7 Best 22LR Rifle Scope for Target Shooting

Welcome to the world of the Best 22lr Rifle Scope for Target Shooting where every shot counts and mastering your marksmanship is an art. The 22LR rifle stands as a cornerstone, known for its versatility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. To elevate your shooting experience with a 22LR rifle, finding the best scope is paramount.

A reliable and purpose-built scope can unlock the full potential of your rifle, enhancing your accuracy, range, and overall performance on the target range. In this article, we delve into the world of the Best 22LR Rifle Scopes, unveiling the top scopes that excel in precision, durability, and features helping you find the optimal companion for your target shooting endeavors. Let’s explore the finest scopes designed to complement your 22LR rifle and elevate your shooting prowess.

Factors to consider when buying the Best 22LR Rifle Scope for Target Shooting

Magnification Range

Consider the magnification range that will work for your shooting requirements. A moderate magnification range is frequently excellent for target shooting since it enables precise shots at varying ranges without compromising a broad field of view.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens’s diameter affects how much light it can gather. A larger diameter allows more light to enter, providing better visibility in low-light conditions. A moderate to large objective lens (around 40mm to 50mm) is recommended for target shooting.

Lens Coating

Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare, improve light transmission, and enhance image clarity. Look for scopes with quality lens coatings to optimize your visibility and target acquisition.

Turret Adjustments

Look for turrets that have precise windage and height adjustments. Target shooters often prefer exposed turrets with audible and tactile clicks, facilitating quick and accurate adjustments while aiming for the bullseye.

Parallax Adjustment

A parallax adjustment feature allows for a clear target image at varying distances. Scopes with adjustable parallax are particularly useful for eliminating parallax errors in target shooting and enhancing accuracy.

Best 22LR Rifle Scope for Target Shooting

1) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APMR Rifle Scope 

 

Specifications

  • 6-24x magnification
  • 50mm objective lens
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • Weighs 30.0 oz
  • 8.2 – 2.1 mm exit pupil
  • 3.3 in eye relief
  • 10 yds to infinity parallax
  • 18 Mil Rad windage/elevation
  • 16.7 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • APMR FFP IR MIL reticle
  • Fully Multi-Coated lenses
  • XPL coatings
  • First focal plane
  • Precision zero-stop system

The Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic engineered for target shooting and long-range applications. Offering a versatile magnification range of 6-24x and a substantial 50mm objective lens, it provides exceptional clarity and brightness, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The reticle allows for precise ranging, holdover, and windage adjustments, crucial for accurate and consistent shots over extended distances. Constructed with a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum tube and featuring fully multi-coated lenses, this ensures durability, image sharpness, and optimal light transmission, making it an excellent choice for target shooters, seeking unparalleled accuracy. With its advanced features and robust build, this riflescope is designed to elevate your shooting experience and help you hit your mark with confidence.

Pros

  • Versatile 6-24x magnification range
  • The 50mm objective lens provides excellent light-gathering capability, resulting in bright and clear images
  • The MRAD reticle enables accurate ranging, holdover, and windage adjustments
  • It is rugged and durable and can withstand harsh conditions and recoil
  • The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and image clarity
  • It is fog proof,  shockproof, and ensures waterproof
  • The side parallax adjustment feature allows for precise focus and eliminates parallax at different distances

Cons

  • It is relatively heavy

2) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope

 

Specifications

  • 2-7x magnification
  • 30mm objective lens
  • 5mm exit pupil
  • 4.2 – 3.7 in eye relief
  • 43.8 – 29.8 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 75/75 MOA windage/elevation
  • 1-inch tube diameter
  • Twilight Light Management System optical coating
  • Rimfire MOA reticle
  • Second focal plane
  • Waterproof, shockproof & fog proof
  • Weighs 11.0 oz
  • Fixed parallax

Its versatile magnification range of 2-7x combined with a 33mm objective lens strikes a perfect balance between close-range engagement and mid-range accuracy. Designed with a durable 1″ tube, this second focal plane (SFP) scope ensures reliable and consistent reticle size at all magnifications. The Rimfire MOA (Minute of Angle) reticle offers quick target acquisition and holds, making it ideal for both plinking and target shooting.

The scope is built with Leupold’s renowned quality, featuring excellent light transmission, scratch-resistant lenses, and waterproof/fog-proof construction, ensuring optimal performance in diverse weather conditions.

