There is pure fun in rimfire hunting and shooting, if you are looking for the best rimfire scope to spice up the fun, read on!
Whether you are hunting small game, controlling pests, hunting varmints, or shooting targets in the back of your yard recreationally, you can never go wrong with the rimfire calibers.
As rimfire shooting continues to gain more popularity among most hunters and firearms enthusiasts, different manufacturers have come up with scopes to make rimfire shooting more fun.
Having a rimfire scope will hone your skills in the field and enhance your accuracy. It will also help you find your subjects effortlessly across different ranges.
What is a Rimfire?
Rimfire ammunition is a metallic cartridge whose primer is in the rim of the case to ignite the powder or within the hollow circumferential rim that protrudes from the base of its casing.
The most common rimfire cartridge is the .22 caliber, it is used in rifles and handguns for plinking, hunting, and target shooting.
Rimfire cartridges are very common because they are affordable, have minimal noise, and have minimal recoil, they are also relatively low-powered.
What Makes a Good Rimfire Scope?
A good rimfire scope should have a close to mid-range magnification, the most common magnification for rimfires is 2-7x and 3-9x, When it comes to an objective lens a 27mm to 40mm objective lens will suffice, the bigger the objective lens, the more the light transmission and the clearer the images.
In matters of reticles, a Mil-dot reticle or duplex is the best for rimfires. Get a scope with generous eye relief for comfort and injury prevention from recoil, you can also wear eyeglasses when a scope has large eye relief.
Always choose a durable scope, one with a strong aluminum build for a shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof performance. Choose a lightweight scope and one that fits your budget.
In this post today, we will be going over the best rimfire scopes that are available on the market currently. These scopes are built with modern features and advanced technology to be game changers in the hunting field. We have also included a buyer’s guide with all the important factors you should consider when making your selection.
Without much ado, let’s dive right in.
Best Rimfire Scopes
1) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope on the market, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof features a Truplex Reticle, and has parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity.
The scope comes with rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings while the optics have a hydro shield coating for clarity. You also get sure-grip rubber surfaces for easy handling and adjustments.
If you are all looking for a scope that fits all rimfire applications, this scope is up to the task. It is simple to use and make adjustments under any shooting condition.
The scope is built with a QTA fast-focus eyepiece which delivers up to 4 inches of eye relief for quick target acquisition. Furthermore, the scope is built with high-quality optical glass and fully multi-coated optics to generate crisp clear sight pictures.
Simmons has made this rimfire rifle scope with SureGrip rubber technology which makes adjustments seamless and easy no matter your shooting position. It also has TrueZero Flex Erector System for repeatable and accurate adjustments.
Specifications
- Length: 12 in
- Weight: 10 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
- Field of View, Linear: 33 – 11 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Fully coated optics
- QTA eyepiece
- Hydroshield lens coatings
- TrueZero Windage and elevation dials
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Ease of adjustability
- Long eye relief
- Inexpensive
- Compatible with vast .22 rifles
Cons
- Non -illuminated
2) Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope
The Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope for 22 rimfires, Muzzleloaders, and shotguns making it a highly versatile rifle scope that is perfect for close-range shooting on different rimfire platforms. It is easy to use even for beginners, and an ideal choice for a wide variety of hunting applications.
Featuring fully multi-coated optics, the scope provides crystal clear and tack-sharp images in different lighting conditions. The V-Plex reticle is housed on the second focal plane and designed to provide a precise point of aim without obstructing the target.
Moreover, Vortex built this rifle scope to be nearly indestructible. It has shockproof housing to withstand impact, accidental falls, and recoil.
It also has a weatherproof construction for use under all weather conditions and a hard anodized finish that shields it from scratches and corrosion.
Specifications
- Length: 11.6 in
- Weight: 14.2 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.5 in
- Field of View, Linear: 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane V-Plex reticle
- 1-inch main tube
- Hard anodized finish
- Decent build quality
- Clear and bright optics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3) Leupold FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope
Leupold is known for its rugged optics, and the FX-1 Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope is not any different. This budget-friendly rifle scope is designed with a fixed 4x magnification power which is simple to use and suitable for taking shots at constant ranges.
The scope is built and tested to the same high standards as other Leupold optics. It is rigid enough to take the beating and completely waterproof and fog proof for use in any climatic conditions.
