Are you planning to go for a hunt with the .22 Magnum and want a scope to marry with the rifle? Then you are on the right reviewing page. Today’s post reviews the best Leupold scopes for the .22 Magnum, loaded with striking features to make your shooting or hunting exciting.
The .22 Magnum was created in 1845 and has since then gained popularity as a hunting, recreational shooting, and sport shooting cartridge. The cartridge houses great power and quality, promising a great shooting experience. You need a scope to make the .22 Magnum better and milk its power and potential.
There are many brands on the market, Leupold being one of them. Leupold is a force to reckon with in the optic world. The brand manufactures premium riflescopes that are a staple in many hunters’ and shooters’ collection.
How Much Magnification Do You Need?
It is instrumental in looking at the magnification when purchasing the best Leupold scopes for a .22 Magnum. The ideal magnification gives you full control of the situation and makes shooting easy, even for targets at a distance.
You need a high-power scope if you plan to use the rifle for long-range engagements. A low power scope will suffice at short ranges.
If you are on a tight budget and certain you will not need a high magnification, a scope with 2-10x magnification is a sound option. A unit with higher magnification connotes a higher price.
Therefore, budget is an important consideration that comes to play when choosing suitable magnification. The rifle’s intended use, shooting distance, and environment are vital aspects that should not be skimped when determining the right magnification.
Best Leupold Scopes for .22 Magnum
With a litany of scopes available for sale, settling on a particular model is easier said than done. Scopes come with varying specifications and differ in performance, reliability, and durability. Plus, not all scopes are compatible with the .22 Magnum. Here is a summary of the best Leupold scopes for the .22 Magnum.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm Riflescope
You can never go wrong with a Leupold scope. As the first product on our review of the best Leupold scopes for .22 Magnum, the VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm Riflescope is made for hunters on a budget.
While it is affordably priced, the scope is not lacking in quality as it harbors an array of features that make it worth paying attention to.
First, this scope has dials that are easy to adjust and feature a micro-function mechanism for elevation and windage changes. The eyepiece has a locking design that ensures you lock your focus even after heavy recoil for unwavering accuracy.
The scope also features the Twilight light management system, whose job is to provide extra minutes of shooting light when light begins to disappear. The coating also lessens glare when shooting in bright daylight.
Another feature to behold is the rock-solid construction. This Leupold scope is made from quality aluminum that is made to last. It performs in all weather conditions as it is completely waterproof and fogproof.
The matte black finish makes the scope ideal for hunting as it provides maximum concealment of the shooter so your target doesn’t know you’re aiming at it.
The lenses are scratch-resistant for protection against elements ensuring the lens remains pristine and lasts long.
Moreover, it boasts the rimfire MOA reticle and ships with parallax adjusted at 60 yards.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- Twilight light management technology
- Locking eyepiece
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- One-inch main tube
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for longevity
- Matte black finish
Pros
- Unique eyepiece to fix your focus
- Great low-light performance
- Easy and quick sighting in
Cons
- No mounting rings and lens cap
2) Leupold FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Riflescope
Leupold FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Riflescope is another powerhouse engineered to boost your shooting skills. This fixed magnification riflescope houses micro-friction 0.25 MOA dials that facilitate precise adjustments for windage and elevation in the field for spot-on accuracy. Spotting targets has never been easier.
The scope is built from 6061-T6 aluminum for long-lasting performance. It suffices in all climatic conditions because of its nitrogen filling and sealing, which make it 100% waterproof and fogproof.
The eyepiece is lockable for staying put in focus even after multiple rounds. The multicoat 4 lens system delivers remarkable clarity from edge and edge and unmatched brightness even in conditions with low light.
The matte finish will not betray your position giving you an edge over the target. The Fine Duplex reticle is on the second focal plane and hence remains true to size even with varying magnification.
Features
- Classic eyepiece with a lockable design
- One-inch main tube
- Fine Duplex reticle
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- Weatherproof design
- Shockproof for recoil and impact resistance
- Fixed 4x magnification
- 28mm objective lens
- 5 inches of eye relief
- Matte black finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Optics and overall quality are top-notch
- Fairly affordable
- Great eye relief
- Easy to use
Cons
- The reticle posts could be bolder and more widely spaced
3) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Riflescope
You can rest easy knowing you are getting the best durability and reliability with the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Riflescope. Aircraft-grade aluminum is used in constructing this scope, meaning it will ensure harsh conditions that you are going to face outdoors. This rugged construction makes the scope shockproof.
The interior is purged with dry nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging when moving in environments with temperature variations. It is also waterproof, so moisture stands no chance of penetrating inside.
The scope will perform without any issues whether it is cloudy, rainy, or sunny, making it a hunting partner that you can always rely on.
The 2-7x power range, couple with the parallax adjustment provides great shooting versatility. The optics remain clear and distortion-free even at high magnification.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver maximum light collection resulting in crystal clear and bright images. Besides having proprietary coatings, the VX-Freedom is designed with the Twilight Light Management System.
The technology delivers the brightest and clearest views to hunters and shooters by maximizing light transmission and minimizing glare and reflections. The scope has exceptional low-light performance, solidifying it as one of the best Leupold scopes for a .22 Magnum.
