5 Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR (Budget, .22 Caliber Long Rifle)

Best rimfire scope 22lr rifle

The 22 long rifle (LR) is popular for its low cost, moderate recoil, and good capability, with some reports of hitting targets as far as 200 yards. The round is used for common tasks like plinking, hunting small game, and pest management, especially because it is inexpensive.

Because the .22LR is a rimfire round, rimfire scopes have been made for use with it. These scopes are widespread, but just a few will give the shooter excellent results.

This article analyzes the best of these scopes, enabling the shooter to choose a scope that will deliver value in terms of both price and performance.

let’s dive in…

.22 LR Rimfire Scopes Top Picks

Product		Best Price
Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm		>Check on Opticsplanet
Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm		>Check on Opticsplanet
Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire		>Check on Opticsplanet
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm		Check on Amazon
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Circle-X		Check on Amazon

The detailed reviews….

1) Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

This is a scope built from scratch in the USA. And has been tested numerous times to make sure you get the best performance. When you pair it with your rifle. It features a fine duplex reticle in a tube diameter of 1”. Weighing just 0.46 lbs. And you get a fixed 4x magnification.

The objective lens isn’t unduly wide at only 28”. But irrespective of the size, you get images with sufficient brightness. Thanks to a multicoated lens. The narrow profile also makes the scope ergonomic and easy to use, even for an amateur.

The rifle is completely waterproof and fog proof and gives you adjustment for windage and elevation. It has also been adjusted to account for parallax up to 60 yards. So, if you require any parallax adjustment it would be for only long distant targets.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
• Magnification: 4 x
• Exit Pupil: 7 mm
• Field of View: 25.5 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief: 4.5 in
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Aluminum body
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• Weight: 7.5 oz

2) Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm scope

 

 

This scope is perfect for hunting because it includes the proprietary v-plex reticle. This reticle is thicker at the edges to facilitate faster target acquisition. That’s not all, a fully multicoated lens gives you one of the clearest images for any scope. A variable 2-7x magnification then lets you adapt to the distance of the target.

The scope is minimalist which makes it simple and easy to use. It is also durable in the form of rugged construction, which enables it to resist shocks and impact. This is further enhanced by waterproofing and argon gas purging to make it resistant to fog. You get numerous adjustments in 1/4 MOA increments. The lens has been tuned for parallax up to 50 yards. Still, the scope is affordable with all these features.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
• Magnification: 2 – 7 x
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Field of View: 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief:  3.1 – 3.5 in
• Weight: 14.2 oz

3) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scopes

 

 

Also known as the 22 mag, this is a very popular scope, owing to its dirt cheap price and its unique quick target acquisition (QTA) concept, which includes chunky dials for easier adjustments. In addition to a generous eye relief of 4 inches, that gives the shooter more flexibility to position the rifle where he feels most comfortable.

The scope gives you decent images thanks to its multicoated lens. And a 32mm diameter objective lens works well to let in enough light from the target.

The scope then adds durability in the form of a one-piece tube construction. And the ability to resist water, shock, and fog.

Features

• 32 mm Objective Lens Diameter
• Magnification: 3 – 9 x
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• 3.75 in Eye Relief
• Length: 12 in
• 0.25 MOA adjustments
• Weight: 10 oz

4) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm 1in Rifle Scope

 

 

What makes this scope ideal for a 22LR rifle is that it’s specially tuned for close to medium-range targets. This is achieved by the use of a 2-7x variable magnification. A multi-coated lens for a clear image, and a built-in glare-reducing sunshade.

The scope also incorporates several useful marksman aids. These include features like a fast reset to zero function on the windage and elevation turret. And a fast-focus eyepiece that quickly adjusts to moving targets.

That’s not all, the scope Is lightweight because it has been stripped down to make it streamlined, easy to use, and highly effective. It’s also waterproof, fog proof, and can withstand a reasonable amount of recoil and impact.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
• Magnification: 2 – 7 x
• Tube Diameter: 1 in
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum casing
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• Fully Multi-Coated lens
• Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
• Dimensions: 11.3 x 3.5 x 1.53 in
• Weight:14.3 oz

5) Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Circle-X Rifle Scope

 

 

If you need an all-rounder scope that’s good for hunting real game as well as competition, then this one strikes the perfect balance.

You get a variable 3-9x magnification that adapts to various ranges. Moreover,  the turret allows you to make quick adjustments, using just your finger, for moving targets. The scope also comes at a budget-friendly price.

