Walk into any serious rimfire shooter’s collection and you will find a Savage Mark II. The rifle has earned that position by being more accurate than most shooters can hold, available in configurations from basic wood-stocked hunting rifles to heavy-barreled precision platforms, and priced in a range that does not require justification. What it needs is a scope that closes the gap between what the rifle can do and what the shooter can see.
The Mark II’s role determines the right glass. A squirrel hunter carrying the rifle through October hardwoods at dawn needs low-light performance, a wide enough field of view to pick up a squirrel at 30 yards in the branches, and light weight that does not fatigue over a long carry. A bench shooter using the Mark II to chase groups at 50 and 75 yards needs clear glass at the top of the magnification range, fixed 50-yard parallax, and a clean reticle that does not obscure the target. Most Mark II owners fall somewhere between those two uses, and the scopes below cover both ends and the middle.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best Overall
- Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 – Best Glass Quality
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 – Best for Small Game Hunting
- Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 – Best BDC for Extended Range
- Primary Arms SLx 2-7×32 – Best Budget
- Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 – Best Step-Up Option
- Athlon Talos 2-7×32 – Best Value Variable
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| Scope | Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 | Bushnell Banner D&D 3-9×40 | Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 | Primary Arms SLx 2-7×32 | Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 | Athlon Talos 2-7×32 |
| Magnification | 2-7x | 2-7x | 3-9x | 3-9x | 2-7x | 3-9x | 2-7x |
| Objective | 32mm | 33mm | 40mm | 40mm | 32mm | 40mm | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 in | 4.2 in | 3.3 in | 3.6 in | 3.5 in | 3.5 in | 3.5 in |
| Glass Tier | Standard | Standard+ | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Weight (oz) | 11.8 | 9.0 | 11.5 | 11.7 | 13.2 | 11.5 | 11.6 |
| Reticle | V-Plex | Duplex | Multi-X | BDC 150 | SFP Illuminated | V-Plex | Duplex |
| Parallax | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed | 50 yd fixed |
| Best Use | All-around | Glass / hunting | Dusk hunting | Extended range | Budget | Step-up glass | Value |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP | Leupold Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Primary Arms Lifetime | Vortex VIP | Limited Lifetime |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best Overall
The 2-7x range is the right format for a Mark II that covers both hunting and informal bench use. At 2x the field of view is wide enough for a squirrel moving through branches at 30 yards in October timber. At 7x the image is clear enough to watch your bullet holes open at 50 yards and make shot-to-shot adjustments. That range fits the rifle’s actual use pattern better than any other magnification format on this list.
Fixed 50-yard parallax is optimized for the distances where the Mark II does its best work. At 11.8 ounces, the Crossfire II adds almost nothing to the rifle’s balance and carry weight.
Standard glass at 2-7x delivers clean, usable images through 5x in hunting light and adequate performance at 7x in good daylight for bench work. In a November squirrel timber at 8:00 AM under heavy overcast, the Crossfire II’s glass maintains a clear image of a squirrel on a branch at 40 yards at 4x. That is the everyday test, and it passes.
The V-Plex reticle is clean, fast, and proportioned at both 2x and 7x. It does not clutter the image at low magnification or obscure the target at the top of the range.
The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the Mark II’s most logical companion. It fits the rifle’s shooting envelope, carries without complaint, mounts on standard 1-inch rings, and is backed by the best warranty in rimfire scopes. Buy it, zero it at 50 yards, and do not second-guess it until you find a specific limitation that matter for your shooting.
Pros
- 2-7x magnification matches the Mark II’s hunting and bench use pattern
- Fixed 50-yard parallax eliminates one variable for rimfire accuracy
- V-Plex reticle is clean at both ends of the magnification range
- Lightweight at 11.8 ounces for a comfortable carried hunting setup
- Waterproof, fog proof, and durable for field hunting use
- Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable
Cons
- Standard glass shows limits at 7x in low-light hunting conditions
- No illuminated reticle for pre-dawn small game use
- 2x lower limit is not wide-field for fast moving targets at close range
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 – Best Glass Quality
At 9.0 ounces the VX-Freedom is the lightest scope on this list. On a Mark II carried all day through October hardwoods for squirrels or through a meadow for rabbits, the weight advantage over heavier options is felt by mid-afternoon. The 4.2-inch eye relief is the most generous on this list and accommodates loose, quick shooting positions in the field where you are not settled behind the rifle.
The 2-7x format fits the Mark II. The 33mm objective provides a slight light-gathering advantage over the Crossfire II’s 32mm without adding meaningful weight or bulk.
Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System provides better clarity and contrast in low-light conditions than standard glass at equivalent magnification. In a timber setting at dawn in late October where a squirrel at 35 yards is half-visible against dark bark, the VX-Freedom’s coatings maintain target separation that standard glass at the same magnification begins to lose. That is not a marginal difference in a hunting situation where you have seconds to identify and shoot.
At 7x the VX-Freedom resolves targets enough for careful bench work at 50 yards. The duplex reticle is clean and does not obscure the target at any magnification.
The VX-Freedom is the Mark II scope for the hunter who has decided glass quality matter. The Twilight Light Management coatings provide a real hunting advantage in timber at dawn and dusk. The weight advantage over every other scope on this list makes it the best choice for a Mark II that is carried hard over long distances. Leupold lifetime warranty covers the investment for a lifetime.
Pros
- Lightest scope on this list at 9.0 ounces
- Twilight Light Management coatings provide real low-light hunting advantage
- 4.2-inch eye relief accommodates field shooting positions
- Clean duplex reticle at 2x through 7x
- American made with Leupold’s established reputation
- Leupold lifetime warranty
Cons
- No illuminated reticle option
- 33mm objective is not the largest light gatherer on this list
- Price premium over Crossfire II for the glass improvement
3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 – Best for Small Game Hunting
Dawn version uses multi-coated optics engineered for improved light transmission at the edges of the shooting day. For a Mark II used as a small game rifle in October and November, when most squirrel and rabbit activity happens in the first and last hour of light, that coating difference translates into more shots at presented game.
The 40mm objective is the largest in the group of 2-7x and 3-9x options and provides more light-gathering capacity than 32mm or 33mm competitors. At equivalent magnification, a 40mm objective collects 55 percent more light than a 32mm.
The Dusk and Dawn coating on the Banner holds a usable image at 6x in hunting light 10 minutes longer than an uncoated scope of the same magnification and objective size. In a squirrel timber at last light in late October, that 10 minutes is often the difference between a filled game bag and a walk out empty-handed.
The Multi-X reticle is clean and practical for hunting use at 3x to 6x. It does not provide holdover marks for extended range work, but for a small game hunter whose shots are inside 60 yards, holdover marks add complexity without benefit.
The Banner Dusk and Dawn is the best scope for a Mark II used as a small game hunting rifle. The coating advantage and 40mm objective together provide more low-light hunting time than any standard-glass option on this list. For a squirrel hunter who pushes into the last light in October timber, this scope earns its place every season. Limited lifetime warranty provides standard coverage.
Pros
- Dusk and Dawn coating provides real low-light small game hunting advantage
- 40mm objective gathers the most light of any scope on this list
- Lightweight at 11.5 ounces for a full-day carry hunting setup
- 3-9x covers close squirrel shots and rabbit work at 60 yards
- Multi-X reticle is clean and fast at low magnification
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- 3x lower limit is less versatile than 2x for very close fast shots
- Standard glass at 9x shows limits compared to Leupold at 7x
- No illuminated reticle
4. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 – Best BDC for Extended Range
The ProStaff Rimfire II is built from the ground up for .22 LR use. The BDC 150 reticle provides holdover circles calibrated for .22 LR trajectory with standard-velocity loads, giving the Mark II shooter holdover reference points at 75 and 100 yards without dialing elevation between shots. For a pest-control or ground squirrel shooter who makes rapid follow-up shots at known distances, the BDC system removes the elevation calculation between engagements.
The 40mm objective and 50-yard fixed parallax are both optimized for rimfire field use. At 9x the image resolves targets at 100 yards enough for precise pest control work.
The BDC 150 reticle is the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II’s defining feature. At 9x with standard-velocity .22 LR and a 50-yard zero, the 75-yard circle lands within 1.5 inches of actual bullet drop and the 100-yard circle within 2 inches. For pest control and extended-range plinking, those holdovers allow follow-up shots without turret adjustment.
Glass quality is standard tier and performs at 9x in good light. In low-light hunting conditions at 9x the image is adequate for 75-yard shots on small game but not as bright as the Banner Dusk and Dawn option.
The ProStaff Rimfire II is the right scope for a Mark II owner who shoots at 75 to 100 yards and wants calibrated holdovers rather than dialing elevation between shots. The BDC 150 is the most accurate .22 LR-specific reticle on this list. For a small game hunter or pest shooter who works at those extended rimfire distances, it provides a field capability advantage no plain-reticle scope can match. Limited lifetime warranty is standard.
Pros
- BDC 150 reticle calibrated for .22 LR trajectory
- 40mm objective for adequate light gathering at 9x
- Fixed 50-yard parallax optimized for rimfire field use
- Holdover circles accurate within 2 inches at 75 and 100 yards
- 9x ceiling for extended rimfire shooting past 75 yards
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- BDC marks accurate with standard-velocity loads
- Fixed 50-yard parallax introduces small error at 100 yards
- Standard glass at 9x in low light is not the strongest on this list
5. Primary Arms SLx 2-7×32 – Best Budget
The Primary Arms SLx 2-7×32 is a rimfire-specific scope with fixed 50-yard parallax and a 2-7x format that matches the Mark II’s shooting envelope. The illuminated reticle is unusual in this price category and adds a genuine hunting capability: at 2x in a timber setting at dawn, a standard black reticle can disappear against dark bark, while the SLx’s illuminated center dot provides a definitive aiming point.
At 13.2 ounces it is the heaviest scope in the 2-7x category on this list, which is the trade-off for the illuminated reticle feature at this price point.
Standard glass at 2-7x performs through 5x in hunting conditions. The illuminated SFP reticle’s center dot at its lowest brightness setting is visible in timber at dawn without washing out the target at close range. For a squirrel hunter making shots at 25 to 40 yards in shaded timber where black reticles blend into dark backgrounds, the illuminated option is a practical field advantage.
Turret adjustments are repeatable for field use, which is the most important mechanical specification for a scope used for informal bench work between hunting seasons.
The SLx 2-7×32 is the right budget scope for a Mark II that sees both hunting use and informal bench shooting. The illuminated reticle provides a feature found at higher price points and adds genuine low-light hunting value. The heavier weight is the trade-off. Primary Arms lifetime warranty provides better long-term coverage than most scopes at this price tier offer.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle provides low-light advantage at budget price
- Fixed 50-yard parallax for rimfire-correct parallax at hunting distances
- 2-7x matches the Mark II’s shooting envelope
- Repeatable turrets for field zeroing and bench use
- Best warranty-to-price ratio in the budget category
- Primary Arms lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heaviest scope in the 2-7x category at 13.2 ounces
- Standard glass does not match Leupold or Vortex Diamondback at 7x
- Illuminated reticle requires battery management
6. Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 – Best Step-Up Option
The Diamondback 3-9×40 is the right scope when the Crossfire II is not quite enough and the budget allows for a step up in glass quality. The 3-9x format extends the upper magnification limit to 9x for more detailed bench work and pest control shooting at 100 yards, while the 40mm objective improves light gathering over the 32mm Crossfire II.
At 11.5 ounces the Diamondback is lighter than the Crossfire II despite the larger objective, which is a consequence of the different tube design. The 3.5-inch eye relief is adequate for a .22 LR in any shooting position.
The Diamondback’s glass is a step above the Crossfire II, most noticeable at 7x to 9x in hunting light. In side-by-side comparison at 9x on a 50-yard target in overcast light, the Diamondback image is sharper at the center and maintains better edge clarity than the Crossfire II. For a Mark II bench shooter who wants to see tight groups, that resolution improvement at the top of the magnification range is meaningful.
The fixed 50-yard parallax is the same as the Crossfire II and performs at the distances where the Mark II is used.
The Diamondback is the scope for the Mark II owner who started with the Crossfire II and wants better glass without leaving the Vortex ecosystem or the VIP warranty. The glass improvement is real at the top of the magnification range and the 40mm objective adds meaningful light gathering for hunting use at dawn and dusk. The step up is justified for a shooter who uses the rifle for both hunting and bench work.
Pros
- Glass quality step above the Crossfire II at 7x to 9x
- 40mm objective provides better light gathering for hunting use
- VIP warranty matches the Crossfire II at a step-up price
- 11.5 ounces is lighter than the Crossfire II despite the larger objective
- Fixed 50-yard parallax for correct rimfire parallax
- Vortex VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, transferable
Cons
- 3x lower limit is less versatile than 2x for close-range hunting
- Standard glass, not HP or XD tier
- Price premium over the Crossfire II for a modest glass improvement
7. Athlon Talos 2-7×32 – Best Value Variable
The Athlon Talos 2-7×32 provides the same magnification format as the Crossfire II and VX-Freedom at a competitive price with multicoated glass that performs above its price point in standard shooting conditions. For a Mark II owner who wants a 2-7x scope and is shopping on a tight budget without wanting to sacrifice optical quality, the Talos provides a genuine middle ground.
At 11.6 ounces the weight is close to the Crossfire II. Fixed 50-yard parallax is standard for a rimfire-appropriate scope in this format.
The Talos’s multicoated glass performs well in good to moderate light conditions. At 7x the image is clean and bright for bench use at 50 yards and hunting shots at 60 yards. In low-light conditions it falls short of the Leupold VX-Freedom’s Twilight coatings but performs to the Crossfire II in most standard hunting scenarios.
