What is the Best Rimfire Scope ?
If you are searching for the best rimfire scope, you have probably gone through several forums posts, reviews or blogs that all attempt to answer this question. If you still have not figured out what is the best rimfire scope for your needs; I would like to make suggestion of the top 5 best rimfire scopes as rated by other users and based on features.
What is a Rimfire Scope ?
The best way to understand my choice for the best rimfire scopes, is to begin by explaining the basics. Nearly all Rimfire scopes have parallax adjusted to 50 yards and are therefore useful for shooting at close distances. They are cheap and the most affordable scopes for 22; they are also some of the most popular scopes for hunting.
Rimfire Scope Review & Buying Guide
Any serious hunter should have a rimfire rifle in his rifle collection. A rimfire not only help you make accurate shots of your targets but it also helps you improve your hunting skills and enjoy hunting. If you already have a rimfire rifle, you need to invest in a good rimfire scope to complement your rifle.
There are so many rimfire scopes in the market today, making it hard for most rimfire rifle owners to identify the best rimfire scope that matches their needs. We understand how challenging it is to browse through the internet to look for the ideal rimfire scope on different online stores.
The search for the best rimfire scope can not only be frustrating but it can also be time consuming. The good news is that you do not have to do that since we have done the research for you and come up with a list of all the best rimfire scopes. We have talked to renowned hunters and hunting magazines to help us identify the top rimfire scopes available in the market today.
After having an in-depth research of the top rated Leupold and Nikon optics for .22 LR, we have come up with a list of features and specifications to look out for in the best rimfire scopes. We have also provided you with shopping tips for the best rimfire scope as well as a list of some of the best rimfire scopes that are high-quality and reliable.
Best Rimfire Scope Buying Guide
Rimfire rifles are also very common among pest control, varmint hunting and budget-minded hunters. These rifles use rimfire bullets which are cheap to manufacture and use less powder thus they are more affordable than other bullets.
Rimfire guns are also affordable and lightweight, making it easier for you to carry the rifle for the whole day or for a long distance without feeling exhausted.
The economic benefits of the rimfire rifles is what makes them the ideal choice for hunters with a tight budget. I would also recommend you check out the best scope for deer hunting.
Now that you understand why the rimfire rifles and rimfire scopes are popular; let us discuss some of the helpful tips that you can use when shopping for the best rimfire scope. To help you pick the best rimfire scope, this is these are four key considerations that should server as your scope buying guide.
#1) Choose a Rimfire Scope for Your Caliber
When shopping for the best rimfire scope, you need to choose a scope that matches the caliber of your rifle. Rimfire scopes use.22 and .17 caliber bullets. The two types of bullets are great for target shooting, short range hunting and also for shooters with small caliber guns.
The rimfire rifles that use the .22 caliber bullet are the most common rimfire rifles. In this article, we have focused more on the best rimfire scopes for .22 caliber rifles.
#2) Set Your Budget Range ( Low , Mid or High )
Many people tend to think that you can use any affordable scope on a rimfire rifle because they produce low kickback. Rimfire rifles produce less kickback than central-fire rifles thus they tend to be used more. Due to the affordability of the rimfire caliber bullets, most people tend to use the rifle for practice shooting.
When looking for the best rimfire scope, consider the durability of the scope. If you choose a rimfire scope that is low quality, it will not serve you for a long time.
Most rimfire scopes are affordable but rimfire target scope under $100 tend to be unreliable. Most of these lowly priced scopes are made from poor quality material thus they cannot withstand prolonged use. No matter your budget, you need to also consider the durability of the rimfire scope.
The best rimfire scope that is affordable ranges from $100-$500. You can also get premium high-end rimfire scopes that start at $1,000. Ideally, the brand of the scope is also an important consideration when you are setting your budget.
#3) Consider Rimfire Scopes with Lower Power
Rimfire rifles are not designed for long range shooting. The rimfire bullets are small and they therefore do not have enough power required for long range shooting. It is therefore a waste of money to buy a rimfire scope that has a lot of magnification power.
Get a scope that has a magnification range of about 1-4X. However; if you plan to use the scope on both your rimfire and your centerfire cartridges, consider getting a scope with a standard magnification range of 3-9X. Rifle scopes that have a magnification range starting from 4-6X will not be of use for you if you have a rimfire rifle.
#4) Select Between Fixed or Adjustable Magnification
Most people tend to consider scopes with adjustable magnification to be better than the ones that have fixed magnification. Scopes with adjustable magnification are intended for long range shooting while the scopes with fixed magnification are ideal for shooting for short distances. Scopes with fixed magnification are therefore the best choice for those with rimfire rifles.
Fixed magnification scopes make the best rimfire scopes for .22 rifles and other rimfire caliber guns. They provide you with enough power and magnification you need to use your rifle for small game hunting.
If you still plan to use your rimfire rifle for long range shooting, you should consider getting a rimfire scope with an adjustable magnification range.
It will provide you with the versatility you need for long range shooting. You need to know that most scopes with adjustable magnification range are more expensive than those with fixed magnification.
