Looking for the Best vortex scopes for .22? Read on as comprehensively cover the best.
The .22 /.22 LR is one of the longest-established varieties of the .22 caliber rimfire ammunition, and one of the most common ammunition in thein the market. .22 rifles are very popular among shooters mostly because they have minimal recoil and low noise making them ideal for small game hunting, training, pest control, and recreational shooting. The .22 rifle is one of the best introductory firearms.
With that brief understanding of the .22 rifle let’s go through the best vortex scopes for .22.
Best Vortex Scopes for .22
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is the best Vortex Scope for .22 LR, it features fully multi-coated optics, rugged construction, aircraft grade aluminum construction, a fast-focus eyepiece, long eye relief, and an ultra-forgiving eye box.
Designed specifically for rimfire rifles, it features a versatile 2-7x magnification and a compact 32mm objective lens, making it perfect for small-game hunting, plinking, and target shooting. Its V-Plex reticle is an all-purpose hunting reticle that offers clear, accurate aiming for a variety of applications, whether you’re in the field or at the range.
One of the most notable features of the Crossfire II is its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box. These features allow for quick sight picture acquisition and comfortable shooting, even when making rapid adjustments in the field. The fast-focus eyepiece enhances user convenience, enabling shooters to instantly bring the reticle into sharp focus for precise aiming. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, this scope’s ease of use makes it an ideal choice for .22 LR rifles.
Optical clarity is a top priority with the Crossfire II, thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses. These lenses maximize light transmission, providing bright, clear images with impressive edge-to-edge clarity. Whether you’re shooting in low-light conditions or bright daylight, this scope ensures a crystal-clear view of your target. The anti-reflective coatings on the lenses also reduce glare, improving visibility in challenging lighting.
Durability is another key factor that makes the Crossfire II perfect for .22 LR rifles. Built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is designed to withstand rough handling, recoil, and impact. Its shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction, achieved through O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions. The capped resettable turrets allow for easy MOA click adjustments, which can be reset to zero after sighting in, making it simple to fine-tune your accuracy on the fly.
With Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional VIP Warranty, the Crossfire II is a risk-free investment. This lifetime warranty guarantees repair or replacement if your scope becomes damaged or defective, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Key Features
- Magnification: 2-7x power range, ideal for versatile shooting distances.
- V-Plex Reticle: A reliable all-purpose reticle for hunting and target shooting.
- Long Eye Relief & Ultra-Forgiving Eye Box: Ensures quick target acquisition and comfortable shooting.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Provides bright, clear views with excellent light transmission.
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction: Built tough to handle shock, recoil, and rough conditions.
- Capped MOA Reset Turrets: Easy finger adjustments with reset-to-zero capability.
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: Reliable performance in all weather conditions.
- VIP Warranty: Lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Long eye relief for comfortable shooting.
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments.
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear optics.
- Durable, shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof design.
- Capped resettable turrets for easy field adjustments.
- Affordable price point with premium Vortex quality.
- Backed by an excellent lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle, which may be beneficial in low-light hunting.
Get it on Amazon, Optics Planet or Cabelas
2) Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope is a standout choice for anyone seeking precision and reliability in their .22 LR rifle setup. With its 2-7x magnification and 35mm objective lens, this scope is specifically designed for close-range shooting, making it ideal for small-game hunting, plinking, and target shooting.
The V-Plex reticle, a versatile all-purpose hunting reticle, is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, offering clear and simple aiming without cluttering your sight picture. This makes the Diamondback Rimfire an excellent option for beginners and seasoned shooters alike.
One of the defining features of the Diamondback Rimfire is its fully multi-coated lenses, which provide crystal-clear and bright images, even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. The enhanced light transmission ensures a sharp and clear view, helping you track and aim at targets with ease.
The scope’s 50-yard parallax setting is specifically tuned for rimfire rifles, ensuring maximum accuracy at typical .22 LR shooting distances. This precision is further supported by the fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for rapid reticle focusing, making target acquisition quick and effortless.
