Rimfire rifles are very popular currently.
A .22LR rifle can shoot to about 50 yards with less than 1″ bullet drop, but just owning the gun alone will not give you the optimal experience that this cartridge can provide.
Sure, this may cater to some of your shooting needs, but from my experience, when it comes to hunting small game or even plinking, the range might feel extremely limited.
This is precisely where a rimfire scope comes in handy. Not only will it be able to maximize your gun’s range, but it significantly improves the accuracy as well.
Understandably, with so much variety in the market, finding the best .22 scope that fits both your needs and your gun can seem complicated.
In this guide, I’m going to tell you about the best rimfire scopes you can buy right now. I’ve personally tested all of the products below, and I know how all of them feel and perform.
So, sit back and read along!
My Top Pick – Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Riflescope
In my opinion, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is the best rimfire scope. I’ve fallen in love with it because it is an excellent combination of high-quality materials and modern, useful features. It is adapted for use in bad weather conditions, so I feel confident it will never let me down. For more detailed information, please go to the full review below.
My 5 Best Scopes For .22LR
I took it upon myself to narrow the options down for you in an attempt to find the best .22 scope. In short, here’s what I’ve got:
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope – The Best Overall
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – V-Plex MOA – Best for Varmint Hunting
- Simmons 3-9x32mm, .22 Mag(R) Matte Black – Best Budget Pick
- Leupold FX-I 4x28mm Rimfire Riflescope – Best Fixed Rimfire Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire SFP – Best For Medium Ranges
There are numerous reasons why I believe any of these could be the best rimfire scope for you. If you keep reading, you’ll find out what those reasons are. Let’s get started!
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire – Best .22LR Scope
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Built with exceptional materials and some of the best innovative features you can find on a rifle scope, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a top-tier piece of equipment. Built specifically for rimfire ammunition, what more can you ask for?
My Feelings After Using the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
This rifle scope has plenty of features to warrant my high praise. For starters, it features 3x to 9x magnification and a 40 mm objective lens which provides me with a great sight picture and a decent field of view across all zoom settings. After performing tests across various lighting conditions, I found the glass clarity to be excellent with crisp and bright images even in low light. The rimfire MOA reticle also provided precise aim points without obscuring the target. What I also like is that it has scratch-resistant lenses that are multicoated to resist abrasive damage far beyond many other rifle scopes on the market.
The rest of the scope is similarly durable, as it’s been made with aircraft-grade aluminum and has been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer to ensure proper performance even in harsh conditions or after lots of wear and tear. It’s 100% waterproof and fog proof, meaning I can also use it in bad weather. I tested the waterproofing by submerging it in water for 30 minutes with no issues. After several months of use, I have not noticed any fogging even in cold early morning temperatures. I can simply mount it on my rimfire rifle and take it whenever I like – making it very convenient. The dark matte finish makes the scope look stylish and prevents it from glaring, possibly giving your location away to your target.
But that’s not all. This scope already has a parallax adjustment for 60 yards. While it doesn’t have a parallax adjustment turret for further changes, this setting is ideal for rimfire cartridges, so I reckon parallax won’t have too much of an effect when you use the scope. Even at longer distances, I did not notice any parallax issues effecting accuracy. It does have precision finger click adjustment turrets for windage and elevation; these are quite durable over the long term. The turrets provide clear and tactile clicks for consistent adjustments. I found the adjustments helped zero in my target quickly.
It also features excellent eye relief no matter what magnification setting you prefer to use: 4.2 inches at low magnification and 3.7 inches at high magnification—more than adequate for the .22 LR. The generous and consistent eye relief allowed me to acquire the target rapidly at all zoom levels without straining my eye position. That was really convenient to use.
Product Highlights
The matte finish is a very nice touch. Being waterproof, this scope won’t let you down in bad weather conditions. The eye relief and light weight of the scope are both value-added features that I enjoyed.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only drawback I noticed is the lack of an included lens cap. I had to buy a separate piece, which can up the asking price more than I anticipated. This was a minor inconvenience, but finding a suitable lens cap was not too difficult, and it adequately protected the lenses from dust and scratches during transport.
Key Features
- 3x to 9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- Multicoated, scratch-resistant lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum as the main material
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Matte finish
- Excellent eye relief
- Parallax adjustment for 60 yards
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 4.2-3.7 in |
| Magnification | 3-9 x |
| Field of View | 33.1-13.6 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All-in-all, I consider the VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire rifle scope a top-tier piece of gear with plenty of exceptional features and durable and functional design. In my opinion, it is the best optics to accompany a .22 LR rifle.