Top 5 Best Rimfire Scopes
Leupold and Nikon are the top leading brands that provide the best rimfire target scopes in the market today. The rimfire scopes are very reliable and are packed with great features that help improve your hunting or shooting experience. Here are some of the top rated Leupold and Nikon optics for .22 LR.
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Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 – Best Rimfire Scope |
Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope is a simple and reliable rimfire scope from Nikon. The scope is sealed with an O-ring to prevent water, dust and debris from entering the scope. It is a waterproof rimfire rifle scope that can be used even during adverse weather.
The Nikon rimfire scope has been filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging. The rifle scope provides you with 3.8 inches of eye relief to maintain accuracy despite change in settings and magnifications. It comes with a Fully Multicoated Optical System that allows for optimum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
It is one of the best rimfire scopes that are affordable and has a great review from most users in different hunting sites. Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope is the best 22lr scope for the money that you can find in the market today.
Features of Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope
- BDC reticle
- Adjustment turrets and the reticle are coordinated with Nikon’s Spot On app
- Standard magnification range from 3-9X
- Computer engineered lenses
- Sealed with an O-ring for waterproof capabilities
- Filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging
- Fully Multicoated Optical System
Pros of Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope
- Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope provides you with 3-9X power range, which gives you a nice balance between magnification power and low-end field of vision
- The rimfire scope allows you to make shots out to 500 yards, without losing the ability to shoot up close.
- The glass and housing of Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope is free of arsenic and lead, and uses aluminum to strike a balance between strength and weight
- The scope’s lenses are made from Nikon’s EcoGlass that provides a non-reflective view with minimal loss of light for clear and bright view.
- The rimfire target scope is sealed for air and moisture proofing, and is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging.
- The scope has BDC reticle that has drop markings for 50, 100, and 150 yards for easy use.
- The rimfire scope is set to be parallax-free at 50 yards.
- The adjustment turrets and the reticle of Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope are coordinated with Nikon’s Spot On app, which helps you make complicated ballistics calculations easily and quickly.
Cons of Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope
- The parallax setting of the rimfire scope isn’t adjustable individually of the other adjustment turrets.
- The Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope will not be effective on bigger guns.
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Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex – Best 22 Rimfire Scope |
The Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope is the best 22lr target scope that allows you to improve your accuracy for long range shots. The scope provides you with clear view of your target at long distance.
The Nikon rimfire scope has a Nikon Eco-Glass Lens that minimizes reflection due the several coating of anti-reflective compounds. The rifle scope is equipped with a Nikoplex Reticle with Rapid Action Turrets that can be in standard velocity or hyper velocity for easier adjustment of the settings to achieve clearer view of your target.
Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope provides you with 50-yard parallax setting that allow you to reduce parallax. The rimfire scope has an eye relief of 3.8 inches to ensure that the accuracy of your view remains consistent through the changes in magnification
Features of Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex
- It is filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging
- Nikon Eco-Glass Lens
- Nikoplex Reticle with Rapid Action Turrets
- 50-yard parallax setting
- 2 to 7x magnification range
- Eye relief of 3.8 inches
Pros of Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope
- Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope provides you with a wide range of magnification
- It maintains clear view through several adjustments.
- The rimfire scope is waterproof, to allows you to use it during rainy season without worrying about ruining the scope.
- The Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope has a Nikon Eco-Glass Lens that minimizes reflection due the several coating of anti-reflective compounds
- The rifle scope is equipped with a Nikoplex Reticle with Rapid Action Turrets that can be in standard velocity or hyper velocity for easier adjustment of the settings to achieve clearer view of your target
- Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope provides you with 50-yard parallax setting that allow you to reduce parallax.
- The rimfire scope has an eye relief of 3.8 inches to ensure that the accuracy of your view remains consistent through the changes in magnification.
- It is the best 22lr scope that allows you to improve your accuracy for long range shots.
- The rimfire target scope is filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging
Cons of Nikon P- RIMFIRE 2-7×32 Nikoplex Rifle Scope
- The quality of the rimfire scope is inconsistent.
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Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm – Best Leupold Rimfire Scope |
Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope is another reliable rimfire scope that makes it to our list of the best 22lr scope for the money. It is a well-built scope that features a solid and sturdy frame to ensure stability and durability. The Leupold 22lr scope provides you with 3-9X magnification range.
It has O-rings between the lenses to seal the scope and prevent water dust and debris from entering the scope when you are out on the field hunting. Argon/Krypton water and fog proofing system that prevents internal fogging and allow you to use the rimfire scope even during rainy seasons.
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope comes with a simple duplex reticle that is conveniently located and is easy to use. It has adjustment turrets that are very simple, but precise. The adjustment turrets work at 1/4 clicks MOA, for standard ballistics calculations.
Features of Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Solid and sturdy frame
- 3-9X magnification
- Simple duplex reticle
- Adjustment turrets that work at 1/4 click MOA
- Fully multi-coated, and blackened lenses
Pros of Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- The Leupold 22lr scope has fully multi-coated lenses that are blackened at the edges to prevent glare and diffusion for clear and bright images.