Built to withstand the elements and the rigors of the field, the Diamondback Rimfire features a single-piece, hard-anodized aluminum tube that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. Its argon-purged and O-ring sealed construction ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions, providing consistent performance in rain, fog, or challenging terrains.
The metal-on-metal precision turrets allow for smooth adjustments, with easy-to-use 1/4 MOA clicks for both windage and elevation. These turrets are also resettable to zero after sighting in, adding convenience during range sessions or in the field.
The precision glide erector system in the Diamondback Rimfire guarantees accurate tracking and repeatability, so your adjustments hold true shot after shot.
This scope’s combination of rugged durability, optical clarity, and reliable adjustments makes it a top contender for the best scope for .22 LR rifles. Backed by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime VIP Warranty, this scope ensures peace of mind, knowing that it will be repaired or replaced if damaged or defective.
Key Features
- Magnification: 2-7x, perfect for close-range precision shooting.
- 35mm Objective Lens: Provides excellent light transmission and a clear field of view.
- V-Plex Reticle: A simple and effective all-purpose hunting reticle for versatile shooting applications.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Delivers bright, clear images from dawn till dusk.
- 50-Yard Parallax Setting: Optimized for .22 LR accuracy at typical rimfire shooting distances.
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece: Allows quick reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
- Metal-on-Metal Precision Turrets: Smooth 1/4 MOA adjustments with zero reset capability.
- Precision Glide Erector System: Ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum Tube: Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction for all-weather reliability.
- VIP Warranty: Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide exceptional brightness and clarity.
- The 50-yard parallax setting is ideal for rimfire rifles.
- Durable, weatherproof construction for rugged outdoor use.
- Fast-focus eyepiece and easy-to-use capped turrets.
- Lightweight and compact design perfect for .22 LR rifles.
- Backed by Vortex’s exceptional lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle, which could be useful in low-light conditions.
- Fixed 50-yard parallax may limit its versatility at longer distances.
Get it on Amazon, Optics Planet, or Cabelas
3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope stands out as one of the best Vortex scopes for the .22 LR platform, offering an exceptional balance of versatility, clarity, and durability.
Designed for close to medium-range shooting, this scope features a 3-9x magnification range that allows shooters to easily adapt to various hunting or shooting scenarios, whether you’re tracking small game or plinking at the range.
The V-Plex reticle is an all-purpose hunting reticle, making it simple yet effective for a variety of shooting applications, whether you’re targeting fast-moving or stationary objects.
What makes the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm particularly appealing is its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box, which ensures quick target acquisition. Even when the shooting position is less than perfect, the generous eye relief offers a comfortable shooting experience while providing a clear-sighted picture.
Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, enabling you to dial in your target rapidly without losing precious seconds in the field. This feature is essential when shooting small, fast-moving targets at varying distances, which makes it ideal for .22 LR shooters.
The scope’s optics are a major highlight. Its anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide sharp, bright views in various lighting conditions, whether you’re shooting at dawn, dusk, or midday. The optical clarity and light transmission make this scope a strong contender for those who enjoy shooting in low-light environments, where many .22 LR rifles excel. Built with a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II offers outstanding durability.
This rugged construction, along with O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, ensures that the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—perfect for withstanding harsh conditions in the field.
The capped reset turrets on this scope are finger adjustable and allow you to quickly reset to zero after sighting in. This feature is extremely convenient for hunters and target shooters who need quick, reliable adjustments on the fly.
Additionally, the scope includes a sunshade to reduce glare in bright conditions, adding to its practicality in sunny environments. Whether you’re hunting or shooting targets, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm provides the reliability and accuracy you need for a successful outing.
Key Features
- Magnification: 3-9x for versatile performance at close to medium ranges.
- 40mm Objective Lens: Provides excellent light transmission for bright, clear images.
- V-Plex Reticle: All-purpose hunting reticle ideal for a wide range of shooting applications.
- Long Eye Relief & Forgiving Eye Box: Ensures quick target acquisition and comfortable shooting.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Deliver bright, sharp images in various lighting conditions.
