11 Best 22LR Scopes (Rimfire) for 2025 – Ranked by a Marine

Choosing the right optic for your .22LR rifle isn’t just about slapping on any old scope. It’s about matching the tool to the mission, whether that’s plinking soda cans at 50 yards or taking small game with precision. A scope that’s overbuilt with excessive magnification and heavy turrets can be more of a hindrance than a help on a lightweight rimfire. My background as a Marine taught me the value of reliable, purpose-driven gear, and that philosophy applies directly to selecting the best 22LR scopes.

After testing dozens of models on everything from bolt-action trainers to semi-auto plinkers, I’ve ranked the top options based on clarity, durability, reticle usefulness, and overall value. The key is finding a scope that complements the rifle’s capabilities without breaking the bank. This list cuts through the marketing hype to give you real-world performance insights, helping you make a smart purchase for your specific needs. Let’s get into the rankings.

11 Best 22LR Scopes for 2025

• Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
• Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
• Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
• Burris Droptine Rimfire 4.5-14×42 Ballistic Plex
• UTG 3-9×32 AO Hunter Scope Mil-Dot
• Simmons 3-9×32 .22 MAG Rimfire Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire

I’ve run Vortex optics on everything from my service rifle to my hunting rigs, and their Crossfire II rimfire model continues that tradition of reliability. The 2-7x magnification is the sweet spot for a .22; it gives you a wide field of view for close, fast shots on squirrels, and enough power to see your bullet holes on paper at 50 yards. The optics are surprisingly clear for this price point, with a fully multi-coated lens that pulls in a good amount of light during those last minutes of shooting light in the woods. It feels solid, not cheap, and the fast-focus eyepiece makes getting a sharp sight picture quick and easy.

What really sets this scope apart for me is Vortex’s VIP warranty. It’s unconditional. If you have a problem, they fix it, no questions asked. That’s a level of confidence you don’t always get. The reticle is a simple duplex, which is perfect for a rimfire where you’re not doing complex holdovers. It’s also parallax-adjusted for 50 yards right out of the box, which is exactly where you need it for most .22LR shooting. I’ve used this scope on a Ruger 10/22 for years, and it has held zero perfectly through bumps and knocks that would have compromised lesser scopes.

Pros

• Excellent glass clarity for the price
• Perfect 2-7x magnification range for rimfire use
• Vortex’s unbeatable VIP warranty

Cons

• No adjustable objective for precise parallax correction
• Turret adjustments are a bit mushy compared to higher-end models

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA

When you want American-made quality without spending a fortune, the Leupold VX-Freedom is a top contender. This scope is incredibly lightweight, which is a huge advantage on a .22 rifle that you might carry for miles. The Twilight Light Management System is not just marketing; it genuinely extends your shooting time by optimizing light transmission and reducing glare. I’ve found the image to be bright and sharp from edge to edge, which is what I expect from Leupold. The 3-9x range gives you plenty of versatility for target shooting and hunting.

The dedicated rimfire MOA reticle is a game-changer. It’s calibrated for a 40-grain bullet zeroed at 50 yards, with hashmarks that correspond to common drop points at 75, 100, and 125 yards. This takes the guesswork out of longer shots. The turrets are finger-adjustable and have a positive click, and they’re capped to prevent accidental changes. Leupold’s reputation for ruggedness is well-earned; this scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It’s a premium option that, while a bit more expensive, delivers performance that can last a lifetime.

Pros

• Superb optical clarity with Twilight Light Management System
• Very lightweight and durable construction
• Useful rimfire-specific MOA reticle for holdovers

Cons

• Higher price point than many other rimfire scopes
• No adjustable objective for competitive target shooting

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150

It’s a real shame Nikon left the riflescope market, because the Prostaff Rimfire II is one of the best values ever made. If you can find one, grab it. The BDC 150 reticle was specifically engineered for the trajectory of a .22LR round zeroed at 50 yards. The circles on the reticle correspond to 75, 100, and 125 yards, making longer-range plinking or pest control remarkably straightforward. The optics are fantastic, with Nikon’s proprietary lens coatings providing a bright, high-contrast image that rivals scopes costing much more.

I’ve always appreciated the simple, ergonomic design of the Prostaff. The eyepiece focuses smoothly, and the magnification ring turns with just the right amount of resistance. It’s nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, so it can handle wet weather without any issues. While Nikon’s warranty service is now limited, the build quality of this scope is such that you’re unlikely to need it. This scope represents a peak in rimfire-specific design that is now a bit of a collector’s item, but absolutely worth seeking out for its performance.

