The Rimfire 22lr is among the most used and sold rifles today. It is widely known for the affordability of its ammunition. The range of the rimfire ammo is not so wide but can be expanded by the use of the best scopes for 22lr rifles discussed below or the best rimfire rifle scope for .22LR rifles.
With the right scope, you will be able to enjoy the full power of the .22LR. With the many brands and models in the market, however, picking the right scope for your rifle can turn out to be challenging.
In this review, we discuss 5 of the best rimfire scopes for the .22LR. We have also discussed below the factors to consider when choosing a scope for your 22lr.
Choosing the Best Scopes for 22lr Rifles
Objective lens size
The objective lens is the part of the scope at the front whose work is to transmit light into the scope. A larger objective lens transmits more light into the scope hence the image that you will see in the focal lens will be clearer.
Lens coating
The lens coating prevents light from being reflected off the lens of the scope. Different brands will use different configurations of lens coatings, with most scopes being fully multi-coated. This means that all external lenses have multiple layers of anti-reflective film. This ensures maximum light transmission.
Magnification
The 22LR has a maximum effective range of around 200 yards meaning that your scope doesn’t have to be so powerful. A magnification of 9x t0 12x will be okay.
Fixed or variable power
Both fixed and variable power scopes have their advantages and disadvantages. The variable scopes can be used for different applications but fixed-power scopes offer better target acquisition.
Weatherproofing
This makes the scope reliable for different applications regardless of the environment and weather conditions.
Best Scopes for 22lr Rifles Review
1) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
The Simmons 3-9x32mm belongs to the feature-rich, ruggedly built Simmons family of scopes. It features Simmons’ patented true zero adjustment system and quick target acquisition eyepiece that delivers a constant eye relief of 3.5 inches for the entire magnification range.
This scope is made with high-quality optical glass and has fully-coated optics that ensure bright, sharp images in all conditions. It also has the Hydro-Shield lens coating which helps prevent fogging for a clear sight picture, regardless of weather conditions.
The Simmons scope comes complete with a set of Rimfire rings that allow easy and quick mounting. It also has SureGrip adjustments that allow for easy adjustment, even while wearing gloves.
Key features
- It has high-quality optical glass and fully-coated optics for bright, sharp images
- It features HydroShield lens coating for a clear-sight picture in all weather conditions
- It has SureGrip rubber surfaces for easy adjusting in any shooting conditions
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- It has a truplex Reticle
- Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings included
- Parallax correction preset from 50 yards to infinity
Specifications
- Field of View: 31.4/10.5 ft. @ 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.75 inches
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 Millimeters
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Adjustment: 60/60 Range
2) BARSKA 4×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope Black Matte, 4x32mm
The BARSKA 4x32mm riflescope is made of high-quality construction and comes with fully coated optics that provide impressive viewing clarity. It is engineered for plinking and general hunting with a .22 rimfire rifle, with a 1-inch diameter tube body that is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. This also makes it highly reliable in all conditions.
It features an illuminated 30/30 reticle, with 1/4 MOA click values for the windage and elevation turrets. It is parallax-free at 50 yards and comes with two 3/8 dovetail mounting rings, lens covers as well as scope covers.
The Plinker-22 Riflescope is made of a durable and lightweight design that is also perfect for hunting or target practice. The 4x magnification allows you to get up close to the target during mid-to short-range targeting.
Key features
- The scope features 1/4 MOA click adjustments for precision accuracy
- It comes with a 30/30 crosshair reticle for easy targeting
- It has fully-coated optics for bright, clear images
- It features windage and elevation turrets
- It is parallax-free at 50 yards, making it easy to target at a closer range
Specifications
- 4x Magnification
- 32mm Objective Lens
- Field of View(ft @ 100yds): 29ft @ 4x
- Eye Relief: 3 inch
- Exit Pupil: 8mm
- Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 11.93″
- Weight: 16.08 oz.
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line, designed especially for discriminating hunters and shooters. It features the popular V-Plex reticle which is suitable for multiple shooting and hunting applications.
The scope is made of a hard-anodized single-piece aircraft-grade Aluminum tube that is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog proof performance. This makes it reliable in different shooting conditions. The strong construction also makes it shockproof and durable.
It comes with long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses, and resettable MOA turrets to offer clear and bright images. The scope has the second focal plane (SFP) reticle near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses, which does not visually change in size with a change in magnification.
Key features
- It features a single-piece tube construction for strong shockproof performance
- It has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear views
- It has capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks
- It is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
4) TASCO MAG39X32D Rimfire Series 3-9x 32mm 30/30 Reticle .22 Riflescope
TASCO MAG39X32D Riflescope is tailor-made for .22 rimfire rifles to ensure the rifles reach their full potential when hunting, plinking, or punching paper targets. The rimfire scope includes rings and comes with a wide range of magnifications.
The scope features magenta multi-layered lens coatings and fully coated optics that provide bright, clear images. It is also tailored to provide 100% waterproof and fog-proof performance for convenient use in harsh weather conditions.
This scope has a matte finish with a wide range of magnification. It features a 30/30 reticle and offers a 3” eye relief for comfortable use.
Key features
- It is made of a beautiful design and durability built to last
- It features a full-sized, 1-inch Advanced Monotube Construction
- It has magenta multi-layered lens coatings and fully coated optics for bright, clear images
Specifications
- Magnification: 3x to 9x
- Field of View: 17.75′ – 6′ / 6 – 2 (ft.@100yds./m@100m)
- Parallax Setting: 50/45.7 (yds./m)
- Eye Relief: 3″ (in./mm)
- Objective lens: 32mm
- Reticle Type: 30/30
- Windage/Elevation: 1/4 M.O.A.
- Weight (oz./g): 11.3/320.4
- Length: 12.75/324 (in./mm)
- Exit Pupil: 10.7mm @3x /3.6mm @9x
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm scope is made of durable 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum which offers reliable strength and durability. It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, and has scratch-resistant lenses that also ensure lasting quality.
The lenses are multi-coated to reduce color aberrations to provide a bright, true-to-life image. Also included is the Twilight Light Management System which provides decent visibility even in low light conditions. It also provides additional light time.
This Leupold scope features a 3:1 zoom ratio that allows you to switch from observation and target acquisition to long-range precision aiming with just one turn. The vast adjustment ranges for windage and elevation allow you to compensate for wind and bullet drop, giving you good shots over any distance and in any weather.
It is ideal for use with muzzleloaders, rimfire, and centerfire guns.
Key features
- It is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum for durability
- It features a compact, one-inch main tube that is lightweight
- It offers complete waterproof and fog proof integrity
- It has repeatable 1/4 MOA precision finger clicks for intuitive, simple adjustment over a lifetime of dependable use
- It features the twilight light management system for visibility in low-light conditions
Specifications
- Exit Pupil: 5.0 mm
- Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66, 106-93 mm(in)
- Linear FOV: 33.7-13.6 (ft. /100 yd.)
- Linear FOV: 11.22-4.54 (m/100 m)
- Weight: 12.2 oz. /346 g
- Elevation Adjustment Range: 60 MOA/17.5 MIL
- Windage Adjustment Range: 60 MOA/17.5 MIL
Final Thoughts
The 22lr rimfire rifle is one of the most popular rifles in the industry, It is used by hunters and shooters from all over the world. Even with its great range, the rimfire requires the help of good scope for it to reach its full potential.
These scopes are made with the hunter in mind, having different features to make their usage a breeze for shooters of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
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