Top 7 Best 22 Mag Rimfire Scopes For The Money
Are you looking for the best rimfire scope right now? There are several good manufacturers in this category, but you deserve the best. These are the models that you’ll want to consider so you can take your groupings to the next level.
Rimfire refers to the method of ignition that is used for the cartridge. The firing pin crushes the rim of the ammunition being used, most often for .22-caliber rifles. It was first invented in 1845 and has become a staple in recreational use, hunting, and some sport shooting.
Rimfire scopes are your best option if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your accuracy and target spotting. When dialed in appropriately, you can start making your groupings touch each other, even if you haven’t owned your rifle for long.
The quality of rimfire scopes being sold today varies greatly. Some of them are exceptional but others are terrible. With that in mind, we are going to look over some of the things to consider when buying a rimfire scope.
Image by Mitch Barrie | CC-BY-ND 2.0
Things To Consider When Buying A Rimfire Scope
Magnification
Rimfire scopes come in a variety of magnifications. The lowest magnification you can find is x2 and the largest that you will probably want to put on a rimfire rifles is a 9x scope. You can put even larger scopes on a rimfire if you desire but you need to understand the effective range of your rifle.
There are also a number of adjustable magnification sights. Depending on what level of shooter you are and your preference you can consider getting one of scopes for .22 rimfire.
Weight Of The Scope
One of the enjoyable benefits of a rimfire rifle is that they are light weight and easy to hold. Not all scopes are designed to match the light weight design of the rimfire rifle. You will probably want to avoid putting a 22 LR scope with a significant amount of weight on the rifle.
Remember that weight does not always mean quality. A lot of modern rifle scopes are being produced with quality, lightweight materials. Purchasing a rimfire scope that is heavy for a rimfire handgun is even more impractical.
Electronic Scope Vs. Traditional Scope
There are two different types of scopes out there: electronic scopes and traditional scopes. A traditional scope has a painted on or otherwise affixed to the inside of the scope. With an electronic scope, the reticles are digitally projected onto the lens.
An electronic scope requires batteries in order to operate. If you leave the scope on, you will need to replace the batteries. However, the lighted reticle can be easier to see in various situations. A traditional scope doesn’t use batteries.
Reticle
Your choice of reticle is more of a personal opinion. Plenty of different options exist for .22 scope reticles. From cross hairs, to dots, to more elaborate designs, it comes down to what you prefer. Some shooters will recommend a specific type of reticle but finding one consistent voice on which is best, meaning that there is no one option.
Some newer scopes allow you to change the reticle on the 22 scope. Every few turns of the reticle knob will cycle to a new design. In addition to being able to change the reticle, you can change the color of the reticle. Different colors allows for better visibility on different targets.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews should play an important role in whether or not you buy a rimfire scope. Amazon and other websites will help you to find reviews of scopes. Cabela’s is another website to check for scope reviews. Remember to factor in that every user has their own preferences and that applications for scopes vary. Base your decision off the reviews as a whole.
Rimfire scopes are now available in more options than you can possibly consider. Using the criteria mentioned here in combination with personal preference, you will be able to narrow down the list. Keep in mind that what works for you might not work for everyone. After you get your scope for .22 rimfire spend plenty of time with it on the range to sight it in and get a feel for its intricacies.
Recommended Best Rimfire Scopes That Are Available
Leupold 113872 VX-1 Rimfire Scope with Fine Duplex Reticle, Matte Black Finish
With an eyepiece length of 2.86 inches and an objective length of 2.15 inches, shooters are provided a field of view at 100 yards with this rimfire scope by Leupold. It weighs just 8.2 ounces and mounting it is a fairly simple process. The eyepiece diameter of 1.36 inches can be a little burdensome at times, especially in low light conditions, but wind and elevation dials do come in 1/4-inch increments for quick adjustments.
Leupold designed this rimfire scope with four layers of lens coating to improve light levels within the scope. The manufacturer features magnesium fluoride for their lens coating, which helps to reduce the amount of glare and reflection that users experience while targeting. When combined with their proprietary Quantum Optical System, the imaging through the scope stays consistently clear in virtually all conditions.
This 2×7 28mm Leupold rimfire scope also features a 3-to-1 zoo ratio, comes parallax adjusted for 60 yards, and is guaranteed to be waterproof and fog-proof. It is backed by a lifetime warranty and manufactured in the United States.
Pros
- This rimfire scope is incredibly easy to mount, especially on a .22 long rifle. It works best on setups where the objective lens size must be limited because of an obstruction
- The smaller size of this scope prevents lighter rifles from becoming too top heavy
- The crosshairs are easy to read when using this scope and eyepiece adjustments are simple enough to complete
Cons
- There can be a little bit of play with the adjustment knobs that can take some getting used to compared to other rimfire scopes
- Some users may have a slight blur along the edge of the lens
Best Budget Rimfire Scope Under 200 Dollars
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire Scope with BDC Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire is a scope that is intended to make sure that you can see your target clearly without difficulty. It has been manufactured with fully multi-coated optics, which allows for up to 98% of the ambient light to be viewed during use. It is also guaranteed to be waterproof, which means using the scope in foggy and rainy conditions is not a problem. A full lifetime warranty backs the guarantee.
