Looking for the best 22 LR Scopes? You are in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top-performing scopes for .22 LR rifles, covering everything from budget-friendly options for casual shooters to advanced optics designed for hunters and competitive marksmen.
When selecting the best .22 LR scope, it’s essential to consider magnification, reticle type, durability, and ease of adjustment. Unlike high-powered rifles, the .22 LR benefits more from optics that strike a balance between clarity and practical features, rather than sheer magnification. Scopes with variable power, parallax adjustment, and reliable turrets allow you to fine-tune your shots with precision, while lightweight builds keep your rifle balanced and easy to maneuver.
Best 22 LR Scopes
1. Vortex 2-7×32 Crossfire II Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex 2-7×32 Crossfire II Rimfire Riflescope is the bets 22 LR scope. It’s a reliable scope that punches well above its weight class, offering exceptional value for shooters of all levels.
As a well-balanced optic designed for hunters and shooters, it is built with a versatile 2-7x magnification range perfect for rimfire rifles. It offers enough zoom for both short and mid-range shots while maintaining a wide field of view.
Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses provide crisp, bright images, even in low-light conditions, which makes it particularly useful during early mornings or late evenings in the field. Its V-Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered, making target acquisition fast and intuitive, especially for hunters and beginners who want a straightforward aiming solution.
Regarding portability, the 32mm objective lens keeps the scope compact and lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm smaller rifles while still delivering excellent optical performance. The scope also features a forgiving eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, making it easier to get on target quickly and comfortably.
Durability is another standout feature of the Crossfire II Rimfire. The one-inch tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, offering waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof protection for reliable performance in any environment.
Above all, adjustments are smooth and precise, with finger-adjustable turrets that reset to zero after sight-in, ensuring hassle-free use in the field.
Pros
- Rugged build quality
- Excellent optics
- Affordable price point
- Versatile for small game hunting, plinking, and target shooting
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope
Carrying the renowned Leupold name, the VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope is a well-crafted optic designed with precision and reliability in mind, especially for rimfire rifles.
It stands out with Leupold’s renowned glass clarity, offering bright and sharp images even in low-light conditions. This makes it far more effective for early morning or late evening shooting.
Furthermore, the scope is lightweight and compact, which balances well on smaller rimfire platforms without feeling bulky or overwhelming. Its fine duplex reticle provides excellent target acquisition while keeping the sight picture uncluttered, making it easy to track small game or hit targets with consistency.
Regarding construction, the build quality is rugged, featuring scratch-resistant lenses and a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design that ensures dependable performance across varied environments.
Another highlight of the VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope is its 60-yard parallax setting, which is tuned specifically for rimfire use and provides remarkable accuracy at the shorter ranges where these rifles shine.
Moreover, adjustments are crisp and tactile, with precise tracking that holds zero even after repeated recoil. The scope also features a generous eye relief which makes it comfortable for long sessions at the range or in the field.
Pros
- Clear, bright optics with sharp edge-to-edge clarity
- Lightweight and well-balanced for rimfire rifles
- Parallax set for rimfire distances, enhancing accuracy
- Rugged, weatherproof build suitable for varied conditions
- Simple, user-friendly design with smooth adjustments
Cons
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Limited magnification range compared to higher-end scopes
3. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
As one of the best 22 LR scopes, the Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope 3-9×32 offers exceptional value and versatility. It is a well-balanced optic that delivers impressive clarity and performance for its price point.
Designed specifically for rimfire rifles, it offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range suitable for everything from close-range plinking to longer shots out in the field. The fully coated optics provide a surprisingly sharp and bright image, even in lower light conditions, and the Truplex reticle is clean, simple, and easy to use without unnecessary clutter.
Furthermore, its generous eye relief makes it comfortable for extended shooting sessions, and the field of view is wide enough to quickly acquire moving targets. The scope also features the SureGrip adjustments, which allow for smooth and precise windage and elevation changes, even with gloved hands.
Durability is another strong point of the Simmons .22 Mag. It is built with a rugged, shockproof housing that can stand up to the recoil of rimfire rifles while remaining lightweight enough not to throw off the balance of your setup.
More importantly, the HydroShield lens coating helps maintain a clear sight picture in different weather conditions, and the scope’s matte black finish resists glare while blending seamlessly with most rifle builds. Its installation is also straightforward thanks to the included rings, which is a welcome bonus at this price range.
Pros
- Affordable and great value for money
- Clear glass for its price range
- Lightweight and balances well on rimfire rifles
- Truplex reticle is simple and easy to use
- Versatile and reliable choice for hunters, target shooters, and recreational plinking
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Comes with mounting rings included
Cons
- Not suited for heavy recoil rifles
- Limited eye relief in some setups
4. Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is ideal for use at close range. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
Durability is the strongest point of the Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire. It is crafted from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum body, ensuring shockproof reliability. Furthermore, the optical tube is fully waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather performance.
The capped turrets are precise and easy to adjust, yet they stay protected from accidental bumps in the field. Eye relief is generous and consistent, allowing for comfortable use during extended shooting sessions.
Well, that’s not all. The Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope is designed with a versatile 2-7x magnification range that offers the flexibility to quickly acquire close-range targets while still providing enough power for longer rimfire shots.
To top it all off, its lightweight and compact build balances well on rimfire rifles without feeling bulky, enhancing overall handling.
