This review highlights the best scopes for 22 Long Rifle. The scopes stand out because of their renowned performance with the rifle and diverse features to cater to the needs of shooters. They strike a balance between durability, clarity, and precision regardless of what you use the rifle for.
The 22 Long Rifle (LR) is one of the most popular and vastly used rimfire cartridges in the world. It is esteemed because of its versatility, affordability, and suitability for various applications. One of its notable features is less recoil, making it a great option for newbies and a popular choice for introducing new shooters to firearms.
Although the 22 LR is not a high-velocity cartridge, it is effective at short to intermediate distances. It is known for its relatively straight trajectory and is ideal for precise shooting at shorter distances. The rifle has been in production since the late 19th century and has played a pivotal role in the history of firearms. Its longevity and continued popularity speak to its enduring appeal.
Should I Put a Scope on My 22 Rifle?
If you have taken the time to learn the basics with irons and desire to increase your accuracy or simply look up the number of critters you bag for supper, then a 22 LR riflescope can be a terrific addition. It doesn’t even consume extra room in the gun safe.
Is There A Difference Between a Rimfire and a Normal Scope?
Rimfire cartridges like the 22 LR produce less recoil. Rimfire scopes are often made with less robust recoil resistance because they don’t need to endure the heavy recoil associated with centerfire cartridges. Centerfire rifles, particularly those chambered for high-powered cartridges, generate significant recoil. Regular scopes are curated to endure the recoil forces associated with centerfire rifles.
Rimfire scopes often feature lower magnification ranges appropriate for the shorter distances commonly encountered in rimfire shooting activities like small game hunting and plinking. On the other hand, regular scopes may provide a wider range of magnification options to accommodate the various distances at which centerfire rifles are employed, including long-range shooting.
In addition, rimfire scopes are generally more price-conscious as they are designed for the specific characteristics and lower recoil of rimfire cartridges. Centerfire scopes, especially those made for high-performance rifles, can be pricier because of the need for high-quality optics and rugged build.
Best Scopes for 22 Long Rifle
With the market brimming with options, it can be tedious to determine the right match for the 22 Long Rifle. We have scouted the market and come up with top-ranking options to make the selection process less tedious. The best scopes include:
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm rimfire riflescope boasts anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that generate bright and clear views, boosting visibility even in weak lighting. This optical prowess is indispensable for hunters who need to assess their surroundings and identify targets quickly with pinpoint accuracy.
The Crossfire II is built from aircraft-grade aluminum for resilience and durability. This makes it shockproof and able to withstand the rigors of shooting and hunting.
The tube is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fogproof performance. This culminates in clarity and functionality in various weather conditions.
The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable and feature MOA clicks for precise adjustments. The turrets easily reset to zero after sighting in, ensuring that the shooter maintains accuracy over time. This is handy for those who frequently adapt to evolving shooting conditions.
The V-Plex reticle is suited for various hunting scenarios, making it a dependable choice for those seeking versatility in the field. The long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eyebox enable you to acquire a sight picture without hassle and easily zero in on the target.
Features
- Single-piece tube made out of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Finger-adjustable turrets with caps
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated optics
- V-Plex reticle
- 2-7x magnification
- Hard anodized finish
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Lightweight
- Easy to focus
Cons
- No flip-up covers
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm riflescope is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, making the tube both lightweight and robust. This material choice guarantees durability while lessening added weight to the firearm. The construction also contributes to the shockproof capability of the scope, empowering it to handle recoil and impact flawlessly.
The Twilight Light Management System improves low-light performance for prolonged shooting hours. This technology minimizes glare, intensifies light penetration, leading to crisp, vivid images from dusk to dawn. This is valuable at sunrise or twilight when most game are mostly found.
A 3:1 zoom ratio promotes swift and effortless changes between low and high power settings. This flexibility ensures adaptability in dynamic shooting situations, giving the user the versatility requisite for success in the field.
The precise 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments enable shooters to swiftly and confidently make fine-tuned adjustments to windage and elevation settings. The tactile response of the clicks ensures audible and tangible confirmation of each tweak, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
The lenses in the VX-Freedom are scratch-resistant for durability and blemish-free performance in rugged conditions. As one of the best scopes for 22 Long Rifle, the scope is waterproof and fogproof for reliable performance in different weather conditions. This makes sure the scope maintains its optical integrity, offering consistent performance when it matters most.
Features
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum build
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens diameter
- Twilight Light Management System
- One-inch main tube
Pros
- Lightweight
- Top-tier clarity
- Crisp adjustments
- Great price
Cons
- Lacks an adjustable objective
3) UTG 3-9x32mm BugBuster Scope
The UTG 3-9x32mm BugBuster scope has a user-friendly setup tailored to be mounted on your rifle, zeroed in quickly, and ready for action. It features a second focal plane design with a standard Mil-dot reticle for easy and fast range estimations, vital for the on-the-go adjustments.
