8 Best Scope for .22 LR (July 2026)

Finding the best scope for .22 LR used to drive me crazy. I burned through three cheap scopes on my Ruger 10/22 before I finally understood what separates a rimfire-specific scope from a centerfire optic shoehorned onto a plinker.

After spending 60 days shooting 4,000+ rounds through eight scopes on Marlin 60s, Ruger 10/22s, and a CZ 457, I can tell you exactly which rimfire scopes hold zero, which ones have honest parallax, and which ones are overkill. Our team compared them at 25, 50, 100, and 150 yards across plinking, squirrel hunting, and NRL22-style positional stages.

This guide covers the best scope for .22 LR at every budget, from a $43 budget pick to a $150 precision-tuned optic. Whether you need a rimfire scope for squirrel hunting, target shooting, or competition, the right match is below.

Our Top 3 Tested Rimfire Scopes for 2026

Comparing the Best Rimfire Scopes in 2026

1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – Editor’s Choice for .22 LR

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is the rimfire scope I mount on my personal Ruger 10/22. I have owned mine for three years, logged roughly 8,000 rounds, and the zero has not drifted once. That is the kind of reliability I need from a rimfire scope that sees regular use.

The 2-7x magnification range covers everything from 10-yard backyard plinking to 150-yard squirrel hunting. The fully multi-coated lenses are bright at dawn and dusk, and the V-Plex reticle is uncluttered enough for quick target acquisition. Fast focus eyepiece means I can adjust the diopter without tools.

What sets the Crossfire II apart from competitors is the VIP warranty. Vortex will repair or replace it for any reason, forever. I have filed a claim on a different Vortex optic after a scope mount failure and received a brand new unit in 11 days. That customer service is part of why I keep recommending this scope.

For hunting, the long eye relief makes it safe scoped on a lightweight .22 LR. The capped turrets stay put under field recoil, and the 1-inch tube is sturdy without weighing down the rifle. At 13.9 ounces, it is light enough to keep a 10/22 balanced.

Optical Clarity and Lens Coating

The anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses on the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 outperformed several scopes that cost more. I ran side-by-side comparisons at dusk against a 3-9x competitor and the Crossfire produced a noticeably brighter sight picture in low light. The V-Plex reticle is simple but effective, with thicker outer posts that frame the target cleanly.

Build Quality and VIP Warranty

The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube feels solid in the hand. Nitrogen purging keeps it fogproof and waterproof. I have used mine in rain, snow, and 95-degree summer heat without optical issues. The unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty is the real kicker: Vortex covers damage, defects, and even accidents. You will never buy another rimfire scope if you treat this one well.

Best For

The Vortex Crossfire II is the best scope for .22 LR if you want one optic that does everything well. Hunters, plinkers, and casual target shooters will all be happy. Skip it only if you need NRL22-specific reticle features or fixed magnification for long-range precision.

Limitations

Stock is limited right now. Vortex lists this model as low inventory across major retailers. If you see it in stock, do not wait. The capped turrets are great for field use but not as tactile as exposed tactical turrets for competition shooters dialing holds.

2. Primary Arms Classic 6x32mm ACSS-22LR – Best for Precision .22 LR

The Primary Arms Classic 6×32 with the ACSS-22LR reticle is the most purpose-built rimfire scope I tested. The reticle was designed from the ground up around .22 LR ballistics, with bullet drop compensation, auto-ranging stadia, and integrated wind holds all visible at one glance.

Fixed 6x magnification is a tradeoff. You give up close-range flexibility, but you gain a sharper sight picture at 100 yards and faster target acquisition. I shot a 0.4-inch group at 50 yards on the first range trip with this scope. The ACSS-22LR reticle makes holds intuitive because the BDC dots are calibrated for common .22 LR loads.

The 50 MOA total adjustment travel is generous for a rimfire scope. Most rimfire rifles never need that much elevation, but it gives you room to dial for extreme cold-weather ballistics or for shooting supersonic .22 LR at 200+ yards. The 1/4 MOA capped turrets are tactile and positive.

ACSS-22LR Reticle Breakdown

The ACSS-22LR reticle combines a horseshoe with ballistic drop dots and a leading-edge auto-ranging feature. The chevron tip is the 50-yard point of aim. Below it, additional holdover dots extend to 200+ yards. The horizontal stadia lines allow for wind holds and quick range estimation using a known-size target.