Moreover, the micro-friction 0.25 MOA dials ensure that you make precise windage and elevation adjustments for peak accuracy in the field. The scope also boasts Multi-coat 4 lens system that delivers the outstanding image clarity and bright sight pictures even in dismal environments.
Specifications
- Length: 9.2 in
- Weight: 7.5 oz
- Eye Relief: 4.5 in
- Field of View, Linear: 25.5 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- 1” strong and durable main tube
- Micro-friction 0.25 MOA dials
- Multicoat 4 lens system for clarity
- Second focal plane reticle
- Water, fog, and shockproof
- Long eye relief
- Ultralightweight and durable build
- Compact size
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Fixed magnification and Non-illumination
4) Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for an incredible improvement for your rimfire gun on a budget, the Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope will help you achieve that. It is made with exceptionally reliable features to ensure that you make the most out of your rimfire.
With a variable 3-9x magnification power, the scope is ideal for varmint and small game hunting as well as plinking across vast ranges. The DZ22 reticle is designed specifically for a 40-grain 22 LR and has drop points out to 125 yards.
It is also illuminated for visibility in different lighting conditions.
For improved resolution, light transfer, and rich color contrast, the scope has multi-coated optics. The turrets are capped to protect the scope’s setting in the field and offer additional protection from bumps.
The scope also features lightweight and durable aluminum housing that is waterproofed to lock out moisture and dust.
Specifications
- Length: 15 in
- Weight: 15.4 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Field of View, Linear: 13 – 39 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Illuminated reticle with 6 brightness settings
- Multi-coated optics
- One-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- 3-9x variable magnification
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- Lightweight construction
- Good eye relief
- Inexpensive
- Multifunctionality
Cons
- Plastic turret caps are not very durable
5) Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Rifle Scope
The best rimfire scope for beginners is the Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Rifle Scope. It is engineered specifically for use with .22 rifles and rimfires where it offers striking performance.
The scope is very easy to use and an ideal choice for plinking and general hunting. With the variable 3-9x zoom power, you will be able to look for game across different distances. Besides, the scope is fully waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof for all-weather use.
Another facet that makes the scope stand out is the low light visibility. It has fully coated optics that maximize light transfer in low-light settings. It is also made with capped turrets to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
Specifications
- Length: 15.2 in
- Weight: 11.46 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Field of View, Linear: 13 – 39 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Best for plinking and hunting
- Shockproof to handle impacts and recoil
- Fully-coated optics
- Black matte finish
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Constant and accommodating eye relief
- Easy to set up
- Value for money
- Exceptionally accurate
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6) Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm FMC Rifle Scope
Our next rimfire scope recommendation is the Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope. Having this rifle scope as your sighting tool will bring you closer to distant targets, magnify the small targets and make your hunting and plinking more fun.
Built with fully multi-coated lenses, the scope provides bright and crisp clear images to ensure that you squeeze the perfect shot. Furthermore, the body of the scope is shockproof to weather rough handling and the recoil that rimfires generate.
It is also waterproof and fog proof so you will be able to use it in any environment.
To top it all off, this rimfire rifle scope has interchangeable 1/4 MOA, .17HMR, and .22Lr elevation turrets for use with various rimfire calibers.
Specifications
- Length: 13 in
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Field of View, Linear: 15 – 49 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fixed and variable power options
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Interchangeable 1/4 MOA elevation turrets
- Second focal plane reticle
- Mount rings included
- Inexpensive
- Goof clarity
- Easy to install and use
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, .22 Long Rifle compatible
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
The VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope for use in low light conditions. It boasts a Twilight Light Management System which provides the best clarity and brightness in nearly all lighting conditions.
With a weight of 11.1 oz only, the scope is ultra-light, portable, and multi-platform friendly.
It has scratch-resistant lenses which provide added protection in the field and a durable 6061-T6 aluminum body that is tough enough to take in the beating.
The scope boasts a rear focal plane Rimfire MOA reticle that provides stunning accuracy across different ranges. It is also waterproofed and fog proofed for use in all weather conditions.
Specifications
- Length: 11.04 in
- Weight: 11.1 oz
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Field of View, Linear: 43.8 – 29.8 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Rimfire MOA reticle
- 1-inch 6061-T6 Aluminum main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Twilight Light Management System
- Great build quality
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
8) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This is a multifunctional rifle scope that has virtually everything a hunter or rimfire shooter needs to make quick and accurate shots every time.
The rugged design will surely impress you and guarantee many years of field use. On the exterior surface, the scope is coated with a scratch-resistant matte finish that also prevents corrosion.
