The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary rimfire rifle, prized for its reliability, customization potential, and pure shooting fun. Whether you’re plinking, hunting small game, or competing, the right optic is the key to maximizing its accuracy and your enjoyment. A scope transforms this versatile platform from a fun plinker into a serious tool for precision shooting.
With a vast array of options on the market, selecting the perfect scope for your 10/22 can be a challenge. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and present you with a curated list of the best scopes available. We’ve considered a range of budgets and applications to help you find the ideal match for your shooting needs.
Our Top Picks for Ruger 10/22 Scopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33 Riflescope
- Simmons Truplex .22 MAG 3-9x32mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
- UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
- Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Nikon Prostaff P3 4×32 Rimfire Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33 Riflescope
For the shooter who demands top-tier quality, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire is a premier choice. It’s built to the highest standards, being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle any weather condition or the repeated recoil of a .22. The parallax is factory-set for 60 yards, which is perfectly matched to the trajectory of rimfire cartridges, providing a crisp, clear image at common shooting distances.
The 2-7x magnification range offers excellent versatility, allowing for quick target acquisition on low power and precise shot placement on higher power. The Rimfire-MOA reticle is specifically designed for the bullet drop of .22 LR, giving you intuitive holdover points for longer-range shots. This scope represents a fantastic investment for a serious small-game hunter or a precision plinker.
Simmons Truplex .22 MAG 3-9x32mm Riflescope
The Simmons .22 MAG is a classic in the rimfire world, known for delivering reliable performance at an accessible price point. Its 3-9×32 configuration is a versatile setup for most .22 LR applications, from close-range plinking to mid-range hunting. The fully coated optics provide a bright and clear sight picture, which is a significant benefit in low-light conditions like early mornings or late evenings in the field.
This scope is built to be durable, with a waterproof and fogproof construction that protects the internal components from the elements. The simple Truplex reticle allows for quick and easy target acquisition without any clutter. If you are looking for a proven, no-fuss scope that gets the job done without a large investment, the Simmons .22 MAG is an excellent starting point.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Vortex Optics is renowned for its high-quality products and unbeatable warranty, and the Crossfire II Rimfire is a perfect example of this value. It features a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, making it easy to get on target quickly, which is ideal for fast-moving shots or new shooters. The fast-focus eyepiece allows you to quickly dial in the reticle to your eye for a sharp sight picture.
Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission for a bright view, while the capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable for easy zeroing. The popular V-Plex reticle is a clean, all-purpose design that works well for a variety of hunting and target shooting scenarios. This scope offers a fantastic blend of performance, durability, and customer support.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Another configuration of the popular Crossfire II line, this 2-7×32 model maintains all the features that make Vortex a favorite among shooters. The robust one-piece tube construction is both shockproof and waterproof, ensuring the scope stays zeroed and clear in tough conditions. The V-Plex reticle in the second focal plane keeps the reticle size consistent across magnification levels, which many shooters prefer for its simplicity.
This scope is an outstanding general-purpose optic for the Ruger 10/22. It’s well-suited for everything from casual target shooting to serious squirrel hunting. The combination of reliable performance, clear glass, and Vortex’s VIP Warranty makes this a very safe and rewarding choice for any rimfire enthusiast.
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG BugBuster stands out with its feature-packed design at a very competitive price. A key advantage is the AO (Adjustable Objective), which allows you to correct for parallax at various distances. This feature is typically found on more expensive scopes and is a major benefit for precision shooting with a .22 LR. The RGB Mil-Dot reticle offers multiple illumination colors for different lighting backgrounds and environments.
This scope is built on a true strength platform, making it remarkably durable. It is also compact and features a convenient QD (Quick Detach) mount, making it a great option for takedown models of the Ruger 10/22 or for shooters who frequently switch between optics. For those who want maximum features and flexibility, the BugBuster is a compelling option.
Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Riflescope
Bushnell’s Rimfire series is engineered specifically for the unique ballistics of .22 LR ammunition. This 3-9×40 model provides a versatile magnification range and a larger 40mm objective lens that gathers more light, resulting in a brighter sight picture, especially during dawn and dusk. The multi-coated optics ensure clarity and color fidelity across the entire field of view.
This scope often includes a rimfire-specific reticle with bullet drop compensator marks, which can help you make accurate shots at varying distances without needing to adjust the turrets. It’s a solid, dependable choice from a trusted optics company, offering great performance for hunters and target shooters who need a little extra light-gathering capability.
Nikon Prostaff P3 4×32 Rimfire Scope
For shooters who prefer a simple, fixed-power scope, the Nikon Prostaff P3 is a top-tier option. A fixed 4x magnification is perfect for most rimfire shooting scenarios, offering a wide field of view for fast target acquisition and a generous eye box for comfortable shooting. The simplicity of a fixed-power scope means there are no moving parts to adjust, making it incredibly quick to use.
