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Learn MoreBest scopes for 22lr for Long-range shooting, Competition, Benchrest, and Squirrel hunting.
The .22LR is one of the most popular rifles on the market today. Its popularity is mainly from its reliability and affordability.
The range of the ammo is however not that far but can be extended by the use of rimfire scopes.
22LR is lightweight and has minimum recoil making it a great tool for youngsters as well as a training tool for many other people.
The rifle’s versatility might make you think that it can be paired with any scope out there. However, not investing in a fitting scope limits your experience with this rifle.
It is therefore important to understand the rimfire’s abilities and limitations. The .22lr’s accurate shooting distance is limited to about 200 yards by the need for a light cartridge and a thin base.
Whether you need a new rimfire scope for competition shooting or hunting, the most quality centerfire scopes will help you get the work done. There is a wide range of rimfire scopes available in the market.
This makes it hard for you to find the best scope that suits your needs.
What is a Good Scope for a 22lr
The following are the MUST-HAVE features for the best 22lr Scopes.
- Multicoated and anti-reflective optics- this will ensure there is an increased light transmission for better images
- Adjustable parallax – with adjustable or unlimited parallax you are assured of clear images and a better view
- Recoil resistant to withstand recoil and impacts
- Waterproof,fog proof and shockproof
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction for strength and stability
- Hard Anodized Finish for low-glare and camouflaging the shooter’s position.
Best Scopes for 22 LR
Here is a quick summary of the best 22lr scope recommendations
| 1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Length: 11.5 in
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
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| 2) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 10 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Reticle: Truplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
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| 3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
- Reticle: Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 4.2 in
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| 4) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 10 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Reticle: Truplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
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| 5) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Length: 11.53 in
- Reticle: V-Plex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 4.7 in
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| 6) Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 7.5 oz
- Length: 9.2 in
- Reticle: Fine Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 4.5 in
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| 7) BSA Optics Sweet .22 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 22.3 oz
- Length: 12.2 in
- Reticle: 30/30
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3 in
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| 8) Bushnell 4-12×40 Rifle Scope
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- Weight: 17.8 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Reticle: DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in
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Let’s look at each comprehensively.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
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Available in different styles
- 2-7×32
- 3-9×40
- 3-9×50
- 4-12×44
This Crossfire II riflescope is ideal for hunting or shooting at different ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle plus long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box that enables you to quickly get a clear image and easily acquire your target.
The scope also has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
This Vortex scope has multi-coated lenses that are anti-reflective providing you with a clear and bright view of your target.
It consists of capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be zero resets after sighting in.
The 60 MOA elevation adjustment allows you to easily adjust over long-continued use.
It is O-ring sealed to protect it and allow maximum performance even in wet conditions and nitrogen purged to prevent the inside from forming fog due to drastic temperature changes.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Length: 11.3 in
Pros
- It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum that provides a strong and shockproof performance
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Finger adjustable Capped reset turrets
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
Cons
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2) Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
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Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope offers an affordable alternative that has all the basic features to help anyone with a budget-tight need.
The scope features a one-piece tube construction that allows light handling, greater strength, and durability.
It also features elevation and wind adjustment knobs that can easily be turned even while wearing gloves.
An adjustment knob for the objective lens allows you to see a clear, focused view at all magnifications.
Specifications
- Magnification 3x-9x
- Objective: 32 mm
- Field of view at 100 yards: 31.4 / 10.5
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in/ 95mm
- Exit Pupil (mm): 10.7 / 3.6
- Weight: 10ounces / 284g
Pros
- The one-piece tube construction for lighter handling, great strength, and durability
- Fully coated high-quality lenses provide bright, sharp, and high-contrast images
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Shockproof
- Fully coated high-quality lenses for bright and clear images
- It has a Hydro-shield lens coating that helps you maintain a clear sight picture regardless of weather conditions
- The Simmons’ Sure-grip rubber surfaces for easy adjustment in any shooting conditions
Cons
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3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
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VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm by Leupold as one of the best scopes for 22lr is ideal for muzzleloaders, rimfire, and centerfire guns.
It is affordable and offers a wide variety of magnification ranges and reticles.
The scope features the Twilight Light Management System that provides you with good visibility even in poor lighting and repeatable 1/4 MOA precision finger clicks that offer intuitive, simple adjustment over a long time of dependable use.
This cope also features a 3:1 zoom ratio that allows you to switch from observation and target acquisition to long-range precision aiming in just one turn.
It has vast adjustment ranges for windage and elevation that allow you to compensate for wind and bullet drop giving you excellent results in all weather and any distance.
The multi-coated lenses reduce color alterations providing bright and clear images.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Length: 12.39 in
Cons
- Made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- Durable but lightweight
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Shockproof
- Twilight light management system
- It has 1/4 MOA click turrets
- 100% waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance
- One-inch main tube diameter
- Adjustable windage and elevation
Cons
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4) Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
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This Riflescope features Simmons’ patented true zero adjustment system and quick target acquisition (QTA) eyepiece that delivers unbeaten performance.