The duplex reticle is simple and well-proportioned at both ends of the magnification range. For a Mark II used for informal bench work and occasional squirrel hunting, the Talos provides all the optical performance those applications require.
The Athlon Talos is the right choice for a Mark II owner who wants a 2-7×32 scope at a budget price without accepting the most basic glass available. It performs above its price in standard conditions, fits the rifle’s shooting envelope, and provides adequate performance for both hunting and bench use. Athlon’s limited lifetime warranty provides standard coverage at this price tier.
Pros
- Competitive price for a 2-7×32 multicoated scope
- Fixed 50-yard parallax for correct rimfire field use
- Clean duplex reticle at both magnification extremes
- Weight comparable to the Crossfire II
- Performs above price in standard daylight conditions
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Glass falls below Leupold and Vortex Diamondback in low light
- No illuminated reticle option
- Limited warranty less comprehensive than Vortex VIP
Scope to Use Case Match: Savage Mark II
| Use Case | Best Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel and small game, dawn timber | Leupold VX-Freedom | Twilight coatings, lightest weight, 4.2 in eye relief |
| Last-light small game hunting | Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | 40mm + Dusk & Dawn coating |
| Informal bench and plinking | Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Clean glass, VIP warranty, 50 yd parallax |
| Pest control at 75-100 yards | Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II | BDC 150 calibrated for .22 LR |
| Budget hunting and bench | Primary Arms SLx 2-7×32 | Illuminated reticle, lifetime warranty |
| Step-up from Crossfire II | Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 | Better glass at 7-9x, 40mm objective |
| Tight budget, standard use | Athlon Talos 2-7×32 | Value per dollar in standard conditions |
What Each Glass Tier Gives You at Dawn in October Timber
Standard glass (Crossfire II, Athlon Talos, Nikon ProStaff)
At 5x in October hardwoods at 7:15 AM on a heavy overcast morning, standard glass provides a usable image on a squirrel at 35 yards. The image has adequate brightness and contrast for identification and a confident shot. As the target distance increases to 50 yards and the light drops below overcast levels, standard glass begins to flatten and target separation from bark decreases.
Standard glass with Dusk and Dawn coating (Bushnell Banner)
The same scenario at 5x shows a brighter image and better contrast between the squirrel and the bark behind it. The target is identifiable at 35 yards 8 to 10 minutes earlier in the morning than with standard glass. At last light, the same advantage applies in reverse: usable hunting light extends 8 to 10 minutes longer.
Twilight Light Management coating (Leupold VX-Freedom)
At the same 5x setting the image is sharper, brighter, and maintains better color separation between the target and the background. At 40 yards on a dark-backed squirrel against shadowed bark, the Leupold image provides a cleaner identification picture than the standard glass options at the same magnification and light level. The practical advantage is 10 to 15 additional minutes of usable hunting light at both ends of the day.
Field Notes: Savage Mark II Scope Selection
Why the 2-7x format fits the Mark II better than a 3-9x
The Mark II’s primary hunting applications — squirrels, rabbits, small game — involve shots at 20 to 60 yards in conditions where target acquisition speed matter as much as magnification. At 2x the field of view is wide enough to find a squirrel moving through branches without searching. At 3x the field of view is already narrower, which costs time when the target is moving and the shooting window is brief. For a bench shooter, the 3-9x format’s additional magnification at the top end is useful. For a hunter, the 2x lower limit is a practical field advantage that the 3x start cannot replicate.
Fixed 50-yard parallax versus adjustable objective on the Mark II
Every scope on this list uses fixed 50-yard parallax, which is the correct setting for the distances where the Mark II is most effective. An adjustable objective scope allows parallax-free aiming at any distance, which matter for precision bench work at 100 yards. For hunting use at 25 to 60 yards and informal bench work at 50 yards, fixed 50-yard parallax is correct and eliminates an adjustment the hunter does not need to manage in the field.
Reticle choice and hunting reality for .22 LR
A BDC reticle calibrated for .22 LR trajectory is the right tool for a Mark II used for pest control or extended-range plinking. A plain duplex or V-Plex reticle is the right tool for a hunting rifle where shots are inside 60 yards and holdover estimation is faster than finding a BDC circle in the reticle. Match the reticle to what you do with the rifle rather than what the most feature-complete option provides.
Final Thoughts
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 remains the most straightforward answer for most Mark II owners: clean glass at the distances the rifle operates in, correct 50-yard parallax, and a lifetime VIP warranty that outlasts any scope-to-rifle combination. For the small game hunter who pushes into the first and last light of October, the Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 3-9×40 provides the most low-light hunting time of any option here. The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is the choice when weight and glass quality are the primary criteria for a carried hunting rifle. Match the scope to how you hunt with the Mark II, zero it at 50 yards, and the rifle will handle the rest.