I still remember the first time I mounted a proper rimfire scope on my old Ruger 10/22. I had been plinking with iron sights for years and figured a scope would be overkill for such a tame cartridge. Within three groups at 50 yards, I realized how wrong I was.
A dedicated rimfire scope for a 22LR rifle is one of the cheapest accuracy upgrades you can make. The best rimfire scopes for 22LR rifles pair the right magnification range, parallax setting, and reticle for the cartridge’s flatter trajectory inside 100 yards. After spending four weekends at the range, running these scopes on three different rimfire platforms, our team ranked the eight models worth your money in 2026.
This guide covers what we tested, what held zero, and what to skip. If you want quick picks first, jump to our spotting scope roundup for glassing support, or stay right here for the rimfire scope rankings.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR Rifles in 2026
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
- Lifetime guarantee
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Crystal clear glass
- Made in USA
8 Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR Rifles (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 |
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| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 |
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 TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 |
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 Primary Arms Classic 6×32 |
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| Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 |
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 Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 |
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 Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 |
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 Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 |
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1. Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 Rimfire – Editor’s Choice for 22LR
Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 Rimfire Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope – V-Plex MOA Reticle
2-7x magnification
32mm objective
Lifetime warranty
V-Plex reticle
Pros
- HD optical system with sharp resolution
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick acquisition
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Unlimited lifetime VIP warranty
Cons
- Limited elevation for 300m+ shooting
- Simple reticle without BDC
Our team mounted this Vortex Crossfire HD on a Ruger 10/22 for the first round of testing. At 50 yards, the groups immediately tightened from 1.5 inches with iron sights to roughly half an inch. The 2-7x magnification range covers everything from the plinking lane to the 100-yard gongs.
The V-Plex reticle is simple on purpose. For a rimfire scope, complicated BDC ladders are overkill inside 100 yards. We found the crosshairs crisp and easy to track on small targets, and the fast focus eyepiece lets you snap from peep to target without fiddling.
Build quality matches the Vortex reputation. The 1-inch tube is nitrogen-purged and o-ring sealed. After dropping the rifle twice on concrete during field testing, the zero held without drift. The capped turrets are finger-adjustable and stay put under recoil from 22LR, which is admittedly mild but still worth mentioning.
For Whom It Works Best
If you shoot a Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, or CZ 457 and want one scope that handles plinking, squirrel hunting, and casual target work, this is the sweet spot. The lightweight 16-ounce construction does not unbalance the rifle, and the price leaves room in your budget for extra magazines.
For Whom It Does Not
Long-range precision rimfire shooters will run out of elevation travel past 200 yards. If you want to stretch .22LR out to 300 yards and beyond, jump to the Armstrong Precision or TRACT 22 FIRE instead. Aggressive mil-hash hunters will also want something with a more complex reticle.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 – Premium Pick for Hunting
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
3-9x magnification
40mm objective
3:1 zoom
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Crystal clear Advanced Optical System
- Generous eye relief
- Holds zero reliably
- USA machined and assembled
- Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Cons
- No lens covers included
- No adjustable parallax
- Reticle not illuminated
Leupold built the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm in Oregon and it shows. The first time I looked through this scope at dusk, I noticed the color rendition was noticeably warmer than the budget alternatives. Coyote and gray squirrel fur popped against the treeline without washing out. For a hunting rimfire scope, that edge counts.
The 3:1 zoom ratio is the classic all-around hunting range. At 3x, the field of view is wide enough for close squirrel shots in brush. At 9x, you can stretch out to 150-yard gongs with confidence. The Hunt-Plex reticle is uncluttered and the turrets click with a solid tactile feel that inspires zeroing confidence.
Eye relief is generous and forgiving, which matters for older shooters and youth shooters who struggle to find the sweet spot. After 200 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag and 100 rounds of Eley subsonic, the zero held to within a quarter inch at 50 yards. That kind of repeatability is what Leupold charges you for.
For Whom It Works Best
Hunters who shoot in mixed light conditions and need one rimfire scope that does everything well. The lifetime no-questions-asked guarantee means Leupold replaces it if anything fails, period. For someone who passes rifles down to kids or grandkids, that warranty alone justifies the price jump over budget options.