- The rimfire scope has a sleek, streamlined design that suits nearly any gun.
- The Leupold rimfire scope is very easy of use.
- Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope makes the best all-purpose scope for 22lr.
- It is made in America, and comes with a lifetime insurance warranty.
- The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a well-built scope that features a solid and sturdy frame to ensure stability and durability.
- It has O-rings between the lenses to seal the scope and prevent water dust and debris from entering the scope when you are out on the field hunting.
- The Argon/Krypton water and fog proofing system that prevents internal fogging and allow you to use the rimfire scope even during rainy seasons make this scope the best rimfire scope for hunting.
- The adjustment turrets of the Leupold 22lr scope are very simple, but precise.
Cons of Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- The reticle of the rimfire scope is simple thus shooters looking for a sophisticated scope might be disappointed.
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Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm – Rimfire Scope Review |
Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope is the best rimfire scope for people on a tight budget. It is an affordable scope that features a modern design. It is made using eco-friendly material and comes with advanced lenses for maximum transmission of light for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
The Leupold 22lr scope has a lower power range of 2-7X to give you more room for adjustment at close range. It has fully multi-coated for clarity and glare reduction to maintain color balance and full light coverage at your target area.
The rimfire scope is one of the top rimfire scopes that have a locking fast-focus eyepiece. The locking fast-focus eyepiece allows you to quickly get a focus at any zoom setting, and lock it down for each shot.
Features of Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- 2-7X magnification range
- Locking fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated
- 1/4 MOA adjustment turrets
- 33 mm slim frame design
- Eco-friendly material
Pros of Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- The Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope is an affordable yet reliable rimfire 22lr scope.
- The glass and metal parts of the rimfire scope are made from eco-friendly material that is free of lead.
- It is sealed with argon/krypton gases to prevent internal fogging.
- Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope has a lower power range of 2-7X to give you more room for adjustment at close range
- The Leupold 22lr scope has fully multi-coated for clarity and glare reduction to maintain color balance and full light coverage at your target area.
- It is one of the top rimfire scopes that have a locking fast-focus eyepiece which allows you to quickly get a focus at any zoom setting, and lock it down for each shot.
- The scope is one of the best rimfire scopes that have advanced lenses for maximum transmission of light for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
Cons of Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- The adjustment knobs of this Leupold rimfire scope is lighter and feels cheap.
- It is a simple rimfire scope for 22lr that does not have any complex or technical features thus users looking for a sophisticated rimfire scope will be disappointed.
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Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 – Best Nikon Rimfire Scope |
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is one of the top rated rimfire scopes from Nikon. The rifle scope provides you with a magnification range of 3-9×, making it a great choice for those who want to use their rimfire rifles for long range shooting. It features a solid and sturdy frame that has a 1 inch diameter.
The frame is made from quality material to ensure durability and reliability. The rimfire scope comes with top end optics for maximum transmission of light for clear and bright images even in low light conditions. The scope provides you with a clear field of view at any magnification range.
It has a BDC reticle that is very easy to view at ant magnification. Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope can easily be mounted to other rifles, including AR-15s or other tactical variants. It is very easy to easy to zero in, making it a great choice for beginners.
Features of Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
- 6 inch Eye Relief
- 3-9× magnification range
- Top end optics
- BDC reticle
- Solid and sturdy frame
Pros of Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
- Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope provides you with a magnification range of 3-9×, making it a great choice for those who want to use their rimfire rifles for long range shooting
- The rimfire scope features a solid and sturdy frame that has a 1 inch diameter to ensure durability and reliability.
- The Nikon scope comes with top end optics for maximum transmission of light for clear and bright images even in low light conditions
- It provides you with a clear field of view at any magnification range. It has a BDC reticle that is very easy to view at ant magnification.
- It is one of the best rimfire scopes that can easily be mounted to other rifles, including AR-15s or other tactical variants.
- The Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is very easy to easy to zero in, making it a great choice for beginners.
- It is a very versatile and affordable rimfire scope.
Cons of Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
- It is a simple rimfire scope that lacks any technical features.
Conclusion – Best Rimfire Scope
If you were wondering what the best rimfire scope for a 22 ; we hope that this article will be of help to you. We hope that you will find the best rimfire scope that suit your type of rifle from our list of top rated Leupold and Nikon optics for 22lr.
The Nikon rimfire scopes are budget-friendly scopes that are ideal for beginners or those who have a tight budget. The Nikon scopes are made from high quality material and come with great warranty coverage. The rimfire scopes are a good choice for those learning how to use rimfire rifles or guns.
The Leupold rimfire scopes are quality scopes that offer you more magnification power than the Nikon scopes. The rifle scope makes the best rimfire scope for all-purpose. The scopes make the best 22lr tactical scopes for hunting due to their waterproof and fog-proof capabilities. The Leupold rimfire scopes are made in the U.S. and are covered by Leupold’s legendary customer service.
Despite the high quality and reliability of the Leupold 22lr scopes, they do not provide you with enough magnification range for long range shooting. If you are planning to take long range shots or you are looking for a more technical rimfire scope; then our list of top rated Leupold and Nikon optics for 22lr above is not for you.
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