The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary rimfire rifle, prized for its reliability and customizability. Whether you’re plinking, hunting small game, or competing, the right optic is crucial for maximizing its potential. A scope that complements the rifle’s capabilities can dramatically improve accuracy and the overall shooting experience.
With a dizzying array of options on the market, selecting the perfect scope can be a challenge. This expert roundup is designed to cut through the noise. We’ve compiled a list of top-tier optics, from traditional magnified scopes to red dots, to help you find the ideal match for your specific needs and budget in 2025.
Our Top Picks for Ruger 10/22 Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
- Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
- Simmons 2-7×32 Black FMC Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- Monstrum Ruger 10/22 Picatinny Rail Mount
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a standout choice for the Ruger 10/22, offering a perfect balance of versatility and performance. Its rimfire-specific design features a parallax setting optimized for shorter distances, making it ideal for the .22 LR’s trajectory. The V-Plex reticle is a clean, all-purpose design that doesn’t clutter the view, allowing for fast target acquisition on everything from stationary targets to moving pests.
This scope is built for real-world use. With a fast-focus eyepiece and an ultra-forgiving eye box, getting on target is quick and intuitive. The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear sight picture, while the capped reset turrets offer precise, tactile adjustments and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in. It’s a robust, user-friendly optic that delivers exceptional value.
Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
For shooters who frequently find themselves in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk, the Bushnell Engage 3-9×40 is an excellent option. The illuminated Multi-X reticle features a center dot that provides a clear aiming point against dark or busy backgrounds. This feature ensures you spend less time finding your crosshairs and more time focusing on an accurate shot.
The EXO Barrier protection repels water, oil, dust, and debris, keeping your lens clear in adverse weather. Combined with fully multi-coated optics, this scope provides enhanced light transmission for a brighter and clearer image when you need it most. The 3-9x magnification range is a classic for a reason, offering enough power for precise shots at longer ranges while remaining usable at closer distances.
Simmons 2-7×32 Black FMC Riflescope
The Simmons 2-7×32 represents outstanding value for budget-conscious shooters who refuse to compromise on essential performance. Its fully multi-coated (FMC) lenses are the key feature, ensuring the brightest possible image by reducing light reflection and increasing light transmission. This results in a clearer, sharper sight picture for more accurate shooting.
Despite its accessible price point, this scope is built to handle the recoil of a .22 rifle and the rigors of the field. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, guaranteeing reliable performance in various environments. The 2-7x magnification range is perfectly suited for the typical engagement distances of a rimfire rifle, making it a practical and dependable choice.
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope
For those who demand top-tier optical quality and American craftsmanship, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 is a premier selection. Leupold’s Advanced Optical System provides exceptional resolution and clarity, with best-in-class glare reduction that is crucial when shooting in bright sunlight. The result is a bright, sharp, and high-contrast image that can make identifying small targets at a distance much easier.
This scope is specifically engineered for rimfire cartridges, with a parallax setting calibrated for 60 yards and a special reticle designed for the trajectory of .22 LR rounds. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s legendary lifetime warranty. It represents a significant investment in quality that will last a lifetime.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
If speed is your primary goal for close-range plinking or fast-moving targets, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is an outstanding solution. This compact and lightweight optic allows for true both-eyes-open shooting, providing a wide field of view and rapid target acquisition. The 3 MOA dot is fine enough for precise shots but large enough to pick up quickly.
Don’t let its small size fool you; the TRS-25 is built tough. Its waterproof and shockproof construction means it can handle the bumps and jolts of active use. With 11 brightness settings, you can adjust the dot intensity for any lighting condition. For a Ruger 10/22 intended as a “fun gun” or for training fundamentals, this red dot is hard to beat.
Monstrum Ruger 10/22 Picatinny Rail Mount
Before you can mount any of the excellent optics on this list, you need a solid foundation. The Monstrum Picatinny Rail Mount is a simple yet vital accessory for upgrading your Ruger 10/22. This rail replaces the factory-installed scope base, providing a full-length Picatinny platform for maximum mounting flexibility.
Installation is straightforward, using the included set screws to attach directly to the factory mounting holes on the receiver. This robust rail allows you to mount not only scopes but also red dot sights, magnifiers, and other Picatinny or Weaver-standard optics. It’s an essential first step in building your ideal Ruger 10/22 setup.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire scope is a purpose-built optic that deserves a second look for its exceptional value and performance. Its 2-7x magnification is the sweet spot for a .22 LR, allowing for precise shots at extended ranges while remaining on a low power for quick, close-up action. The rimfire-adjusted parallax ensures a clear sight picture at typical plinking and hunting distances.
Durability and user-friendly features are hallmarks of this scope. The long eye relief and forgiving eye box make it easy to get a sight picture quickly, which is perfect for new shooters or in dynamic shooting situations. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, this scope offers peace of mind and reliable performance for years to come.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 stands as a benchmark for quality in the rimfire optics category. Its superior light transmission and clarity are immediately noticeable, providing a visual advantage in challenging lighting. The scope’s Second Focal Plane design keeps the reticle size consistent, which is ideal for low-light hunting where a thin reticle can disappear against a dark background.
