Is shooting a rimfire rifle a favorite pastime of yours? Besides being a plinking round, the .22LR is also suitable for hunting and competition. The best rimfire scopes for .22LR will enable you to attain maximum accuracy and performance.
Rimfire rifles, particularly those chambered in .22LR, require scopes that are not only precise but also rugged enough to endure the unique characteristics of rimfire ammunition.
We will explore scopes from esteemed manufacturers, diving into the features, specifications, and performance of each scope to make your decision-making seamless. Whether you prioritize versatility, ruggedness, or clarity, there is a rimfire scope on this list. Keep reading to get all the insights you need for an informed buying decision.
Best Rimfire Scopes for .22LR
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rimfire Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom is a rugged and budget-friendly riflescope that begins our list. The scope has a bunch of great features that solidify Leupold as a well-trusted brand in the optics industry.
First, it is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for a lifetime of dependable use, regardless of what nature throws at you. The lenses are scratch-resistant for extra protection and durability.
The unit has a 3:1 zoom ratio to cover various situations. With a single turn, you can transition from observation and target acquisition to long-range precision aiming.
Another attribute that grants the VX-Freedom unbelievable value is the vast windage and elevation adjustment ranges, which facilitate wind and bullet drop compensation, allowing you to thrive at any distance, no matter the weather.
What’s more? The scope’s optical prowess is not found in similarly priced models, cementing it as one of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR. The lenses have a multi-coating that minimizes color aberrations to offer a bright, true-to-life picture. The Twilight Light Management System provides visibility in those crucial hours of dusk and dawn when there is increased game activity.
The VX-Freedom is what you need to revamp your shooting skills and excel in your session.
Features
- Second focal plane
- Matte finish
- 2-7x magnification range
- Twilight Light Management System
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
- 33mm objective lens
- Shockproof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable build
- Clear and bright
Cons
- No reticle illumination
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rimfire Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm riflescope is a compact yet versatile and mighty riflescope that is perfect for the .22LR. It uses the V-Plex rimfire reticle, which is easy to use with precision. The reticle is positioned on the second focal plane, so you will always have a full view of the crosshairs, even at low 2x magnification.
The fully multi-coated lenses boost light transmission, ensuring clarity and visibility at all times. Bright and clear images are also possible, even in dismal conditions like sunrise and sunset. A glare-reducing sunshade is handy when shooting in bright conditions.
The high durability of the Crossfire II is another reason it makes the cut as one of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR. It is built out of aircraft-grade aluminum, has machine-locked lenses, capped turrets, and a single piece tube that allows you to take it on a hunt regardless of how the conditions are.
Further, it is shockproof, so you can attach it to your highest caliber firearm, worrying least about recoil. The scope performs relentlessly in any weather as it is 100% waterproof and fogproof.
Additionally, a fast-focus eyepiece effortlessly keeps the target sighted in and in focus even while moving or switching ranges. A fast reset to zero mechanism on the windage and elevation turrets keeps the Crossfire II sighted longer.
Features
- The eye relief is 3.9 to 4.7 inches
- A fast focus eyepiece aids reticle focus
- The single piece tube is hard anodized for protection
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Capped turrets
- Machine-locked lenses
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Armortek protects the exterior lenses
- The construction material is aircraft-grade aluminum
- 32mm objective lens diameter
- A glare-reducing sunshade
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durability is really good
- Fast sighting in
- Clear glass
Cons
- The windage and elevation adjustments are not as crisp
3) Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm features the Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle, which promotes fast ranging and holdovers. It is very simple and features a classic crosshair and a simple dot in the middle of the crosshair. The dot is the only part of the reticle that illuminates, which is nice because it doesn’t obscure your target but adds a fine touch to aid target acquisition.
The reticle is located on the second focal plane, aiding quick acquisition at low power and high functionality with maximum zoom.
The 1x magnification is ideal for close shots at moving targets like racoons or rabbits while the 6x power allows for shots out to 200 yards.
Fully multi-coated lenses admit plenty of light into the scope, producing clear, bright, and vivid images. The scope is 10.4 inches long and weighs 16.9 oz.
Also, it is made from 6063 aluminum and is fortified by a matte black anodized finish. It is tough and lightweight, so it is durable enough to wade through various challenging conditions without causing excessive bulk.
The scope is fogproof and waterproof, so you can confidently use it in inclement weather without worrying about damage.
Features
- 1-6x magnification
- It weighs 16.9 oz
- All lenses are fully multi-coated to optimize light collection
- Matte black anodized finish
- Single piece 6063 aluminum build
- Second focal plane ACSS reticle
- Lifetime warranty
- Red illumination with 11 intensity settings
- 24mm objective lens
Pros
- The optics are very clear
- Outstanding construction quality
- Easy-to-see reticle
Cons
- Reticle tracking could be more precise
4) Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope
Another heavy hitter is the Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm riflescope. This unit offers high-end features without burning a hole in your pocket. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for outstanding precision regardless of the condition.
It has a 3-9×50 configuration suitable for your .22LR. The 0.25 MOA turrets are easy to adjust and have audible clicks. Both windage and elevation turrets have a total adjustment travel of 60 MOA.
Simmons boasts a Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece, which facilitates target acquisition. The sighting tool is also easy to mount, making it one of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR.
The lenses are fully coated, so brightness and resolution are acceptable, not superb. The HydroShield lens coating is a valuable feature for a cost-effective scope like the Simmons 8 Point. It maintains a pristine sight picture no matter the weather.
