Ruger precision rifles are so versatile yet easily affordable that they make for a great choice for entry-level precision shooters. Because of their versatility, your scope choice will also differ based on your intended use.
For instance, for the Ruger Precision Rimfire .22lr where you’ll be doing mostly short-range shooting and plinking, a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x will be fine for you. On the other hand, scopes with magnifications in the range of 6-24x or 5-20x are often preferred for mid to long-range shooting when your RPR is chambered in .308 or 6mm Creedmoor.
But no money is ever wasted when invested in quality optics. We reviewed some of today’s best scopes for Ruger Precision Rifles that budget-conscious shooters will love to check out. Here comes our findings.
Our Reviewed Best Scopes for Ruger Precision Rifles
Vortex Optics 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope (Editor’s Choice)
The Ruger Precision Rifle is top-drawer stuff. The high-end rifle chassis is designed from the ground up. Chassis guns are those where the barrel and stock are bolted. A beauty like The Ruger Precision Rifle needs a perfect scope, one that delivers at extreme range accurately. The Ruger has a flattop profile that makes it pretty easy to mount a scope.
Crossfire II is a darn good choice. Coming from the reputable Vortex stable, this 2-7 X 32 scope is what you can score with at 1000 yards
With its multicoated lenses, and great waterproofing, this scope made of aircraft-grade aluminum is highly durable that is low weight. However it a Second Focal Plane scope.
What we liked and did not like:
- The turrets are adjustable, are capped, and present a low profile. But they are rather squishy and do not have audible clicks. The turrets track poorly and the maximum magnification is 12x because of this.
- We quite liked the BDC reticle. It is a great choice as you can extend the range without messing around without adjusting the turrets.
- Another bothersome on higher magnifications upwards of 7x is the eye box of the Crossfire II. It has to be exact to fully take in the sight picture. Furthermore, the edges of the glass get blurry.
- We found it pretty disadvantageous that the reticle is not illuminated.
- Our team pretty much liked the fast-focus eyepiece.
We decided to compare the performance of Crossfire II. So we lined it up with the similar priced Vortex Diamondback. The glass is a great deal clearer and the reticle crisper. The eye box for the Diamond is a lot more forgiving. When we tested them at dusk, the Diamondback proved to be brighter. The Diamondback also scored higher on turret adjustment with its clear clicks.
Specifications
Pros
- Affordable
- Illuminated and BDC reticle options
- Zero resettable turrets
- Vortex transferable lifetime warranty
Cons
- Glass not good enough with higher magnification
- Eye box inadequate on higher magnification
- Light transmission not so good in low light conditions.
- Turrets do not track well
Our Verdict
The Vortex Crossfire II is a budget scope. It can help in getting your hunting and range shooting done well without breaking the bank. We can say that it is an okay scope for entry-level. It is great value for money though.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes (Great Value)
The Diamondback Tactical is the ideal objective Vortex for the RPG. It is a First Focal Plane scope that promises superior performance and ensures that all the requirements of you – the user – are met. Made of premium materials, the Diamondback has great loadbearing capacity.
With this high-quality scope, downing prey at a distance can be quite accurate.
The reticle is an EBR-2C MOA. This primary and important feature is pretty effective in determining ranges, windage corrections, holdovers, and leads to moving targets. Laser etchings that boast ultra-precision on the glass that ensures MOA specs tolerances are kept to the minimum possible.
It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is hard anodized. Fog-proof, waterproof, and shock-free, this scope passes all checks with flying colors.
Other noteworthy features are the Precision- Force Spring system and the Precision Glide Erector system make it easier for the hunter.
- We find that the most awesome aspect of this scope is its optic system. The 6 – 24x magnification coupled with a 50 mm objective makes us sit up.
- Another huge plus we find is the sturdy construction and well-mounted turrets. When twisted into position are near impossible to dislodge even if you bump into things or move around in the undergrowth.
- We quite found the reticle crosshairs an optimum balance between precision aiming in poor light visibility. The windage reference dots on the droplines are a major improvement.
- This beauty is lightweight to boot.
- Care shows. It comes with both lens covers, a lens cloth, and a sunshade
- By far what appealed to us the most was their guarantee policy. Vortex products come with their VIP guarantee which is a Very Important Promise. It bypasses how it happened, whose fault, or where it was purchased. Vortex undertakes that if repair is not a viable option, they will replace it. No questions asked.
Specifications
Pros
- Has a 30 mm shock-proof tube
- Comes with a glass that is low-dispersion
- Reticle focusing is effortless
Cons
- Light may be lost at higher magnifications
Our Verdict
In one sentence, the Vortex Diamondback is a marvelous piece of work. Just what the doctor ordered to partner with the Ruger Professional Gun. Vector has once again furthered their credentials in the field of optics. And wonders, it is budget-friendly too. Their warranty offered speaks volumes about their confidence in this scope. We are truly enthralled with it.