Pros
- Clear, bright optics with fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in accurate long-range shooting
- Durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Lightweight and well-balanced for rimfire rifles
- Smooth magnification adjustment and quick focus eyepiece
Cons
- Limited magnification range compared to higher-end scopes
- Parallax is fixed at 50 yards, which may restrict long-distance precision
5. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope with a 1-inch tube and second focal plane design is an excellent choice for hunters and shooters seeking reliability and clarity without breaking the bank.
Its magnification range of 2-7x makes it highly versatile, providing a wide field of view at lower power for quick target acquisition while still offering enough zoom for medium-range accuracy.
Optically, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions, which is especially useful during dawn or dusk hunts. The second focal plane reticle design ensures that the crosshairs remain the same size throughout the magnification range, allowing for precise aiming without distraction.
As one of the best 22 LR scopes, it is built with a durable, shockproof, and weather-resistant body. The robust construction handles tough outdoor environments, giving users confidence that it will perform consistently regardless of the conditions.
In addition to its solid build quality, the Hawke Vantage stands out for its user-friendly design. The turrets are smooth and easy to adjust, making windage and elevation changes quick and accurate in the field. Besides, the scope has a compact and lightweight design so it balances well on most rifles without adding unnecessary bulk.
Pros
- Versatile and reliable companion for hunters and recreational shooters alike
- Affordable price point with solid performance
- Clear glass with fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Ideal magnification range for short to mid-range shooting
- Durable build with weather-resistant design
Cons
- Limited low-light performance
- Non-illuminated reticle
What Magnification Do You Need?
When choosing a .22 LR scope, the ideal magnification power largely depends on how you plan to use the rifle.
For general plinking, small game hunting, or target shooting at closer ranges under 100 yards, a low to moderate magnification in the range of 2x–7x is usually ideal. It provides a wide field of view and quick target acquisition.
On the other hand, if you’re engaging in precision shooting, such as rimfire competitions or varmint hunting at longer ranges, a variable scope with higher magnification like 9x–12x will be more beneficial, offering better clarity for small targets.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best 22 LR Scopes
Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
When selecting a scope for a .22 LR, the quality of the glass and lens coatings should be a top priority. High-quality optics ensure a sharp, bright, and distortion-free image, especially in low-light conditions such as early mornings or late evenings. Fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and maximize light transmission, giving you a clear sight picture.
Reticle Design and Functionality
Furthermore, the reticle should complement the .22 LR’s ballistics. Simple duplex reticles work well for quick target acquisition, while BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticles designed for rimfire calibers allow shooters to compensate for the .22 LR’s relatively quick drop in trajectory at longer ranges. A fine crosshair or target dot reticle may also be useful for precision shooting, especially in competition or varmint hunting. The choice of reticle should balance speed, precision, and usability based on your shooting purpose.
Parallax Adjustment and Focus
Scopes designed specifically for rimfire rifles usually feature adjustable parallax settings that match the shorter ranges typical of .22 LR shooting. Standard centerfire scopes are often set at 100 yards, which may not be ideal for a rimfire rifle. Instead, a rimfire scope with fixed parallax at 50 or 60 yards or one with adjustable parallax ensures that the target and reticle remain aligned, reducing aiming errors and improving accuracy for small targets at closer distances.
Durability and Build Quality
The best 22 LR scopes don’t need to handle the same recoil as high-powered rifles, but durability still matters. A well-constructed scope that is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof will withstand field conditions such as rain, dust, and temperature changes. A sturdy housing also ensures that the scope holds zero even after repeated use.
Eye Relief
Next, a comfortable eye relief is important for achieving a consistent shooting position. While the .22 LR has minimal recoil, a generous and forgiving eye box makes it easier to maintain a clear sight picture, especially for new shooters or those practicing quick follow-up shots. The best 22 LR scopes should also feature consistent eye relief to help reduce eye strain and ensure that you can stay on target without having to shift your head position constantly.
Adjustment Turrets and Tracking Reliability
Precise and repeatable turrets are essential when fine-tuning your shots. For .22 LR scopes, this often means having accurate windage and elevation adjustments that track consistently and return to zero reliably. Some shooters may prefer capped turrets to prevent accidental changes in the field. Others may prefer exposed turrets for quick adjustments during target shooting. The tactile feedback and clear markings on the turrets also contribute to a better shooting experience.
Weight and Size Balance
Lastly, consider weight and size balance. The .22 LR rifle is often valued for being lightweight and easy to handle, so the scope should not upset this balance. A compact, lightweight scope complements the rifle’s handling, making it easier to carry for long hunting trips or casual plinking sessions.
Best 22 LR Scopes FAQs
- Do I need an adjustable objective (AO) or parallax adjustment for a .22 LR scope?
Yes, if you shoot at varying distances under 100 yards. An AO or side parallax adjustment is helpful for sharper focus and accuracy.
- What is the effective range of a .22 LR rifle with a scope?
A .22 LR is most effective up to about 150 yards. Beyond that, bullet drop and wind drift become significant, even with a scope.
- Should I choose a rimfire-specific scope or a regular rifle scope?
A rimfire-specific scope is recommended because it’s designed for the shorter ranges and parallax settings typical of .22 LR rifles. However, some centerfire scopes with adjustable parallax can also work.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, choosing the best .22 LR scope depends on how you plan to use your rifle, whether it’s for plinking, small game hunting, or precision target shooting.
The rights scope should offer clarity, durability, and the right magnification range without adding unnecessary weight. From budget-friendly optics for casual shooters to advanced scopes built for accuracy and distance, today’s market has an option for every skill level.