What Makes a Great .22 Pistol Scope?
A great .22 pistol scope should have a sturdy and durable construction so that it withstands any terrain or conditions. It should also be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Getting the best .22 pistol scope can be challenging. You need to ensure that you get a scope that does everything you need a scope to do.
A great .22 pistol scope should have the following features:
Magnification
The scope should have a magnification range suitable for shooting at various distances. A magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x is common for .22 pistols.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter should be large enough to allow sufficient light to enter the scope, which is important for clear and bright images, especially in low-light conditions. An objective lens diameter of 28mm to 32mm is typically adequate for .22 pistol scopes.
Reticle
The reticle should be simple and easy to use. A duplex reticle is a popular choice for .22 pistol scopes as it offers a clear view of the target.
Parallax Adjustment
A parallax adjustment feature allows the shooter to adjust the scope for the distance to the target, which can help to ensure accuracy. Some scopes have parallax adjustments that are set at a specific distance, while others have adjustable parallax settings.
Durability
A .22 pistol scope should be rugged and able to withstand the recoil of the pistol. Look for scopes that are made from high-quality materials and have a shockproof construction.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the shooter’s eye and the eyepiece of the scope. Longer eye relief is desirable for pistols to protect the shooter’s eye from the recoil. Look for scopes that offer an eye relief of at least 3 inches.
To help you get the right and best scope, here is a review of the best 22 pistol scopes
Best 22 Pistol Scopes
1) Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Handgun scope with a 2-7x32mm is designed to cater to the needs of handgun users. The 2x magnification at the lower end of the range facilitates quick target acquisition and a broad field of view. On the other hand, the 7x zoom at the top end enables precise targeting over longer distances.
In situations where there is a heavy recoil, the Burris Posi-Lock models are the most suitable option. The Ballistic Plex reticle is customized to suit the high trajectories associated with handguns.
The scope is also highly durable, which is essential when shooting with handguns, especially if there’s significant recoil involved. The Burris Posi-Lock models are a great choice for those who require additional durability.
Features
- Lightweight and durable
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Non-illuminated
- Hi-Lume Multi-Coated
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- High contrast and true color representation
2) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is one of the best 22 Pistol Scopes,it is designed to deliver precision and reliability, while also being lightweight and compact.
This scope is constructed to withstand rough conditions in the field. It withstands bumps, drops, and bangs as it is strong and has precision-engineered housing.
The nitrogen purging in the scope makes it fog proof so that it does not fog up because of changes in temperature or humidity. O-ring seals ensure that it remains dry even when fully immersed in water.
The TRS-25 is also very easy to mount, thanks to its integrated mounting system. It can be mounted on a variety of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and handguns. Once mounted, the scope stays securely in place, even during heavy recoil.
Nevertheless, the scope has brightness settings that can be adjusted from 1 to 11, illuminating the 3-dot MOA dot reticle inside so that you can acquire your target easily.
One of the standout features of the TRS-25 is its 3 MOA dot reticle, which offers exceptional accuracy at short to medium range. The reticle is clear and easy to see, even in low light conditions, thanks to the scope’s multi-coated optics and adjustable brightness settings.
Features
- Shockproof construction
- Nitrogen purging and O-ring seals for waterproof and shockproof construction
- Shockproof construction
- Unlimited eye relief
- 3 MOA Red Dot reticle
- Matte black finish
- 11 brightness settings
- Easy to mount
- Compatible with pistols, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and rifles
- 5,000+ hours of battery life
- No Auto shut off
3) EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
The EOTech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight utilizes advanced holographic technology which is fast and very intuitive. It has a small size that is convenient for shooters and officers who enforce the law. The scope runs on a single CR123 battery that is compact and leaves more rail space for rear magnifiers or iron sights.
The XPS2 is also designed to be compatible with a wide range of firearms, including the .22 pistol. It’s compact size and low profile make it a great choice for pistols, and it can be easily mounted on a Picatinny rail.
Additionally, the scope has a rugged construction that meets the demands of serious precision shooters. It provides multiple brightness settings when operating in standard mode to make adjustability quick regardless of the shooting situation. It is the shortest and the lightweight Holographic Weapon Sight yet.
One of the standout features of the XPS2 is its rugged construction. It’s built to withstand harsh conditions and recoil and is waterproof up to 10 feet. The sight is also parallax-free, which means that the reticle will remain on target no matter where your eye is positioned.
Features
- Compact design that leaves more rear space for rear iron sights or magnifiers
- 20 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Compatible with 1” weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails as well
- 20 brightness settings that are adjustable
- Dimensions: 3.8″ x 2.1″ x 2.5″
- 1,000hrs battery life
- Rugged construction hence durable
- Water-resistant
- Enables fast acquisition of the target
- -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) operating temperature
4) HOLOSUN-HS507C-X2 Classic Multi-Reticle Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HS507C-X2 is an open-reflex optical sight that is made to be compatible with pistols and offers a large field of view that enables you to increase accuracy and helps in fast target acquisition. It has optical glass that has multilayer coatings that maximize light transmission and reduce glare while wearing resistance.
The scope has a light sensor that enables the reticle to adjust brightness automatically under any lighting environment. It has a lithium-ion battery of high capacity and a battery life of up to 50000 hours. The Solar Failsafe Technology ensures that the red dot sight stays powered even when there is battery failure.
Nevertheless, the scope has Shake Awake Technology that shuts off the LED when there is no action. The LED is instantly activated by the onboard motion sensor.
