Choosing the right scope for your .22LR rifle is about more than just hitting a target; it’s about maximizing the potential of one of the most versatile and enjoyable firearms available. A proper rimfire scope accounts for the unique trajectory of the .22LR cartridge and enhances everything from plinking sessions to small game hunting. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect balance of performance, features, and value can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we’ve field-tested a range of popular models to see how they perform in real-world conditions. This roundup focuses on scopes that offer reliable performance without breaking the bank, whether you’re a seasoned shooter looking for tactical features or a new rifle owner seeking a simple, effective setup. Our selections are built to handle the rigors of the field and provide a clear advantage on every outing.
Our Top Picks for .22LR Rifle Scopes
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
- Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
- Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Riflescope
- UTG 3-9×32 AO BugBuster Scope with Rings
- Simmons .22 Mag 3-9×32 Riflescope
- Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40
For the shooter who demands precision from their .22LR, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a top-tier choice. Its 4-12x magnification range is ideal for reaching out to longer distances, while the 40mm objective lens provides a bright, clear sight picture. The scope is built to be durable, with a one-piece tube that stands up to recoil and rough handling, ensuring it remains a reliable piece of your kit for years.
The VMR-1 MOA reticle is located in the second focal plane, which keeps the markings clean and usable at any magnification setting. This feature, combined with extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses, allows for exceptional clarity and color fidelity. The hashmarked reticle can be used for range estimation, holdovers, and windage corrections, making this scope much more than a simple magnifier.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
The Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire is specifically engineered for the trajectory of .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR cartridges. The 2-7x variable power offers fantastic versatility, allowing for quick target acquisition on low power and more precise aiming on higher settings. Its compact and lightweight design maintains the handy, balanced feel of your rimfire rifle.
Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission for a bright image in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk in the woods. The fast-focus eyepiece allows you to quickly adjust the reticle to your eye, and the capped reset turrets are both simple to use and protected from accidental adjustments. It’s a robust, user-friendly scope that delivers proven Vortex performance.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
Leupold is a name synonymous with quality, and the VX-Freedom Rimfire scope brings that heritage to your .22. Built with the legendary toughness and waterproof performance Leupold is known for, this scope is a buy-once-cry-once option. The 3-9x magnification is the classic all-around choice for most rimfire applications, from hunting to target shooting.
It features a dedicated rimfire reticle calibrated for the ballistic drop of .22LR ammunition, taking the guesswork out of holdovers at various distances. The Twilight Light Management System provides extra minutes of shooting light in the morning and evening, and the motion sensor technology ensures the scope conserves battery life by powering down when not in use.
Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150
The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II is a fantastic option that leverages Nikon’s expertise in optics. The BDC 150 reticle is specifically designed for the trajectory of a .22LR bullet zeroed at 50 yards, with circles indicating holdover points out to 150 yards. This takes the complication out of shooting at extended ranges and helps you make more consistent hits.
With a 3-9x magnification and a 40mm objective lens, it gathers plenty of light for clear viewing. The entire optical system is fully multicoated, meaning you get a bright, high-contrast image. While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the Prostaff Rimfire II remains a popular and capable choice if you can find one available.
Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 Riflescope
Bushnell delivers exceptional value with this dedicated rimfire scope. The 3-9×40 configuration provides a great balance of field of view and magnification for most .22LR tasks. It is built to be waterproof and fog-proof, so you can confidently use it in all weather conditions without worrying about internal moisture ruining your view.
It features a multi-coated optical system for a clear sight picture and a rimfire-optimized reticle with drop compensation markers. The adjustments are precise and reliable, allowing for easy zeroing. For hunters and plinkers looking for a no-fuss, dependable scope from a trusted brand, the Bushnell Rimfire is a solid and affordable selection.
UTG 3-9×32 AO BugBuster Scope with Rings
The UTG BugBuster stands out for its compact size and feature set, including a built-in sunshade. Its most notable feature is the AO (Adjustable Objective), which allows you to parallax-correct the scope from as close as three yards to infinity. This makes it an excellent choice for close-range pest control or benchrest shooting where precision is key.
It comes complete with rings, offering great out-of-the-box value. The scope is also shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, ensuring it can handle the demands of field use. With its emerald-coated lenses and precise, finger-adjustable turrets, the BugBuster punches well above its weight class in terms of performance per dollar.
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9×32 Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag is a long-standing budget favorite that consistently delivers reliable performance. Its simple and effective design features a 3-9x magnification range that is perfectly suited for a .22 rifle. The QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece allows for faster sighting, which can be a real advantage on moving targets or in dense brush.
