Find the best rimfire scopes under $100 for plinking. Read our expert, field-tested reviews on affordable .22 LR rifle optics.
Plinking with a rimfire rifle provides an exceptional way to spend time at the range. However, choosing an underpowered or cheap optic can quickly ruin your shooting session. At the sub-$100 price bracket, the outdoor market contains many low-quality scopes.
Specifically, these models often suffer from severe parallax errors at close distances. Additionally, they frequently exhibit mushy turret adjustments and significant edge distortion. A poor rimfire optic will shift its zero after minimal firing. Furthermore, it can suffer from complete reticle washout under bright daylight. Consequently, finding a reliable budget scope requires prioritizing clear glass, repeatable tracking, and a highly forgiving eye box.
Our team evaluated the leading affordable options built specifically for rimfire platforms. We analyzed turret tracking consistency, reticle definition, build durability, and low-light transmission. If you plan to transition your rimfire setup to casual hunting, you can also explore our field-tested guide on the Best Budget Deer Hunting Scopes to see how budget-friendly platforms handle variable outdoor lighting conditions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Magnification | Objective Lens | Primary Advantage | Check Price |
| Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag | Best Overall Value | 3-9x | 32mm | Included rimfire mounting rings | 👉 View on Amazon |
| Tasco Rimfire 3-9x32mm | Best Ultra-Budget Pick | 3-9x | 32mm | Extremely lightweight unibody build | 👉 View on Amazon |
| Bushnell Rimfire 4x32mm | Best Fixed-Power Simplicity | 4x | 32mm | Highly durable set-and-forget setup | 👉 View on Amazon |
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II | Best Premium Performance | 2-7x | 32mm | Exceptional eye box forgiveness | 👉 View on Amazon |
| Monstrum Tactical Alpha | Best Compact AR-22 Setup | 1-4x | 24mm | Fast close-range target acquisition | 👉 View on Amazon |
Why We Recommend Them
Evaluating optics under the $100 price line requires looking past standard advertising copy. Specifically, our team ignored hyper-inflated marketing metrics during our evaluation process. We focused entirely on practical features that directly impact your target shooting consistency.
First, we checked turret tracking repeatability across varying yard markers. This test ensures your adjustments remain reliable when moving between 25-yard and 50-yard targets. Second, our editors measured eye box latitude to ensure rapid target acquisition for shooters of all sizes. Finally, we analyzed reticle contrast against dark steel spinning targets and paper grids to guarantee clear visibility.
5 Best Rimfire Scopes Under $100 for Plinking
1. Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag
- Best For: Best Overall Value
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 Inch
- Weight: 9.6 Ounces
- Pros: Includes correct 3/8-inch rimfire mounting rings; Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece; reliable TrueZero turret design.
- Cons: The exterior matte surface finish can scratch relatively easily during heavy field transportation.
The Simmons .22 Mag model continues to serve as an industry standard for recreational shooters. Specifically, the included dovetail rings provide an excellent low-profile fit directly onto standard rimfire receivers. Therefore, you do not need to purchase separate aftermarket mounting hardware.
During our hands-on testing, the specialized Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece offered a highly forgiving eye box profile at low power. As a result, junior shooters found a full visual picture instantly without fighting against restrictive black shadow rings. When we tested the TrueZero turret tracking system against a standard 50-yard grid, the clicks adjusted cleanly and held zero perfectly through hundreds of rounds of high-velocity ammunition.
2. Tasco Rimfire 3-9x32mm
- Best For: Best Ultra-Budget Pick
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 Inch
- Weight: 11.3 Ounces
- Pros: Highly accessible price point; fully coated optics surface; simple coin-slot windage adjustments.
- Cons: Noticeable blurring and optical distortion appear around the extreme outer lens edges at 9x zoom.
Tasco engineered this straightforward variable scope for casual backyard target shooters who want basic magnification without a large financial investment. For instance, the magenta lens coatings work adequately to reduce glare during bright midday range sessions. Consequently, the sight picture stays protected from total light washout.
When we tested the Tasco Rimfire unibody frame against reactive steel targets, the lightweight construction preserved the natural balance point of our rifle. The 1/4 MOA coin-slot turrets move reliably for basic adjustments, but they lack a sharp mechanical click feedback. Furthermore, stepping the magnification up to 9x introduces minor optical clarity losses along the perimeter edges.
3. Bushnell Rimfire 4x32mm
- Best For: Best Fixed-Power Simplicity
- Magnification: 4x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 Inch
- Weight: 10.5 Ounces
- Pros: Completely fixed design eliminates moving zoom parts; nitrogen-purged fogproof housing; clear Multi-X reticle pattern.