Other features of the scope include a Truplex reticle, 3.75 inches of eye relief, and weighs 70 ounces.
Features
- TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system
- Lenses are fully coated
- Truplex reticle
- Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece
- Adjustable 3x to 9x magnification
- 60 MOA adjustment range for windage and elevation
- Matte finish
- 40mm objective lens diameter
- Multi-proof technology
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Easy to mount
- Rugged to take on the worst conditions
Cons
- The zoom ring doesn’t have a great grip surface, making it hard to turn
5) Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Riflescope
As the last product in our lineup of the best rimfire scopes for .22LR, the Vortex Diamondback rimfire 2-7x35mm is loaded with likable features, including a Vortex-tough build, finger adjustments, a straightforward reticle, and great optical quality.
The scope employs the all-purpose V-Plex reticle, suitable for a wide variety of hunting applications. This reticle draws the eye to the center, with the 1 MOA-sized posts and even thinner 0.3 MOA center crosshairs.
The lenses are treated with a full multi-coating to increase the level of light transmission for stunning brightness, clarity, and resolution of the image.
The scope’s durability is admirable. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and has a hard anodized finish that forms a shockproof and robust scope. O-ring seals and argon purging maintain the Diamondback’s waterproof and fogproof integrity.
Moreover, reticle focusing is easy thanks to the fast focus eyepiece included in the scope’s design.
Focus will not be an issue with from 0 to 100 yards as parallax is set to 50 yards- the perfect middle ground for all things rimfire.
On top of that, the scope comes with the famous VIP warranty, so there is nothing not to love about it.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- V-Plex reticle
- Shockproof build
- The focus range is 50 yards to infinity
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing
- A precision glide erector system
- Weighs 14.2 ounces
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Easily adjustable turrets
- Waterproof and fogproof
Cons
- Lack of illumination limits use in low light or shaded terrains
What To Look for In the Best Rimfire Scopes For .22LR
There are numerous scopes out there, which makes it hard to narrow the list down to just one. Important decisions to have in mind before making a purchase include:
Weight
Most rimfires weigh only 5 lbs. Weight is important as a bulky scope can impede the rifle’s balance, although this doesn’t matter much when benchrest shooting. An unbalanced rifle makes offhand shots tricky, even in the best conditions. The best rimfire scopes should be lightweight if you plan to go varmint hunting or even as a cheap training rifle for offhand positions.
Magnification
Employing the .22 for target practice or hunting dictates the use of a scope with a magnification of around 3x to 9x. This will enable you to shoot targets as close as 50 yards but allows you to stretch and hit targets as far as 400 yards.
However, there is no harm if you want more power, and you can go for a 10x or 12x magnification setting. Anything beyond that is an overkill.
On the flip side, you can choose a 2x to 7x magnification if you intend to shoot closer targets. This shortens your effective range but lets you hit targets accurately, as near as 10 yards. This can be a big deal if you are close to your target.
Cost
If you’re on a limited budget, you have many excellent options. That does not, however, imply that you should spend every penny.
If you want the best value for your money, you should budget about $150 for a.22 scope. Even though there are scopes available for a fraction of that cost, they don’t have lifetime warranties, so you might end up spending more money altogether.
However, the most expensive premium options can cost twice as much. They perform better, no question about it, but frequently go beyond what most people need from a.22 scope.
Reticle
The reticle is the next essential element to consider when buying the best rimfire scopes for .22LR. Duplex reticles are the preferred crosshair for the average shooter. They are straightforward and uncomplicated, so there is no pissing around with a bullet drop compensator.
You zero it at the desired distance and are good to go as long as you stay inside your effective point blank range.
Still on the reticle, you should evaluate whether or not you need illumination. It is not a must-have feature but is beneficial when light is scarce.
An illuminated reticle makes it easy to see everything you need to make a shot. Furthermore, if you can change the illumination color, you won’t have to worry about the reticle blending in with the target. But bear in mind that you won’t have a reticle, and it will be nearly impossible to make your shot if the battery in your sight drains.
Mounting System
Not every scope is designed to fit every rifle. That is why it is paramount to determine what kind of mounting system your rifle has before making a purchase decision. Although many options are available, the three most popular are Picatinny, Weaver, and Dovetail mounts. Knowing what’s on your rifle will allow you to be certain that each specific scope fits it.
How Far Back Should a Scope Be Mounted?
It is recommended that the scope be mounted 3 to 4 inches behind the eye box. You can change the distance based on your comfort level. A decent scope is useless if it is not mounted correctly.
What Is Eye Relief, And Why Is It Important?
This is the distance between your scope and your eye that allows you to attain a clear sight picture. Inadequate eye relief can lead to a scope bite when you pull the trigger, though a .22 doesn’t have plenty of recoil to fret about.
The second issue is seeing through your scope if you are shooting in an unusual position. Sitting that far over your rifle and looking through the scope if you’re prone or even crouched over can be awkward. You will become more and more uncomfortable as you look through the scope longer.
It is best to get a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief, as the .22 doesn’t produce significant recoil. This ensures a comfortable shooting experience regardless of your eye position or how long you look through the scope.
Final Thoughts
It’s a wrap for the best rimfire scopes for .22LR. We hope you’ve found an ideal partner for your rifle. The scopes will help you nail it whenever you head out in the field or at the range. Which scope are you picking?
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