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Your rimfire rifle can give you better results if you mount a rimfire scope on it. Best rimfire scopes are a smart choice for target shooting, varmint hunting, and more. There are many rimfire scopes on the market and there are just as many differences between them.
Buying the most expensive rimfire scope isn’t always the best idea. There is no need to overspend if you can get the best rimfire scope for your needs at a low price.
We have researched countless rimfire scopes to create our list of eight best rimfire scopes. We will show you all of the most important features so that you can make an educated choice. By the time you are finished reading, you will know which of the best rimfire scopes suits your rifle and your needs.
8 Best Rimfire Scopes in 2020
BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm Duplex Reticle Rifle Scope
Zoom: 3x-9x | Lens diameter: 40mm | Eye relief: 3 inches | Weight: 21.8 ounces
BSA Sweet .22 is an awesome rimfire scope with amazing optics. If you need the best rimfire scope that is easy to adjust, then this one might be worth considering.
The first thing you need to know is that BSA Sweet .22 gives you the power to choose between 3x and 9x magnification. Moreover, the lens is 40mm in diameter, which makes it let in plenty of light. The 40mm lens provides you with bright images that ensure you can always see your target. Finally, the optics are fully multi-coated, which minimizes distortions and reflections.
BSA Sweet .22 boasts three inches of eye relief, so you don’t have to worry about the recoil causing an injury. The durability of this rimfire scope makes it usable in almost all weather conditions. It is 100% waterproofed, shock proofed, and fog proofed. It is calibrated for .22 LR rounds and comes with a duplex reticle for accurate shots.
The biggest problem we have noticed is that the reticle twists and forms an “X” instead of a “+”. So, if you notice that the reticle twists and turns, you can return it for a refund.
All things considered, BSA Sweet .22 is among the best rimfire scopes. It has a great lens and superb magnification. The reticle might cause some problems, but everything else makes this rimfire scope worth checking out.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24-V-Brite (MOA) Riflescope
Zoom: 2x-7x | Lens diameter: 32mm | Eye relief: 9.45 inches | Weight: 12 ounces
If you want the best mid-range rimfire scope, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II could be what you need.
This rimfire scope offers you magnification between 2x and 7x. The 32mm lens provides you with a clear and bright image, which is useful in a multitude of shooting situations. Both the magnification and the lens diameter are an ideal combination for rimfire rifles.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II is sturdy and boasts a single tube construction. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it is shockproof and great for outdoor use. This rimfire is also O-ring sealed, which means that the fluids and air are kept outside the scope. Vortex Optics Crossfire II is Nitrogen-purged, so you can use it during a fog if you are so inclined.
This rimfire scope gives you 9.45 inches of eye relief, so you can acquire your targets easily, without worrying about the recoil. It comes with an all-purpose SFP reticle that maintains its appearance no matter the magnification level.
We have noticed some customers complaining about the crosshair rotating after some use. It is also worth mentioning that Vortex Optics Crossfire II is made in China. So, quality control might be lacking.
All in all, Vortex Optics Crossfire II is sturdy and capable of surviving bad weather. It doesn’t weigh a lot, but the crosshair could’ve been better. It isn’t the best rimfire scope, but it could be, with minor adjustments.
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
Zoom: 3x-9x | Lens diameter: 32mm | Eye relief: 3.75 inches | Weight: 10 ounces
Simmons Truplex is one of the best rimfire scopes we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.
You can choose the magnification levels between 3x and 9x, and it comes with a lens with a 32mm diameter. So, if you want to make shots with accuracy, this rimfire scope will not disappoint. It makes parallax corrections even on distances of 50 yards, which is a neat accuracy boost. The scope also comes with a quick target acquisition eyepiece, which is a great addition if you want to lock on to targets in an instant.
This durable scope weighs only 10 ounces, and it boasts a one-piece tube construction. It offers stunningly sharp and bright images in high contrast. It is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. So, you can use it in almost all weather conditions without worrying that you won’t be able to take accurate aims. Moreover, Simmons Truplex comes with a sure-grip rubber surface that lets you make adjustments even if you are wearing gloves.
We have noticed that many customers have problems zeroing it in. The problem might be that they are inexperienced, but it is worth noting. Some customers claim that the elevation and windage knobs don’t work, which might mean that quality control is lacking.
All in all, Simmons Truplex isn’t as expensive as similar models on the market, and it has a great eyepiece. It is lightweight and durable. You might have problems zeroing it in, so bear that in mind if you lack the experience.
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9x40mm BDC 150 Riflescope
Zoom: 3x-9x | Lens diameter: 40mm | Eye relief: 3.6 inches | Weight: 13.1 ounces
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire is one of the best rimfire scopes for people who need fully multi-coated optics.
It is a great scope with up to 98% light transmission, which makes it excellent in low light settings. This rimfire scope offers zooms from 3x to 9x and a lens diameter of 40mm. You can adjust the sight with a knob that makes distinct clicks when you use it, making your job easier.
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire is a sturdy rimfire scope that won’t give you any troubles with fog. It is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about using it in conditions that are not ideal. The eye relief of 3.6 inches is more than enough to keep your brow safe. So, thanks to Nikon, you can use your rimfire rifle even at severe shooting angles. You can use this scope even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges.
This rimfire scope has a .22 LR-specific BDC reticle with four holdovers for range. You receive removable caps with this scope, which is a neat protective addition.