Features
- Multilayer coatings on the optical glass ensure maximum light transmission
- The battery has a life of up to 50,000 hours
- Unlimited eye relief
- Multicoated optics
- Compatible with pistols
- The light sensor enables brightness to be adjusted automatically by the reticle
- Powered by a lithium-ion battery
- Solar Failsafe Technology
- 7075 T6 Aluminum housing material
- Shak Awake Technology
- Enables more accuracy and fast target acquisition
- Measures 4.8x 3.94x 3.15 inches
- Parallax free
- 10 DL&2 NV Brightness settings
5) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Scout Riflescope
The Crossfire II Series provides outstanding performance and reliability and is made specifically for discriminating hunters and shooters.
Performance is waterproof and fog proof due to the hard anodized aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed. The scope is made for various hunting applications.
With it, you are able to acquire your target quickly due to the 9.45” of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box. For easy focusing of the reticle, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece.
Additionally, the capped reset turrets can be adjusted using the finger and have MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in. The anti-reflective lenses are fully multi-coated to ensure views that are bright and clear.
Features
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy focusing of the reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Lenses are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated for bright and clear views
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Wide eye relief
- Ultra-forgiving eye box
- Measures 14.25x 3.5x 3.27 inches
- V-Plex reticle
- Hard Anodized finish
- Non-Illuminated(9.45 in)
6) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
The Crossfire II Series provides outstanding performance and reliability and is made specifically for discriminating hunters and shooters.
Performance is waterproof and fog proof due to the hard anodized aircraft grade aluminum tube that is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed. The scope is made for various hunting applications.
With it, you are able to acquire your target quickly due to the 9.45” of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box. For easy focusing of the reticle, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece. It has a V-Plex reticle that is popular and used for various hunting applications.
Additionally, the capped reset turrets can be adjusted using the finger and have MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in. The anti-reflective lenses are fully multi-coated to ensure views that are bright and clear.
Features
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy focusing of the reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof performance due to the o-ring seals and nitrogen purging
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Lenses are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated for bright and clear views
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Wide eye relief
- Ultra-forgiving eye box
- Measures 14.3x 3.4x 3.3inches
- V-Plex reticle
- Shock proof performance
7) Leupold VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x33mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x33mm Rifle Scope is one of the best 22 pistol scopes on the market. It has the Twilight Light Management System that balances the transmission of light, and image contrast and reduces glare leading to bright and clear images no matter the lighting condition. It is rugged and reliable as it delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance.
With this Leupold Handgun scope, you get the benefit of not having to focus on the front sight and eliminate the inaccuracy caused by a handgun’s limited sight radius. This leaves you with only the crosshairs and the game to concentrate on.
In addition, these scopes are durable and can endure tough conditions as they undergo the same rigorous testing as all other Leupold scopes.
For total repeatability and dependability for a lifetime of extreme use, the scope has precision 1/4 MOA readjust able windage and elevation. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry for your hunting expedition.
Features
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof performance
- Rugged construction
- Lightweight design
- Low light performance that is unparalleled
- Made and assembled in the USA
- 1-inch main tube design
- Twilight Light Management System
- Matte finish
- Duplex reticle
Related
- 5 Best Trijicon Red Dots for Pistol
- 6 Best Holosun Pistol Red Dot Sights
- 7 Best Biometric Gun Safes for Pistols
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best 22 Pistol Scopes
- Magnification
This is a primary factor when it comes to choosing any scope. Scopes can have either variable or fixed magnification. Fixed magnification scopes have a fixed setting. This may not be ideal for hunters who want to use their scopes at varying distances. You might want to go for a variable scope if you are a newbie who wants to improve your skills and try shooting at different distances.
- Weight
A heavy scope may throw the rifle out of balance. To prevent limiting the movement speed and for easy handling, choose a lightweight scope. A heavy scope can affect any small game or varmint hunting.
- Action/caliber
It is important to know the action type and caliber of the gun. Handguns have a different recoil than rifles. The way that the scope would mount to the gun wouldn’t be similar and the mount can also be limiting. It is important to know the gun’s caliber. For instance, small calibers like the .22 magnum or the .22LR have different recoil than the heavier recoil. It will also have a vibration pattern that requires a certain type of scope.
- Reticle
You do not need an adjustment for both windage and elevation at more than 100 yards when using a .22 pistol scope as BDC is important at such distances. Additionally, illuminated reticles may wash out small targets making them difficult to see.
- Adjustable objective
This helps you adjust the parallax of the scope so as to facilitate the hitting of targets that are small. The scope should have an adjustable parallax that can improve the precision at various target ranges and that can deliver a better sight picture.
- Cost
Figure out how much you are bale to spend on a scope so that you compare your options and avoid wasting time on scopes that exceed the budget that you have set.
Advantages of Pistol Scopes
- Durability
The scopes are made from durable materials such as aircraft grade aluminum which makes them reliable and able to stand up to the roughest and harshest condition.
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
The scopes have o-ring seals and nitrogen purging that make them strong, water proof and fog proof meaning that they are ideal to use in all conditions. The scopes are also shock proof.
- High quality optics
This ensure that the hunter or shooter has bright and clear images of the sight picture.
- Lightweight
This means that they are not heavy hence you do not tire as you use them.
- Versatile
These scopes come in various brands, features and prices so that you get one that not only suits your budget but one that also suits your needs and preferences.
FAQs
- What makes a great .22 Pistol Scope?
The two primary things that make an optic great for your pistol are the right amount of magnification and eye relief. A good reticle design that suits your purposes is also important.
- What magnification do I need?
This comes down to how far out your target is. You may not need any magnification if you are shooting at less than 50 yards. There are a few things you can use your .22 pistol for that would need more than 7x
Conclusion
The right 22 pistol scope will deliver exceptional performance while the wrong one will ruin your hunting experience. Getting the right scope is therefore of utter importance. Choosing any of the scopes elucidated above means that you are choosing durability, compact features, and outstanding performance. The scopes are ideal to use on any terrain and conditions as they have a sturdy construction. Do not settle for less. Get any of the scopes above.