The scope comes with a set of Rimfire rings that allow easy mounting as well as high-quality fully-coated optical glass lenses that offer clear and bright images.
This scope has Simmons’ TrueZero windage and elevation systems that lock on to your target with accuracy.
It also features sure-grip technology, which allows you to make adjustments easily even when wearing gloves.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 33 – 11 ft at 100 yds
- Reticle: Truplex
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
- Weight: 10 oz
- Length: 12 in
Pros
- Parallax correction preset from 50 yards to infinity
- Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings included
- HydroShield lens coating
- SureGrip rubber surfaces adjustments
- Black matte finish
Cons
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5) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Scope
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This Vortex optic is specifically designed for hunters and shooters providing them with the highest levels of performance and reliability.
It is designed with long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses, and resettable MOA turrets that work together to provide a clear, tough, and bright performance.
The hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen purged making it waterproof and O-ring sealed for a fog-proof performance.
This scope is built to give high-performance standards compared to other riflescopes of a similar price range. The capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that are zero resettable after sighting in.
Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles are situated near the eyepiece and behind the erecting and magnifying lenses.
This style does not change the appearance or size with a change in magnification.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Length: 11.3 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum Long eye relief
- The ultra-forgiving eye box enables you to quickly and easily acquire your target.
- Fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
- It has fully multi-coated lenses that are anti-reflective providing you with bright and clear views
- Capped reset turrets
- Strong, shockproof, and durable performance.
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Cons
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6) Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Riflescope
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Leupold Rimfire riflescopes have a build and high standards similar to Golden Ring riflescopes.
Featuring a 4x magnification power and 28mm objective lens, this rimfire by Leupold offers a lightweight and rugged performance.
The design comes with pre-set 60-yard parallax correction helping you hit targets out to about 100 yards.
The fine duplex reticle allows you to focus on your target where holdover points are an issue. 4x28mm has precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation as well as absolute repeatability and dependability over continued use.
This 4x28mm scope as one of the best scopes for 22lr features Leupold’s Twilight Light Management systems that provide undefeated brightness and clarity by balancing light transmission, glare reduction, and image contrast as well as resolution ensuring a crisp image in any lighting condition.
The multi-coated lenses offer even better light transmission and durability by protecting the lenses from oil, dirt, and debris.
Specifications
- Magnification range: 4x
- Weight: 7.5 ounces.
- Length: 9.2 inches.
- Main tube diameter: 1 inch
- Eye Relief- Low: 4.5 inches
- Eye Relief- High: 4. 5 inches
- Linear FOV (ft./100 yd.) – Low: 25.5
- Linear FOV (f.t/100 yd.) – High: 25.5
Pros
- Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Lightweight, rugged performance
- It features a Twilight light management system
- Unparalleled low-light performance
- Rimfire Parallax adjusted for 60 yards
- 1-inch main tube design
- Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
Cons
- No side focus
- Non-Illuminated
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7) BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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Just like other BSA optics, the .22 duplex riflescope is a high-quality and affordable option, big boys, around hunting/shooting.
The .22-specific trajectory compensation and adjustable objective offer precise and accurate target acquisition.
The scope is specifically designed for the .22 LR round, with quick-change turrets for 36-grain, 38-grain, and 40-grain bullets.
This BSA scope is waterproof and fog proof in construction ensuring the best performance even in bad weather conditions.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: 30/30
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Field of View, Linear: 11.5 – 34.2 ft at 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Eye Relief: 3 in
Pros
- Quick-change turrets
- Fully-coated optics
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Adjustable objective
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- SFP Duplex reticle and matte black finish
Cons
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8) Bushnell 4-12×40 Rifle Scope
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This Bushnell Banner scope features dusk and dawn brightness (DDB) and multi-coated lenses that provide clarity and brightness in low light thus adding extra minutes to every hunting day.
The one-piece tube design scope has an 18x magnification power and a large 50mm objective making it ideal for long-range varmint, silhouette, and target shooting.
It also has a Multi-X reticle that provides a classic sight picture of your view.
Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating deliver bright and high-contrast images.
Specifications
- Eye Relief, in./mm: 3.3/83
- Exit Pupil, mm: 10@4x / 3.3@12x
- Reticle: Multi-X
- FOV, ft.@1000yds. / m@1000m: 29/9.7@4x / 11/3.7@12x
- Click Value, in@100yds. / mm@100m: .25/7
Pros
- O-ring sealed construction provides a waterproof performance even when immersed in water
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- 3 inches of eye relief
- It is Argon Purged to prevent fog formation regardless of a change in temperature
- 1/4 M.O.A. Fingertip windage and elevation adjustment
- 4-12x magnification and 40mm objective lens
- Multi-X reticle
- Measurements: 12 inches long
Cons
- Waterproof for only 30metres
- Not illuminated
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Conclusion
The mentioned scopes stood out for us as the best in performance for 22lr. They come in different prices and features.
If you are looking for the best scopes for 22lr, it is good to consider features that make it of quality and reliable performance such as the weight, magnification power, reticle adjustment, objective lens as well as dependability and effectiveness.
We hope the above-mentioned scopes help you make a decision.
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