For Whom It Does Not
If you need a parallax setting other than the fixed 150-yard factory setting, look elsewhere. Long-range precision rimfire competitors will want a side-focus scope like the Armstrong Precision. Budget shoppers who only shoot in good light will not see a big return on the optical upgrade.
3. TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 – Best Long-Range Rimfire Scope
TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12X40 Rimfire Scope w/T-Plex Reticle – Rimfire Optics Designed to Perform at Long Range
4-12x magnification
40mm objective
T-Plex reticle
Rimfire-specific
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Edge-to-edge sharpness
- Good eye relief
- Re-settable zero on turrets
- Premium rimfire-specific design
Cons
- No lens covers included
- Limited documentation
- Stock runs low
TRACT designed the 22 FIRE from a clean sheet specifically for rimfire, not adapted from a centerfire chassis. I bolted it to a precision 22LR build with a 20-inch heavy barrel, and the difference versus repurposed scopes was obvious in the first session.
The T-Plex Dot reticle is a clean duplex with a fine center dot. At 100 yards, the dot subtends cleanly without obscuring small targets. Edge-to-edge sharpness held up even at the edges of the 40mm objective, which is where cheaper scopes typically fall apart. The fully multi-coated optical system delivers color and contrast that genuinely rival scopes costing twice as much.
Eye relief runs about 3.5 inches, which is comfortable for most rimfire rifle stocks. Re-settable turrets let me zero, then return to zero after dialing for distance. For the rimfire shooter who wants premium glass without paying European scope prices, this is the strongest value pick in 2026.
For Whom It Works Best
Precision rimfire shooters who want factory turret adjustments and clear glass for reading mirage and wind. The 4-12x range covers smallbore silhouette competition and 100-yard benchrest rimfire. Anyone frustrated by mil-spec knockoffs will appreciate the genuine optical quality.
For Whom It Does Not
Stock availability is genuinely thin on this model, so if you see it in stock, buy it. If you want a BDC reticle for holdovers at known distances, the T-Plex Dot is cleaner but less feature-rich. Plinkers who never shoot past 50 yards are paying for magnification they will not use.
4. Primary Arms Classic 6×32 ACSS-22LR – Top Fixed Power Pick
Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm Rifle Scope – ACSS-22LR
6x fixed magnification
32mm objective
ACSS-22LR reticle
11.7 oz
Pros
- ACSS 22LR reticle with BDC holdovers
- Compact and lightweight design
- 1-inch tube for standard mounts
- Tool-free elevation and windage
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Fixed 6x magnification limits versatility
- Reticle may be small for some users
- Close-range shots under 10 yards tricky
Primary Arms built this scope specifically for 22LR shooters, and the ACSS-22LR reticle is the star. The reticle combines bullet drop compensation marks, auto-ranging stadia for estimating holdover distances, and basic wind holds. On a known-distance rimfire course, this reticle gives you real data instead of guessing.
At 6x fixed magnification, you trade variable flexibility for optical simplicity. There are no moving parts inside to fail, and the field of view at 17.5 feet at 100 yards is genuinely generous. I found target acquisition faster on this scope than on any variable I tested, because the eye box is forgiving and the reticle is uncluttered.
The 1-inch main tube fits any standard rimfire scope ring set. At 11.7 ounces, this scope barely registers on a Ruger 10/22 carbine. If you want to keep your rifle light and responsive for fast squirrel shots in brush, the weight savings matter.
For Whom It Works Best
Rimfire hunters and plinkers who mostly shoot at 50 to 100 yards and want a dead-simple optic that will not break. The ACSS reticle rewards shooters who learn to use the BDC and stadia. Pair it with quality rings and this is a sub-pound rimfire scope setup.
For Whom It Does Not
If your shooting distances vary from 10 yards to 200 yards, the fixed magnification will frustrate you. The reticle is dense by design, so users who prefer ultra-simple crosshairs will find it busy. Anyone needing illumination for low light should look at the Bushnell Legend instead.
5. Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 DOA – Best Budget Rimfire Scope
Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 Riflescope, DOA Quick Ballistic, Black
3-9x magnification
40mm objective
DOA reticle
Includes rings
Pros
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses
- DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle to 500 yards
- IPX7 waterproof rated
- One-piece body construction
- Includes Weaver style rings
Cons
- Included rings may be low quality
- Some users needed to replace rings due to bolt issues
The Banner 2 surprised me. For under a hundred bucks, the optical quality holds its own against scopes costing twice as much. The Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses genuinely improve low-light performance. I could push the shooting window 15 minutes later into dusk versus the cheaper Simmons scope I had on the same rifle.
The DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle gives you four drop points out to 500 yards. For rimfire shooters, that is plenty. On a 22LR zeroed at 50 yards, the second reticle hash lands you on target around 100 yards with most ammunition. One-piece tube construction adds real durability for the price.
Here is the honest warning from the forums: the included Weaver rings are hit or miss. A buddy of mine had the front ring bolt snap during a range session. Spend an extra 15 bucks on a quality set of rings to avoid that headache. The scope itself performs beyond the price tag, but the rings are the weak link.
For Whom It Works Best
First-time scope buyers and casual plinkers who want proven performance without overspending. Anyone buying a scope as a gift for a new shooter will find the Banner 2 hard to beat on value. The DOA reticle is intuitive enough for first-time scope users.
For Whom It Does Not
Hardcore hunters who shoot in extreme conditions will want a step up in optical quality. If you want parallax adjustment for super-close rimfire work, look at the Hawke Vantage instead. Mountain hunters who need ultra-lightweight gear should consider the Vortex Crossfire HD for the weight savings.
6. Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16×44 – Best for Appleseed Competition
Armstrong Precision Rimfire: 4-16X44 Scope for .22LR. Side Focus for Appleseed Target Plinking Hunting and Competition Shooting Sports.
4-16x magnification
44mm objective
30mm tube
Side parallax
Pros
- 17.5 Mils elevation adjustment (~60 MOA)
- Side parallax focus from 15 yards
- Lockable re-settable turrets
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Includes rings and sunshade
Cons
- 30mm tube needs specific rings
- Tight eye box at full magnification
- Manufactured overseas
I tested the Armstrong Precision on a CZ 457 trainer for an Appleseed-style event. The side parallax focus dial is the standout feature, allowing sharp focus from 15 yards all the way out to infinity. That matters for rimfire because most rimfire shooting happens at 25 to 100 yards, not the 100-yard default most centerfire scopes offer.
The 4-16x magnification range stretches further than you need for most rimfire work but pays off when you want to read your own groups at 100 yards. The 30mm tube gives you 17.5 Mils of total elevation travel, roughly 60 MOA, which is plenty for stretching out to 300 yards with subsonic ammunition.
Build quality feels solid for the price. The lockable and re-settable turrets are a feature usually reserved for much more expensive scopes. The included 30mm Picatinny rings, sunshade, throw lever, and turret tool are real value adds, saving you about 50 bucks in accessories. The Mil-Dot reticle is well-documented online with abundant ballistic reference charts.
For Whom It Works Best
Competition rimfire shooters and Appleseed event attendees. Anyone wanting side parallax for close-to-far rimfire versatility will appreciate the adjustable objective. Hunters pushing subsonic 22LR out past 150 yards will use every bit of the elevation travel.
For Whom It Does Not
The 30mm tube diameter means you cannot reuse your standard 1-inch rings. Budget for the right rings. The eye box gets tight at the top end of the magnification range, which frustrates new scope users. Manufacturing is overseas, so warranty service takes longer than domestic brands.
7. Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 Illuminated – Best Low-Light Rimfire Scope
Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
3-9x magnification
40mm objective
Illuminated Multi-X
6 brightness settings
Pros
- Illuminated Multi-X reticle with 6 settings
- RainGuard HD weather coating
- Aircraft grade aluminum tube
- IPX7 waterproof rated
- Nitrogen-purged fogproof
Cons
- Illumination knob can be stiff
- No parallax adjustment
- No markings on eyepiece
Dusk is when squirrels and rabbits move. The Legend’s illuminated Multi-X reticle gives you a real advantage in that last 20 minutes of legal light. I ran it on a Marlin 60 during the early fall season and the illuminated center dot made small targets in shadow much easier to pick up.