Pros

  • Its optical quality, provides excellent clarity, sharpness, and brightness, allowing for clear images
  • The 2-7x magnification range offers versatility
  • The Rimfire MOA reticle provides quick and accurate aiming points
  • The Second focal plane design ensures that the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification
  • It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring it can withstand various outdoor environments
  • Twilight Light Management System enhances light transmission
  • The 1″ tube diameter is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options

Cons

  • It is nonilluminated

3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope

 

Specifications

  • 5-25x magnification
  • 30mm objective lens
  • 2 – 10 mm exit pupil
  • 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 3.4 in eye relief
  • 25 yds to infinity parallax
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • Fully multicoated lenses
  • XR anti-reflective coatings
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Tactical-style turrets
  • Weighs 21.2 oz
  • First focal plane
  • Rapid zero return zero stop

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope is a top-tier optics choice tailored for precision, versatility, and durability. With a robust 30mm tube, this riflescope offers a remarkable magnification range from 5x to 25x, enabling exceptional target acquisition and accuracy at various distances. Being a first focal plane (FFP) scope, the reticle scales with magnification, ensuring precise holdover and ranging at any zoom level.

The LED-illuminated reticle enhances target visibility, providing invaluable assistance for ranging, windage, and elevation adjustments. The lens features XR anti-reflective coatings, enhancing light transmission for a clear and crisp sight picture, even in low-light conditions. Built with a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, precision-machined turrets with tactile clicks, and a shockproof and waterproof design, this Vortex Viper PST Gen II riflescope is engineered for rugged reliability and optimal performance in the field or at the range.

Pros

  • The 5-25x magnification range offers excellent versatility
  • The FFP design ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level
  • The illuminated reticle with multiple intensity levels enhances visibility in all lighting
  • The XR fully multi-coated lenses deliver superior light transmission and anti-reflective properties
  • The high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum construction, provides durability, shockproof performance, and weather resistance
  • The exposed tactical turrets offer crisp, tactile clicks for precise and repeatable adjustments to windage and elevation
  • The reticle is etched into the glass, ensuring durability and reliability
  • The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing

Cons

  • It is bulky

 

4) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

 

Specifications

  • 6-24x magnification
  • 50mm objective lens
  • 3.9-inch eye relief
  • 2.08 – 8.33 mm exit pupil
  • 4.5 – 18 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 50mm tube diameter
  • First focal plane(FFP)
  • 10 yds to infinity parallax
  • Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
  • Fully multicoated
  • Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic for target shooting. With a durable 30mm tube and a wide magnification range from 6x to 24x, it allows for versatile applications from mid-range target shooting to long-range precision engagements. The first focal plane (FFP) design ensures that the reticle scales with magnification, providing consistent subtensions for accurate holds, ranging, and adjustments at any zoom level.

The reticle aids in precise aiming and range, while the fully multi-coated lenses optimize light transmission, delivering a clear and sharp sight picture. The shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction, is designed to withstand harsh conditions and deliver reliable performance in the field. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a reliable choice for enhancing your shooting accuracy and confidence.

Pros

  • The 6-24x magnification range provides versatility for various shooting applications
  • The FFP design ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level
  • The EBR-2C MRAD reticle offers precise aiming points, windage, and elevation holds
  • The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, delivering a bright and clear sight picture
  • The 30mm tube allows for a greater range of windage and elevation adjustments
  • It is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, ensuring durability
  • The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing

Cons

  • It is nonilluminated

5) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm Rifle Scope

 

Specifications

  • 4-14x magnification
  • 50mm objective lens
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • 70 – 80 mm eye relief
  • 7.4 – 25.1 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 3.3 – 10.8 mm exit pupil
  • First Focal Plane
  • Zero set elevation
  • 25 yards to infinity parallax adjustment
  • Power zoom ring.
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
  • Fast focus eyepiece.
  • Illuminated reticles.
  • Weighs 30 oz

With a 30mm tube and a magnification range of 4-14x, it provides a perfect balance between mid-range and long-range applications. Featuring a first focal plane (FFP) design, the reticle scales with magnification, ensuring consistent subtensions for precise holdover, ranging, and adjustments at any zoom level.

The illuminated reticle enhances target visibility and aiming in varying lighting conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, delivering a bright and clear sight picture. Built with durability in mind, this shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof riflescope can withstand challenging environmental conditions, making it a reliable choice for serious marksmen seeking accuracy and performance.