- Cons: Lacks the overall flexibility required for targeting small varmints past 75 yards.
Variable zoom scopes in the ultra-budget tier often sacrifice underlying glass clarity to budget for internal moving components. Bushnell completely avoids this limitation by utilizing a rock-solid, fixed 4x engineering layout. Specifically, the Multi-X reticle features heavy outer posts that taper into thin center crosshairs for intuitive target alignment.
When we tested the Bushnell Rimfire 4x32mm, the nitrogen-purged aircraft-grade aluminum tube resisted external temperature drops without showing internal fogging. Therefore, it serves as a highly dependable option for early morning range trips. If you want to explore more complex crosshair styles for low-light targeting, you can also check out our field-tested guide on theBest Affordable Scopes with Illuminated Reticles to evaluate your options.
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 (Rimfire Edition)
- Best For: Best Premium Performance
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 Inch
- Weight: 14.3 Ounces
- Pros: Factory-preset 50-yard parallax configuration; fully multi-coated lenses; backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Sits at the absolute ceiling of the budget category; heavier than most competing rimfire scopes.
The Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire edition introduces true centerfire-grade construction standards to the budget market space. Built from a single block of anodized aluminum, this 1-inch main tube delivers exceptional structural integrity and shockproof protection.
During our hands-on testing, the capped reset turrets provided highly tactile, audible index clicks that made windage adjustments extremely predictable. The V-Plex reticle remains razor-sharp across the entire 2-7x range. Additionally, the edge-to-edge optical resolution easily outperforms everything else in the sub-$100 market sector. It is a highly robust investment that completely upgrades the accuracy potential of any standard bolt-action platform.
5. Monstrum Tactical Alpha 1-4×24
- Best For: Best Compact AR-22 Setup
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Weight: 11.0 Ounces
- Pros: Low Power Variable Optic layout; glass-etched rangefinder reticle; includes heavy-duty Picatinny mounting rings.
- Cons: The small 24mm objective lens reduces total light transmission during low-light dawn sessions.
For shooters operating modern tactical rimfire systems like the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22, traditional hunting scopes can unbalance the rifle profile. The Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 resolves this issue by introducing a compact Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) configuration. Specifically, the glass-etched reticle functions as solid black lines even if the internal illumination battery fails.
When we tested the Monstrum Alpha under rapid fire drill sequences, the low 1x magnification worked almost as fast as a electronic red dot. However, the scope allows you to instantly step up to 4x magnification for precise groupings at longer distances.
👉 Check the current price of the Monstrum Tactical Alpha 1-4×24 on Amazon
Comprehensive Buying Guide: 4 Pillars of Rimfire Optics Selection
Optical Mechanics & Calibration
- The Parallax Bottleneck: Standard centerfire hunting scopes feature factory-fixed parallax distances set out at 100 or 150 yards. If you mount a centerfire scope on a .22 LR rifle and shoot at a target 25 yards away, moving your eye slightly off-center will shift your reticle positioning. Dedicated rimfire scopes completely eliminate this issue by hard-setting their internal parallax calibration to 50 yards. Consequently, you get absolute accuracy at typical backyard plinking ranges.
- Turret Tracking and Internal Gears: Low-cost optics often utilize synthetic polymers or soft brass internal adjusters to minimize production expenses. Over time, consistent use can cause these internal parts to slip. Therefore, look for scopes that emphasize aluminum adjustment tracks or crisp click detents to make sighting-in simple. If you want to understand how these budget tracking systems compare directly to high-end engineering tolerances, you can read our review of the Best High-End Rifle Scopes Under $1000 to study precision manufacturing details.
Ergonomics & Field Function
- Eye Box Latitude: The eye box represents the physical sweet spot behind the ocular lens where your eye maintains a full target screen without side shadows. A tight eye box forces you into a perfect cheek weld every single time, causing rapid neck and eye fatigue. Conversely, a wide eye box provides an incredibly forgiving viewing area that accommodates shooters of all physical sizes.
- Chassis Sealing: Range scopes encounter humidity, dust, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Ensure your selected scope housing features rubber o-ring seals and internal nitrogen purging to prevent internal moisture condensation across the inner lenses.
FAQs
1. Do I need to purchase specific rings to mount a scope on a rimfire rifle?
2. Is a variable scope always superior to a fixed-power scope under $100?
3. What magnification range is optimal for general target plinking?
For standard reactive spinning targets and paper targets placed between 25 and 75 yards, a magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x is ideal. Lower powers provide a wide field of view for fast tracking, while high power provides ample detail to spot target holes without using an external spotting scope.