Best Rimfire Rifle Scopes for .22LR [Field Tested & Affordable]

best scope for 22lr

HuntingMark is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Unlike most people I didn’t learn to shoot on a 22LR rifle I learned on a surplus M1 Garand with iron sights. By the time I was ready for my first rifle, I was looking at the AR-15 or the M1A.

A 22LR never entered my mind because it wasn’t a real caliber rifle to me. Boy, was I wrong.

I bought my first Rimfire, when I was 19 and ammo prices were sky high. I hated the sights and quickly switched them for TechSights.

I built a Liberty Training Rifle before Project Appleseed was the primer for rifle shooting in the United States. I loved it, I loved it then and I love it now.

I scoped my 22LR for my father. It is a great little gun that is absolute fun at 100 yards. Finding a range near you with more distance is always difficult.

100 yards and 200 yards are great for the little Rimfire round. Iron sights, thanks to much better options for scopes, are slowly disappearing.

Now that there is a perfect 22LR rifle scope, I don’t blame them.

Why you should buy a dedicated Rimfire scope?

Some people love the standard V-Notch iron sights, I can’t stand them. TechSights makes the perfect product for most rifles that do not yet have back-up Iron Sights (BUIS).

Iron Sights are great for the beginner, cheap, durable, and perfect for those 20 yards or less shots. 

But what if you want to take it out farther? Reach out to the extremes of the Rimfire's accuracy? Better scope up and also check out our guide for the best 22lr Rimfire ammo.

The Features you want in a Best Rimfire Scope

Reticle

Rimfire Reticle

For the common man, duplex reticles are the crosshair of choice. Simple, clear. None of that pissing around with a bullet drop compensator.

You zero it at your distance of choice and until you are outside your effective point blank range, you are golden.

The simple duplex reticle is like an iron sight in that you can use it to adjust for ranges, but with the duplex reticle you also have magnification.

Magnification

22 rimfire scope

I have to admit I never thought I would need magnification on a 22LR. But once you scope a rifle, you rarely go back.

The most common hunting magnification is 3-9X. It is effective for 100 to 200 yards before most hunters think perhaps a bit more magnification.

As 200 yards is near the effective range of most hunters to ethically hunt at, we were happy with it.

But what about the 22LR? I prefer a 2-7. It is never going to go out to 300 yards effectively without a significantly modified rifle, But it is perfect for 100 yards at the range and for hunting varmint.

Weight

Most Rimfires only weigh 5lbs. Adding a big heavy scope on top can change the balance of the rifle, while this isn’t a factor of bench-rest shooting.

Offhand shots with an unbalanced rifle are difficult, in the best conditions.

A light scope built for the 22LR should be a priority if you plan on using it for hunting varmint, or even as a cheap training rifle for offhand positions.

Turrets

Nikon Turret
Leupold Freedom Turret

Turrets on a Rimfire scope are either essential or they are an afterthought. The Leupold VX Freedom has terrible turrets in its standard scope's ¼ MOA friction.

While not as bad as many hunting rifle systems, they are designed to be zeroed and left.

Nikon P-Tacticals are made for quick and easy changes of elevation and windage. YMMV, but I prefer good solid turrets on my scopes.

The Top Twelve .22 LR Rifle Scopes

PRODUCT

DETAILS

Products

Leupold VX-Freedom

Leupold VX-Freedom

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC

Bushnell-Optics

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC

  • Magnification: 2-7x
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Weight: 19.6 oz

Nikon P-Tactical

Nikon-P-Tactical

Nikon P-Tactical

  • Magnification: 2-7x
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Weight:1.5 pounds

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire

Nikon-M-308

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

Vortex-OpticsGen II

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

  • Magnification: 2-7x
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Weight: 13.6 ounces

Vortex Optics Diamondback

Vortex-Optics-Diamondback

Vortex Optics Diamondback

  • Magnification: 1.75-5x
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds

Barska Hot Magnum Rifle Scope

Barska

Barska  Hot Magnum Rifle Scope

  • Magnification: 6-18x
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Weight: 1.28 pounds

Primary Arms Silver

Primary Arms Silver

  • Magnification: 1-6x
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Weight:1.6 pounds

BSA Sweet 22 Rifle Scope

BSA Sweet 22 Rifle Scope

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds

Primary Arms Classic Series Rifle Scope

Primary Arms Classic Series Rifle Scope

  • Magnification: 6x
  • Diameter: 32mm
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces

Simmons 8-Point Rifle Scope

Simmons 8-Point Rifle Scope

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Diameter: 50mm
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

  • Magnification: 1x
  • Diameter: 25mm
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds

12 Best Rimfire 22LR Scope

1. Leupold VX Freedom Rimfire - Best Rimfire Scope

best rimfire scope

It's Leupold. If you think the new VX Freedom line was built to compete by one of the most successful optics companies to compete at the low tier market, you are dead on.