Pros

  • The FFP design ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level
  • The 4-14x magnification range offers versatility
  • The illuminated reticle enhances target visibility and aids in fast target acquisition
  • The fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission and deliver the excellent image clarity
  • It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring durability and reliability
  • The ZeroSet feature allows for a rapid return to zero without counting clicks
  • Features reliable and precise turrets for windage and elevation adjustments

Cons

  • The eye relief might be relatively tight at higher magnifications

 

6) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope

 

Specifications

  • 2-7x magnification
  • 32mm objective lens
  • 3.9 – 4.7 in eye relief
  • 4.57 – 16 mm exit pupil
  • 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 60/60 MOA windage/elevation
  • Fully multicoated
  • Second focal plane
  • Waterproof & fog proof
  • 100 yds parallax
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum material

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is a versatile and reliable optic perfect for target shooting. With a 1-inch tube and a magnification range of 2-7x, it allows for quick target acquisition at closer ranges while still providing ample magnification for mid-range shots. The second focal plane (SFP) reticle design ensures that the reticle size remains constant across magnification levels, making it easy to use and ideal for those who prefer simple, uncluttered images.

The fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, enhancing target clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions. This scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring durability and reliable performance in various environmental conditions. The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm is a solid choice for shooters looking for a dependable riflescope with a blend of simplicity and functionality.

Pros

  • The 2-7x magnification range provides versatility for a wide range of shooting applications
  • The SFP design maintains a constant reticle size, offering simplicity
  • The lenses are fully multi-coated, ensuring excellent light transmission
  • The riflescope is shockproof, and can withstand recoil, and is also waterproof
  • The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
  • The capped reset turrets allow for quick re-indexing to zero after sighting in the scope
  • The riflescope is built with a rugged aluminum tube that enhances its durability and longevity

Cons

  • The reticle is not illuminated

Related:

Best Low Light Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting

 

7) Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope

Specifications

  • 4x magnification
  • 28mm objective lens
  • 7mm exit pupil
  • 4.5 in eye relief
  • 25.5 ft at 100 yds field of view
  • 80/80 MOA windage/elevation
  • Fully multicoated
  • Second focal plane
  • Fine duplex reticle
  • Weighs 7.5 oz
  • Rimfire Parallax
  • One-inch main tube
  • Classic/standard lockable eyepiece
  • Micro-friction 1/4 MOA
  • Waterproof & fog proof

The Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope is a purpose-built optic for rimfire shooters seeking simplicity and precision. With a fixed 4x magnification and a compact 28mm objective lens, it offers a clear and crisp sight picture for precise aiming at rimfire distances. Being a second focal plane (SFP) scope, the reticle maintains a constant size, providing a straightforward and uncluttered view throughout the magnification range.

The scope is designed with a 1-inch tube, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mounting options. Built with Leupold’s renowned quality, this riflescope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, delivering consistent performance in target shooting.

Pros

  • The fixed 4x magnification provides clear and consistent images
  • The scope’s compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to mount and handle
  • The SFP reticle design maintains a constant reticle size, providing simplicity
  • Its optical quality, delivers excellent clarity, sharpness, and brightness
  • Is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring durability
  • The durable 1-inch tube, enhances its longevity and provides a rugged design that can withstand recoil and harsh handling

Cons

  • The reticle is not illuminated

Best 22LR Rifle Scope for Target Shooting FAQs

What magnification range is ideal for a 22LR rifle scope for in-target shooting?

A magnification range of 3x to 9x is advised for target shooting. This range provides a good balance between target clarity and a wide field of view, allowing for accurate shots at varying distances.

What is the use of parallax adjustment for a 22LR rifle scope used in target shooting?

Yes, parallax adjustment is important to help achieve a clear target image at different distances. It helps eliminate parallax error and enhances accuracy, which makes it a valuable feature for precise target shooting.

Which reticle type is best suited for target shooting with a 22LR rifle scope?

The ideal reticle type for target shooting often depends on personal preference. However, many shooters favor a fine crosshair or target-dot reticle for precise aiming and accuracy in target shooting scenarios.

What is the significance of the eye relief 22LR rifle scope?

Maintaining adequate eye relief is important to prevent recoil-related injuries and provide a comfortable shooting experience. Ensure the scope offers sufficient eye relief to maintain a safe distance between your eye and the scope while aiming.

How important are lens coatings in a 22LR rifle scope for target shooting?

Lens coatings are crucial for improving light transmission, reducing glare, and enhancing image clarity. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses ensure a clearer sight picture, which is essential for accurate target acquisition and shooting.

Related:

Best Scopes for Air Rifles

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best 22LR rifle scope for target shooting involves a careful balance of features that enhance precision, accuracy, and overall shooting experience. The right balance of magnification range, lens coatings, and durability is essential to optimize accuracy and precision in target shooting.

A scope that offers reliable parallax adjustment, appropriate eye relief, and robust construction ensures clear and consistent images, enhancing the overall shooting experience. By considering these factors and tailoring your choice to your specific requirements, you’ll not only enhance your shooting accuracy but also maximize the potential of your 22LR rifle, making every target shooting experience a fulfilling and successful endeavor.

Related:

Best Thermal Rifle Scope for Coyote Hunting