It is waterproof, fog-proof, and recoil-proof, making it a durable companion for your adventures. The lenses are treated with a silver coating to enhance brightness and clarity. For those just starting out or for a rifle that doesn’t need a high-end optic, the Simmons .22 Mag represents outstanding value and functionality.
Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
The Barska Plinker-22 is an entry-level scope designed specifically for .22 caliber rifles. It offers the popular 3-9×32 configuration in a lightweight and compact package that won’t weigh down a handy rimfire. This scope provides a cost-effective way to add magnification to your rifle, improving accuracy over iron sights.
It features a hunter-style reticle and fully coated optics for a clear view. The adjustments are reliable for zeroing, and the scope is built to withstand the light recoil of a .22LR. If you are looking for the most economical way to get into a variable-power rimfire scope, the Barska Plinker-22 is a functional starting point.
What to Look For in a Rimfire Rifle Scope
When I started looking for the best rimfire rifle scopes for my .22LR, I quickly realized they aren’t just smaller, cheaper versions of centerfire scopes. They’re built for a specific job. The .22LR is a fun, low-recoil round used for plinking, small game hunting, and introductory shooting sports. Your scope needs to match that mission without breaking the bank. After testing a bunch, I’ve found a few key things that really matter.
First, let’s talk about parallax. This is a big one that many new shooters overlook. Most standard rifle scopes are set with a parallax focus at 100 yards. A .22LR bullet drops significantly at that range. You’ll be shooting much closer, typically from 25 to 75 yards. A scope with an Adjustable Objective (AO) lets you correct for parallax error at these shorter distances. This means your crosshair won’t appear to move on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered, giving you much better accuracy. For a dedicated .22LR scope, an AO is a feature I now consider essential.
Next is magnification. You don’t need a lot of power. A .22LR isn’t a long-range cannon. A variable scope in the 2-7x or 3-9x range is the sweet spot. This gives you a wide field of view for close, fast-moving targets like squirrels, and enough power to precisely aim at a small target 50 yards away. Fixed power scopes, like a 4x, are also a solid, simple, and often more affordable choice.
Finally, consider the reticle and turrets. Many rimfire-specific scopes come with a “rimfire” reticle that has extra holdover marks. These are hash marks below the main crosshair that help you compensate for the bullet’s drop at longer ranges without fiddling with the knobs. It’s a super handy feature. As for turrets, most .22LR scopes have “non-resettable” turrets, which is fine for the vast majority of uses. You’ll typically sight in once and use the holdovers. Just make sure they track reliably.
FAQ
What makes a scope “rimfire” specific?
A true rimfire scope is built with the .22LR’s characteristics in mind. The most important feature is an Adjustable Objective (AO) parallax correction that goes down to 25 or even 10 yards, unlike standard scopes set for 100 yards. They also often have simpler, non-resettable turrets and may include a reticle with built-in holdover points to account for the .22 bullet’s significant drop at longer distances. They are generally lighter and more compact to match the lightweight rifles they sit on.
Is a 3-9x scope too much for a .22LR rifle?
Not at all. A 3-9x scope is actually one of the most versatile choices for a .22LR. On its lower 3x setting, it’s perfect for quick, close-range shots in thick brush. Crank it up to 7x or 9x, and you have the precision needed for headshots on squirrels or punching small targets at 75-100 yards. It’s a great “do-it-all” magnification range that gives you options without being overkill.
Why is parallax adjustment so important for a .22 scope?
Parallax error causes your point of impact to shift if your head moves even slightly behind the scope. Since you’re shooting at much shorter ranges with a .22LR—often 25 to 50 yards—a scope with a fixed 100-yard parallax will have significant error. An Adjustable Objective (AO) lets you set the parallax to the exact distance you’re shooting, eliminating this error and ensuring your crosshair is exactly where the bullet will go, which is critical for small targets and accuracy.
Can I use a regular centerfire rifle scope on my .22?
You physically can, but I don’t recommend it for serious use. The main issue is parallax. A centerfire scope’s parallax is set for 100+ yards, so at typical .22 ranges, you’ll likely struggle with accuracy. They are also often heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than necessary for a rimfire. Your money is better spent on one of the many purpose-built rimfire rifle scopes for .22LR that are designed to perform perfectly within the cartridge’s effective range.
What is a good budget for a quality .22LR scope?
The great news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. The market for rimfire optics is very competitive. You can find excellent, reliable scopes with features like AO and multi-coated lenses in the $100 to $250 range. Spending more might get you slightly better glass clarity or more robust construction, but for most plinking and small game hunting, the scopes in this budget bracket are more than capable.