Finding the right scope for a .22 rifle can be surprisingly tricky. You need something reliable and clear, but without the bulk or complexity of optics designed for high-recoil centerfire rifles. This is where the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9x40mm scope aims to make its mark, promising a purpose-built solution for rimfire enthusiasts. In this Hands-On: Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II [3-9x40mm Scope Review], I put this popular scope through its paces to see if it delivers the clarity and ease of use that plinkers and small game hunters demand.
![Hands-On: Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II [3-9x40mm Scope Review]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31bqLpXFC6L._SL500_.jpg)
The main benefit users can expect is a streamlined, no-fuss optical experience that enhances accuracy without overwhelming the shooter with complicated adjustments. Nikon has a strong reputation in the optics world, and the Prostaff Rimfire II is designed to bring that quality to the rimfire market. After mounting it on a bolt-action .22 LR, I spent several range sessions and a few quiet mornings in the field to get a genuine feel for its performance.
Hands-On: Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II [3-9x40mm Scope Review] – Quick Verdict
After extensive testing, the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9x40mm scope stands out as an excellent value-oriented optic for its intended purpose. It delivers remarkably bright and sharp images for its class, making target acquisition and precise shot placement a straightforward task. The BDC 150 reticle, when paired with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Technology, provides a genuine advantage for engaging targets at varying distances without guesswork. While it may lack some of the premium features of higher-end scopes, its performance-to-cost ratio is impressive. For anyone with a .22 LR, .22 WMR, or .17 HMR rifle, this scope is a top contender that balances quality and affordability.
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity and brightness for the price
- Simple and effective BDC 150 reticle for holdovers
- Reliable and precise 1/4 MOA turret adjustments
- Lightweight and well-balanced on rimfire rifles
Cons
- Fixed parallax set at 50 yards can be a limitation for very close-range shooting
- Lacks the fully multi-coated lenses found on more expensive models
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Hands-On: Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II [3-9x40mm Scope Review] Overview
The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9x40mm is a riflescope specifically engineered for the ballistic profile of rimfire cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Its core purpose is to provide a dedicated aiming solution that accounts for the significant drop of these rounds over distance. The 3-9x magnification range is the sweet spot for most rimfire activities, offering a wide field of view for close-range, fast-moving targets and enough power for precise shots out to 100 yards and beyond.
This scope is ideally suited for small game hunters, plinkers, and those introducing new shooters to the sport. It’s not overbuilt or intimidating, making it a perfect match for a lightweight hunting rifle or a fun-to-shoot range gun. Key specifications include a 40mm objective lens, a tube diameter of 1 inch, and an eye relief of 3.6 to 4.6 inches, which is generous and safe. The standout feature is the integrated BDC 150 reticle, which is calibrated for the trajectory of a .22 LR bullet zeroed at 50 yards. The scope is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, ensuring it is both fog-proof and waterproof, a necessary feature for any optic that will see field use.
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Key Features & Performance
During my time with the Prostaff Rimfire II, several features consistently contributed to a positive shooting experience. The combination of optical quality, a thoughtful reticle design, and reliable mechanics makes this scope a performer that belies its accessible nature.
Optical Clarity and Brightness
Nikon outfits the Prostaff Rimfire II with a fully multicoated lens system. In practice, this translates to a view that is noticeably bright and sharp, especially in the varied lighting conditions of a wooded area. I found that image quality remained high from dawn into the twilight hours, allowing for a clear sight picture on targets. The color fidelity is excellent, with minimal chromatic aberration around the edges. For a scope in this category, the light transmission is more than sufficient, providing a distinct advantage when trying to pick out a squirrel against a dark, leafy background.
BDC 150 Reticle and Spot On Technology
This is the heart of the Rimfire II’s design. The BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) 150 reticle features multiple circles below the main crosshair that correspond to the drop of a standard .22 LR round. I zeroed my rifle at 50 yards and used Nikon’s free Spot On Ballistic Technology app to confirm the holdover points. In the field, hitting a target at 75 yards was as simple as placing the first circle directly on it. The system works remarkably well and removes the mental math often associated with longer-range rimfire shooting. It’s a feature that genuinely enhances the shooting experience and builds confidence.
Precise 1/4 MOA Adjustments
The turrets on the Prostaff Rimfire II are resettable and offer crisp, audible 1/4 MOA clicks. When I initially zeroed the scope, the adjustments were consistently accurate, moving the point of impact exactly as expected. The turrets are not overly large, which is fitting for a rimfire scope, but they are easy enough to grip and turn. While they are not the locking, exposed tactical turrets found on more expensive models, they are perfectly suited for a “set it and forget it” zero, which is the standard for most rimfire applications.
Durability and Build Quality
The scope feels solid and well-constructed. The one-piece tube is robust, and the finish is durable, showing no signs of wear after being mounted and carried through brush. The fog-proof and waterproof performance was confirmed during a light rain shower; the internals remained completely clear, and the scope suffered no ill effects. It handles the minimal recoil of a .22 LR with ease, and the generous eye relief makes for a comfortable and safe shooting position, even on a .22 WMR.
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Final Verdict
The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9x40mm is a highly recommendable optic that successfully fulfills its mission. It brings a level of optical performance and feature integration that is often missing from other scopes in its category. After my hands-on evaluation, it’s clear why it remains a popular choice among rimfire shooters.
Pros
- The image quality is a standout feature, providing a bright, sharp view that enhances target identification.
- The BDC 150 reticle is incredibly useful and effective when used with the Spot On system, simplifying longer-range shots.
- Build quality is reliable, offering fog-proof and waterproof integrity for all-weather use.
- The turrets are precise and repeatable, allowing for a confident and accurate zero.
Cons
- The fixed 50-yard parallax setting can cause a slight parallax error at very close ranges, which may be a consideration for those shooting under 25 yards.
- While the lenses are fully multicoated, they are not the top-tier coatings found on Nikon’s more expensive lines, a minor trade-off for the price.
I would strongly recommend this scope to any rimfire shooter looking for a significant upgrade over a budget scope or the factory-mounted optics that often come with new rifles. It is particularly well-suited for hunters and serious plinkers who will benefit from the BDC reticle. On the other hand, a shooter who only engages targets at a fixed 25-yard range may not utilize the scope’s full potential and could opt for a simpler model. Overall, the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II represents a fantastic value and a smart investment for enhancing the capability and enjoyment of your rimfire rifle.
What Customers Say About This Product
User feedback consistently reinforces the findings from my own testing, highlighting the scope’s performance and value in real-world scenarios.
Mark T. – “This scope transformed my old .22. The clarity is night and day compared to the cheap scope I had on it before. The BDC circles really work; I was consistently hitting my 100-yard steel target after using the Spot On app.”
Sarah J. – “Perfect for squirrel hunting. It’s lightweight, doesn’t throw off the balance of my rifle, and the image is super bright at dawn. I’ve taken several squirrels with clean shots thanks to the sharp reticle.”
David L. – “An excellent scope for the money. The adjustments are spot-on, and it holds zero perfectly on my .17 HMR. It’s seen a fair bit of rain and rough handling with no issues at all.”
Chris P. – “I bought this for my son’s first rifle. It was easy to sight in, and the simple BDC reticle helps him understand holdovers without confusion. The eye relief is forgiving, which is great for a new shooter.”