Rimfire rifles are versatile for target shooting, small game hunting, plinking, and general rimfire applications. The best rimfire scopes complement this versatility, significantly enhancing accuracy, ease of use, and overall performance.
When choosing the best rimfire scope, it is important to consider the shooting you will be doing and settle for a model optimized for that activity. Additionally, factors such as magnification, optical clarity, and reticle design in addition to weight, durability, and parallax adjustment are crucial.
What Makes a Scope Ideal for Rimfire Rifles?
Unlike centerfire rifles, which often require robust and high-magnification optics for long-range shooting, rimfire rifles typically engage targets at shorter distances. This makes specialized optics a better fit.
Firstly, a great rimfire scope should have a lower to mid-range magnification power for rapid target acquisition.
Furthermore, the scope should feature parallax settings optimized for 50-100 yards, ensuring crisp and accurate shots within these ranges.
Additionally, factors such as weight and build quality are crucial. Many rimfire rifles are lightweight and designed for extended carry in the field, so a compact and lightweight scope is often preferable.
The best rimfire scopes should also offer excellent light transmission for low-light conditions and have a wide field of view that aids in easy target finding.
Moreover, the scope should have precise turret adjustments, a forgiving eye relief for comfortable shooting, and a weatherproof construction to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Best Rimfire Scopes
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable scope for your first rifle or an experienced shooter seeking top-tier performance, below are the best rimfire scopes to suit your needs.
1. Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Field of View (ft. @ 100 yds): 31.4/10.5
- Eye Relief (inches): 3.75
- Exit Pupil (Millimeters): 10.7 – 3.6
- Weight (ounces): 10.8
- Click Value (MOA): 1/4
- Adjustment (Range): 60/60
- Reticle: Truplex
- Parallax Settings: Parallax Adj
The Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope. It is designed and built for budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable and accurate optic for their .22 LR rifles.
One of its standout features is the HydroShield-coated optics, which provide a bright, clear sight picture even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The fully coated lenses ensure good light transmission and sharp image quality for easy spotting of targets at various distances.
Furthermore, the 3-9x magnification range is versatile, allowing for both close-range precision and longer-range shooting. Additionally, the TrueZero adjustment system offers reliable windage and elevation adjustments that hold zero well, even after repeated use while the Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece ensures fast and easy reticle focus.
Durability is another strong suit of the Simmons 22 MAG scope. The one-inch tube construction is solid, and the shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design ensures it performs well in a variety of weather conditions. The included rimfire 3/8” dovetail mounting rings make installation easy and with the compact and lightweight design, the scope is easy to use and carry from one location to the other.
Pros
- Dependable accuracy at close and medium range
- Easy to install
- Compact and lightweight design
- Generous field of view
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Does not match the optical clarity of higher-end models
2. Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)
- Eye Relief: 3.1″
- Field of View: 64.3′ – 19.3′ @ 100 yds
- Turret Style: Capped
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 11.6″
- Weight: 13.7 oz.
The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope is a top-tier optic designed for small-caliber firearms. It offers an impressive balance of quality, durability, and affordability.
Featuring a 2-7x magnification range, this scope provides the flexibility needed for both close-range and mid-range shooting. Besides, the fully multi-coated lenses ensure superior light transmission, producing crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions across the entire zoom range.
With a 35mm objective lens, the scope allows for a generous field of view while maintaining a compact profile. Regarding construction, the 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube enhances its durability, ensuring resistance to recoil and rough handling. Furthermore, the scope has a reliable waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction to further solidify its reliability in diverse environmental conditions.
Performance-wise, the Diamondback Rimfire scope delivers excellent precision and ease of use. The turret adjustments are crisp and precise, offering ¼ MOA clicks for accurate zeroing and fine-tuning. Over and above that, the parallax setting at 50 yards is optimized for rimfire rifles, ensuring a sharp and distortion-free sight picture at common shooting distances.
Pros
- Excellent low-light capability
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to mount
- Rugged construction
- Large field of view
Cons
- Limited eye relief
3. Leupold FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification Range: 4x
- Weight: 7.5 oz.
- Length: 9.2 in.
- Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Eye Relief : 4.5
As one of the best rimfire scopes, the Leupold FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope offers exceptional clarity, durability, and performance. It is designed specifically for .22 LR rimfire rifles and delivers consistent performance in the field.
Built with Leupold’s renowned craftsmanship, the FX-1 features fully multi-coated lenses that provide outstanding light transmission and sharp image quality, even in low-light conditions. With a 28mm objective lens, this scope remains lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for young shooters or those who prefer a streamlined setup.
Additionally, the fine duplex reticle enhances accuracy without cluttering the sight picture, ensuring quick target acquisition and precise shot placement. The parallax is factory-set at 60 yards, which aligns well with the effective range of most rimfire rifles, minimizing sighting errors and making it a perfect choice for mid-range shooting.
Durability is another strong suit of the FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm. It is built with a rugged, one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is both shockproof and waterproof. Furthermore, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed to ensures fog resistance for reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Pros
- Smooth and repeatable modifications to windage and elevation
- Lightweight for excellent balance and maneuverability
- Robust and reliable construction
- Crystal-clear optics
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Fixed magnification
4. Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Field of View(ft @ 100yds): 36ft @ 3x, 13ft @ 9x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inch
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 mm
- Focal Plane: Second
- Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12″
- Weight: 11.46 oz
- 1″ Tube Diameter
The Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Rifle Scope is an excellent budget-friendly option designed specifically for .22 caliber rifles. It offers solid performance for recreational shooting and small game hunting.
Featuring a 3-9x magnification range, this scope provides a 36-foot field of view at 3x and 13 feet at 9x both at 100 yards. This makes it well-suited for both close and mid-range engagements. Furthermore, the 32mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, while the second focal plane (SFP) reticle maintains consistent sizing regardless of magnification adjustments.
The 1-inch tube diameter is a standard size, allowing for easy mounting on a variety of rifles. Additionally, the 1/4 MOA click value enables precise windage and elevation adjustments, ensuring shooters can fine-tune their aim for accurate shots.
Comfort and durability are key highlights of the Barska Plinker-22. With a 3.5-inch eye relief, the scope provides a comfortable shooting experience while minimizing the risk of recoil-related injury. The exit pupil ranges from 10.7mm at 3x to 3.6mm at 9x, allowing for decent light transmission even in lower-light conditions. This scope is also lightweight, compact, and easy to handle without adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Affordable price point
- Good eye relief
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Stiff to make adjustments
5. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 Millimeters
If you are looking for a user-friendly rimfire scope, look no further than the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. It is a solid choice for hunters and target shooters looking for a user-friendly high-performance optic at an affordable price.
Built with Leupold’s renowned durability, the scope features a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body, making it lightweight yet capable of withstanding harsh field conditions. Its Twilight Light Management System enhances low-light performance, providing clear and bright images during dawn and dusk when game is most active.
Furthermore, the 3-9x magnification range makes it highly versatile for short- to mid-range shooting, and the 40mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission without adding excessive bulk. The finger-adjustable turrets offer precise ¼ MOA click adjustments, allowing for easy zeroing and reliable tracking. The scope also features scratch-resistant lenses provide sharp resolution and crisp target acquisition.
Pros
- Simple and effective reticle
- Long eye relief
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Exceptional optical clarity
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6. Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm FMC Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Item Weight: 440 Grams
- Material: Aluminum
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 Millimeters
- Compatible Devices Rifle: Shotgun
- Mounting Type: Ring Mount
- Eye Relief: 3.5″
Next, we have the Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm FMC Rifle Scope. This is an excellent choice for rimfire rifle enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet high-performing optic.
Designed specifically for .22 LR and other rimfire rifles, this scope features a 2-7x magnification range for close and mid-range shooting. The 32mm objective lens provides a bright and clear sight picture, aided by fully multi-coated (FMC) optics that enhance light transmission and reduce glare.
The Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece ensures fast and easy focus adjustments, allowing shooters to acquire targets swiftly. Additionally, the scope features a simple yet effective Truplex reticle and precise 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments that hold zero well even after multiple rounds.