Besides, the lenses are scratch resistant and the whole tube is weatherproofed to ensure that no weather condition limits your fun in the field.
At close ranges, the scope offers a massive field of view to help you find your subjects without breaking a sweat. It is also equipped with a Twilight Light Management System which yields unmatched optical clarity, even in low-light settings.
Specifications
- Length: 12.39 in
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- 1-inch 6061-T6 Aluminum main tube
- Lightweight and durable
- Generous eye relief
- Crisp clear optics
- Affordable
Cons
- Non-illuminated
Related: Best Ruger 10/22 scopes, Rimfire Scopes, Red Dots
Criteria for Choosing the Best Rimfire Scope
Different rimfire scopes have different features and specs which are ideal for different applications. Explained below are the key factors you should consider when making your selection.
Weight
Generally, rimfire rifles are not heavy. This calls for a scope that is equally lightweight. If you get a heavy scope, it will affect the balance of the rifle and interfere with your shooting accuracy. Additionally, a heavy scope will not only be exhausting to carry around, but it will also affect your speed and movement.
Getting a light scope that weighs less than 2 pounds will save you from such disappointments. A light scope will also be easy to mount and use.
Magnification
Magnification is a feature whose importance in a scope can’t be overstated. It provides a shooting range that you must stick with to hit your targets accurately.
Typically, rimfire scopes with a fixed magnification power are the best for beginners shooting at constant ranges. Such scopes are easy to use and reasonably affordable.
Variable-powered scopes on the other hand are ideal for taking shots across various distances. With the adjustable zoom power, they are more versatile than their fixed counterparts.
Optics Quality
Get a scope that employs the best optics quality you can afford. The better the optics quality is, the higher the resolution and color richness you get.
In addition, ensure that you get a scope that has the lenses fully coated or fully multi-coated. Lens coatings are important as they ensure adequate light transfer which is vital for the production of clear-cut and bright-sight pictures.
Reticle
Next, consider the type of reticle the scope has. The best rimfire scope will have a reticle that is simple to use, clean, and designed to not obstruct the sight picture in any way. The clear the reticle, the more precision you get out of it.
If your purpose to use the scope is mainly for hunting, get a scope that has an illuminated reticle. Reticle illumination enhances the visibility of both the target and the reticle in low-light settings.
Durability
The durability and longevity of the scope are of paramount importance. Check the type of material used to make the scope and ensure that it is of high quality. Additionally, ensure that the scope is rated to be shockproof to withstand the test of time. The best rimfire scope should also be fully water, fog, and dust-proof to withstand adverse weather conditions.
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FAQs
Do you need a Special Scope for Rimfire?
No. You can use a rimfire scope or a standard scope on your rimfire rifle depending on the kind of shooting that you will be doing. However, many hunters and shooting enthusiasts find the lower power scopes to be more appropriate for use with rimfire rifles as they are the best for taking shots at close and medium ranges.
Does Vortex make a Rimfire scope?
Yes. Vortex makes a wide range of scopes including rimfire scopes. One of their popular rimfire scopes is the Diamondback Rimfire Rifle Scope which is specifically made for use with a wide range of rimfire rifles.
What is the Best Magnification for a Rimfire Scope?
The best magnification for a rimfire scope is one that will work perfectly in close to medium ranges such as 2-7x or 3-9x.
Is a Larger Objective Lens Better for a Rimfire Scope?
Yes, if you want the images to be brighter and clearer, a larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the scope, the only disadvantage is that the rifle scope will be heavier. For a rimfire scope, the best objective lens size is between 32-40mm.
Can I use a Rimfire Scope on a Centerfire rifle?
Rimfire scopes are designed specifically for use with rimfire rifles and may not be suitable for use with centerfire rifles since Centerfire rifles need higher magnifications and much stronger scopes.
Can Rimfire Scopes be used for Long-Range Shooting?
Rimfire scopes have a low magnification and compact size which works best for close to medium-range shots. For long-range shooting, you need a higher magnification and sturdier construction which is the case with centerfire scopes.
Further Reading : 11 Best LPVO Scopes(Budget,AR15,Hunting)
Conclusion
The task of finding the best rimfire scope doesn’t have to be difficult and unpleasant. Being activity specific and knowing the features and specs that you need in the scope makes the selection process simple, even for first-time buyers. Whatever you have in mind, there is a rimfire scope out there for you.