Furthermore, the scope has a matte black finish that complements your .22 Magnum rifle. The finger-click adjustment is another highlight of the scope.
The 1/4 MOA windage and elevation turrets support seamless adjustments on the fly for spot-on accuracy. The clicks are audible so that you know once you’ve made adjustments.
Features
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- Lenses are fully multi-coated
- Twilight Light Management technology
- Finger click adjustments
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- High-grade aluminum structure
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- One-inch main tube
- Eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches
Pros
- Phenomenal optics
- Price-conscious
- Easy adjustments
- Gorgeous appearance
- Built to last
Cons
- No lens cap
4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm Riflescope unlocks the potential of the .223, dominates the range, and gives you all the confidence you need to take precise and accurate shots which are fundamental for a shooting or hunting trip to be deemed as fruitful.
The scope is for those looking for a lightweight unit that doesn’t cut corners on accuracy and performance. It is made with the Twilight Light Management System, which provides extra minutes of shooting time and delivers bright, high-contrast images all day.
The waterproof and fogproof capability of the scope is complemented by scratch-resistant lenses that ensure the device functions flawlessly in all environmental conditions.
It has been punisher tested for best-in-class recoil and impact resistance. The power selector has an easy grip and allows you to crank up the magnification without any hassle. This is key to ensuring you don’t lose sight of your target.
What’s more, the extended focal range helps in the correction of parallax with adjustable focus from 10 yards to infinity. The VX-Freedom delivers all these fantastic features at a price that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Features
- Adjustment markings are easy to read
- Punisher tested
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Ergonomic power selector
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Twilight light management system
Pros
- Ruggedly built
- Easy on your wallet
- Unsurpassed clarity and brightness
- Compact
Cons
- Mushy clicks
Selecting the Best Leupold Scopes For .22 Magnum
Here are a few takeaways to guide you when buying a Leupold scope for a .22 Magnum:
Construction
The best Leupold scopes for .22 Magnum are made of quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum to endure weather adversaries, recoil, and heavy-duty use. Manufacturers use various technologies to make the scopes waterproof and fogproof. These are such as seals and gas purging.
Reticle
Various reticle options include BDC, crosshairs, Duplex, and target mil-dot reticle. The reticle can also be illuminated or non-illuminated. You should be knowledgeable about the thickness, subtensions, and precision points before choosing a reticle.
Glass Quality
The glass quality is paramount as it determines the image clarity and brightness. Glass that is of high quality provides the perfect blend of brightness and contrast for the best possible visibility of the target. A lens that is fully coated provides glare-free views when shooting in the sun and offers long-lasting durability.
Magnification
The .22 Magnum has an effective range of about 125 yards. A scope with 3-9x magnification is suitable for successful shots at close to intermediate distances. The cartridge doesn’t necessarily require higher magnification but rather clarity to aim at fast-moving targets.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief saves you from injuries and eye strain. The best Leupold scopes for .22 Magnum should have sufficient eye relief so that you fully enjoy your time on the field, having recoil-related injury as the least of your worries.
Adjustments
You’ll be making adjustments frequently for accurate and precise shots. A decent scope should have easy-to-adjust windage and elevation turrets for great performance and success. Quick and precise adjustments on the fly will determine whether your shooting experience is a hit or miss.
Weight
It is also crucial to look at the scope’s weight when scouring the best Leupold scopes for .22 Magnum. The objective lens size directly affects the overall weight of the scope. Anything exceeding 40mm will affect your aim. Nonetheless, larger lenses are handy for light collection in poorly lit environments.
Remember that aluminum-made scopes are lighter as the material is lightweight yet robust.
Best Leupold Scopes for .22 Magnum FAQs
Q: At What Range Is The .22 Magnum Effective?
The effective range of the .22 Magnum is about 125 yards. This makes the cartridge suitable for hunting at short to medium ranges.
Q: Is A .22 Magnum Very Powerful?
The energy of a concealed carry pistol fired by a 22 Magnum cartridge is less than half that of a 9mm bullet, which has an energy output of 350 to 390 ft-lbs. and a velocity of 1150 to 1200 fps. This implied it has half the power of the most renowned caliber for home defense.
The caliber is so lethal because it uses three to four times as much gunpowder as a 45ACP while maintaining roughly the same projectile size. The bullet’s muzzle velocity and energy are almost doubled as a result.
Q: What Makes The .22 Magnum Special?
This rimfire cartridge is accurate out to 125 yards. It has more velocity, which is why it is used by rifles and long barrels. It is extremely effective for masses of 20 pounds.
Additionally, its ammunition contains extra propellant compared to a similar-sized standard cartridge.
Q: Do I Need to Put a Scope on a .22 Magnum?
Yes. If you are aiming at ranges exceeding one yard, you need to have a scope. The scope should include the necessary features such as appropriate magnification, plenty of eye relief, robust construction, decent lenses, and easy adjustments. All these combine to make your shooting enjoyable.
Related: 5 Best Low Light Leupold Scopes
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best Leupold scopes for a .22 Magnum doesn’t have to be daunting. With this review, we hope you have gained some insights on the important aspects you need to know to make an informed decision. Graduate your shooting skills with any of the Leupold scopes expounded.