To top it all off, this rimfire scope features a rugged, one-piece tube construction that is both waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Solod build quality
- Crisp, audible clicks for easy adjustments
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Does not match the optical clarity of higher-end scopes
7. Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Item Weight: 24 Ounces
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 3-9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 Millimeters
- Eye Relief: 3.6 Inches
- Field Of View: 13 Feet
The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a solid choice for rimfire rifle enthusiasts looking for a balance of affordability, durability, and optical clarity.
Designed specifically for .22LR rifles, the scope features a 3-9x magnification range, which is ideal for both close-range and mid-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens provides a bright and clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions, thanks to Bushnell’s multi-coated optics.
As one of the best rimfire scopes, this optic employs a BDC reticle that helps shooters to make more precise long-range shots by compensating for bullet drop. The ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments are crisp and precise, making zeroing in a straightforward process. Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick target acquisition, which is particularly useful in hunting and target shooting scenarios.
Durability is another area where the Bushnell Rimfire scope excels. It features a shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. The lightweight yet sturdy aluminum housing adds to the overall durability without making the rifle feel unbalanced.
Pros
- The 50 yards parallax setting is well-suited for rimfire applications
- Lightweight
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Lacks the high-end optics of premium scopes
8. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Item Weight 1.1 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 33mm
Spending the day plinking with your favorite rimfire gun calls for a quality scope like the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope. This optic is an outstanding choice for shooters looking for a high-quality optic tailored for rimfire rifles.
Built with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, this scope offers a crisp and bright images even in low light conditions. Furthermore, the 2-7x magnification range provides versatility while the 33mm objective lens ensures a wide field of view for rapid target acquisition.
Reticle-wise, the rimfire MOA reticle is designed specifically for the ballistics of .22 LR, making holdovers easier to calculate. Besides, the parallax setting fixed at 60 yards makes the scope perfect for rimfire applications where precision matters at shorter distances.
Regarding construction, the scope is built in a 1-inch main tube that’s lightweight and durable enough to withstand recoil and rough handling. Furthermore, the optical tube is completely waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof, ensuring reliability in various environmental conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Ease of use
- Smooth and accurate windage and elevation adjustments
- Generous eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
Criteria for Choosing the Best Rimfire Scopes
Consider the following key factors when buying a rimfire scope:
Intended Use
Different activities require different scope features. For hunting, opt for a lightweight, compact scope with a simple reticle and good low-light performance. On the other hand, consider a scope with a higher magnification range for target shooting and a basic fixed-power or low-magnification scope for plinking.
Moderate Magnification
Rimfire rifles, particularly those chambered in .22 LR, are typically used within 50–100 yards. A scope with moderate magnification (3-9x or 2-7x) is often more practical than high-powered optics. Excessive magnification can reduce the field of view and make target acquisition more difficult, especially for moving targets.
Optica Clarity
The best rimfire scopes offer sharp, clear images even in low light conditions. Settle for a scope that boasts premium-glass elements preferably ED or HD. Additionally, look for scopes with multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission and reduce glare.
Durability
Durability matters in all sighting tools and rimfire scopes are not any different. Choose a scope that is built with hard-wearing materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy. The best rimfire scopes should also be 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure longevity.
Mounting Compatibility
Rimfire rifles often have different mounting systems, such as dovetail rails or standard Picatinny/Weaver rails. Ensure that your scope rings match your rifle’s mounting system to secure the optic properly. Furthermore, consider the scope height and eye relief to achieve a comfortable shooting position.
FAQs
- What is a rimfire scope?
A rimfire scope is an optic specifically designed for rimfire rifles, such as the .22 LR. These scopes typically feature lower magnification and parallax settings optimized for shorter-range shooting.
- What magnification is best for a rimfire scope?
The ideal magnification depends on your use case and how far you will be shooting. 3-9x is versatile for general shooting and small game hunting while 2-7x is great for close to mid-range plinking and hunting.
Final Words
In conclusion, there are innumerable great rimfire scopes and you ideal model will depend on your use case and budget. Look at the features that each scope brings to the table and settle for a model that enhances shooting accuracy and blends with you needs.