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 (Budget Choice)
The CVLife 6-24×50 offers plenty of features for the price it comes at. The turrets are capped, are of solid construction, and easily adjustable. The zero holds well even after many shots.
Adjustments for elevation and windage are in 1/18 inch increments with every click at 100 yards. The illumination type of this scope is AOE(around the objective end) red and green.
It is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The reticle is a red and green mildot with 5 levels of brightness controls. A parallax adjustment is not provided. The eyepiece has accurate dioptric adjustment.
The multicoated optics enhance picture quality. The coating is scratch proof and protects from dust, smudges, and other damage.
- We found that the adjustment range is overall sufficient but unfortunately the parallax adjustment is not provided.
- We also found the glass quality a bit lacking and not what more expensive scopes provide. However, we admit it’s better than what we expected.
- Another plus is that this scope is easily adjustable and once you have sighted it, hitting the target constantly is easy.
- The mounts are not a universal fit. They are for weaver dovetail and Picatinny rails. The provided manual is not very helpful so you have to play around to figure it out. The mount scopes provided are simply not great. You have to buy additional rings and mounts to do away with the problem.
Specifications
Pros
- Great for long-range shooting
- Easily adjustable
- Easily zeroed
- Satisfactory zoom quality
Cons
- Glass quality could be better
- Not suitable for all rifles
Our Verdict
The CVLIFE 6-24 x 50 is one of the best scopes for Ruger Precision rifles for long-range hunting and shooting with a solid construction. The adjustments are simple and easy. You will not be handicapped getting a shot at the target once you have zeroed the scope. This scope is suitable for use in low-light conditions. The optics on other similar scopes are better though but they cost a whale lot more.
Pinty 3-9X40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope
Pinty is an optics company that is situated in China. The scope rings can be easily fitted on any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rails. The reticle type is the Rangefinder rather than a Mildot and is AOE red and green with 5 levels of brightness.
It is made of aerospace aluminum and is pretty sturdy and versatile. Lens covers are provided. Warranty conditions do not get a mention anywhere.
- One huge letdown is the lack of parallax adjustment. This boils down to efficient shooting within 100 yards. Beyond that, your estimate of drop distance comes into play.
- We found that the lenses could slip out of position darkening and blurring the objective.
- We did discover a rather simple way to zero. Spin the focus knob on the rear till the crosshairs are visible clearly and you are good to go. But this is an area the makers need to take a keen look at. If it can zero and hold it, we are looking at a deal changer.
- We dig the colored reticle that works superbly in low light conditions. Great value honestly.
- We were disappointed with the limited adjustment. The problem was with the crosshairs which hamper zeroing.
- Also, we were not impressed with the seals. They appeared somewhat flimsy. There is the danger of the nitrogen purging escaping, rendering the fog proofing and water-proofing appear dicey.
- The included rings are of poor quality.
- In its praise the build quality is sound.
- We also found that the Rangefinder capabilities could be better but it’s not a deal-breaker. The calculatable range hash marks provide an alternative.
- We loved the zoom feature. It worked pretty fine.
Specifications
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Water and fog-proof
- Easy to mount
- Ideal illumination
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
- Objective not adjustable
Our Verdict
Considering the price point, the Pinty appears to be of decent quality. However, we feel they may not last your entire shooting career. But then again there are few scopes, even expensive ones that may not last forever. We would welcome being more informative and come out with more details. Right now, it’s a bit sketchy and they need to be more forthcoming. A riflescope is not a toy. Hopefully, as more shooters use their scope and reviews pour in, they will get wiser. For now, have a blast on a budget.
Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope (511039)
The Simmons 3-9 x 32 .22 Mag is pretty suitable for small game hunting, varmint hunting, and target shooting. Nevertheless, the optics Simmons has put into the .22 has large-game optics into much-favored rimfire scope, the Mag .22.
This scope is far from cheap, ordinary, or flimsy. The body is constructed of one piece for unmatched durability under the most trying field conditions. It is still a budget scope but comes with a terrific booster- the lens coating that is HydoShield and can weather it all.
That’s not all. The eyepiece is Quick Target Acquisition with an eye relief of 3.75 inches for a swift and immediate sight picture. Make things a good deal comfy when out in the field, SureGrip adjustments can be used even with gloved hands.
The included rings are 1 inch with ? dovetail mounts that will fit most .22 rifle grooves.