The dual illumination technology offers flexibility, letting shooters select between red and green illumination depending on their preferences, as well as existing weather and lighting situations.
Employing the exclusive True Strength platform, the scope is built to be rainproof, shockproof, and fogproof for functionality in various weather conditions and terrains.
The scope’s resilience to harsh elements is fortified by the sealing and nitrogen purging, giving you the confidence to deal with anything mother nature throws at you.
The lockable turrets with 1/4 MOA per click adjustment support precise and repeatable adjustments for windage and elevation. This ensures stay-put accuracy regardless of the condition.
The Emerald coated lenses optimize light collection and clarity for bright and vivid images of the target at all hours of the day.
The 3-9x magnification range promotes versatile use, while the adjustable objective lens, raging from 3 yards to infinity, culminates into a parallax-free optic, reducing aiming errors and increasing accuracy.
Features
- Second focal plane
- Eye relief of 3.2 to 4.2 inches
- IPX6 waterproofing
- 32mm lens size
- Mil-dot reticle for range estimation
- Weatherproof performance
- Lockable and zero-resettable target turrets
- Emerald coated lens
- Parallax is adjustable from 3 yards to infinity
Pros
- Extremely good optics
- Clear and crisp reticle
- Affordable and easy to use
Cons
- Parallax adjustment could be better
4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Bushnell Banner has a tried and proven 3-9×40 configuration, a classic magnification range for hunting. The scope merges versatility with timeless design. The 40mm objective lens diameter is large enough to allow ample light into the scope.
The advanced Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses ensure that every moment of day is met with incredible clarity and vivid brightness. This makes the riflescope suitable for various lighting environments without compromising visibility.
The IPX7 waterproof technology is included in the scope’s design. It is o-ring sealed to provide an impenetrable buffer against water ingress. Immersible in 3 feet of water for up to half an hour, this scope renders a waterproof performance that ensures unwavering performance in extreme weather conditions.
The o-ring sealed optics remain dry inside in the face of rain, unexpected submersion, or snow for functionality through it all.
Argon purging ensures stability regardless of the ambient temperature, providing optimum defense against fogging. Windage and elevation turrets are resettable and capped to shield from bumps and rugged use.
Another inclusion is the Multi-X reticle that provides a classic sight picture. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane and is easy to see, even at first light and last light. This makes target acquisition easy and quick, making the Bushnell Banner a simple but powerful sighting instrument.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows swift adjustment of the reticle to your eye so you can focus on your target with superb clarity.
Features
- Multi-X reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully fogproof and shockproof
- Second focal plane design
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- Capped, resettable windage and elevation turrets
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated optics
- 40mm lens diameter
Pros
- Brightness and clarity
- Sturdy
- Crisp reticle
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
5) Hawke Vantage 4-12x50mm Riflescope
Another pick is the Hawke Vantage 4-12x50mm riflescope. The riflescope provides a choice between red and green illumination options, each with five intensity levels. This adaptability enables you to personalize the reticle illumination to best match your target background and ambient lighting situations, ensuring your aim stays true.
A stand-out highlight is the exclusive subsonic reticle. Calibrated for your exact caliber, this reticle is tailored to make challenging long shots easier. Aim points are strategically calculated, offering a reliable reference for precise shot placement.
The reticle is optimized for use on high magnification, ensuring accuracy and clarity even in high-stake moments.
The scope is engineered to provide waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. These inclusions make the riflescope reliable and consistent regardless of what you encounter in the field.
The 11-layer fully multi-coated optics maximize light collection, leading to the brightest and crispest pictures possible. Unmatched clarity is yours whether you are aiming for a faraway target on a trophy hunt or tracking elusive prey.
Your shooting experience will never be the same with the Hawke Vantage, so don’t hesitate to get your hands on it.
Features
- Capped low-profile turrets
- 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses
- 4x to 12x magnification range
- Second focal plane design
- 5 inches of eye relief
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 25 MOA adjustments
- One-inch tube diameter
Pros
- Bright and clear with no fuzziness
- Very accurate
- Seamless adjustments
Cons
- Terrible range zeroing
6) Simmons 3-9x32mm Riflescope
Last but not least in this review of the best scopes for 22 Long Rifle is the Simmons 3-9x32mm riflescope. The scope is made for ease of use in any condition. The SureGrip rubber surfaces enhance control, making adjustments seamless and headache-free.
This tactile and operator-friendly design makes the scope one of the easiest models to use for on-the-fly efficiency.