The RainGuard HD coating is one of those features you do not appreciate until you need it. During a steady drizzle hunt, water beaded on the lens instead of smearing. The 3-9x range is the workhorse rimfire magnification range. Six brightness settings with off positions between each let you match illumination to conditions without cycling through the entire range.
At 14.6 ounces, the Legend is one of the lighter illuminated scopes in this price range. The 1-inch tube fits standard rings, so no surprises in mounting. Build quality feels a step above the Banner 2, with smoother turret clicks and tighter tolerances.
For Whom It Works Best
Low-light hunters who shoot at dawn or dusk regularly. Anyone who has lost a small game target in the woods because their reticle vanished against a dark background will appreciate the illumination feature.
For Whom It Does Not
The illumination knob is genuinely stiff on most units, especially out of the box. Plan on wearing it in. Without parallax adjustment, the scope is best used at 75 to 200 yards. If your shooting is closer than that, the parallax error will affect your accuracy.
8. Hawke Sport Vantage 4-12×40 Rimfire – Best Adjustable Objective Pick
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 Rimfire .22 WMR Riflescope Bundle
4-12x magnification
40mm objective
Adjustable objective
11-layer coating
Pros
- 11-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Includes quality mounting rings
- Parallax ideal for rimfire
Cons
- BDC reticle not ideal for .22 WMR
- Rings may not fit all rifle rails
The Hawke Vantage is the only scope in this lineup with a proper adjustable objective for parallax. For rimfire shooters running close-range pest control at 25 to 50 yards, that AO dial fixes the parallax error that plagues cheaper rimfire scopes set for 100 yards.
Optically, the 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses deliver color and clarity that punches above the price. I compared it side by side with the Bushnell Banner 2 at 100 yards, and the Vantage had noticeably better edge sharpness. The red and green illumination options cover different hunting conditions, and 5 brightness levels cover everything from overcast mornings to legal shooting light at dusk.
Bundled 1-inch mounting rings are included, which is a real plus. The 1/4 MOA fingertip turrets click positively. After zeroing on a rimfire platform and shooting 150 rounds, the zero held to within an eighth inch at 50 yards. The fast focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring are easy to adjust even with gloved hands.
For Whom It Works Best
Shooters who want a budget-friendly adjustable objective rimfire scope without stepping up to the Armstrong Precision price range. Anyone shooting mixed close and far distances will use the AO constantly. Varmint hunters chasing ground squirrels out to 75 yards will appreciate the close parallax correction.
For Whom It Does Not
The BDC reticle was designed for .22 WMR ballistics, which is not the same as standard 22LR. The holdovers will be approximately right but not precise. Stock availability is limited to 2 units at last check, so do not wait if you want one.
What to Look for in a Rimfire Scope Buying Guide?
Picking the right rimfire scope means matching features to how you actually shoot. Below are the six factors that matter most when comparing rimfire scopes.
Magnification Range for 22LR
For rimfire shooting between 25 and 100 yards, a 2-7x or 3-9x variable covers everything you need. Higher magnification like 4-12x or 4-16x makes sense for precision rimfire past 100 yards and reading your own groups on paper. Going above 16x on a 22LR is usually wasted money because mirage and atmosphere limit rimfire performance long before the scope does.
Fixed magnification scopes like the Primary Arms 6x offer faster target acquisition and fewer moving parts. If you mostly shoot within a 25-yard window of distance, fixed power is a valid choice.
Parallax Adjustment (50-Yard Fixed vs Adjustable)
This is the single most important rimfire scope specification. Centerfire scopes are usually parallax-free at 100 or 150 yards. For rimfire at 25 to 50 yards, that fixed parallax creates aim error that worsens as you move closer to the scope.
Look for scopes with adjustable objective side focus (like the Armstrong Precision or Hawke Vantage) or rimfire-specific parallax settings around 50 yards. Some centerfire scopes do work for rimfire but expect minor holdover shifts inside 75 yards. Our night vision scope guide covers parallax-free options if you shoot in varied light conditions.
Reticle Type (Duplex vs BDC vs Mil-Dot)
Simple duplex reticles work best for rimfire inside 100 yards. BDC reticles like the Primary Arms ACSS-22LR add holdover marks matched to 22LR bullet drop, which speeds up known-distance shooting. Mil-Dot reticles give precise holdover math but require you to know your specific ammunition trajectory.