Nikon’s optical expertise is on full display, with fully multi-coated lenses that deliver exceptional brightness and resolution. The BDC 150 reticle is calibrated for the trajectory of a .22 LR round out to 150 yards, providing handy holdover points. This scope is an excellent choice for hunters who operate in woods or thickets where variable magnification is unnecessary.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
This model expands on the features of the 2-7x Freedom, offering a higher 3-9x magnification range and a larger 40mm objective lens. The extra magnification is beneficial for precision shooting at longer ranges or for identifying small targets in the distance. The larger objective lens collects more light, providing a brighter image in low-light conditions, which can extend your hunting time.
Like its sibling, it is built with Leupold’s legendary ruggedness and is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. It also features the rimfire-optimized parallax setting and a dedicated rimfire reticle. If you need more magnification and light-gathering capability for your Ruger 10/2, this scope represents the peak of performance in its class.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Scope for Your Ruger 10/22
Picking the right glass for your Ruger 10/22 can feel like a big decision, but it really comes down to matching the scope to your primary use. I’ve found that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work well here. What you need for punching paper at 50 yards is different from what you need for chasing squirrels in thick brush.
First, consider magnification. For most 10/22 shooting, you don’t need a lot of power. A fixed 4x scope is a classic, simple choice. However, a variable-power scope like a 2-7x or 3-9x gives you much more flexibility. You can keep it on low power for quick, close-range shots and dial it up for more precise aiming at longer distances. I almost always lean towards a variable scope for the versatility it offers.
Next, think about the objective lens size. This is the lens at the front of the scope, and a larger one (like 40mm or 44mm) lets in more light, providing a brighter sight picture, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk in the woods. The trade-off is that a larger objective lens often means you need higher scope rings to clear the barrel of your rifle.
Reticle choice is also key. For a .22 LR, a standard duplex reticle is perfectly adequate for most plinking and hunting. But if you plan on doing any longer-range target shooting where you need to hold over for bullet drop, a scope with Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can be a huge help. These have markings that help you aim at different distances without fiddling with the turrets.
Finally, pay attention to the turrets and parallax. Most scopes in the 10/22’s price range have capped turrets, which protect your settings from being accidentally changed. For parallax, many scopes are set at a fixed 100 yards, but for precise .22 LR work, an Adjustable Objective (AO) is a fantastic feature. An AO allows you to correct for parallax error at the exact distance you’re shooting, which improves accuracy. When I’m looking at the 8 best scopes for the Ruger 10/22, these are the features I weigh most heavily to find the perfect match for my shooting style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification for a Ruger 10/22?
For the vast majority of 10/22 uses, a low-to-moderate variable magnification is the sweet spot. I find that a 3-9x scope is arguably the most popular and versatile choice. It gives you enough power to see your target clearly at 100 yards for precise shooting, but you can also dial it down to 3x for faster target acquisition on closer-range pests or for casual plinking. A 2-7x scope is another excellent option if most of your shooting is inside 75 yards.
Do I need an Adjustable Objective (AO) on my 10/22 scope?
You don’t need one, but I highly recommend it if you plan on doing any serious target shooting or want to maximize your rifle’s accuracy. An AO allows you to eliminate parallax at a specific distance. Parallax error can make your reticle appear to move on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered, leading to inaccurate shots. Since .22 LR bullets have a very arched trajectory, being precise at various ranges is key, and an AO helps a lot with that.
What height rings do I need for a Ruger 10/22?
This depends mostly on the size of your scope’s objective lens. For a standard 40mm or 42mm objective lens, low-height rings are usually sufficient. If you opt for a scope with a larger 44mm or 50mm objective bell, you will likely need medium-height rings to ensure the scope clears the barrel. I always suggest test-fitting without tightening everything down first to make sure you have a comfortable cheek weld and proper eye relief.
Can I use a high-powered, long-range scope on my 10/22?
Technically, yes, you can mount it. But I wouldn’t recommend it. A massive, high-magnification scope designed for a centerfire rifle is overkill for a .22 LR. It will make your lightweight 10/22 feel heavy and unbalanced. The effective range of the cartridge doesn’t justify the extreme magnification, and the features (like turret adjustments) are often calibrated for a much faster, flatter-shooting round.
Is it worth putting an expensive scope on a Ruger 10/22?
This is a great question. A Ruger 10/22 is a relatively inexpensive rifle, so it’s tempting to put a cheap scope on it. However, a quality scope from a reputable brand will hold zero better, have clearer glass, and be more durable. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but investing in a solid, mid-range scope from our list of the 8 best scopes for the Ruger 10/22 will significantly improve your shooting experience and is a better long-term value than a bargain-bin model that will fail.