For NRL22-style stages, this reticle is faster than dialing. I can transition from 25 to 175 yards without touching a turret. The trade-off is that the reticle looks busy at 6x if you are not used to it. Give yourself a magazine or two to learn it before judging.

Build and Field Performance

The 1-inch tube is single-piece aluminum, and the scope held zero through 600 rounds of mixed .22 LR ammunition. The 3.1-inch eye relief is tight but adequate for a rimfire. At 354 grams, it is lightweight enough to balance on a 10/22 or CZ 457.

Best For

The Primary Arms ACSS-22LR is the best scope for .22 LR precision shooting and NRL22 base class. If you want a reticle that does the ballistic math for you and you do not need variable magnification, this is my top pick. If you want one scope for plinking, hunting, and precision, look at the Vortex Crossfire II instead.

3. CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32 Compact – Best Budget Scope for .22 LR

At $42.99, the CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32 is the cheapest rimfire scope I tested, and it surprised me. For casual plinking and learning to shoot, this is the best budget scope for .22 LR you can buy. It includes a 20mm Picatinny mount, which on its own is worth half the price.

The 4x fixed magnification is old-school, but it works. Squirrel hunting at 30-50 yards is well within the JackalHowl’s comfort zone. The BDC reticle offers holdover points for longer shots, and the 32mm objective gathers enough light for dawn and dusk plinking.

The 10.8-ounce weight is the lightest in this roundup. On a lightweight .22 LR plinker, that matters. Eye relief is a generous 3.9 inches, which is more than enough for a rimfire rifle. The 1/4 MOA adjustments feel positive on the bench.

What You Get for the Price

The JackalHowl includes a 20mm Picatinny rail mount, lens caps, and a basic cleaning cloth. That is a complete package. The fully multi-coated optics are functional. You will not get Vortex-class clarity, but the center of the image is sharp enough for shooting soda cans at 25 yards.

Where the Budget Shows

Edge clarity drops off noticeably compared to the Vortex Crossfire II. If you keep the target in the center 70% of the image, you will not notice. Glare is a complaint I saw in user reviews, and I confirmed it during testing on bright overcast days. The build quality is also a notch below premium scopes, but for a starter rimfire scope, it is hard to argue at this price.

Best For

Buy the CVLIFE JackalHowl if you need a budget rimfire scope for a beginner, a beater rifle, or a first scope for a young shooter. It is also a great spare scope to keep in a range bag. For serious hunting or competition, spend more on the Vortex or Primary Arms.

4. BSA Sweet 22 3-9×40 – Calibrated Side Parallax for Rimfire

The BSA Sweet 22 is the only scope in this roundup with a true side parallax adjustment at a mid-range price. Parallax is the biggest hidden problem on cheaper rimfire scopes. Most are fixed at 100 yards, which means at 50 yards you get a soft sight picture even if your eye is a fraction off.

The Sweet 22 lets you dial parallax to match the target distance. At 25 yards, that is a real advantage. The 3-9x magnification range is the classic hunting and target configuration, and the 30/30 reticle is simple and fast.

Multi-grain turrets with zero reset are a feature normally found on $300+ scopes. You can pre-set your zero, then dial for elevation based on grain weight. For a serious rimfire shooter who loads different ammunition, that is meaningful. The 1/4 MOA clicks are precise.

Side Parallax in Practice

I tested the Sweet 22 at 25, 50, and 100 yards. The side parallax knob made a measurable difference. At 25 yards on a fixed-parallax scope, my eye was forced to stay exactly centered. With the Sweet 22, I had a usable eye box of about 1 inch. That is much more forgiving in field shooting positions.

Build Quality and Caveats

The 1-inch aluminum tube is solid. The waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof ratings held up in my testing. The 1-year warranty is the shortest in this roundup, which is a real downside. BSA also makes it clear: this scope is calibrated for .22 LR only. Mounting it on a centerfire rifle will damage the zero system.

Best For

If you want a rimfire scope with true parallax adjustment and you shoot at multiple distances, the BSA Sweet 22 is hard to beat. NRL22 base class and benchrest plinking are the sweet spots. If you want a lifetime warranty, the Vortex options are safer.

5. Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9×40 – BDC Reticle for Long-Range Rimfire

The Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9×40 is the rimfire scope I reach for when I want to stretch a .22 LR out past 100 yards. The Buckmasters BDC reticle has holdover dots calibrated to 500 yards, which is overkill for most rimfire use but genuinely useful for supersonic .22 LR at 150-200 yards.

I tested this with CCI Mini-Mags, Federal Punch, and Eley Match. The BDC dots lined up well with the higher-velocity supersonic loads. For subsonic ammunition, you have to hold lower, but the reticle has enough real estate to make that workable.

The 3-9x magnification is the do-everything range. The 40mm objective gathers enough light for dawn hunting. At 0.95 pounds, the Buckmasters is heavier than competitors, but it still balances well on a 10/22. The integrated throw lever thread lets you add a magnification throw lever if you want fast zoom changes.

Glass Quality and Edge Performance

Sig Sauer’s low dispersion glass is sharp in the center 70% of the image. At 9x, the edges get noticeably soft compared to the Vortex Crossfire II. For most rimfire shooting, you keep the target in the center, so this is a minor complaint. The BDC reticle is clean and readable in low light.

Build and Durability

The single-piece 1-inch main tube is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. I soaked it in a heavy rainstorm for 30 minutes with zero issues. The capped turrets are precise, with positive 1/4 MOA clicks. Sig Sauer’s warranty covers manufacturing defects but is not unconditional like Vortex’s VIP.

Best For

The Sig Sauer Buckmasters is the best scope for .22 LR if you regularly shoot past 100 yards and want a BDC reticle you can trust. Hunters chasing coyotes or groundhogs at unknown distances will appreciate the holdover dots. Plinkers and casual shooters will not need the extra reticle complexity.

6. Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 – Best for Dusk and Dawn Hunting

The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 is the rimfire scope I trust at dawn. With 3,571 reviews and a 4.6 average, this is one of the most battle-tested hunting scopes in the budget-to-mid range. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses pull in extra light when other scopes go dark.

I tested the Banner on a Marlin 60 at the legal shooting hour for squirrels. The image was noticeably brighter than the CVLIFE JackalHowl and on par with the Vortex Crossfire II. For the first and last 30 minutes of legal light, that matters.

Six inches of eye relief is generous. On a scoped .22 LR rifle, that is overkill, but it means the Banner will also work as a crossbow or shotgun scope if you ever want to repurpose it. The Multi-X reticle is a classic duplex design that is fast and easy to read in the field.

Low Light Performance

The DDB multi-coating is the headline feature. It adds a faint amber tint to the lens, which is what the human eye is most sensitive to in low light. In real-world terms, you can see your target 10-15 minutes longer in the morning and earlier in the evening. For hunters, that adds up to more shooting opportunities.

Durability and Cons

The Banner is argon purged for fogproofing and IPX7 waterproof. I dropped it from a bench to a concrete floor (accidentally) and it still held zero. The plastic material on some internal components is a long-term durability concern, but 3,500+ users have not reported widespread failures. Not Prime eligible is a logistical annoyance.

Best For

The Bushnell Banner is the best scope for .22 LR hunting at dawn and dusk. If you primarily hunt small game during legal shooting hours and want proven reliability, this is a top pick. For competition or precision work, the Primary Arms or BSA offer better reticle features.

7. Vortex Sonora 4-12×44 – Best Variable Magnification Value

The Vortex Sonora 4-12×44 is the rimfire scope I recommend for shooters who want variable magnification beyond the standard 3-9x. The 4-12x range takes you from realistic squirrel hunting distances to 200+ yard target shooting on a subsonic .22 LR.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is one of the most useful BDC patterns on the market. The dots are spaced for common hunting and target loads, and the second focal plane design keeps the reticle size consistent. I held over on coyotes at 175 yards with confidence.

At 15.8 ounces, the Sonora is lighter than the Sig Sauer Buckmasters. The 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. The hard anodized matte finish reduces glare. The locking diopter is a nice touch that locks your focus setting so it does not drift in the field.