With a 3:1 zoom ratio, this scope offers significant flexibility, from scanning a wooded area on 3x to lining up a precise shot on a squirrel at 9x. Every component, from the lenses to the sealing, is made to the highest standards, ensuring the optic can withstand a lifetime of use. It is a top-tier choice for the serious rimfire enthusiast.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Scope for Your Ruger 10/22
Choosing the right scope for your Ruger 10/22 is about matching the optic to your intended use. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The best scope for plinking tin cans at 50 yards is very different from the one you’d want for competitive target shooting at 100 yards. My first piece of advice is to be honest with yourself about what you’ll actually be doing with the rifle most of the time. That focus will guide every other decision.
Magnification is a great place to start. For a .22 LR like the 10/22, super high power is often overkill. A variable scope in the 2-7x or 3-9x range is incredibly versatile, handling everything from close-range squirrel hunting to more precise paper punching. If you’re strictly a benchrest shooter, you might go for a fixed 10x or higher, but for a general-purpose rifle, lower magnification is more practical. It gives you a wider field of view, making it easier to find and track moving targets.
Next, consider the objective lens size. This is the lens at the front of the scope, and a larger one (like 40mm or 44mm) gathers more light, providing a brighter image. This is useful in low-light conditions, like at dawn or dusk in the woods. However, a larger objective often means you need higher scope rings to achieve a proper cheek weld. A 32mm or 36mm objective is a fantastic compromise for the 10/22, keeping the setup lightweight and low-profile.
The reticle is your aiming point, and the choices can be overwhelming. A simple duplex reticle is perfect for most 10/22 applications—it’s uncluttered and gets you on target fast. For those interested in longer-range shooting or holdovers, a scope with Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can be a big help. These have markings that help you aim for distances beyond your zero without manually adjusting the turrets. Just make sure the reticle’s subtensions are designed for the trajectory of .22 LR ammunition.
Finally, think about the overall quality of the scope. Look for features like fog-proof and waterproof construction, which are non-negotiable for any optic that will see field use. The turrets, the dials you use to adjust for windage and elevation, should feel crisp and precise. For the 8 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes for 2025 – Expert Marine Picks, we prioritized durability and reliable performance above all else. A scope that can’t hold zero on a .22 isn’t worth mounting. Remember, a good scope mount is just as important as the scope itself; cheap rings can undo all the benefits of a great optic.
FAQ
What is the best magnification for a Ruger 10/22?
For a versatile setup that handles plinking, small game hunting, and target shooting, a 3-9x variable power scope is the sweet spot. This gives you enough magnification to see your target clearly at 75-100 yards while still allowing for a wide field of view on the lower settings for closer, faster shots. If your use is strictly within 50 yards, a fixed 4x scope or a 2-7x variable is also an excellent choice.
Do I need a special scope base for my Ruger 10/22?
Yes, the Ruger 10/22 receiver has a unique integral dovetail mounting system. You have two main options. You can use scope rings that clamp directly onto the receiver’s built-in grooves. Alternatively, many shooters prefer to install a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail base that attaches to the receiver, giving you a more standardized and robust platform for mounting a wider variety of rings. This is my preferred method for a more secure hold.
Is a BDC reticle useful on a .22 LR scope?
It can be very useful, but with a caveat. A Bullet Drop Compensator reticle is designed with holdover points for specific bullet trajectories. The challenge with .22 LR is that the trajectory changes significantly based on the ammunition type (standard velocity vs. high velocity) and the rifle’s barrel length. A BDC reticle calibrated for high-velocity 40-grain bullets can be a great tool for quick shots at varying distances, but you must test it with your specific rifle and ammo to learn where the holdover marks actually hit.
How much should I spend on a scope for my 10/22?
You don’t need to break the bank, but don’t buy the absolute cheapest option either. A good quality scope in the $150 to $300 range will offer a clear, bright image, reliable adjustments, and durable construction that will last. Spending this amount gets you a noticeable step up in optical quality and mechanical reliability over budget-bin models, making your shooting experience much more enjoyable. When considering the 8 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes for 2025 – Expert Marine Picks, we found this price bracket offers the best balance of performance and value.
Can I use a rimfire-specific scope on my Ruger 10/22?
Absolutely, and it’s often a great idea. Rimfire scopes are typically built with parallax set at a shorter distance, usually 50 yards, compared to the 100-yard standard on centerfire scopes. This makes them sharper and more accurate at the typical distances you shoot a .22. They are also often lighter and more proportionally sized for a lightweight rifle like the 10/22. Just ensure the scope is rated to handle the recoil impulse of a semi-automatic .22.
What ring height do I need for my 10/22?
This depends on the objective lens size of your scope and whether you use a rail. For a scope with a 40mm objective lens and a direct-mount ring on the receiver, low rings are usually sufficient. If you’re using a scope with a 44mm or 50mm objective bell or you’ve added a Picatinny rail, you will likely need medium-height rings to provide enough clearance between the objective bell and the barrel. Always do a “fit check” without tightening everything down to ensure there’s no contact.