It is hard to find any flaws in this scope. The only minor problem is that it might be overkill for .22 rifles.
In the end, Nikon ProStaff Rimfire BDC 150 is the best rimfire scope on the market. Moreover, it isn’t expensive. It is lightweight, yet sturdy. It has a great lens and a useful eye relief that protects your brow. If you want to hunt varmints effectively, this scope might be an excellent choice.
Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
Zoom: 3x-9x | Lens diameter: 32mm | Eye relief: 3.5 inches | Weight: 11.5 ounces
Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 has been on the market for a long time. During that time it has gained almost legendary status as one of the best rimfire scopes on the market.
It is a good low-price option for people who don’t want to skimp on quality while saving money. This scope offers you magnification levels of 3x to 9x and a lens diameter of 32mm. You won’t have problems with the sharpness and clarity of the image. This rimfire scope is parallax-free at 100 yards, which is awesome at such a low price.
This scope is resistant to water, fog, and shock. It is a great scope for many situations where accuracy is expected from you. It even has multi-coated optics that prevent the lenses from getting damaged. It also has a wide field of vision, which is awesome when you need to hone in on the target. Finally, it has a great 3.5-inch eye relief that prevents early onsets of fatigue.
The first problem we have noticed is that some users have problems zeroing it in. It seems that windage adjustment doesn’t work as well as it should. There are also complaints of blurry images at the highest magnification levels.
On the whole, this is the best rimfire scope for people who want to save money. It is parallax-free at 100 yards, and it is resistant to weather elements. It has a wide field of vision and an awesome eye relief, but it is problematic to zero in.
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
Zoom: 2x-7x | Lens diameter: 32mm | Eye relief: 3.7 inches | Weight: 19.6 ounces
If you’re looking for the best rimfire scope that can be used in low light conditions, then Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 might be what you need.
We love the fact that this scope has a bullet drop compensation, which only increases your overall accuracy. It offers 2x to 7x zoom levels and a lens diameter of 32mm. The lenses are protected, so you don’t have to worry about scratching them.
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 is a sturdy rimfire scope, but it is a bit heavy at 19.6 ounces. It is Nitrogen-purged, which means that there are no remains of internal moisture. It is also O-ring sealed, so you don’t have to worry about moisture and dust getting inside. It is a rustproof and scratch-proof scope that promises unparalleled accuracy.
This rimfire scope isn’t illuminated, but it doesn’t give you tunnel vision from the bezel. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 has a side parallax focus with target turrets for precise adjustments. It zeroes at 50 yards, but it has aiming points up to 125 yards.
The biggest problem is that it is heavier than other models on the market. So, if you don’t like bulky scopes, this one might not be for you.
When all’s said and done, Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 is a great rimfire scope that won’t leave you with an empty wallet. It might be heavy, but it is sturdy and offers many useful features.
Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9X40 BDC150 Riflescope
Zoom: 3x-9x | Lens diameter: 40mm | Eye relief: 3.6 inches | Weight: 13.1 ounces
Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II is a prime example of how the best rimfire scopes don’t have to be expensive.
Nikon is a famous company known for producing the best optics in the world, and it shows in this rimfire scope. It is a durable scope that can survive plenty of damage. It comes with a 3x-9x zoom, which is more than enough for good accuracy. It also has a 40mm lens diameter, which we’ve come to expect from Nikon. It is a great scope even under low light conditions.
This stunning scope offers a 50-yard parallax setting, which is awesome if you plan to use it for close-range shooting. It also provides high contrast images with minimal reflections, so you only have to worry about your target. Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II offers unparalleled clarity and sharpness. Even at 100 yards, contrast is excellent, which will help you easily acquire targets.
This rimfire scope has been purged with Nitrogen, so you don’t need to worry about it fogging up. It is also waterproof and dustproof.
We have noticed that the quality control is lacking. Many customers complained about receiving a product that doesn’t work, fortunately, they received replacements.
All things considered, Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II is an excellent rimfire scope. It is durable and lightweight, and it offers great magnification. Quality control is lacking, but this scope offers amazing clarity with minimal reflections. If you want a high-end scope without paying a lot, this scope could be a smart choice.
Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm Riflescope
Zoom: 2x-7x | Lens diameter: 28mm | Eye relief: 3.6 inches | Weight: 8.2 ounces
If you need the best rimfire scope that is easy to mount, then Leupold VX-1 could be what you’re looking for.
It is a lightweight rimfire scope that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It is a great choice if you want to prevent your light rifle from becoming top-heavy. It offers magnification between 2x and 7x, and it has a lens diameter of 28mm.
We love noticing the four layers of lens coating, which improves the light levels within the scope. Leupold VX-1 uses magnesium-fluoride in the lens coating, which reduces glare and reflection. It is a great rimfire scope for people who want a consistently clear scope in all weather conditions.
Leupold VX-1 offers an eye relief of 3.6 inches, which is great. It is adjusted to be parallax-free at 60 yards, but many users haven’t noticed problems up to 100 yards. The reticule is great because it doesn’t obscure your targets.
We would like this scope more if the adjustments for windage and elevation were of better quality. Fortunately, we haven’t noticed any greater problems. But, it is worth noting that this rimfire scope isn’t a great fit for everyone’s wallet. The only reason why you might want to avoid this product is the steep price.
All in all, Leupold VX-1 doesn’t disappoint. It is an awesome lightweight rimfire scope with stunning light levels. It is awesome for small targets, but its price might be problematic.