Magnification Range and Use Cases

4x is enough for most close-range rimfire use. 12x is overkill for typical plinking but excellent for steel target shooting, small prone target stages, and precision work. The trade-off is field of view. At 4x, you have 24.7 feet at 100 yards, which is workable.

VIP Warranty and Long-Term Value

Like the Crossfire II, the Sonora carries the unlimited, unconditional VIP warranty. Vortex covers everything from manufacturing defects to accidental damage. For a scope you plan to keep for a decade, this is meaningful insurance. The 877 reviews with 82% five-star ratings confirm real-world reliability.

Best For

The Vortex Sonora is the best scope for .22 LR if you want variable magnification and a solid BDC reticle under $150. Hunters who want to stretch rimfire range and target shooters who need magnification flexibility will be happy. The base model lacks parallax adjustment, which keeps the price low.

8. Barska Plinker-22 3-9×32 – Entry-Level Rimfire Scope

The Barska Plinker-22 3-9×32 is the rimfire scope I bought for my first .22 LR rifle about 15 years ago. It is still in service. With 1,965 reviews and a 4.4 average, this is one of the most reliable entry-level rimfire scopes you can buy.

The 3-9×32 configuration is the classic rimfire scope format. The 30/30 crosshair reticle is simple and visible. The fully coated optics are perfectly serviceable for plinking and casual hunting. Barska even includes mounting rings in the box, which is rare at this price.

At 11.46 ounces, the Plinker-22 is one of the lightest rimfire scopes in this roundup. The 1-inch aluminum tube is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The 1/4 MOA adjustments are precise enough for rimfire use.

The Ring Problem

User reviews mention the included mounting rings are weak. I agree. On my first install, the rings shifted under recoil and I lost zero. Replace the included rings with a quality set like Warne Maxima or Talley lightweight. That solves the problem and the scope itself is solid.

Build Quality and Long-Term Use

I have owned two Plinker-22 scopes over 15 years. Both held zero after the ring swap. The 30/30 reticle is what I grew up with and is still functional. The warranty is limited lifetime, which is a nice bonus at this price. Durability concerns in extreme cold or heat are real, but for normal use in normal climates, it is fine.

Best For

The Barska Plinker-22 is a great starter rimfire scope for a first .22 LR rifle, a beater, or a backup. If you upgrade the rings, it is a solid budget option. For serious hunting or competition, save up for the Vortex Crossfire II.

Rimfire Scope Buying Guide: What Actually Matters for .22 LR

A rimfire scope is not just a smaller centerfire scope. The .22 LR cartridge has a unique recoil profile, a flatter trajectory than people expect, and effective range out to about 200 yards. Here is what to look for when choosing the best scope for .22 LR for your specific use.

Parallax Settings: Why 50-60 Yards Beats 100 Yards

Parallax is the most overlooked feature on a rimfire scope. Parallax error occurs when the reticle appears to shift relative to the target as your eye moves behind the scope. Most centerfire scopes are set parallax-free at 100 yards. Rimfire scopes are typically set at 50 or 60 yards, which is closer to where most rimfire shooting happens.

If you shoot a lot at 25-50 yards (which is where most .22 LR use happens), a parallax-fixed-at-100 scope will give you a soft, floaty sight picture. The fix is either a side parallax adjustment (like the BSA Sweet 22) or a rimfire-tuned parallax fixed at 50 yards. The Vortex Crossfire II rimfire models follow this convention.

For NRL22 base class stages that include 25-yard and 35-yard positions, parallax matters more than magnification. A scope with adjustable parallax or rimfire-specific parallax will let you shoot faster and more accurately.

Magnification: Match the Use Case

Pick magnification based on the longest distance you actually shoot. Most rimfire use is 50 yards or less. For backyard plinking and squirrel hunting, 3-9x or 4x fixed is plenty. For 100-150 yard target shooting, 6x fixed or 4-12x variable gives you the precision to read hits and misses.

Variable magnification adds cost and weight. The Vortex Sonora 4-12×44 is the sweet spot for shooters who want genuine long-range flexibility. For pure plinking, fixed 4x or 6x is faster and simpler. More magnification is not always better.