Scope arrived on Saturday. I purchased the 2-7x, the build quality is just amazing. Clear glass with an almost excessive amount of eye relief.

Leupold freedom glass

The Rimfire reticle is perfect, 25 MOA in 1 MOA hash marks at max magnification allowed us to shoot from 50 to 200 yards with no adjustments.

Leupold Reticle

If you want to hit with a rimfire at 200, This is the best 22lr rifle scope for target shooting, just try not to laugh at the AR-10 next to you having trouble hitting the plate. Remember the rifle can do it, the Problem is the Tasco.

Leupold VX Freedom

The price of Leupold VX Freedom varies, so check the latest price at

2. Bushnel Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC - Best Scope For 22lr

best rimfire scope

There was a time when the 22 Rimfire Riflescope consisted of a ¾ inch main tube and a set of small and low volume windage and elevation turrets adjustments.

Now, some 30 years or more later, things have changed and, as such, the 22 Rimfire scope has grown into a mainline premium quality 1 inch tube scope, much like those found on Centerfire rifles.

As an example of a better grade Rimfire optics system, let's take a look at the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope.

This scope has made use of a full 1 inch main aluminum tube that is a one-piece construction unit.

The turrets on the scope are open target style and are set up for some of the new longer range Rimfire games undertaken nowadays. 

rimfire scopes

The ¼ inch MOA turret adjustments are easy to use and allow a quick zero or elevation change as needed by the shooter.

The BDC reticle is set up for the Rimfire and, after a correct zero, the scope can be test-shot at various ranges using the small rings that run up and down the center crosshair.

When it is time to shoot targets against other shooters, you're already dialed in with some practice.

The scope uses a side focus adjustment, just like the big rifle guys and, as such, parallax is controlled, as is focus correction for the eye via the rear ring adjuster.

The power settings on this scope are 2-7X32, making it very workable for ranges within the 22 Rimfire limits.

For the range intended, the light transmission is good, the range of edge-to-edge focus quality is good, and in general well worth the small price of $118.70.

When I shifted to 1 inch tubes on all my Rimfires, I went straight to This manufacturer's Banner scope of the day (40 years ago). I still have several in service here at my shop today.

Bushnel Optics BDC

The price of Bushnel Optics BDC varies, so check the latest price at

3. Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire Scope - Good Scope For 22lr

nikon rimfire scope

Nikon. In the land of sub-$500 optics, the best glass is king. And Nikon has the best glass. Not to be outdone by Leupold, Nikon released their new P-Tactical Rimfire to compete with the VX-Freedom Series.

nikon tactical glass

Nikon has been the leading manufacturer of entry-level scopes for years because of their glass quality.

Their push to include an instant zero reset turret allowing you to quickly zero your rifle without tools might push them ahead once again. 

nikon rimfire top

The MK I MOA reticle allows for quick holdovers at the range.

Nikon Reticle

Nikon P-Tactical Scope

The price of Nikon P-Tactical Scope varies, so check the latest price at

Because Rimfire scopes have evolved into a basic 1 inch tube “big rifle scope“ design, there are obviously a number of fine systems out there today for the Rimfire rifle shooter to select from.

Nikon Prostaff is a good starting point when considering the advancement of a 22 rifle from the old tip-off-style scope to this far better grade, full field of view, big rifle scope.

The Nikon P-Rimfire retains the full 1 inch main tube and a 40 mm objective lens. This makes the scope perfect for long distance shooting, timber hunting small game, and general target or plinking work as well.

Nikon uses quality glass in its mid-range budget scopes, and based on the pair of big scopes I currently own for long range shooting, Nikon's scope is a shooter's dream as it works like an armored tank as far as its ability to take a pounding from general field use as well as high recoil.

I would expect no less from the Rimfire variant of the Prostaff series in rifle scopes built by this company.

Nikon P-Rimfire makes use of a fully multicoated lens with a 150 BDC reticle.

This reticle is designed expressly for the Rimfire cartridge and, as such, is built for its sub-tensions to fit this round on purposely built Rimfire scopes.

This rifle system is shockproof, nitrogen purged, O-ring-sealed, which makes it fog proof and waterproof, and it retains a lifetime warranty.

