Focal Plane (FFP) Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle is a significant advantage, as the holdover points remain accurate at all magnification levels. This feature, combined with its compact and lightweight design, makes it an excellent choice for a streamlined rimfire setup.
Durability and user-friendly controls are key benefits of this scope. It boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water, and its fully multi-coated optics provide a bright, high-contrast image. The exposed turrets allow for quick windage and elevation adjustments, giving you the tools you need to make precise shots on the range.
PINTY 3-9×40 Rifle Scope with Red Green Illuminated Reticle
The PINTY 3-9×40 is a fantastic all-around optic that provides the flexibility needed for various target shooting distances. The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for .22LR rifles, allowing for both close-range plinking and more precise shots at longer ranges. Its multicoated green lens helps enhance light gathering and reduces reflections for a clearer view.
This scope is designed to be both feature-rich and rugged. The red and green illuminated mil-dot reticle offers multiple brightness settings, improving visibility against dark or busy backgrounds. Constructed to be shockproof, it can handle the recoil of a .22LR with ease, and it comes with mounting rings, providing everything you need to get set up quickly and start shooting.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Range Reticle Crosshair Scope
If you are looking for incredible value, the CVLIFE 3-9×40 with an R4 range reticle is a top contender. This scope delivers a standard and effective 3-9x magnification paired with a 40mm objective lens, striking a great balance between performance and size. The R4 reticle includes range-estimating and bullet drop compensation marks, which can be very helpful for engaging targets at unknown distances.
One of the biggest perks of this model is that it often comes as a complete package with free mounting rings. This makes it an exceptionally budget-friendly option for new shooters or anyone wanting to outfit a rifle without additional purchases. It provides a solid, reliable platform for honing your skills on the range.
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
Bushnell is a trusted name in optics, and their Rimfire series is specifically engineered for the trajectory of .22LR ammunition. The 3-9×40 configuration is a classic for a reason, offering versatility for all your target shooting activities. The Multi-X reticle is simple and uncluttered, providing a clean aiming point that many shooters prefer for precision work.
This scope is built with quality materials and optics that Bushnell is known for. It features fully multi-coated lenses to maximize brightness and clarity. The adjustments are precise and reliable, ensuring your shots land where you aim. It’s a no-frills, high-performance scope that focuses on delivering consistent accuracy shot after shot.
Simmons 511039 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag is a legendary budget scope that has been a favorite among rimfire enthusiasts for years. Its 3-9×32 design is compact and lightweight, maintaining a low profile on your rifle. The proprietary Simmons 8-point reticle is sharp and easy to see, making target acquisition quick and simple.
This scope is praised for its reliability and user-friendly features. It includes the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece which allows for fast focusing, and the SureGrip turrets make windage and elevation adjustments easy, even with gloved hands. It’s a proven workhorse that offers exceptional performance for its price.
UTG 3-9×32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG BugBuster lives up to its name by being a compact, feature-packed scope that is tough to beat. Its 3-9x magnification and 32mm objective lens are housed in a short tube, making it ideal for rifles with limited rail space. The built-in AO (Adjustable Objective) down to 3 yards is a fantastic feature for close-range target shooting.
This scope goes above and beyond with its illuminated RGB mil-dot reticle, offering a wide spectrum of color options to suit any lighting condition or target background. It also comes with high-quality QD (Quick Detach) rings, adding to its overall value and making it easy to mount and remove from your firearm while maintaining zero.
Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope with Mounts
The Barska Plinker-22 is designed from the ground up for .22 caliber rifles. Its 3-9×32 configuration provides all the magnification you need for precise target shooting at the range. The scope includes a specially calibrated reticle that accounts for the bullet drop of .22LR rounds, helping you make more accurate longer-range shots.
This is another excellent out-of-the-box solution, as it comes complete with mounting rings. The optics are fully coated to reduce glare and increase light transmission, providing a clear and bright sight picture. It’s a straightforward, purpose-built scope that offers great performance for plinking and target practice.
