Are you looking for the best rimfire scopes for your 22LR? This post will cover my top picks for rimfire scopes if you want to dress up your rifle with some optics.
If you are hunting small game or just target shooting, a scope on a 22LR will come in handy.
The good thing is that many good options are on the market, even for .22 caliber rifles.
This article will cover the best rimfire scopes for your 22LR rifle.
Rimfire Scope Criteria
Below are the categories that need to be considered when choosing a scope. Magnification, reticle selection, and cost are the three main factors.
Magnification
Magnification is the primary feature to consider in the scope and is the main purpose of a scope. First, determine what distance you are going to shoot at commonly.
For 22LR, the most common distance is usually 50 yards. Most rimfire scopes will be at the 2x magnification and can be dialed up to 7x magnification.
A lot of scopes are also 3x to 9x magnification. Anything more powerful than this is not necessary on a 22LR rifle.
Reticle
Most people get too concerned and confused with different reticles and which is the best one. A simple crosshairs reticle is often the best choice, especially for a rimfire rifle.
Complicated reticles with bullet drop are designed for extreme long-range shooting. For 22LR rifles, you do not need any BDC or special reticles.
Because the distance is usually between 0-100 yards, a standard reticle will work fine, and try not to overthink it.
Price
Most people don’t like spending money on 22 rifles; they consider them more of a gun just to mess around with and have fun at the range.
I never recommend buying cheap stuff and always try to have good quality parts and optics on all my rifles. It doesn’t mean you need to spend enormous money on a scope for a 22, but you should still get something decent.
You should expect to spend about $100 to $400 on a scope and a little extra on scope rings and a mounting rail if needed.
Best Rimfire Scopes
1. Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm
One of the cheapest and simplest rimfire scopes is the Simmons 22 Mag 3-9x32mm. This isn’t fancy, but if you just want something to slap on your rifle and have some fun at the range, it will get the job done.
This is pretty much a standard scope that is good enough for shooting at 50 yards. It comes with a set of scope rings, and this scope is available in black or silver to match your rifle.
It is a 3x to 9x magnification, and the zeroing is standard with your windage and elevation turrets.
When looking through the scope, it is dim and not very bright, but you can’t expect too much for the price.
Again, this scope will work if you just want something to plink around with and have fun. Great for teaching kids on and even hunting.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Simmons 22 Mag 3-9x32mm
2. Primary Arms 3-9x44mm
A huge jump in quality and features, but not the jump in price, is the Primary Arms 3-9x44mm.
This scope has a 30mm tube bigger than a 1″. A bigger tube gathers more light and looks brighter when looking through the scope.
This is also a 44mm objective lens, which means that you will have a wider field of view when you are looking through the scope.
For the money, this is the best rimfire scope you can buy. It has features you usually find on scopes in the $300 to $400 range but can be purchased for a fraction of the price.
It feels like a well-built scope. The glass looks good. The turrets adjust nicely. It has a crisp, clear sight picture even on the highest magnification and comes with lens caps.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Primary Arms 3-9x44mm
3. Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm
One of the best rimfire scopes for the money, with the widest field of view, is the Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm.
This is a great all-around scope and is very rugged. You will have no issues mounting this on a 22LR rifle.
The wide field of view is great for tracking targets if you are hunting and for transitioning targets if you are plinking.
I was initially very impressed with the clarity of the glass and how well built it was. The turrets and magnification adjustment know are firm and tactile. It just feels very robust and durable.
This is one of the best 50mm budget scopes on the market, and you will not be disappointed.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm
4. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm
Setting up into a little more of a premium rimfire scope is the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm.
The 2-7x magnification is enough for the 22LR caliber at medium ranges. This has a V-Plex reticle which works great and isn’t busy or confusing.
Vortex scopes are well made and have the best warranty I have seen by any company. If there are any problems at all you send the scope back to them, and they replace it, no questions asked.
The eye relief on the Crossfire II is very generous and is built like a tank. All metal components and no plastic.
This is the perfect scope for a 22LR rifle and my favorite out of all the scopes on my list.
If you have never owned a Vortex scope, now is the perfect time to pick one up.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm
5. Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x50mm
The Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x50mm is more of a tactical scope, which I recommend for anyone with a .22 caliber AR rifle.
This scope is unique because it is offered with an illuminated reticle. This is designed for low light or nighttime shooting.
The brightness and clarity are superb, and you normally find optics of this quality for double the price.
Sig did an excellent job with the Whiskey 3. They offer it in three different reticles, but if you want the illuminated version, it will cost more and is sold with the Hellfire Quadplex reticle.
If you are looking for more of a tactical scope, this is one of the best rimfire scopes for that.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x0mm
6. Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm
Another one of the best rimfire scopes is the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm. This upgraded version of the Crossfire II is of higher quality.
For the price, you are getting a lot of scopes. Vortex makes some great products, and the warranty they have is world-class.
Everything about this scope might be a little overkill on a 22LR rifle, but you can’t beat it for the price.
The glass is crystal clear, the construction is rock solid, and the price is right. They also sell this model with weaver-style rings, which will save you a little bit of money when mounting it onto your rifle.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm
7. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
If you are looking for a high-end competition scope for your 22LR rifle, I recommend getting the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm.
They make this model with a specific rimfire reticle which is great. The reticle is custom designed for the 22LR caliber.
Leupold has long been known for making some of the best scopes in the firearms industry; this scope is no exception. The glass is very clear, and the construction is very durable.
Very clear and bright glass compared to lesser quality scopes. Edges remain clear and focused. Maintains focus at very long distances. The rimfire reticle is excellent. Fine crosshairs are perfect width. Using the rimfire MOA reticle, holdovers perform as intended.
The reticle alone is worth the purchase. Scope holds zero and was easy to dial in. Extremely light. The scope is aesthetically pleasing as well.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Best 22LR Ammo
You will always need more ammo, and with prices at a high, the best idea is to better it whenever you see a sale or buy in bulk.
22LR Ammo is pretty common, so it’s normally easy to find.
Be sure to click the links and check the current prices and availability of the ammo because prices always change.
- 22LR Ammo
Best Rimfire Scopes FAQ
Are rimfire scopes worth it?
Rimfire scopes are a great addition to any small caliber or 22LR rifle. They will increase the accuracy and distance you will be able to shoot. They are most commonly used on hunting rifles.
What makes a rimfire scope different?
Generally, rimfire scopes are parallax free and have reduced eye relief. This is because they are often used at shorter ranges, and parallax-free is desired.
What is parallax in a scope?
Parallax occurs when the target and reticle are on different planes within the scope. It is detectable when you move your head or eye around while looking through the scope, and the reticle appears to move or swim around the object at which you are aiming.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- Simmons 22 Mag 3-9x32mm
- Primary Arms 3-9x44mm
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm
- Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x50mm
- Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
- 22LR Ammo
Have you added a scope to your 22LR rifle?
Which one did you go with?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?
This list of the Best Red Dot Sights can help you choose the best optic for your rifle.
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