Pros

• Excellent BDC 150 reticle designed for .22LR ballistics
• Superior optical quality for the price
• Reliable, waterproof, and fog-proof construction

Cons

• Becoming difficult to find since Nikon discontinued production
• Limited warranty support available now

Burris Droptine Rimfire 4.5-14×42 Ballistic Plex

For the shooter who wants to push a .22LR to its limits, the Burris Droptine offers more magnification than almost any other scope in its class. The 4.5-14x range is ideal for precision target shooting or for identifying small pests at extended ranges. The large 42mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, and the Ballistic Plex reticle provides subtensions for accurate holdover and windage corrections. I’ve used this scope for NRL22-style shooting, and it holds its own against more expensive competitors.

A key feature is the adjustable objective (AO) that allows you to correct for parallax from 10 yards to infinity. This is critical for maintaining accuracy at different distances. The scope is built on a one-piece tube, making it robust and reliable. The finger-adjustable turrets have a positive click, and while they are not designed for frequent re-zeroing, they are perfectly adequate for a rimfire. If your goal is small groups at 100 yards and beyond, the Burris Droptine gives you the tools you need without a huge investment.

Pros

• High 4.5-14x magnification is great for long-range rimfire
• Adjustable objective for parallax correction at any range
• Clear glass and a useful Ballistic Plex reticle

Cons

• Can be overkill for basic plinking and hunting under 50 yards
• Larger and heavier than lower-powered scopes

UTG 3-9×32 AO Hunter Scope Mil-Dot

UTG (Under The Gun) is known for producing feature-packed scopes at budget-friendly prices, and this 3-9×32 model is a prime example. What you get for the money is impressive: an Adjustable Objective (AO) for parallax correction, a Mil-Dot reticle for range estimation, and a robust, heavy-duty build. The scope features UTG’s “True Strength” platform, and in my testing, it has proven to be surprisingly shockproof. The AO is especially useful for .22LR shooting, as it allows you to maintain a precise point of aim at various distances, from 10 yards out to 100.

The Mil-Dot reticle might seem complex for a rimfire, but it’s actually very handy if you want to learn the basics of mil-ranging or need a precise aiming point for small targets. The turrets are finger-adjustable with clear, positive clicks. While the optical clarity isn’t on par with a Vortex or Leupold, it is more than adequate for most plinking and hunting scenarios, especially in good light. For a beginner or someone on a tight budget who still wants features like an AO, the UTG represents outstanding value.

Pros

• Includes an Adjustable Objective, rare at this price
• Mil-Dot reticle adds versatility for ranging and holdovers
• Very durable construction for a budget scope

Cons

• Glass clarity and light transmission are lower than premium brands
• Can be a bit heavy compared to simpler models

Simmons 3-9×32 .22 MAG Rimfire Riflescope

The Simmons .22 MAG is a classic entry-level scope that has been a go-to for decades, and for good reason. It’s affordable, simple, and it works. The 3-9x magnification covers all the basics, and the .22 Magnum Range Estimating (RE) reticle is pre-calibrated for common .22 cartridges. The reticle has aiming points for 50, 100, 150, and 200 yards, which is optimistic for a .22LR but can be useful for a .22 WMR. For a standard .22LR, the 50 and 100-yard marks are the most practical.

This scope is lightweight and has a slim profile, so it won’t weigh down your rifle. The optics are coated to reduce glare, and while they won’t win any awards for brilliance, they get the job done in daylight hours. The waterproof and fog-proof construction is a nice touch at this price point. It’s not a scope for a serious competitor, but for a young shooter’s first rifle or a casual plinker, the Simmons provides reliable performance without any fuss. It’s the definition of a solid, no-frills workhorse.

Pros

• Extremely affordable and widely available
• Simple, effective reticle with useful holdover points
• Lightweight and reliable for casual use

Buying Guide: 11 Best 22LR Scopes (Rimfire) for 2025 – Ranked by a Marine

Listen up. Picking a scope for your .22LR isn’t about finding a piece of gear for a battle rifle. It’s about matching the tool to the job. A .22 is for plinking, small game hunting, and building fundamental skills. You don’t need a scope that costs more than the rifle. You need something that’s tough, clear, and makes sense for the short range of a rimfire. Based on my experience, here’s what to look for when you’re choosing one of the 11 best 22LR scopes (rimfire) for 2025.