- Single-Piece Tube: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability.
- Capped Reset Turrets: Finger adjustable for windage and elevation with the ability to reset to zero.
- Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof: O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for all-weather performance.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Allows quick and easy reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
- Sunshade Included: Reduces glare in bright conditions.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness thanks to fully multi-coated lenses.
- Versatile 3-9x magnification for close to medium-range shooting.
- Durable, weatherproof construction is ideal for rugged outdoor use.
- Long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box provide a comfortable shooting experience.
- Capped reset turrets offer quick and easy adjustments.
- Backed by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime VIP warranty.
Cons
- No illuminated reticle, which could be useful in low-light scenarios.
Get it on Amazon, Optics Planet, or Cabelas
4) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is one of the best Vortex scopes for the .22 LR platform, offering superior versatility and precision for a wide range of shooting applications.
Whether you’re hunting small game or shooting targets at the range, this scope’s 1-6x magnification provides excellent adaptability, from quick close-range shots to more precise distance shooting.
Designed with a 30mm tube and a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, this scope ensures that the reticle remains the same size across the entire magnification range, offering reliable accuracy in various shooting situations.
One of the standout features of the Strike Eagle is its XD lens elements. These extra-low dispersion (XD) glass elements increase resolution and color fidelity, ensuring crisp, sharp images, even at maximum magnification.
The fully multi-coated lenses further enhance light transmission, providing bright and vivid sight pictures from dawn till dusk. This is particularly important when using a .22 LR for hunting or target practice, as the clarity and brightness offered by the Strike Eagle make it easier to track small targets in diverse lighting conditions.
Built to withstand tough environments, the anodized aluminum tube of the Vortex Strike Eagle is both lightweight and rugged, ensuring durability while remaining resistant to the elements.
Whether you’re shooting in the rain, fog, or under extreme temperature variations, this scope’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures reliable performance. Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece allows for rapid reticle focusing, enabling you to quickly acquire targets in dynamic situations—a key advantage when hunting or shooting moving targets with a .22 LR rifle.
The glass-etched reticle is another feature that enhances the scope’s durability, as it is protected between two layers of glass. This reticle also features illumination, making it highly effective in low-light conditions.
With an illuminated reticle, you can achieve precise aiming when shooting in dim environments, which is especially useful when targeting small game or hitting challenging targets with a .22 LR. Combined with its fast-focus eyepiece and overall optical precision, the Strike Eagle significantly boosts your accuracy and shooting experience.
Key Features
- 1-6x Magnification: Ideal for close to medium-range shooting with a .22 LR rifle, offering versatility for various shooting scenarios.
- 24mm Objective Lens: Ensures ample light transmission for bright, clear images.
- XD Lens Elements: Extra-low dispersion glass improves image resolution and color fidelity, providing sharp, clear sight pictures.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Maximizes light transmission with anti-reflective coatings, ensuring bright, vivid images in different lighting conditions.
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticle: Maintains reticle size across magnification levels, ensuring accuracy at higher powers.
- Glass-Etched Reticle: Protected between layers of glass for added durability and reliability.
- Illuminated Reticle: Provides precise aiming points in low-light environments.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, enhancing target acquisition speed.
- Rugged Construction: Anodized aluminum tube is lightweight, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather performance.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness with fully multi-coated lenses and XD glass.
- Versatile 1-6x magnification for various shooting situations.
- Illuminated reticle enhances performance in low-light conditions.
- Fast focus eyepiece improves target acquisition speed.
- Durable and weatherproof construction for reliability in tough environments.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver in the field.
Cons
- Limited long-range capabilities due to the 1-6x magnification range.
Get it on Optics Planet
5) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope is an outstanding choice for shooters who demand precision and value from their .22 LR platform.
With a 4-16x magnification range and a 44mm objective lens, this scope offers versatility for a variety of shooting applications, from close-range plinking to long-range precision shots. The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate throughout the zoom range, making it an ideal option for shooters who want consistent holdovers and windage corrections at all magnification levels.