- We found the reticle somewhat wanting. The reticle is what Simmons terms a Truplex. The crosshairs are thick and extend all the way to the edges of the field of view. The crosshairs thin out towards the center of the reticle without a stadia line or dots to figure out ballistic yardages. A big letdown.
- Another sore point with us is that the adjustments are somewhat non-responsive.
- The other thing that got us a bit disappointed was the lack of a parallax adjustment feature. However, there is a Matte Black and Silver finish in this line that does feature parallax adjustment by way of an objective that is adjustable.
- The Simmons .22 Mag is ultra-light which is a big winner.
- A big thumbs up to this feature-packed riflescope.
Specifications
Pros
- Affordable price
- Body of one-piece
- An eyepiece that is Quick Target Acquisition
- Reliable SureGrip
- Coating of HydroShield
Cons
- Issues with the reticle
- Issues with adjustment
Our Verdict
The Simmons .22 Mag riflescope hits the bullseye when it comes to the best scope for ruger precision rimfire 22. Simmons does offer what recreational hunters and shooters look for in a budget scope. Keeping it right on the money where the cost comes into play, and outperforming on quality are their hallmarks.
How to Find the Best Scopes for Ruger Precision Rifles?
1. Magnification
The right magnification is undoubtedly desirable for owning a profitable and perfect scope for the Ruger Precision Rifle. Excellent magnification translates into precise zooming in and out capabilities. Magnification plays a prime role in achieving your target with zero errors and zero difficulties.
A wider range of magnification provides a clear and crisp image of the object even when the range is far. A scope with adequate versatility can be used for both short and long-range shooting effectively.
Compare your options carefully and settle for the magnification called for in the situation. Initially, you need to figure out how to best use the optics system and you should make sure of the purpose of the scope. Don’t fall for the misconception that the widest magnification range is the most ideal to bag the target easily. Opting for wider magnification will result in blurry visuals.
In our experience, a magnification range of 12-18x gives a great field view and the right high elevation adjustment opportunity. This illustration can be of help.
And how much of objective diameter is required.
2. Distance
This factor is at the fore when looking for the best scope for Ruger Precision rifles. Depending on your shooting style, determine the average shooting distance first. Employing a short-range scope for a long-distance target will result in weak and blurred images that will leave you pretty much frustrated.
Mid-range shooting can be anything from 600 yards to 1500 yards. Over this range, we are looking at long-range. There are quite a few scopes in the market catering to short-range and mid-range.
You need to be a bit picky when it comes to a long-range scope. They are expensive but serve your purpose well.
3. Construction
The Ruger Precision Rifle calls for great scopes constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum. This ensures ruggedness. These scopes have to possess multiple standard proofs that ensure the scope’s capability to overcome adverse weather conditions and other trying external influences.
Performance and durability are furthered by reliable O-ring sealing and efficient gas purging. These features play an important role to detect targets without bothering about moisture and fogging issues.
4. Clarity and Glass Quality
Clarity, needless to say, is another crucial touchpoint when homing on that perfect scope for your Ruger Rifle. Obviously, if the clarity is missing in the sight or image, the entire effort put in to capture a target gets tossed out.
A clarity scope is one that will render strong and clear visuals even on max magnification. The resulting detailed imagery can help you shoot a flea off your prey. So choose wisely.
5. Multiproof Technology
All adventure aspects of a scope can be accomplished perfectly if good care has gone into the gas filling and purging as well as O-ring sealing. Multiproof in the scope is a measure of good O-sealing arrangements that ensure nitrogen or argon purging offers optimal protection and performance in different weather conditions.
6. Reticle Style
In the industry, the term “reticle” simply refers to the crosshairs. The design of reticles is for many purposes, such as general hunting and low-light shooting and everything in between. There are so many different types of reticles that it is impossible to cover all of them.
To name a few, there is the original reticle, the Bullet drop Compensation reticle, the Millidot Radian reticle, The MIl reticle, the Minute of Angle reticle, the illuminated reticle, and so on.
We are interested here in what the suitable reticles are for the Ruger Precision Rifle. The starting point is that they must be practical, uncomplicated, and convenient visually for tactical operations and long-range competitors. Our research puts the Vortex EBR-2 at the forefront.
The MOAR reticle is another held in much favor.
This reticle offers great precision at extreme ranges. It allows accurate range-finding and holdover estimations at the longest destinations.
Great for beginners
The three main reticle types
7. Turrets
The fundamental and important role of the turret is that it serves to initialize your scope to zero. This is the procedure to finetune your scope’s reticle adjustment so your rounds make an impact with the target bang on. The key to understanding your optics is in understanding your turrets.
Turrets are important as they define the accuracy of your scope. Just screwing up the turrets will result in zilch. There are 3 important things to look for in a reliable turret:
- Reliability
- An audible “click’ sound
- Repeatability means that the turret adjustment is immediate. This is the hallmark of a high-quality turret.