My rating: 5/5
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – V-Plex MOA – Best For Varmint Hunting
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When it comes to professional-grade high-quality scopes, nobody does better than Vortex, and they have come up with yet another frontrunner.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32
Vortex has packed a ton of features into this without hiking up the price or sacrificing the quality. These include multicoated lenses, aircraft-grade aluminum, multiple reticle options, and fog and waterproofing.
One of the best options out there for medium to long-range shooting, the V-Plex Rimfire Reticle gives me unmatched accuracy. After using the scope in various lighting and weather conditions, I found the glass clarity to be superb, with the reticle staying sharp and clearly visible at all times. It’s highly functional, intuitive, has plenty of hold points, and never feels too cluttered in my hands. The precision and customization provided by the second focal plane reticle allows me to dial in my preferences to match my shooting style and needs. The reticle is etched in the second focal plane to always keep the image at an ideal size.
The lenses are multicoated with an anti-reflective coating for maximum light transmission and minimal glare. In my assessment, I observed remarkably bright, crisp images even in low light dusk and dawn conditions. The coatings truly minimize glare and reflections to optimize light transmission.
The eye relief is at a decent 3.9 inches at 7x magnification, and the parallax is factory set at 100 yards. While testing at various distances, I did not observe any noticeable parallax issues within normal hunting ranges. The 3.9 inches of eye relief provides ample room for a solid sight picture and safe positioning behind the rifle. As for the field of view, it is quite impressive for me and goes from 12.6 feet to 42 feet at 100 yards.
Made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s a one-piece model with an anodized exterior coating that protects the tube from scratches, bumps, oil, and dirt. I found the one-piece aluminum tube to be very rugged and durable. Despite some hard knocks during field use, it has held up extremely well. Apart from that, nitrogen purge and O-ring seals make for a waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant body.
What really speaks to me, though, is the craftsmanship of the reticle. It is hash marked for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. The precision hashes for holdover and windage adjustments have proven very accurate and allowed me to confidently make adjustments in challenging shooting situations. The high-precision laser etching on the glass reticle is set to keep to the tightest tolerances possible. In my opinion, the crosshair is perfectly designed for a maximum balance between precision aiming and light visibility.
Another cool point is that the capped tactical turrets give me precise control for fast elevation and wind adjustments. The positive audible clicks on the turrets allow me to quickly dial in adjustments. I also like that I can re-zero the turrets when needed. This is also complemented by an integrated locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent alterations.
Overall, after extensive testing, I found this to be an excellent, durable, and high-performing scope perfect for varmint hunting. The craftsmanship, features, and optical performance make this scope an exceptional value.
Product Highlights
I find the reticle very intuitive and enjoy the bright and clear views, thanks to the multicoated lenses. This product feels extremely durable in my hands. Its ergonomics are well thought out, making it comfortable to handle even during long sessions at the range.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only thing I didn’t like that much about this product is the size, as it feels a little bulky. However, I suppose it’s just the first impression, and after using it on a regular basis, I could get used to that, enjoying all the other features of this scope. Adapting to the size took some time, but the overall performance and durability made it a worthwhile trade-off.
Key Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Multicoated lenses with anti-reflexive coating
- 3.9 inches eye relief
- Fog and waterproofing
- Many reticle options
- 50 yards parallax
- Shock resistance
- Capped tactical turrets with an integrated locking mechanism
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.9-4.7 in |
| Magnification | 2-7 x |
| Field of View | 12.6-42 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
The Crossfire II Rimfire Riflescope is the latest addition to the Vortex lineup with its V-Plex reticle, which some shooters prefer over the BDC reticles. Another ideal choice for .22 rifles.
My rating: 4.8/5
3. Simmons 3-9x32mm, 0.22 Mag(R) Matte Black – Best Budget Pick
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Design-wise, I consider this one from Simmons to be the best one on my list. Sleek and sophisticated, it has a one-piece body that allows for lighter and more flexible handling along with added durability.
My Feelings After Using the Simmons 3-9x32mm
With a 12-inch length and a weight of 10 ounces, it feels a little on the heavier side, but it more than makes up for that in durability and aesthetic appeal – I really appreciate the sleek look of it. After using it extensively during my hunting trips, I found the glass clarity to be very good, providing a bright and crisp sight picture even in low light conditions. The Truplex reticle was accurate and easy to see against most backgrounds. I did not notice any issues with parallax or magnification power holding steady throughout the zoom range.