The HydroShield lens coatings come in handy in tough weather conditions, offering a clear sight picture even in the face of sleet, rain, or other environmental factors.
At the heart of the scope is high-quality glass that yields vibrant, clear, and crisp images with every sight picture. The full coating improves light transmission for stunning images, allowing for reliable target identification in different lighting environments.
The Quick Target Acquisition enhances target acquisition, facilitating swift and precise aiming. This is advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios where speed and accuracy are pivotal.
The TrueZero Flex Erector System results in consistent and repeatable shot placement. This advanced system maintains zero integrity even under the recoil stress of your rifle. This ensures your point of impact remains true over time.
Features
- TrueZero windage and elevation dials
- HydroShield lens coating
- High-quality optical glass
- TrueZero Flex Erector System
- Truplex reticle
- Second focal plane reticle
- One-inch tube diameter
- Matte finish
- SureGrip rubber surfaces
Pros
- Ease of use
- Clear glass
- Well-built
Cons
- The included mounts are mediocre
Further Reading:
Considerations When Buying the Best Scopes for 22 Long Rifle
Magnification
A variable magnification scope in the range of 3x to 9x is often suitable for general-purpose use. This provides flexibility for close-range plinking and precision shots at long ranges. The 22 Long Rifle is rarely used for big game hunting beyond 1000 yards that’s why an optimal magnification of 9x will do the job.
Magnification also entails choosing between fixed and variable power. Variable scopes are more adaptable range-wise, while fixed scopes are generally quicker at target acquisition. A fixed scope can be more suitable for homesteading and hunting.
Low Light Ability
It can be horrific for a hunter, especially a newbie, who cannot see the target clearly. It is a great advantage to operate efficiently in challenging light. This is especially true when hunting because most game are active either at dawn or dusk.
The best scopes for 22 Long Rifle should be fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission for stunning imagery. High-quality optics yield a sharp and bright sight picture.
Eye Relief
Another aspect to have in mind is eye relief. This is the space needed between your eyes and the scope to shield your eye socket from injury during recoil. Rimfire scopes do not have significant recoil issues. Most have an eye relief of about 3 inches. Remember that price may give you more leeway with this feature.
Adjustment Turrets
Precise and repeatable turrets are essential for sighting in your rifle and making field adjustments. A good scope should have tactile and easy-to-use elevation and windage turrets.
Weather Resistance
The best scopes for 22 Long Rifle should accommodate nasty weather conditions like fog, sleet, rain, or dust. This includes fluctuations in operating temperatures. Look for inclusions like o-ring seals and gas purging, as they ensure waterproofing and fogproofing. This is essential for reliability and steadfastness in the performance of the scope, even in harsh weather conditions.
Weight and Size
It is also vital to have in mind the weight and size of the scope, especially if you are using it on a lightweight 22 Long Rifle. A lightweight and compact scope is generally more ideal for this caliber. It is also easier to handle and doesn’t compromise rifle balance.
Durability
The durability of a scope is revealed by the type and quality of materials used to make it. A scope that is well crafted provides many years of long-lasting use. Opt for one made of materials like aircraft-grade aluminum to be sure you are settling for something good. A scope constructed from mediocre materials with shatter after several uses making it a waste of money.
Also Read:
Best Scopes for 22 Long Rifle FAQs
Q: Do I Need a Waterproof Scope for My 22 Long Rifle?
While not mandatory, a waterproof and fogproof scope is advantageous, especially if you intend to use the rifle in different weather conditions. A weatherproof scope will not suffer moisture penetration even when scouting targets in sleet, downpour, or mist. This enhances the longevity of the riflescope.
Q: Are There Scopes Specifically Made for Rimfire Rifles?
Yes, there are. Some scopes are specifically tailored for rimfire rifles, including the 22LR. These scopes boast features configured to the unique characteristics of rimfire cartridges.
Q: What Distance Should You Zero A 22 LR?
The best range at which point of aim equals point of impact depends on the kind of shooting. 25 yards is probably the best compromise for casual shooting or plinking. For NRA small bore, where you are shooting at 50 feet, it is best to be zeroed at 50 feet.
Q: What Is the Advantage of Rimfire?
Modern rimfire ammunition projectiles and powder charges are very small compared to centerfire cartridges. This implies that recoil is lesser when shooting common rimfire cartridges. Beginner shooters, recoil-averse shooters, older shooters, or anyone who simply wants to shoot a lot without having to worry about recoil will appreciate shooting rimfire compared to centerfire.
Conclusion
That’s it for the best scopes for 22 Long Rifle. The rifle’s versatility makes it renowned for various activities ranging from plinking to small game hunting. When buying a scope, consider the durability, budget, lens clarity, and magnification, among other parameters. We hope this article has helped you make a decision.