One of the key features of this scope is the extra-low dispersion (XD) glass, which enhances resolution and color fidelity, providing a sharp, clear sight picture even in challenging light conditions.
The fully multi-coated lenses further improve light transmission, ensuring that your images are bright and detailed from dawn till dusk. This level of optical performance is particularly valuable when shooting small targets, like varmints or silhouettes, where accuracy is paramount.
Built for the field, the Diamondback Tactical is constructed from a single-piece 30mm tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it the strength and durability to withstand harsh environments.
It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to o-ring seals and nitrogen purging, so you can trust this scope to perform in wet, foggy, or dusty conditions. The hard anodized finish not only provides a low-glare surface to help conceal your position but also increases the scope’s overall durability.
The scope is equipped with exposed turrets for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments, and the side parallax knob allows for fine-tuning at longer distances.
The fast focus eyepiece ensures that you can quickly acquire targets and focus the reticle, making this scope suitable for fast-paced action or competitions. Additionally, the Precision-Glide Erector System ensures smooth magnification changes, even in demanding conditions, enhancing your shooting experience whether you’re in the field or at the range.
Key Features
- 4-16x Magnification: Offers versatility for short to long-range shooting, perfect for .22 LR rifles.
- 44mm Objective Lens: Ensures bright, clear images with excellent light transmission.
- First Focal Plane Reticle: Subtensions remain accurate throughout the magnification range for consistent holdover and windage corrections.
- Extra-Low Dispersion (XD) Glass: Provides superior clarity, resolution, and color fidelity.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Increases light transmission and reduces glare, enhancing performance in various lighting conditions.
- Exposed Turrets & Side Parallax Knob: Easy-to-use, precise adjustments for long-range shooting.
- Single-Piece 30mm Tube: Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability and strength.
- Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof: Designed to perform in all weather conditions with rugged construction.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Enables quick and easy reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
- Precision-Glide Erector System: Ensures smooth magnification changes for precise adjustments in the field.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness with XD glass and fully multi-coated lenses.
- First focal plane reticle ensures accuracy across all magnification levels.
- Durable construction with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features for reliability in tough environments.
- Exposed turrets and side parallax knob offer precise adjustments for long-range accuracy.
- Fast focus eyepiece enhances target acquisition speed.
- Smooth magnification transitions with the Precision-Glide Erector System.
Cons
- Exposed turrets may be prone to accidental adjustments in the field.
Get in on Amazon, Optics Planet or Cabelas
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Vortex Scopes for .22
When choosing the best Vortex scopes for a .22 LR rifle, there are several important factors to consider. Each of these factors plays a critical role in determining the overall performance, versatility, and suitability of the scope for your specific shooting needs.
1. Magnification Range
The magnification range is one of the most important factors when selecting a scope for .22 LR. Since .22 LR rifles are often used for short- to mid-range shooting, a scope with moderate magnification (e.g., 1-6x, 3-9x, or 4-16x) is ideal. Lower magnification allows for quicker target acquisition at shorter distances, while higher magnification provides better precision for long-range shots. For versatile use, a variable zoom scope like the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm or Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm offers flexibility across different shooting ranges.
2. Reticle Type
The reticle is another essential feature that can impact your shooting experience. For a .22 LR rifle, a second focal plane (SFP) reticle is often preferred because the subtensions remain constant regardless of magnification, making it easier for close-range shooting. A scope like the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm with a V-Plex reticle is perfect for general-purpose hunting and target shooting. Alternatively, a first focal plane (FFP) reticle is beneficial for long-range precision, as it maintains accurate subtensions throughout the zoom range, as seen in the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm.
3. Glass Quality and Lens Coatings
Optical clarity is crucial, especially for precise shots. Look for scopes with extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and deliver crisp, bright images. These features are particularly important in low-light conditions, such as early mornings or dusk. Vortex scopes like the Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm and Diamondback Tactical incorporate XD glass and advanced coatings, offering superior image quality that enhances accuracy and target identification.