First, think about magnification. For most .22 work, you simply don’t need a lot of power. A variable scope like a 2-7x or 3-9x is the sweet spot. This gives you a wide field of view on the low end for quick shots on squirrels or fast-paced plinking, and enough zoom on the high end for precise shot placement at 75-100 yards. Fixed power scopes, like a 4x, are also a fantastic, simple, and often more affordable option.

Next, the objective lens size matters for light gathering. A 32mm or 40mm objective is perfect. It keeps the scope low and light on the rifle. You’re not shooting at dawn or dusk most of the time with a .22, so you don’t need a huge 50mm bell that requires sky-high rings.

The reticle is your interface with the target. A standard Duplex reticle is my top recommendation. It’s uncluttered, fast to use, and the thick posts thin down to a fine center crosshair for precision. Avoid busy tactical reticles; they’re overkill for a rimfire. However, if you plan on a lot of shooting at varying distances, a scope with an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus is a game-changer. It lets you correct for parallax, which is critical for accuracy at closer ranges typical of .22 shooting. This feature is worth the extra cost if you’re serious about tiny groups.

Finally, consider the build. You want a scope that can handle the unique recoil impulse of a .22LR. It’s not heavy recoil, but it’s a different frequency that can shake cheaper scopes apart. Look for scopes that are specifically rated for rimfire use. They often have parallax set at 50 yards from the factory, which is more useful than the 100-yard standard on centerfire scopes. Get a scope that feels solid, has crisp adjustments, and comes from a reputable company that stands behind its products. Your .22 deserves it.

FAQ

What magnification scope is best for a .22LR rifle?

For almost all .22LR uses, a low-to-mid range variable scope is the best choice. I find a 3-9×32 or 2-7×32 scope to be the most versatile. The low end (2x or 3x) is excellent for close-range, fast-moving targets and general plinking. The high end (7x or 9x) gives you more than enough magnification for precise shots on small game out to 100 yards. You can certainly go with a fixed 4x power scope, which is simple and very effective, but the flexibility of a variable scope is hard to beat.

Why is an Adjustable Objective (AO) important on a rimfire scope?

An Adjustable Objective (AO) is crucial because .22LR rifles are often used at very short distances, like 25 to 50 yards. Parallax error becomes a significant problem at these ranges if your scope’s parallax is fixed at a longer distance, like 100 yards. An AO allows you to dial the parallax setting down to 10, 25, or 50 yards, eliminating that error and ensuring your point of aim is your true point of impact. It’s one of the single best features for improving accuracy with a .22.

Can I use a centerfire rifle scope on my .22?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Centerfire scopes are typically parallax-adjusted for 100 yards or more. Using one on a .22 at 50 yards will likely cause parallax issues, making accurate shooting difficult. They are also often heavier, larger, and more expensive than what a .22 requires. A scope built specifically for rimfire use will perform better for the task and usually represents a better value for your money. When looking at the 11 best 22LR scopes (rimfire) for 2025, you’ll notice they are all designed with these specific challenges in mind.

How much should I spend on a .22LR scope?

This depends on your goals. You can find perfectly serviceable .22 scopes in the $100 to $250 range that will handle plinking and hunting without any problems. If you’re into competitive shooting or want the absolute best glass clarity and tracking precision, you might look into models from $300 to $600. The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to get a high-quality scope that will last a lifetime on your rimfire.

What type of reticle is easiest to use on a .22?

Keep it simple. A standard Duplex reticle is the easiest and most effective for the vast majority of .22 shooting. The thick outer posts help your eye quickly find the center, and the fine crosshairs in the middle allow for precise aiming. Fancy mil-dot or BDC reticles are unnecessary unless you are doing very specific types of shooting where holdovers are constantly needed. For a beginner or casual shooter, a clean Duplex can’t be beat.

Do I need high-quality rings and mounts for a .22?

Yes, absolutely. This is a common mistake. Cheap rings and mounts can slip, lose zero, and generally cause frustration. It doesn’t matter how good your scope is if it’s not secured properly to the rifle. Invest in a solid set of rings that match the rail on your rifle (usually a 3/8″ dovetail or a Picatinny rail). A good mount is just as important as the scope itself for consistent performance.