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire

The price of Nikon Prostaff Rimfire varies, so check the latest price at

This Crossfire II is a good option for use on a variety of rifles. The scope retains a long eye relief, and also a large selection of reticle patterns (sub-tensions).

These include 2-7-32 Dead-Hold BDC MOA, 2-7X32 Rimfire V-Plex MOA, 3-9X40 Dead-Hold MOA, and 3-9X50 V-Bright Illuminated MOA reticles.

As you can see, this scope has a massive number of options, some of which have not been included here due to space.

This rifle scope can be obtained with a red center dot for use in low light conditions by hunters who do much of their work at dawn and dusk.

The optical quality of the glass is very good. I shoot 6.5 Creedmoor with Vortex's different long range rifle scopes and to date, every best 6.5 creedmoor scope of theirs I have used in the field or on targets has returned clear sharp images.

No color distortion, blurry edges, or flat spots out beyond 500 yards. This is a quality product that returns positive results.

The manufacturer makes sure of single tube construction. That means strength. I ran their tubes through commercial hunts in Australia for a month at a time while living in the bush under all sorts of difficult conditions.

Vortex never came up short, as shooting Kangaroo is a fast-action event with moving targets at high speed. 

The glass was never difficult to acquire my target with, and the scope retained enough eye relief at all times to pull in my scope for a clear shot.

When changing clicks for elevation or windage, the click adjustments ¼ MOA are crisp and stop with a solid hold. Nothing to get upset about in this area either.

In 2019, at the massive worldwide Shot Show in Vegas, Vortex flexed its muscles putting on a display that would knock the eyes out of a rattlesnake at 1000 yards.

Nothing but solid in terms of a growing company that has found its place in the shooting sports world.

The Crossfire II is a high-quality choice for Centerfire or Rimfire rifles. 

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

The price of Vortex Optics Crossfire II varies, so check the latest price at

Vortex is a rather young company that has hit the deck running with some very good quality glass that is considered higher middle end in the optics world.

The manufacturer offers a 1 inch tube Rimfire series built right alongside the big rifle scopes and, as such, carry the pedigree associated with these higher grade optics for rifles.

The Diamondback in the 35mm reticle is ideal for 22 Rimfire use, and with its V-Plex reticle is ideal for the general range and performance of the 22 Rimfire cartridge.

Built of a one-piece main tube, the scope is designed for rough field use. Small game hunters often encounter field conditions that defy description at times.

I hunted all of my younger years with Rimfire rifles in the squirrel woods, willow swamps, and muskeg bogs of northern Minnesota.

Rifles and optics can take a pounding at night hunting raccoon or tracking with a dog against snowshoe rabbits in the 10 below zero dead of winter.

Vortex builds a Rimfire “working gun” scope that can take the pounding and keep coming up for more.

This Rimfire rifle scope retains an argon-purged tube and an O-ring seal, which makes it fog proof and waterproof. It also has a lifetime warranty.

Vortex Diamondback

The price of Vortex Diamondback varies, so check the latest price at

Want to know more about Vortex Diamondback? Checkout our detailed review.

This rifle scope is an interchangeable scope with 30 Winchester Mag and other large Centerfire rifles. It is designed for 22 Rimfire rifles, but with “big rifle” features.

The lens is adjustable for parallax settings correction, which is necessary at long-range, and the scope also retains trajectory correction from 100 to 300 yards by turning a simple dial-up system.

This is the best scopes for .17 hmr, but the scope is workable on all Rimfire rifles.

This scope is again a full-size big rifle optic and, as such, is made to take recoil or lots of sight changing when in the field or on the target range.

Barska is a newer company that has caught on well among shooters due to price points and quality manufacturing.

BARSKA 6-18x40 mm

Barska 6-18X40mm BDC

The price of Barska 6-18X40mm BDC varies, so check the latest price at

best 22lr scope

Primary Arms out of Texas may have created the best reticle for the 22LR. The scopes made in China lack the glass quality of the Nikon and Leupold but, in exchange, it adds features.

An Illuminated reticle, adjustable parallax, and a 30mm tube for 15% more incoming light makes the scope competitive with other offerings.

Primary Arms Reticle

The 1-6x Power Advanced Combined Sighting System, allows for fast ranging and holdovers, the 1 power allows for those close shots at moving targets like rabbits and raccoons.

While the 6x and reticle allow for shots out to 200 yards. We can’t say for certain the parallax setting adjustment allowed the rifle to be more accurate but we were 20 for 20 on clay pigeons scattered out to 200 yards.

Want to know how that scope works? Check out our detailed primary arms 1-6x scope review.