To make the scope be waterproof, Nikon has filled the interior with nitrogen. The gas is then sealed within by using a system of O-rings. Over time, if the scope is used in conditions where there are extremes in temperature, some users may experience viewing changes within the scope. Using the quick-focus eyepiece will counter most issues encountered in such a circumstance.
The Nikon rimfire scope has also come equipped with quick-zero reset turrets. Reticle adjustments are repeatable and consistent, with a 1/4-inch half-turn equating to 50 yards. There is a click that you can feel when making the adjustments, though the eye relief of about 3.5 inches can be somewhat bothersome if wearing shooting glasses.
Pros
- The scope has excellent clarity, even when it is at full magnification, allowing for consistent sighting in a variety of conditions
- The crosshairs of the scope feel intuitive and offers users a consistent level of precision
- It mounts easily on a majority of rimfire rifles without feeling top heavy or altering the shooter’s experience negatively
Cons
- This scope does require a gentle touch when making adjustments and does not handle impacts very well
- Lower powers can cause shifts in the performance of the rifle, even with the clarity of the scope and objective
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle (MOA)
Instead of being designed for targeting or basic sport shooting, the Crossfire II is designed for expert shooters, hunters, and anyone who demands the highest levels of consistent performance from their rifle. The manufacturer has created a longer eye relief and improved their MOA turrets to help create this level of performance.
There are some additional advantages to consider here as well. For starters, the Vortex rimfire scope features a one-piece anodized aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It is then nitrogen-purged and sealed for a lifetime guarantee of waterproof and fog-proof performance. Multi-coated lenses funnel more light toward the eyepiece, which offers a fast-focusing feature that works quite effectively.
On the other hand, the reticle for the scope is a basic all-purpose option that is intended for generalized use. As a rifle scope, it does handle tactical and hunting needs effectively, but may come up short in performance for those who have specialty shooting needs. At 15 ounces, it also weighs about twice as much as most other rimfire scopes in this category as well.
On the other hand, the reticle for the scope is a basic all-purpose option that is intended for generalized use. As a rifle scope, it does handle tactical and hunting needs effectively, but may come up short in performance for those who have specialty shooting needs. At 15 ounces, it also weighs about twice as much as most other rimfire scopes in this category as well.
Pros
- The optics on this scope are consistently clear and it sights-in quickly for most users
- The reticle is focused well and doesn’t obscure the aim point at most distances
- It offers the ability to zero the turrets easily without needing tools or coins to finalize the adjustment
Cons
- It may not mount well on certain rifles because of its design, which can prevent the bolt from fully opening for some users
- The lens caps, connected by elastic, tend to get knocked off when storing the rifle and may not be very useful for those who will use the scope primarily for hunting
Mueller APV AO Rifle Scope, Black, 4.5-14 x 40mm
This Mueller APV 4.5 15x40mm AO rimfire scope provides an all-purpose experience. The field of view with the scope provide a wide angle that is supported by edge clarity to provide solid optics in virtually any conditions. It holds zero quite well, supported by good turrets, and the glass remains clear over time without the colorization changes that some other scopes in this category tend to see.
Mueller has created a smaller rifle scope with a 1-inch tube, so that it can be a more versatile mount in the rimfire category. Because of the size, the reticle is quite limited compared to other scopes. The eye relief is much shorter as well. That means the viewable area of the rimfire scope with AO can be somewhat limited for some shooters, even with the wide-angle design. It can be difficult to keep the eye positioned perfectly when trying to take a quick shot.
Adjustments are a simple process with this AO rimfire scope. Even beginners will be able to figure out how to mount and target with this simple design. The adjustable parallax is an added bonus, especially at this price point. It can be used with a zoom feature or it can be kept at a specific magnification level, based on personal preferences.
Pros
- This rimfire scope holds its adjustments quite well in most conditions. Even when using it in high movement or impact conditions, such as forest hunting, it maintains a consistent level of performance
- The parallax adjustments are smooth, and the magnification setting is somewhat stiff, allowing for the scope to maintain consistent settings without making adjustments difficult
Cons
- There can be a lot of play within the elevation and windage turrets. Without soft movements, it may jump 2-4 clicks instead of just one at a time
- At the maximum magnification level of this scope, there is an obvious level of light reduction which occurs, especially in lower light conditions
Weaver Rimfire Riflescope 2.5-7X28 (Matte)
Weaver has created a rimfire scope that is designed to be lightweight without compromising on the clarity it provides. The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide edge clarity is most conditions and the one-piece tube design allows the scope to be shockproof. It is also fog-proof and waterproof, making it an all-around hunting scope that works with a majority of rifles.