These, simply put are knobs for adjustments to your scope on the horizontal and vertical planes. Each adjustment or click is measured as a measure of MOA or MRAD. Let’s take a look at the different types of turrets:
Windage Turret- This aligns your scope’s aim from left to right.
Elevation Turret – This adjusts your scope’s aim from the top to the bottom.
Parallax Adjustment Turret- This kob eliminates parallax.
8. Ease of adjustment
The sight picture has to be pretty perfect before you fire that first shot. There are a lot of adjustments that have to be pat before you press that trigger.
- The reticle should be centered and upright first of all. We are looking for a crisp and clear image. Blacking or smudging at the ends needs to be symmetrical. If that is not the case, we do need to readjust.
- The next thing to have a look at is eye relief. Looking through the scope, it should be within 3-9 inches. If you are uncomfortable with how close the eyepiece is to your eye, try adding an inch more. You don’t want the recoil to give you a black eye.
- The final adjustments will come when you take that first shot. The bullet can hit a bit high or low than anticipated. If the bullet hits high, the reticle has to be adjusted slightly higher and vice-versa. Yes, you heard that right. It’s a hit-and-trial endeavor.
- Windage adjustments work the same way. If you score a hit to the left of the target, you want to adjust the reticle to the left.
- Zeroing in is the sum result of the above mentioned. Set up your rifle in a static, immovable position. Fire 3 shots.
- Check the results, make further adjustments to elevation and windage knobs till you score that perfect bullseye.
- You are up for business now.
9. Lens coating
Cutting to the chase, lens coatings are integral. They have to be foolproof. There are four basic ways this is done:
Coated- A single layer covers only one surface of the scope.
Fully-Coated- All the external glass is coated in a single layer.
Multicoated- Several layers coat one surface
Fully Multicoated- All the external glass on the scope is coated in several layers
10. Warranty and Budget
Buy once, cry once – the only thing you need to remember when setting up a budget for your rifles. For long-range shooting and hunting, you’ll need quality glasses, and they don’t come cheap. In fact, these types of optics often end up costing more than the firearm itself.
However, not everybody can afford the best scope for Ruger Precision rifles. That’s why most of our choices were made keeping the budget-conscious gun enthusiast in mind.
Scope care and maintenance tips
A well-designed riflescope is fog-proof and water-proof. A well-designed scope is made for taking a beating. They can sure deal with a little bit of dirt and grime. But what can harm them seriously are gun cleaning solvents and powders. These will wreak havoc and cause irreparable damage. The solution- quality lens caps.
Now some Dos and Don’ts
- Never touch your scope with your hands. This is a surefire way to mess things. Whenever there are smudges or dirt, we instinctively use our shirtsleeves to clear them off. Big, big mistake. You will scratch the lens. Use a microfiber cloth or a lens pen, please.
- You spent big bucks for your hunting rig. Just spend a few minutes after each outing cleaning up.
- Do not forget to examine the scope. Report any cracks or any external issues to the makers immediately. The equipment can fail so this correction/ repair/ replacement is imperative.
- How you stow away your scope is another vital action. Make sure it is well-wrapped in a solid scope cover and we are good.
FAQs
1. What magnification do I need for my Ruger Precision Rifle?
Ans: This mainly depends on your intended use. For long-range shooting, you’ll need a higher magnification scope such as a 5-25x or 6-24x. For closer range shooting or hunting, 1-6x or 2-10x will do.
2. How Much Should I Spend on a Scope for a Ruger Precision Rifle?
Ans: By current market estimates we are looking at anything from $800 to $1500. But then there is a 2 to 1 rule; if your gun costs $1000, you should spend $500 on the scope.
3. Should I use MOA or MIL?
Ans: Both MOA or MIL have their own place. Both are linear values to decide upon. There are no clear winners here. Shoot with whatever you are comfortable with.
4. How far can the Ruger precision rifle shoot?
Ans: Out of the box, it can easily touch the coveted 1000 meter mark. The current CEO of Ruger Professional Guns, Mike Fifer pegs it at 1600 meters. Why don’t you check it out yourself?
5. Do I need to use a specific size scope rings for the Ruger Precision Rifle?
Ans: The Ruger Precision Rifle usually uses 30mm scope rings but some models may require 34mm or other sizes depending on the scope and the rifle configuration.
6. Can I use a red dot sight on a Ruger Precision Rifle?
Ans: Yes, you can use a red dot sight on the Ruger Precision Rifle if you prefer a simple and lightweight sighting system. But since most people use this bolt-action rifle for long-range shooting, a red dot sight won’t do any good in long ranges.