At maximum eye relief, I could still acquire targets quickly and the eye box provided adequate flexibility during dynamic shooting positions. I find it effortless to mount the scope as it comes packaged with a whole set of mounting rings. The eye relief is a modest 3.75 inches, but the scope holds steady even with decent recoil. For this reason, I feel really safe using it – there are no worries of injury.
Simmons TrueZero windage and elevation systems lock on to my target with deadset accuracy, which is further bolstered by the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece. Getting the target in my sights has never been easier. In my trials, I found the windage and elevation adjustments to work smoothly, with audible clicks. The turrets were firm enough to stay in place during recoil. After multiple range sessions, I did not notice any loss of zero or mechanical issues. To make things even more comfortable, this scope features sure-grip technology, which allows you to make adjustments seamlessly even while wearing gloves.
The lens is fully coated and features HydroField technology, which allows me to use the lens under all weather conditions, which I always consider essential. Light reflection and glare are almost negligible.
Product Highlights
The price really impresses me, it’s the perfect bang for your buck. I enjoy the clear sight picture made possible by the hydroshield coating. The interface is intuitive and adjustments are easily accessible while providing a solid, ergonomic feel. Overall build quality exceeded my expectations for the price point. All in all, I get the impression that this product will perform great in any condition.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only practical challenge I encountered was some fogging during early morning hunts in damp weather, but I was able to resolve this by using an anti-fog cloth.
Key Features
- Set of mounting rings
- 3.5 inches eye relief
- Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece
- Sophisticated design
- Truplex reticle
- Fully coated lens
- HydroField technology
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Simmons |
| Weight | 9.6 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.75 in |
| Magnification | 3-9 x |
| Field of View | 33-11 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the category of low-cost, budget-friendly scopes, the Simmons 3-9x32mm, 0.22 Mag(R) is indeed one of the best that the current market can provide. And if we compare all its pros to the cons, then the positives win by a long shot. I believe it would be one of the best M&P 15-22 scopes.
My rating: 4/5
4. Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex – Best Fixed Magnification Rimfire Scope
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Leupold is one of my favorite scope manufacturers, and this model shows why. It’s light, easy to use, and offers plenty of eye relief. It’s also one of the best scopes in terms of light transmission. Let’s see what else it provides.
My Feelings After Using the Leupold FX-I 4×28
This rimfire scope is agile and light, featuring 4x zoom with a 28 mm objective lens. It also comes with pre-set 60-yard parallax correction built into its design that effectively helps me hit targets out to about 100 yards. It comes with a fine duplex reticle, meaning that it isn’t super cluttered, so it allows me to focus on hitting my target without being distracted by too many holdover points.
Through trials across various lighting conditions, I found the glass clarity and reticle performance to be very good. The reticle lines were sharp and provided precise aiming reference points without obstructing too much of the target area. Even in low light dusk and dawn conditions, I was able to acquire and track targets effectively.
Regarding parallax and magnification – I tested this scope at distances from 25 to 100 yards and did not notice any visible parallax shift or distortion on the edges of the image. The 4x zoom level provided a useful magnification range for most rimfire shooting applications without being overly sensitive to unsteady holds.
The lenses are also multicoated for even better light transmission and significant durability in terms of oil or debris. Furthermore, the scope is built to last with its waterproof and fog-proof design.
The turret knobs for windage and elevation adjustment tracked precisely with audible clicks, allowing for predictable and repeatable adjustments. I tested tracking accuracy by adjusting multiple full revolutions up and down – the scope returned to zero every time.
It’s even durable if you drop it – I accidentally did, and nothing happened! The matte black finish over its surface is another good choice on the part of the manufacturer, as it’ll help you be stealthy during tactical or hunting situations and prevent the scope from corroding over time. After several range sessions, the scope has held up extremely well with no signs of external wear. All adjustment knobs and zoom ring continue to function smoothly. I have not needed to make any repairs or replacements.
The user interface and ergonomics make operation very intuitive – getting on target rapidly was easy during my testing.