What to Look For in a Budget 22LR Scope for Target Shooting
When I’m picking out a scope for my .22LR rifle, I have a very specific job in mind. This isn’t for a high-recoiling hunting rifle or a long-range precision rig. It’s for a fun, accurate plinker, and the optics should match that purpose without breaking the bank. Here’s what I focus on when choosing one of the best 22LR scopes for target shooting on a budget.
First, magnification is a big one. For most target shooting with a .22, you don’t need massive power. A fixed 4x scope can be perfect, but a variable like 3-9x or 2-7x gives you more flexibility. The lower end is great for closer targets or plinking cans, while the higher magnification lets you see your bullet holes on paper at 50 or 100 yards. I find that going beyond 9x is often overkill for the effective range of a standard .22LR round.
Next, consider the objective lens size. This is the big glass at the front. A larger objective (like 40mm or 44mm) gathers more light, which is nice for low-light conditions, but it also sits higher on the rifle. For a .22, a 32mm or 40mm objective is a sweet spot, keeping the scope profile low and allowing for a good cheek weld on the stock. You get plenty of clarity without the bulk and weight of a huge hunting scope.
The reticle is your aiming point, and for target shooting, simplicity is key. A standard Duplex reticle is a classic for a reason—it’s uncluttered and gets the job done. However, if you’re shooting at small targets or want to be more precise, a scope with Mil-Dot or a fine crosshair can help with holdovers and precise aiming. I tend to avoid overly busy reticles on a .22; they can distract from the simple joy of punching paper.
Finally, don’t forget about the parallax adjustment. Many budget scopes are set for 100 yards, but .22s are often shot at 50 yards or less. Parallax error can make your point of impact shift if your head isn’t perfectly aligned. Some scopes come with an Adjustable Objective (AO) or a Side Focus (SF) that lets you correct for parallax at shorter distances. This is a huge plus for accuracy and is a feature I actively look for on a dedicated target scope. Combined with reliable, repeatable turrets for windage and elevation, an AO makes a budget scope feel much more capable.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a .22LR rifle?
For most .22LR shooting, a variable scope in the 3-9x range is the most versatile. It gives you enough power to see bullet holes at 50-100 yards but can be dialed down for faster, closer-range plinking. A fixed 4x scope is also a fantastic, simple, and often very affordable option that works perfectly for the typical distances you’ll shoot a .22.
Is an adjustable objective (AO) necessary on a .22 scope?
It’s not absolutely necessary, but it’s a feature I highly recommend for serious target shooting. Since .22s are frequently used at 25 to 50 yards, an AO allows you to eliminate parallax error at those specific distances. This means your point of aim is your point of impact, regardless of how your eye is positioned behind the scope, leading to greater precision. For casual plinking, you can get by without it, but for tight groups on paper, it’s a big help.
Can I use a cheap air rifle scope on my .22LR?
You can, but you need to be careful. Many air rifles produce a unique “double recoil” that can destroy a scope not built for it. While a .22LR has light recoil, it’s a single, sharp impulse. Most modern budget scopes designed for firearms can handle a .22LR just fine. However, I would avoid scopes that are exclusively marketed for spring-piston air rifles unless the manufacturer explicitly states they are also safe for centerfire or rimfire use.
What is a good budget for a .22LR scope?
You don’t have to spend a fortune. One of the great things about building a setup for the best 22LR scopes for target shooting on a budget is that the optics are affordable too. A very solid and reliable scope can be found in the $50 to $150 range. In this price bracket, you’ll find scopes from reputable brands that offer clear glass, decent construction, and features like AO that will significantly improve your shooting experience without emptying your wallet.
How important is glass quality in a budget .22 scope?
It’s important, but your expectations should be realistic. You won’t get the same crystal-clear, edge-to-edge brightness as you would in a $1,000 scope. However, a budget scope with decent glass will be clear enough in the center to see your targets sharply, which is what matters most. Look for fully multi-coated lenses, as this treatment increases light transmission and reduces glare, giving you a brighter and clearer sight picture for your money.