Imagine this you are trying to hit a soda can at 100 yards with a .22, only to realize your scope is about as clear as a foggy bathroom mirror. Yeah, we’ve all been there! The best rimfire scopes can transform frustration into pinpoint accuracy, whether hunting small game, plinking, or aiming for precise shots.
But how can you find the ideal match for your rifle when there are so many options available? I’ve done the research, so don’t worry. I’ll go over the top rimfire scopes in this article that provide clear vision, strong construction, and the performance you require without breaking the bank. By the end, you’ll have a scope that makes every shot matter.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Rimfire Scopes
Magnification
A 3-9x or 4-12x scope is typically ideal for rimfire rifles because they are frequently used for close to mid-range shooting. You may only need a fixed 4x scope if you’re plinking or hunting small game at close range. A higher magnification (up to 16x or 24x) might be useful for accurate target shooting.
Objective Lens Size
A larger objective lens (40–50 mm) lets in more light, which makes it easier to see in low light. For a portable setup, however, a 32mm-40mm lens strikes a balance between portability and brightness.
Durability
Choose a scope that is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof, particularly if you intend to use it in rough terrain. Clear vision in all weather conditions is ensured by an argon or nitrogen-purged tube, which prevents internal fogging.
Eye Relief
Particularly for novices or young shooters using lightweight rimfire rifles, a scope with at least three inches of eye relief keeps recoil from being uncomfortable.
Parallax Adjustment
A scope with adjustable parallax (AO or side focus) can increase accuracy because rimfire rifles are used at closer ranges, particularly for small targets at different distances. For most applications, a fixed parallax of 50 yards is a common setting for rimfire scopes.
Best Rimfire Scopes
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Specifications
- 2 – 7 x magnification
- 32 mm objective lens
- 4.57 – 16 mm exit pupil
- 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.9 – 4.7 in eye relief
- 1 in tube diameter
- 100 yds parallax
- Second focal plane
- Weighs 14.3 oz
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is a premium, reasonably priced scope made especially for rimfire rifles that provides precise performance, clear optics, and tough durability. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps compensate for bullet drop at different distances, which makes it perfect for target shooting and small-game hunting. Its 2–7x magnification offers a broad field of vision at low power consumption and sufficient zoom for mid-range accuracy. Even in low light, the fully multi-coated lenses guarantee sharp, vivid images.
This scope is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof, making it ready for use in the field. It is also optimized for rimfire shooting because the parallax is fixed at 50 yards. The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire has a fast-focus eyepiece and capped turrets for simple adjustment.
Pros
- Clear and bright optics
- Versatile 2-7x magnificatioN
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Affordable price point
- Smooth and Precise Turrets
- The second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent size
Cons
- The reticle is not illuminated
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
Specifications
- 3 – 9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens diameter
- 4.7 mm exit pupil
- 4.2 – 3.7 in eye relief
- 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds FOV
- Second Focal Plane
- Fixed parallax
- Weighs 12.2 oz
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA is a high-performance scope made especially for.22LR and other rimfire rifles. It is ideal for hunting in the early morning or late at night because it has Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which produces remarkable low-light clarity. With its precise aiming and bullet drop compensation, the Rimfire MOA reticle enables shooters to make accurate shots at long range.
It is versatile for close-quarters shooting and mid-range accuracy thanks to its 3–9x magnification range. Its construction, which is ultra-lightweight, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, guarantees durability in any setting. The finger-adjustable turrets also provide accurate elevation and windage control, making the VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA an excellent option for hunters and target shooters seeking high-end optics on a rimfire rifle.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable construction
- Excellent glass clarity
- Finger-adjustable windage & elevation turrets
Cons
- None
3) Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40
Specifications
- 3 – 9 x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 13 – 39 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.6 in eye relief
- Weighs 15.4 oz
- 100 yds parallax
- Second Focal Plane
The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is a cost-effective and multipurpose scope made especially for rimfire rifles that strikes a fantastic balance between price and performance. It offers versatility for mid-range precision shooting and close-range plinking thanks to its 3–9x magnification range. The Multi-X reticle guarantees a clear and simple sight picture, which facilitates rapid target acquisition. Its fixed parallax of 50 yards makes it perfect for.22LR shooting. Even in low light, the fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission and produce sharp, vivid images.