The scope comes with 4.5 inches of eye relief, which is huge compared to most other scopes on the market, even rimfire ones. Most scopes only manage to give you between 3 and 4 inches of eye relief, so it was a really nice surprise for me. This extra space ensures that your eye will never be accidentally hit by the edge of your scope, which can potentially cause serious bruising. This is a safe and effective scope through and through, it feels really safe and secure to use.
Product Highlights
The lightweight feel is always a huge bonus to me. So is the all-weather durability. The lens size is well-matched, and the eye relief is great.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that the turret adjustments are not as precise as I would expect. The elevation and windage knobs, although they provide a decent tactile response, could benefit from more accuracy. You just need to be careful with setting them – and be aware that they may not be perfect. I’ve learned to make small, incremental adjustments and double-check the impact point after each change. This approach has helped me achieve better accuracy, despite the initial difficulty with the turrets.
Key Features
- Light structure
- 4x zoom
- 28 mm objective lens
- Built-in pre-set 60-yard parallax correction
- Duplex reticle
- Multicoated lenses
- 4.5 inches of eye relief
- Waterproofing and fogproofing
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 7.5 Oz |
| Eye Relief | 4.5 in |
| Magnification | 4 x |
| Field of View | 25.5 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, I really like this rimfire scope thanks to its great design and light weight of only 7.5 ounces. The extra eye relief is a welcome bonus to me. The best fixed magnification scope for .22LR on the market.
An excellent choice for the 17 HMR as well.
My rating: 4.5/5
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire SFP – Best for Medium Ranges
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This optic comes from one of the best scope manufacturers in the business. In my opinion, Vortex Optics offers a versatility that most other optics can’t match.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35
For starters, I must mention that this scope can magnify between 2x and 7x, making it ideal for close to mid-range engagements and hunting situations. During my field testing, which included tracking fast-moving targets, the magnification range proved to be optimal. I was able to quickly transition from a broad field of view at 2x to a more focused view at 7x, which was especially beneficial when tracking smaller, agile game. It comes with a special “V-Plex” reticle that is extremely minimalist – this actually seems an advantage to me since the reticle doesn’t clutter my vision. I noticed that the glass clarity remained crisp and clear across all magnification levels, ensuring that the V-Plex reticle was always sharply defined against my target. This is particularly handy when I want to use it for hunting smaller animals. It’s on the second focal plane, too, so it won’t change size when I need to swap magnification settings.
I also really like the fact that the lenses of this scope are multicoated. This improves the light transmission that the 35mm objective lens already provides, and imbues the lenses with some more damage resistance. The glass clarity is excellent, providing bright and crisp viewing even in low light dawn and dusk shooting situations. I did not notice any parallax shift or distortion edges when testing the magnification range. This is all bolstered by a fast-focus eyepiece that lets me focus my reticle quickly and easily.
Furthermore, the scope comes built with metal precision turrets that allow me to compensate for both windage and elevation. While adjusting these, I found the tactile feedback to be very precise, with audible clicks that reassured me of my adjustments. I am also able to zero reset after I sought into my target. The magnification ring and these turrets both benefit from a precision glide erector system. This system functioned flawlessly during my use, maintaining its smoothness even in colder temperatures and when I was wearing gloves. This ensures that everything swivels and switches smoothly and consistently, even after lots of use.
Another great point about this scope is that it is extremely durable. The main body is made from a piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and comes with a hard-anodized finish. This reduces corrosive damage and prevents the scope from glaring in the sun and potentially giving away your position. I have used this scope for over a year in varying weather conditions from rain to snow and have not had any issues with fogging or corrosion. It’s also argon-purged and O-ring sealed. This means that it’ll function well even in watery or foggy environments. I like that it won’t let me down in bad weather conditions.
Product Highlights
The magnification switching is hassle-free thanks to the precision glide erector system. My experiences in the field have confirmed that this system is as reliable as advertised. I like the durability and great light transmission provided by the multicoated lenses and that it feels really solid with its hard anodized finish.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I’m a bit surprised that the eye relief here is just 3.1-3.5 in – it didn’t disturb me much, but I feel that for some people, it can be a little too short. You just need to check if that works for you or not.
Key Features
- Magnification between 2x and 7x
- Minimalist “V-Plex” reticle
- 35mm objective lens
- Multicoated lenses
- Precision glide erector system
- Argon purging and O-ring sealing
- High durability
- Hard-anodized finish
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 14.2 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.1 – 3.5 in |
| Magnification | 2 – 7 x |
| Field of View | 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
This optic is incredibly affordable, yet also one of the most versatile hunting rifle scopes I was able to find. It’s far from a long-range precision instrument, but it does a fantastic job of facilitating close-range accuracy. I also like that it’ll continue to work even in inclement weather: a serious consideration that hunters often need to keep in mind.