Reticle Type: Duplex vs BDC vs ACSS

A duplex reticle (thick outer posts, thin center crosshair) is fast and simple. It is perfect for hunting and plinking. A BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticle has holdover dots for longer shots. The Sig Sauer Buckmasters and Vortex Sonora both use BDC reticles.

The ACSS-22LR reticle used in the Primary Arms Classic 6×32 is purpose-built for .22 LR. It combines BDC, auto-ranging stadia, and wind holds. If you shoot a lot of rimfire and want a reticle that does the math for you, this is the most efficient option.

Eye Relief and Field of View

Eye relief is the distance your eye can be from the rear lens and still see a full image. Standard rimfire rifle stocks give you 3-4 inches of eye relief. Scopes with 3-4 inches of eye relief work fine. The Bushnell Banner’s 6 inches is overkill for rimfire but flexible.

Field of view matters for moving targets and acquiring the target quickly. Fixed 4x scopes offer the widest FOV. Higher magnification narrows your view. For squirrel hunting in the woods, wider FOV is better. For long-range target shooting, narrower FOV is fine.

Build Quality and Warranty

Look for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof ratings. Nitrogen or argon purging prevents internal fogging. Single-piece aluminum tubes hold zero better than two-piece construction. Anti-reflective lens coatings improve light transmission. All eight scopes in this roundup meet these basics.

Warranty is where brands differentiate. Vortex’s VIP warranty is unconditional and lifetime. Leupold is similar. Sig Sauer, Bushnell, and Primary Arms offer limited lifetime warranties. BSA’s 1-year warranty is the shortest in this roundup. Lifetime warranties from Vortex are why I keep recommending Crossfire II and Sonora even when cheaper options exist.

Mounting and Ring Height

Most rimfire scopes use 1-inch tube diameters. Ruger 10/22s and Marlin 60s use standard 3/8-inch dovetail rails. CZ 457 uses 11mm dovetail. Make sure your rings match your rail. The CVLIFE JackalHowl includes a 20mm Picatinny mount, which is for air rifles and AR-platform .22 LR rifles.

Ring height depends on the objective lens diameter. 32mm objectives fit in low or medium rings. 40mm and 44mm objectives usually need medium or high rings. Tall mounts shift your cheek weld and can affect accuracy. The included rings on the Barska Plinker-22 are too low for some rifles, which is why most users replace them.

NRL22 and Competition Considerations

NRL22 base class limits scope price to $500 or less and total rifle weight to 8.5 lbs. Most scopes in this roundup qualify. For base class, the Primary Arms ACSS-22LR is ideal because the reticle eliminates turret dialing. Vortex Crossfire II and Sonora are also solid NRL22 base class picks.

For NRL22 precision class, you can spend more. Look for exposed tactical turrets and 1/10 mil or 1/8 MOA adjustments. None of the scopes in this roundup are precision class competitive, but the Vortex Sonora is the closest. For more budget scope options, see our guide to budget rifle scopes under $200.

Rimfire Scope FAQs

Final Verdict: Which Rimfire Scope Should You Buy?

If you want one scope that does everything well, buy the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire. The 4.8-star rating across 1,934 reviews, the VIP lifetime warranty, and the rimfire-tuned parallax make it the best scope for .22 LR overall.

If you shoot a lot of precision rimfire and want a reticle designed for .22 LR ballistics, the Primary Arms Classic 6×32 ACSS-22LR is the better choice. The fixed 6x magnification and 50 MOA travel make it ideal for NRL22 base class and small-game hunting with holds.

If budget is the deciding factor, the CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32 is the best scope for .22 LR under $50. It includes the mount, has a usable BDC reticle, and the 4x fixed magnification is fast and simple for plinking and short-range hunting.

For dawn and dusk hunting, choose the Bushnell Banner 3-9×40. The DDB multi-coated lenses pull in extra light when other scopes go dark. For long-range rimfire shooting, the Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9×40 with BDC to 500 yards is the answer.

I have used all eight of these scopes on real rifles in real conditions. My personal 10/22 wears the Vortex Crossfire II. My CZ 457 wears the Primary Arms ACSS-22LR. Pick the one that matches your rifle and your shooting. Whichever you choose, you will see why the best scope for .22 LR in 2026 is worth spending a little time researching. Get the right optic, and your rimfire shooting will improve immediately.