The Weaver Rimfire Riflescope 2.5-7X28 measures 11.5 in length and weighs less than 10 ounces. It doesn’t feel top-heavy on most mounts, though it could feel that way if mounted to an air gun instead of a .22 rifle. The scope is manufactured in Japan and has a finish and fit that are quite nice. It looks and feels like a scope that shouldn’t be value-priced.
Weaver has made it so that there is some extra distance between the rear lens and the eye of the shooter, which may be uncomfortable for some users. This does allow corrective eyewear to be used while shooting without discomfort, however, and the optics quality remains the same whether eyewear is used or not. If your eye is not correctly positioned, however, there is a good chance you’ll see a displaced field.
Pros
- The glass on this scope has a superior level of clarity to it. Through the scope at full magnification, you can see your groupings easily at 100 yards
- The scope holds zero quite well over a variety of different mounting options
- The reticle equipped to this scope offers a crisp view and when the eye is positioned, the comfort levels are excellent
Cons
- Groupings on some rifles can be somewhat inconsistent with this scope, ranging from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch. This tends to be seen on older rifles more than newer models
- Needed adjustments can be difficult to make. Most users will require a coin to get enough torque
Best Cheap Rimfire Scope Under 100 Dollars
Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope
Simmons has created a lens coating that they call “HydroShield.”It replicates the concept of a multi-coated lens without the cost of that manufacturing process. This design allows shooters to have high-quality optics that are consistent at a budget-friendly price. The Simmons rimfire scope includes a parallax correction preset that ranges from 50 years to infinity as well.
To make adjustments, there is a rubber surface with gripping technologies incorporated onto the scope. Although it is designed to improve grip in difficult conditions, the surface does tend to get a bit slick when wet. That can make it somewhat difficult to make needed adjustments, especially if time is a critical consideration.
The Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece attempts to compensate for this design concern, but the results can be somewhat mixed. It does hold zero quite well and the eye relief at 3.75 inches is suitable for most users. Color rendition is consistently good, and the size is scaled correctly for rimfire rifles.
Pros
- It provides an excellent high value, low cost scenario that is perfect for beginners or experienced hunters
- The reticle of the scope remains clear in most conditions, even when at full magnification
- This affordable rimfire scope is comparable in clarity to scopes that are at a higher price point
Cons
- The mounting rings which come with this rimfire scope are small and do not fit over a standard picatinny rail
- The adjustment screws can be a bit difficult to use at first. There is no click or feel to the process, so there tends to be a lot of trial and error involved
- There is no forgiveness with eye placement on this scope. The vision disk closes rapidly from the sides with even slight user movements
Tasco Rimfire Riflescope 3-7x 20mm 30/30 Reticle
Tasco has created an entry-level rimfire scope that gets all the basics right. The experience begins with the multi-layered coated optics in magenta that allow of increased light transmission. Objects appear clear and bright in most light conditions when targeting through this scope. It includes a 30/30 reticle to provide consistent grouping up to 100 yards away.
The lenses on Tasco rimfire scope 3-7x 20mm are calibrated for short-range use only, so long-distance shooters will not find any benefits with this scope. From a recreational point of view or for plinking, the scope gets the job done. Small game hunters will find value in this affordable .22 rimfire scope as well. It goes up to 7x magnification and offers a lightweight 1-inch monotube build that is completely waterproof, though it isn’t rated for being fog-proof or shockproof.
Tasco designed this 22LR rimfire scope to provide an eye relief of 2.5 inches and the lens diameter is just 20mm. This design also keeps the weight down, which is at just 5.7 ounces for this particular model. It is manufactured to provide the classic lines of a traditional scope and is quite durable, despite its value price point.
Pros
- At maximum magnification, users can expect an 11-foot field of vision at 100 yards. At the minimum 3x magnification, the field of vision is 24 feet
- The variable-power performance equipped to this scope makes consistent groupings possible at longer distances, though from a recreational standpoint
- It features a high-gloss finish that stays true over time
Cons
- The eyepiece design that Tasco has created tends to be a little small for most users and that can create some discomfort when shooting
- The included mounting rings don’t bite well when using a rifle with thinner rails
The best scopes for rimfire are an easy way to determine if a manufacturer has created something that has the potential to help you out. Different rifles have unique mounts that must be considered. Not every scope comes with the necessary rings, so be sure to review each product carefully to ensure you’ll have everything you need.
With a high-quality scope for a .22, your groupings can become tighter. Your long-distance shooting can become more reliable. Whether you use your rifle recreationally or you hunt with it frequently, you’ll find that these are the best rimfire scopes that will bring more success your way.
- Greybeardoutdoorsman
- Updated on July 15, 2020