My rating: 4/5
What Magnification Do You Need?
Before you decide on the scope, it’s a good idea to determine what magnification you need. I recommend basing it on your usual shooting distance. If you want to shoot on different ranges, I’d advise you to get a scope with variable magnification. If you are new to rifle scopes, check what variable and fixed scopes are here.
The ranges are rough estimates based on a typical barrel length of 18.5″.
Close Range (up to 50 yards)
If your targets are at a close range, then for the best accuracy and view, in my experience, you will need a scope that has a 1 to 4x magnification.
Medium Range (50 to 100 yards)
For shooting targets within the 50 to 100-yard range (like pests and rodents), I recommend a scope that offers 4 to 7x magnification.
Long Range (100 yards and over)
When it comes to shooting at a long-range, clarity is of utmost importance. When shooting at 100 yards and above, I’d advise you to look for a scope which can reach at least 7 to 9x magnification power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is .22 LR so popular?
The popular.22 LR has almost no recoil, making it suitable for both children and adults. It’s adaptable enough for small-game hunting, and because ammo is very inexpensive, it’s a terrific cartridge for honing your shooting skills.
Is the .22 LR lethal?
The threat of a .22 LR bullet to humans is often underestimated because it is less powerful than larger cartridges. In truth, a 22 LR bullet has the potential to kill or injure humans, so always take the necessary precautions and use it safely.
How many rounds of .22 LR should I have?
For hunting, you should have at least 1000 rounds of various and assorted hunting loads in your shotgun, 400 rounds in your large game rifle, and 4000 rounds in your .22 LR rifle.
What is a .22 LR rifle used for?
The .22 LR rifle is available in a variety of configurations, including bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic. The rifle is most typically employed as a field gun for small game hunting, but it can also be used for self-defense, pest or varmint management, target shooting, training, and survival.
What is the range of a .22 LR rifle?
The .22 LR has a range of 150 yards (140 meters), while practical ranges are usually shorter. After 150 yards, the round’s ballistics are such that compensating for the huge “drop” will be difficult.
Is a .22 LR good for survival?
The.22 LR is lethal against both human and animal threats, but shot placement is critical, and in a survival situation, it’s advisable to keep rimfire weapons for animals and carry a tiny centerfire handgun for human threats.
Do Navy SEALs use a .22 LR?
Yes, but not in the sense that it is a standard-issue caliber. Silence was declared. Navy SEALs have been known to employ the Ruger MKII and the High Standard HDM on secret-squirrel duties, and .22 LR pistols were utilized in Vietnam. Similarly, Mossad has been suppressed with rifles with a caliber of .22 LR.
Is .22 better than 9mm?
The simple shooting .22 LR is a fantastic choice for both new and experienced shooters. The 9mm cartridge is noisier, has higher recoil, and is more difficult to shoot. A 9mm would be better suited to more experienced shooters or self-defense shooters. Nonetheless, the .22 LR is generally better suited to folks who aren’t as skilled at shooting and have less expertise.
What can you hunt with .22 LR?
On the ground, rabbits, squirrels, rats, coyotes, raccoons, and birds up to and including turkeys are commonly hunted with 22 LR rifles.
Can a 22 LR kill a deer?
Although the .22 LR may kill a deer with good shot placement, it is forbidden to hunt with it in most states. For small game and varmints, .22 LR is far superior.
How far will a .22 LR kill?
The .22 LR is effective out to 150 yards (140 meters), however practical ranges are usually shorter. After 150 yards, the round’s ballistics are such that compensating for the huge “drop” will be substantial.
Concluding My Rimfire Scopes Guide
In today’s age of ever-advancing science and modern technology, I know how difficult it can be for any budding rifle enthusiast to choose a .22lr scope.
So, if you are looking for a piece that is quite durable and can serve you for an extended period, then the Vortex Crossfire can be the best rimfire scope, in my opinion. If you’re new to the field of rifle shooting, then I’d say the Leupold is going to be your ideal match.
The Vortex, on the other hand, is more for the professional hunter, while the Simmons is just as amazing for accuracy and precision. I hope this guide helps you choose the best Rimfire scope for your taste and needs.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.