The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, making it durable for hunting and target shooting in harsh outdoor environments. The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is a dependable and affordable option for shooters because of its simple windage and elevation turrets.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile magnification
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Durable Construction
- Easy to use adjustments
Cons
- None
4) Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
Specifications
- 3 – 9 x magnification
- 32 mm objective lens
- Truplex reticle
- 3.75 in eye relief
- 10.7 – 3.6 exit pupil
- Weighs 10.8 oz
- 31.4/10.5 ft @ 100 yds FOV
The Simmons 3-9×32.22 Mag Riflescope is a small, reasonably priced scope made especially for rimfire rifles, especially the.22 Magnum. Its range of 3 to 9x magnification makes it ideal for medium-range target shooting as well as short-range plinking. Simmons’ TrueZero windage and elevation adjustments are built into the scope, guaranteeing accurate and reliable adjustments while shooting. It is perfect for rimfire applications because its parallax is fixed at 50 yards.
The Simmons 4P reticle offers a straightforward and clear sight picture, and the Simmons QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece enables quick target acquisition. Even in low light conditions, fully coated optics improve light transmission and guarantee bright, clear images. The scope’s construction is also shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, making it a sturdy option for demanding outdoor use. For shooters seeking a dependable, user-friendly scope at a reasonable cost, the Simmons 3-9×32.22 Mag Riflescope is a great choice.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile magnification
- TrueZero adjustments
- Quick target acquisition eye piece
- Fully coated optics
- Durable construction
Cons
- None
5) Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Rimfire
Specifications
- 4-12× magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 4 – 13 mm exit pupil
- 26.2 – 8.7ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.5 in eye relief
- Weighs 18.1 oz
The Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Rimfire is a very adaptable scope made for rimfire rifles. Its 4–12x magnification range gives you more flexibility for close-range shots and longer mid-range accuracy, which makes it perfect for target shooting and small game hunting. Whether you’re shooting up close or at a greater distance, the adjustable objective (AO) enables parallax correction, which guarantees crisp, clear images at different distances.
The Mil-dot reticle is perfect for compensating for bullet drop because it provides multiple aiming points for accurate holdovers. Even in low light, the scope’s multi-coated lenses improve light transmission for clear, bright images. With its shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction, the Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Rimfire is a long-lasting option.
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Adjustable objective
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Multi-coated optics
- Durable construction
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Non-Illuminated Reticle
6) Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire
Specifications
- 2 – 7 x magnification
- 35 mm objective lens diameter
- 5 – 17.5 mm exit pupil
- 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.1 – 3.5 in eye relief
- Weighs 14.2 oz
- 50 yds parallax
- V-Plex reticle
The Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire scope is made especially for rimfire rifles and provides remarkable clarity and accuracy in a lightweight package. Its 2–7x magnification range allows for great flexibility for close-range shots and mid-range accuracy, which makes it ideal for target shooting and small game hunting. Because of its ability to compensate for bullet drop, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle ensures precise shots at a range of distances without requiring frequent adjustments.
The fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission, producing images that are clear and bright even in low light. Designed to endure outdoor use, the Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire is fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof, providing tough durability in any weather. This scope’s fast-focus eyepiece and accurate adjustments make it a dependable and reasonably priced choice for rimfire rifle enthusiasts who want to improve their shooting skills.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Durable construction
- Affordable price point
Cons
- None
Best Rimfire Scopes FAQs
What is the best magnification for a rimfire scope?
3-9x is perfect for small-game hunting and general plinking. 4-12x or higher can be useful if you enjoy target shooting or precision shooting at greater distances. For ease of use and speedy target acquisition, a fixed 4x scope is ideal.
Do I need an adjustable parallax on a rimfire scope?
Your shooting style will determine this. The fixed parallax at 50 yards found on many rimfire scopes is effective for the majority of applications. However, a parallax-adjustable (AO or side focus) scope can increase clarity and precision if you shoot at different distances or require extreme accuracy for small targets.
What’s the difference between a rimfire scope and a centerfire scope?
Rimfire scopes are better suited for small calibers like.22 LR because they are usually lighter, have lower magnification ranges, and are made with a fixed parallax of about 50 yards. Longer range shooting and increased recoil resistance are common features of centerfire scopes.
Do rimfire scopes need to be shockproof?
Indeed, particularly when hunting or in harsh outdoor environments with a rimfire rifle. Even so as the 22 LR has little recoil, its long-term durability is guaranteed by a scope that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
What reticle type is best for a rimfire rifle?
Duplex reticle: Excellent for both general shooting and hunting. For longer shots, the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle aids in holdovers. Mil-dot reticle: Good for accurate shooting and estimating range.
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Conclusion
Choosing the best rimfire scope doesn’t have to be difficult; all you need to do is match your shooting style with the appropriate optic. The best scope can make all the difference, whether you’re hunting small game, plinking cans in the backyard, or aiming for precise shots.
You can select a scope that improves accuracy and performance by taking into account elements like durability, parallax adjustment, reticle type, and magnification. With any luck, this article has helped you make a more informed decision by reducing your options. Now take out your rifle, mount your scope, and experience the ultimate in rimfire shooting! Have fun shooting!
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