4. Durability
The construction of the scope needs to withstand the elements and the rigors of outdoor use. A single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum ensures strength, shock resistance, and longevity. Additionally, scopes should be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to perform in all weather conditions. Features like O-ring seals and nitrogen purging are vital for ensuring the scope is resistant to moisture and fog. Durability is particularly well-executed in scopes like the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm and the Vortex Crossfire II series.
5. Turret Adjustments and Parallax Control
For precise shooting, the ability to make easy, repeatable windage and elevation adjustments is essential. Exposed turrets allow for quick adjustments in the field, while capped turrets offer protection against accidental changes. For long-range accuracy, a side parallax knob is beneficial, as it corrects parallax error and sharpens the focus on the target. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical offers exposed turrets and side parallax adjustment, making it a great choice for precision shooting with a .22 LR.
6. Eye Relief and Eyebox
Comfort and speed in acquiring targets are heavily influenced by eye relief and the size of the eyebox. Scopes like the Vortex Crossfire II offer long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eyebox, which allows you to quickly get a clear sight picture, even in fast-paced shooting scenarios. A generous eye relief is especially important for rifles with more recoil, but even for .22 LR, it contributes to a more comfortable shooting experience, particularly for extended sessions.
7. Weight and Size
The weight and overall size of the scope matter, especially for .22 LR rifles, which are often lightweight and used for mobile shooting. A heavy scope can make the rifle cumbersome, while a lighter, more compact scope keeps the setup nimble. For hunters or plinkers who prioritize maneuverability, scopes like the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm are a great choice due to their relatively low weight and compact design, which doesn’t add excessive bulk to your rifle.
8. Warranty and Support
Vortex Optics is known for its unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP Warranty, which covers any defect or damage to the scope, except for loss, theft, or deliberate damage. This warranty provides peace of mind and ensures long-term value from your investment. Whether you’re purchasing an entry-level scope like the Crossfire II or a higher-end model like the Diamondback Tactical, knowing that Vortex stands behind their products is a significant advantage, especially if you plan to use your scope in tough conditions.
Advantages of the Vortex Scopes for .22
- Efficient-A shot placed behind the ear, aiming for the off eye, brings an instantaneous end to a target
- Generous eye relief-These scopes have generous eye relief thus protecting your brows from any injuries and avoiding eye strain.
- O-ring seals and nitrogen purge-This ensures excellent waterproofing, fog proofing, and shock proofing capabilities
- Excellent lens coating-These scopes have fully multi-coated lenses thus ensuring maximum light transmission.
- Durable-These vortex scopes are made from the best materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum. You can be certain that they will last for a long time while still functioning well.
- Clear and crisp images regardless of the weather-This are due to the presence of anti-reflective lenses which are also multi-coated.
- Great value for money-the best Vortex scopes for .22 is efficient, accurate, and reliable. Therefore, you will not be disappointed by their performance as they are incredible.
FAQs
- What do numbers on scopes mean?
A rifle scope specification includes two numbers. The first number identifies the magnification while the second number identifies the diameter of the objective lens.
- Why do I need a red/green illuminated reticle?
Illumination is a great feature for scopes as it allows the shooter to have a clear, bright reticle in any light condition. Standard black reticles can get lost if you are in a dark wooded area. Illumination will give contrast to the background, making it easier to identify your target. Offering dual illumination gives the user two contrasting colors for various lighting conditions and backgrounds.
- What is the best way to keep my scope lenses clean?
Be careful when cleaning the lenses. Dry dirt and dust can be removed by air blast or with a soft brush. It is crucial to note that wiping dry, dirty lenses with a dry cloth will scratch the lenses, greatly impairing the clarity of the scope. Fingerprints and lubricants can be wiped off with the lens cloth, included in your scope’s package, or by using an eyeglass tissue.
Also, remember to use the lens covers supplied with your scope whenever possible.
Conclusion
We have comprehensively reviewed the Best vortex scopes for .22 on the market and hope your next scope will be from our list.
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