The scope is equipped with a 40mm wide objective lens. This combined with the fact that it is multi-coated results in brighter images with no black edges. The brilliant images make it simple for the marksman to aim at a target with the efficient circle X reticle.

The scope has a decent eye relief of 4 inches. This gives you a lot of freedom to put your weapon wherever it feels most comfortable. Additionally, the tube is made of one piece for further durability. The scope is waterproof and fogproof.

Features

•  3-9x Magnification:
• 40mm objective lens diameter: 
• 4 inches of eye relief
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• Second focal plane
• Weighs 12.5 oz

Best Rimfire Scope for 22LR Rifle-Buying Guide

Magnification

This is denoted by ‘X’ and refers to the number of times the image of the target viewed through the scope has been enlarged. Magnification can be fixed or variable. Variable magnification is denoted by figures like 2-10x on the scope. This means that the scope has different magnifications from 2x to 10x.

Conversely, fixed magnification only uses one number like 2x. which is the only level of magnification available. Variable magnification is more useful because it allows the shooter to adjust it depending on the distance of the target. Whether short medium or long-range targets.

The type of magnification to be desired depends on how you intend to use your rifle. A 22lr has a realistic maxed-out range of 200 yards. So, any scope with a max 7x maximum magnification will suffice.

Objective lens

The first known attribute of a lens is its diameter. It is denoted by the last number on the nomenclature of the rifle. An example is a 3-9x32mm scope where the diameter of the lens measures 32mm. A wider diameter allows the ingress of more light making a brighter image.

A scope used with a 22LR doesn’t necessarily require anything greater than 40mm. This is because a bigger diameter can make the scope flustering to the user. Considering that the 22lr isn’t really a rifle for the pros or long-range.

Another thing one should look at on the lens is the number and type of coatings applied. A coating on the lens is meant to increase light transmission by reducing reflective loss. Some manufacturers go a step further and apply a scratch-resistant coating. To make the lens more durable which isn’t a bad idea.

Adjustments

The number and types of adjustments give the user a better chance to use a profile that suits them. Adjustments greatly affect the performance of a shooter when using a 22LR. Pay attention to the type of turret incorporated into your scope. Ideally, a turret should allow for easy and quick adjustments.

Also, consider the type of measurements used which can either be in Milliradians (Mils) or Minutes of angle (MOA). Different shooters prefer one over the other but most scope will incorporate the MOA.

Durability

A durable scope is always a value buy. This is because it will last for a remarkable duration. And you won’t be spending any more bucks on repairing it or getting a new one. Some tell tales of a durable scope is the type of material used on the casing, preferably a single-piece tube aluminum. It should also be indicated to absorb a considerable amount of shock, and impact, as well as resist elements like fog, water, and dust.

Best Rimfire scope for 22LR Rifle- FAQs

What is the effective range of a .22 LR?

The effective range of.22 LR varies depending on the load and target, although it is typically 130 to 150 yards. With perfect placement, however, one can kill targets as far as 200 yards away.

Is .22 LR good for hunting?

Yes, .22 LR is excellent for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds. It’s also used for pest control. However, its limited power means it’s not suitable for larger game.

Can a .22 LR be used for self-defense?

The 22LR can be used for self-defense, but it is less effective than larger calibers, including the 9mm. To effectively stop an intruder, larger calibers are recommended.

What is the difference between a rimfire scope and a rifle scope?

A rimfire scope has been specially designed to be used with low-recoil rifles. These scopes are mostly parallax-free at short ranges of up to 70 yards. They also come with a fairly short eye relief.

Do you need a rimfire scope?

Rimfire scopes are cheap compared to the other scopes meant for high-caliber rifles. This means they can be had for applications like; target practice and controlling varmints and other pests.

What is the advantage of rimfire ammunition?

First, the biggest disadvantage of these ammunitions is that they cannot be reloaded. However, there is no need because they are cheap to buy.

What is the best rimfire scope?

The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm will give you the best value when paired with your rifle. If you want something more budget you can consider the Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope. Which will still perform great but come at the cheapest price

What magnification is best for 22 scopes?

Because the .22 isn’t used for long-range targets a small magnification such as 2-7x or an LPVO such as 1-8x is sufficient. One of the most popular rimfire scopes is the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm  If you want a better identification of the target a bigger magnification such as 3-9x can be considered

CONCLUSION

This article highlights the best rimfire scope that will provide excellent value when used with a 22LR cartridge. We have more capable scopes on the market, but pairing these with a .22LR would be overkill. Also, use the provided guide to look into other alternatives that you believe would be worthy additions to the list.

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