Primary Arms 1-6x24

The price of Primary Arms 1-6x24 varies, so check the latest price at

Looking for more options with illuminated reticle? Check out our guide on best illuminated reticle scopes

The BSA Sweet 17 is a scope that I have run with on my Ruger M-77, 17 HMR for many years.

Tested at first on the Silver Spur Ranch in Wyoming on grass rats for a total of two straight weeks, the rifle went through a case of 17 HMR while making turret changes with almost every shot.

Built on a 1 inch tube with high adjustable turret settings at ¼ MOA, the scope has been a good product for me.

I have a partner who bought a broken scope and sent it to BSA for repair, and like me he has been shooting the heck out of her for years on his 17 HMR.

The scope currently offered has both a red and green reticle with etched glass. Early models did not have lighted features on them.

This is not a massively high-quality optic, but for the task at hand it is a good buy if taken care of.

It contains a limited lifetime warranty.

BSA Sweet Rimfire Scope

The price of BSA Sweet Rimfire Scope varies, so check the latest price at

PrimaryArms 6x

Want the Primary Arms ACSS for half price? All you have to give up is the variable magnification and the illumination.

I like the reticle, I like fixed optics for rifles, especially when you use BDC under 10x. You won’t be shooting this rifle out past 200 yards in the best of times, but you can hit the 200.

rim fire rifle scope

While I see guys on the range time and again with their optics at max magnification setting, save the money, save the weight and just purchase a fixed magnification scope.

They are more durable, the glass is clearer and brighter, with less complications.

Primary Arms 6x ACSS

The price of Primary Arms 6x ACSS varies, so check the latest price at

best 22 rifle scope

Simmons 8 point is a great scope. They are the best bang for the buck. They know all you need is a Duplex and 3-9x Magnification for a 22LR turrets track and are finger adjustable underneath the protective caps.

You’ll adjust it to zero your CCI MiniMags and never touch them again. 

The 8-Point is a fun, generic workhorse of a scope.

Simmons 8 Point

The price of Simmons 8 Point varies, so check the latest price at

Red Dots

Red Dots for 22LR

Why a red dot? The 22LR Rimfire does have tons of power. At about 100 yards it will lose ⅓ of its energy and will be falling like a stone in another 100 yards.

If you are only shooting critters or training with your rifle there is no need to spend a significant amount of money on magnification. 

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

The Trophy TRS-25 is everywhere, and for good reason. It is dirt cheap. For the price of 5 boxes of 22LR, you will have the perfect red dot.

The 3 MOA dot means you can zero for 75 yards and hit between 0-100 with no adjustment. 

Bushnell Trophy TRS-2

Clear and quick, if you need pest control or don’t care for magnification, this is the optic for you.

The Trophy is a great cheap little red dot sight. It can work on the AR-15 or a 10/22, while it doesn’t have the durability of an Aimpoint, EOTech, or even a Holosun.

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

The price of Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 varies, so check the latest price at

Iron Sights 

The 22LR is a great gun to learn on, especially when it comes to iron sights.

TechSights

TechSights make M4 aperture sights for a variety of rifles. The benefit of the adjustable iron sights or BUIS over the standard V-notch irons is increased accuracy, simple adjustability, and training for larger rifles like the M1 Garand, AR-15 and the M14.

Wide field of view allows shooters to get away from the tunnel vision of the scope and see their surroundings. While glass is great, iron sights are durable, lightweight, and just dead simple.

Check out our guide on "best scopes for m1a and m14 rifles" by Bert Sloan.

The Other Option

22LR Rifles are some of the cheapest training rifles to use. Many shooters practice on a Rimfire before they use those skills on rifles of higher calibers.

When buying for your setup, look at your rifle. Maybe it will be better to upgrade to another scope and use that scope for your 22LR.

While I don’t think it is the best way, I believe in maximum cost benefit. Many scopes work great on the 22LR, if you can stand the weight.

Scope Pick

The best scope is going to be the one that fits your budget and use. But I will recommend the Nikon P-Tactical Rimfire.

Leupold comes a very close second, having a great reticle and slightly better glass. But the lack of target turrets inch the Nikon P-Tactical into the lead.

Leupold nearly made the perfect scope, and while I will probably never adjust the turrets, it is a fun option for a cheap little 22LR rifle to be able to work like the big boys.

However, if you can’t find the P-Tactical, or don’t think you need target turrets, go Leupold and don’t look back.

They have a great shop that will make custom turrets for Leupold scopes or replace the finger click dials with the custom dial system.

While I don’t recommend it for Leupold Rimfire scopes, the VX Freedom Line has great looking scopes, with few downsides.

Related Guidelines:
References
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *