Choosing the right scope for your .22LR rifle is about more than just hitting a target; it’s about maximizing the potential of one of the most versatile and enjoyable firearms available. A proper rimfire scope accounts for the unique trajectory of the .22LR round and enhances everything from plinking sessions to small game hunting. The wrong optic, however, can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
After extensive field testing with various rifles and ammunition, we’ve compiled a list of reliable scopes that deliver performance where it counts. Our selections are based on optical clarity, durability, reticle usefulness, and overall value, ensuring you can find an optic that fits your specific needs and budget.
Our Top Picks for .22LR Rifle Scopes
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
- Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
- Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Scope
- UTG 3-9×32 30mm Compact Scope, AO
- Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
For the shooter who demands precision at extended ranges, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 is a top-tier choice. Its higher magnification range is perfect for target shooting or making precise shots on small game. The extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses work in concert to provide exceptionally bright and clear views, even in low-light conditions.
The VMR-1 (MOA) reticle is a key feature, offering hashmarks that allow for accurate range estimation, holdovers, and windage corrections. This makes it much more than a simple hunting reticle; it’s a tool for making calculated shots. Built on a durable platform, this scope is designed to handle the rigors of field use while delivering consistent, repeatable performance.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is an excellent all-around rimfire scope that balances performance and affordability. Its 2-7x magnification is ideally suited for most .22LR applications, from close-range plinking to hunting in dense woods. The V-Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered, allowing for fast target acquisition.
This scope is user-friendly, with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustment and an ultra-forgiving eye box that makes it easy to get on target. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable for easy zeroing and can be reset after sighting in. With fully multi-coated lenses, you get bright, clear images from dawn until dusk.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire
Step up in optical quality with the Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire scope. It shares the versatile 2-7x magnification range but delivers a noticeable improvement in image brightness and clarity thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses. This scope is built for hunters who need a reliable optic that performs in critical moments.
The metal-on-metal precision turrets offer a positive click feel and the ability to reset to zero after sighting in. Combined with the precision glide erector system, this ensures your adjustments are accurate and repeatable. The fast-focus eyepiece and generous eye relief make this a comfortable and quick-handling scope in the field.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
Leupold is a name synonymous with American-made quality and rugged reliability. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire scope is engineered specifically for the .22LR trajectory, taking the guesswork out of longer shots. Its Twilight Light Management System provides extra minutes of shooting light in the morning and evening, when game is most active.
Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The rugged 1/4 MOA click adjustments are crisp and reliable. For shooters who want a no-compromise optic from a trusted manufacturer, the Leupold VX-Freedom represents a solid long-term investment for your rimfire rifle.
Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 Reticle
While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the Prostaff Rimfire II remains a popular and capable option often found through retailers. Its key feature is the BDC 150 reticle, which is pre-calibrated for the common drop of a .22LR round out to approximately 150 yards. This takes the complexity out of holdovers for ethical hunting shots.
The 3-9×40 configuration provides a bright sight picture and versatile magnification. Fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission for a clear view. As a legacy product, it offers proven performance for those who can locate one, making it a worthwhile consideration for your rimfire setup.
Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Scope with Multi-X Reticle
Bushnell delivers exceptional value with this dedicated 3-9×40 rimfire scope. It features an adjustable objective (AO) parallax correction, which is set from 10 yards to infinity. This feature is crucial for maintaining accuracy and a clear reticle focus at the short ranges common with .22LR rifles.
The Multi-X reticle is a classic, simple crosshair design that is easy to use and effective for all types of shooting. The optics are fully multi-coated to brighten your view in low-light conditions. For a budget-friendly scope that doesn’t skip on important features like AO, the Bushnell Rimfire Optics scope is a strong contender.
UTG 3-9×32 30mm Compact Scope, AO
The UTG 3-9×32 scope stands out with its robust 30mm main tube, which allows for greater adjustment range and increased durability compared to standard 1-inch tubes. It is also equipped with an adjustable objective (AO) for parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring a clear sight picture at any distance.
It features a mil-dot reticle that is versatile for both range estimation and holdover points. Built with UTG’s patented True Strength Platform, this scope is shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof. If you are looking for a feature-packed, rugged scope at an accessible price point, this model is worth serious consideration.
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag is a classic budget-friendly optic that has been a reliable choice for rimfire shooters for years. It is specifically calibrated for the ballistic arc of .22 Magnum, .22 Long Rifle, and .17 HMR cartridges, making it a versatile option for various rimfire calibers.
Its TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system helps maintain your zero, and the waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures it can handle the elements. The Truplex reticle is simple and effective for fast shooting. For those just starting out or on a tight budget, the Simmons .22 Mag offers proven performance without a significant investment.
Buying Guide: How to Pick a Rimfire Scope for Your .22LR
Choosing the right optic for your .22 rifle isn’t as simple as grabbing the first scope you see. A rimfire rifle has unique needs, and getting the right pairing makes all the difference between a frustrating day and a successful one. I have spent a lot of time testing these scopes in the field, and I can tell you that a few key factors will guide you to the perfect match.
First, let’s talk about magnification. For most .22LR work, you don’t need a lot of power. We are typically shooting at shorter ranges, often at small targets. A variable scope in the 2-7x or 3-9x range is the sweet spot. It gives you a wide field of view for quick shots on squirrels or running rabbits at lower power, and enough magnification to precisely aim at a tiny target, like a spent cartridge at 50 yards, on the higher end. Fixed-power scopes, like a 4x, are also a classic and reliable choice that keeps things simple.
Next is the objective lens size. A larger objective lens (the one at the front) gathers more light, which can make the image appear brighter. However, bigger isn’t always better. A huge 50mm objective bell might look impressive, but it often forces you to mount the scope too high for a comfortable cheek weld on a rimfire stock. A scope in the 32mm to 40mm range is usually perfect, offering a great balance of light transmission and a low, comfortable mounting height.
The reticle is your aiming point, and for a .22, a standard Duplex is hard to beat. It’s simple, uncluttered, and fast to use. However, one of the most useful features you can get on a rimfire scope is an Adjustable Objective (AO) or Parallax correction. Standard rifle scopes are often set to be parallax-free at 100 yards. Since we shoot .22s at much closer distances, parallax can cause aiming error. An AO scope allows you to adjust the focus and eliminate parallax at the exact distance you are shooting, whether it’s 25 yards or 75 yards. This is a game-changer for accuracy.
Finally, consider the turrets and their adjustments. You will want reliable, repeatable adjustments, especially if you plan on dialing for different ranges. Look for scopes with resettable turrets that track consistently. For a plinking rifle, this might be less critical, but for any serious target work, it’s essential. By focusing on these aspects—magnification, objective size, reticle type with AO, and turret quality—you can confidently select one of the best rimfire rifle scopes for your .22LR that will be both field tested and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification scope is best for a .22LR rifle?
For the vast majority of .22LR shooting, a low-to-mid range variable power scope is ideal. I find that a 3-9x or 2-7x scope covers almost every situation. The lower powers (2x or 3x) are great for close, fast-moving targets and offer a wide field of view in the woods. The higher end (7x or 9x) gives you plenty of precision for target shooting or carefully placing a shot on a squirrel’s head at 50+ yards. You rarely, if ever, need more power than that for the effective range of a .22.
Why is an Adjustable Objective (AO) important on a .22 scope?
An Adjustable Objective is crucial because it corrects for parallax at short distances. Most centerfire scopes are set for 100 yards, but we shoot .22s at 25, 50, and 75 yards. Without AO, your point of impact can shift if your eye moves slightly behind the scope. With AO, you simply dial the ring on the objective bell to your specific shooting distance. This eliminates the parallax error and ensures your crosshair is exactly where the bullet will go, which is a key feature for any serious rimfire optic.
Can I put a high-powered, long-range scope on my .22?
You physically can, but I do not recommend it. A massive, high-powered scope is heavy, bulky, and throws off the lightweight, handy balance of a .22 rifle. The high magnification is also unnecessary and can make it harder to acquire close-range targets quickly. Furthermore, the turret adjustments on a long-range scope are often designed for a much flatter trajectory, making them less practical for the pronounced arc of a .22 bullet. It is better to use a scope designed for the task.
What is the best reticle for a rimfire scope?
The classic Duplex reticle is an excellent all-around choice. It is simple, not too cluttered, and the thick outer posts taper to a fine center for precise aiming. For general plinking, hunting, and casual target shooting, it is perfect. If you are doing more precise target work, a fine crosshair or a Mil-Dot reticle can be useful for holdovers. The key is to avoid overly complex reticles that can obscure small targets at distance.
Do I need a special scope mount for a .22 rifle?
Often, yes. Many .22 rifles, especially older models, come with a 3/8″ dovetail rail machined directly into the receiver. This is different from the Picatinny or Weaver rails common on centerfire rifles. You will need rings that are designed to clamp onto a 3/8″ dovetail. Some modern .22s do come with a Picatinny rail, so always check your rifle first. Using the correct mount is fundamental to getting a secure, stable zero. After testing many setups, I can confirm that a loose mount is a primary cause of accuracy problems.
Are expensive scopes worth it for a .22LR?
This depends entirely on what you are doing. For casual plinking, a budget-friendly scope from a reputable brand will serve you well. However, if you are competing in precision rimfire matches or demand the absolute best optical clarity and reliable tracking for hunting, investing in a higher-end model is worth it. The better glass provides a brighter, sharper image in low light, and the turrets will track more consistently. For a field tested and reliable experience, you often get what you pay for in terms of optical quality and mechanical durability.