Rimfire guns provide a classic shooting experience because they offer low recoil and a lot of fun. Whether it's a 22LR or a 17 Winchester Super Magnum, they deliver an enjoyable shooting experience and serve as excellent tools for beginners.
When searching for the best rimfire scope for target shooting, you don't have to spend a fortune on precision-rated ones. All you need is a durable, affordable, user-friendly option that can reach up to 50 yards. Our top choices include the Vortex Crossfire II and the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II.
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Best Rimfire Scopes Comparison Reviews
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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32
I recently tried out a scout scope for the first time and chose this particular model, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The clarity of the picture it provides is remarkable, and I found it extremely easy to adjust. One of the standout features for me is the generous 4+ inches of eye relief, allowing it to sit comfortably forward of the receiver on my rim rifle.
It's astonishingly easy to shoot accurately with both eyes open. Hitting targets at 100 yards is a breeze, and I'm excited to try it out at 200 and 300 yards on my next range visit. Admittedly, I might be getting a bit overconfident, but this scope really boosts my shooting confidence.
After a year of regular use, particularly at the range, the scope has proven its durability. I consistently achieve tight groups of under 2 inches at 100 yards with my Ruger. The clarity of the picture remains excellent even in low light conditions, like heavy overcast.
An unexpected advantage I discovered is its usefulness for training new shooters. Typically, beginners struggle with aligning scopes correctly, often ending up with a view of the inside of the barrel. However, due to this scope's forward mounting and clear field of view, new shooters find it much easier to align their sight picture.
Simmons 9X32mm
Simmons represents an entry-level scope, priced at less than $100. Whether one enjoys shooting rimfire on the range or not, using an affordable scope can serve as a simple way to assess their interest in rimfire shooting before making a substantial investment in equipment they may not use extensively in the future.
When it comes to everyday use on a 22 rimfire rifle, I can't think of a better scope. This scope performs all the tasks I need it to on my 10/22. It features clear glass, and the included rings fit perfectly on my 10/22. The magnification is impressive, and the crosshairs are clean. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, it is a very well-built scope.
Simmons scopes offer excellent value to customers who seek durable optics without needing to empty their entire paycheck.
I've been using the Holosun 510C for a while now, and it's actually my second Holosun 510. I must say, these optics are incredibly tough, reliable, and come at a reasonable price. They offer clear visibility and are straightforward to use when shooting an rimfire rifle.
After doing quite a bit of research and comparison, I decided on the Holosun HE510C-GR. Its compact size and the overall high-quality feel and build really appealed to me. What I especially love about it is the solar power feature and the shake-awake technology. Everything seems top-notch so far. I've mounted it on my Ruger 10 22 takedown, and it fits perfectly. I'm considering getting a magnifier for it later on.
One minor drawback is the mount quality. It could be better, so I plan to purchase a sturdy riser mount to elevate it by about 1.5 inches. This will allow for a more upright position rather than crouching over the stock like you would with a long-distance rifle, which isn't ideal for close-quarter battles, should the need arise. My primary use for this sight will be rimfire training and as part of my last resort home defense setup.
I highly recommend the Holosun 510C. In terms of value for money, it's definitely a top choice.
Sig Romeo 5
The Sig Sauer Romeo 5 is a reliable choice for a red dot sight that I wholeheartedly recommend for individuals looking to equip a 22LR rimfire gun, truck gun, or a small hunting rifle.
Red dot sights are generally user-friendly, but this doesn't negate the importance of investing time in practice and adjustments to tailor it to your specific needs. I have used this on my 22LR rimfire rifle as well as centerfire rifle. It's not the top of the line compared to an Aimpoint, but for the money I spent, it's very high quality.
Simple actions like testing both the low and high mounts and becoming accustomed to the parallax adjustment will significantly improve your performance when you use your rifle for its intended purpose.
The Romeo 5 is a valuable tool that can be highly effective if you dedicate the time and effort to mastering its use.
Rimfire Scopes Buyer's Guide
Magnification
When shooting at short ranges with rimfire, the magnification level isn't crucial. We typically suggest using a red dot sight instead.
If you're engaging in long-distance shooting at 200 yards with a caliber like the 17 HMR, a scope with a maximum magnification of 15X is sufficient.
In the range of 7X to 10X, a scope provides ample magnification for targeting small game at distances of up to 100 yards or slightly more.
Glass Clarity
The key distinction between a low-quality and a high-quality optic lies in the lens coating. These coatings determine whether your view is bright or dim.
Glass clarity, on the other hand, refers to how clear the scope's optics are across the entire range of magnification. The color of the glass is less significant when it comes to optical clarity.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens is what decides how much light the scope gathers. This is a crucial consideration for long-range shooters because a small objective lens can result in a very dim image.
A scope with a medium-sized objective lens and high-quality glass will consistently outperform a scope with a larger objective lens made from inferior materials.
Durability
The industry's standard scopes are typically constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum. A quality scope features precise machining, which results in tight turret tolerance and secure placement of the erector tube, where the reticle is displayed.
These precise, well-fitted components are vital for maintaining the scope's zero even when subjected to recoil and impacts. It's crucial to avoid purchasing a scope that might get damaged from recoil.
When searching for a rimfire rifle scope, you can opt for one designed for an AR-15. This means you don't need to invest in scopes rated for heavier calibers.
Turrets
Modern turrets are designed to be adjusted easily without the need for any tools. When using a .22LR rifle for shooting small targets, you typically won't require turret adjustments.
Turrets come in handy for long-range shooting and have a specific purpose. I'm perfectly content with a scope featuring capped turrets that can be adjusted using a penny or a screwdriver when needed.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a scope is influenced by two factors. First, it depends on how well you've mounted the scope. Second, it hinges on how precisely you've zeroed the scope.
When it comes to rimfire shooting, it often makes more sense to focus on hitting targets up to 100 yards. In close-quarters situations, nearly any red dot sight or other variable zoom optic can deliver excellent accuracy when using rimfire ammunition.