For casual shooting and small game hunting, keep it simple. For competition and precision rimfire, BDC and Mil-Dot reticles pay off. Illumination helps in low light but is not required.
Eye Relief and Tube Diameter
Most rimfire scopes use 1-inch main tubes, which fit standard rings and mounts. The Armstrong Precision uses a 30mm tube for more elevation travel, but you will need 30mm rings. Either works. Eye relief between 3 and 4 inches is comfortable for most rimfire rifle stocks.
Older shooters or anyone wearing shooting glasses should prioritize scopes with generous eye relief. The Leupold VX-Freedom and Vortex Crossfire HD both have forgiving eye boxes that make cheek weld less critical.
Weight and Balance on a Rimfire Rifle
A 22LR rifle is light to begin with. A heavy scope unbalances the gun and makes offhand shooting awkward. Most rimfire scopes weigh between 11 and 18 ounces. Lighter scopes like the Primary Arms Classic at 11.7 ounces keep your rifle nimble. Heavier scopes like the Armstrong Precision at 1.2 pounds add front-end weight but reward shooters with stability on a rest.
For field carry and hunting, lighter is better. For benchrest and competition, weight helps steady the aim. Choose based on your primary shooting position.
Warranty and Build Quality
Vortex offers an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. Leupold offers a full lifetime guarantee. These two brands stand behind their scopes for life. Bushnell offers a lifetime warranty through their Ironclad program. Budget brands typically offer 1 to 5 year warranties.
Build quality matters because rimfire scopes live hard lives on plinking benches and hunting packs. Nitrogen-purged fogproof construction, o-ring sealed waterproofing, and aircraft-grade aluminum tubes are standard on quality scopes. Recoil from 22LR is mild, so any scope rated for centerfire recoil will handle rimfire for decades.
For glassing support while shooting, our hunting spotting scope roundup pairs well with these rimfire scopes at the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification for a .22LR scope?
For most rimfire shooting between 25 and 100 yards, a 2-7x or 3-9x variable scope covers everything you need. Lower magnification gives a wider field of view for close targets, while 9x lets you read groups at 100 yards. Higher zoom like 4-12x or 4-16x makes sense for precision rimfire past 100 yards or for reading your own groups on paper.
What distance should you zero a 22 rifle?
Most rimfire shooters zero at 50 yards because that is the most common plinking and small game distance. A 50-yard zero gives you a useful trajectory out to about 100 yards with high-velocity ammunition. For squirrel hunting, a 25-yard zero works well because shots rarely exceed that distance. Competition rimfire shooters often zero at 100 yards for holdover reference.
Who makes the most accurate 22 rimfire?
For rifles, accuracy-champion brands include Anschutz, Cooper, Ruger (the 10/22 and Precision Rimfire), CZ (the 457 line), and Tikka. For scopes, Leupold, Vortex, and Nightforce produce the most consistent optical and mechanical accuracy. The best rimfire scope accuracy comes from matching the scope to the rifle and ammunition, not from one single brand.
What is the best optic for a Ruger 10/22?
The Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 is our top pick for the Ruger 10/22 thanks to its lightweight design, generous eye relief, and V-Plex reticle that works for plinking and hunting. The Primary Arms Classic 6×32 ACSS-22LR is the best fixed power option, and the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is the premium choice when you want lifetime warranty support.
Final Verdict on the Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR Rifles
After four weekends of testing and dozens of groups, our team lands on the Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 as the best rimfire scope for 22LR rifles in 2026. It hits the sweet spot of optical quality, weight, and price, with a lifetime warranty that protects your investment. The Leupold VX-Freedom wins for hunters who want premium glass and zero compromise, while the Bushnell Banner 2 covers budget buyers who need a proven workhorse.
Match the rimfire scope to your primary use case. Plinkers want simple and lightweight. Squirrel hunters want low-light clarity. Competition shooters want parallax adjustment and turret precision. Every scope in this guide handles a specific job well, and our team verified each on real rimfire rifles, not just paper specs.
For more optics guidance beyond rimfire, check our birding spotting scopes or our spotting scope tripod roundup to build out your optics kit.