5 Best Scopes for .22 LR Rimfire Rifle

Quick Recommendations

• Choose the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire if: You want a compact variable-power optic for general-purpose rimfire use, with a simple reticle and a 50-yard parallax setting.

• Choose the Simmons Pro Rimfire 3-9×32 if: You want a straightforward scope with a useful magnification range for recreational shooting.

• Choose the Athlon Neos 3-9×40 BDC 22 if: You prefer a BDC-style reticle designed around rimfire shooting.

• Choose the TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 AO if: Your priority is paper-target shooting and the ability to adjust parallax for different distances.

• Choose the Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7×35 if: You prefer a compact optic with a slightly larger objective lens than a 32mm model.

How These Products Were Chosen

These scopes were selected based on their suitability for .22 LR rifles, magnification range, optical configuration, reticle design, parallax features, weight considerations, and intended shooting applications. The comparison also considers ease of use, mounting compatibility, and the practical differences between scopes intended for casual plinking and those designed for more deliberate target shooting.

1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – Best for General Rimfire Use

Best for plinking, recreational target shooting, and general-purpose applications

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire offers a practical combination of low magnification, compact construction, and a rimfire-oriented parallax setting. Its 2-7x zoom range suits the distances commonly associated with .22 LR rifles, while its straightforward design keeps operation simple.

Key Features

• Magnification: 2–7x

• Objective lens: 32mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: V-Plex, depending on configuration

• Parallax: Fixed at 50 yards on the rimfire model

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Construction: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 2-7x magnification range provides flexibility without adding the bulk of a high-magnification scope. At lower power, the wider field of view can make it easier to maintain awareness of the target area. At higher power, the image appears larger for more deliberate aiming.

Its 32mm objective lens helps keep the scope relatively compact and lightweight. The 50-yard parallax setting is particularly relevant to rimfire shooting, where shorter distances are common. It helps limit apparent reticle movement caused by small changes in eye position at the intended distance.

Trade-Offs

The fixed parallax setting makes the scope straightforward, but it does not offer the flexibility of an adjustable objective when shooting at substantially different distances. The V-Plex reticle is simple to use, although it lacks the additional aiming references found in specialized reticles.

May Not Be Ideal If

This scope may not suit shooters who primarily engage in precision target shooting at varying distances and need adjustable parallax or a more detailed reticle.

Pros

• Versatile 2-7x magnification

• Compact 32mm objective

• Rimfire-oriented 50-yard parallax

• Simple reticle

• Waterproof and fogproof construction

Cons

• Fixed parallax

• No illuminated reticle in the standard configuration

• Limited reticle references for precision holdovers

Decision Summary

Best if: You want a compact, uncomplicated scope for general .22 LR shooting.

Consider another option if: You need adjustable parallax or more detailed aiming references.

2. Simmons Pro Rimfire 3-9×32 – Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Best for recreational shooting and entry-level rimfire setups

The Simmons Pro Rimfire 3-9×32 is a compact variable-power riflescope aimed at shooters who want useful magnification without a large or complicated optical system. Its 3-9x range gives it flexibility for different target sizes and distances, while the 32mm objective maintains a relatively modest profile.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3–9x

• Objective lens: 32mm

• Reticle: Truplex, depending on configuration

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Parallax: Rimfire-oriented 50-yard setting on the Pro Rimfire model

• Construction: Sealed scope body, with specifications varying by model

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 3-9x magnification range is a familiar configuration for traditional riflescopes. At 3x, it offers a moderately wide field of view, while 9x provides greater target detail for careful aiming at the range.

Its 32mm objective helps limit overall size, which can be useful on lightweight rimfire rifles. The simple Truplex-style reticle provides a clear aiming reference without adding complex markings that may distract from smaller targets.

The rimfire-specific configuration is important because parallax settings designed for longer distances may not suit closer target shooting as well. Buyers should verify that the exact model they select has the advertised rimfire parallax specification.

Trade-Offs

A compact 32mm objective is convenient, but it gathers less light than a larger objective at the same magnification and exit-pupil conditions. The straightforward reticle also offers fewer references for estimating holdovers.

May Not Be Ideal If

Shooters who need adjustable parallax, specialized target turrets, or advanced reticle features may find a more specialized scope better suited to their needs.

Pros

• Useful 3-9x magnification range

• Compact objective size

• Straightforward reticle

• Rimfire-focused configuration

• Suitable for uncomplicated setups

Cons

• Limited reticle references

• No adjustable objective on the standard fixed-parallax model

• Basic feature set compared with specialized target optics

Decision Summary

Best if: You want a simple variable-power scope for casual .22 LR shooting.

Consider another option if: You regularly shoot precision targets at different distances and need more parallax adjustment.

3. Athlon Neos 3-9×40 BDC 22 – Best for Versatile Range Use

Best for shooters interested in a rimfire-oriented BDC reticle

The Athlon Neos 3-9×40 BDC 22 is a riflescope configuration intended to make rimfire shooting more convenient through a combination of variable magnification and a bullet-drop-compensating reticle. The 40mm objective is larger than those on compact 32mm scopes, giving the design a different balance between light collection, size, and mounting requirements.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3–9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Reticle: BDC 22, in the corresponding rimfire configuration

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Tube diameter: Confirm the exact configuration

• Construction: Weather-resistant features vary by model

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 3-9x range covers a broad variety of recreational shooting needs. Lower magnification provides a more generous field of view, while higher magnification can help make smaller paper targets appear larger.

A 40mm objective provides a larger entrance aperture than a 32mm objective, although actual brightness also depends on magnification, glass quality, coatings, and lighting conditions.

The BDC-style reticle is designed to provide additional aiming references. However, its usefulness depends on the ammunition and trajectory assumptions associated with the reticle. Rimfire ammunition can vary considerably in velocity and bullet characteristics, so BDC markings should not be treated as universal distance indicators.

Trade-Offs

The larger objective may require higher mounting rings, depending on the rifle’s receiver, rail, and barrel clearance. In addition, a BDC reticle requires the user to understand its intended calibration rather than assuming that its references apply to every .22 LR load.

May Not Be Ideal If

This scope may not be the right fit for someone who prefers a completely uncluttered reticle or needs adjustable parallax for close-range precision shooting.

Pros

• Versatile 3-9x magnification

• 40mm objective lens

• BDC-style aiming references

• Useful for different target sizes

• Conventional variable-power layout

Cons

• BDC references depend on ammunition and trajectory

• Larger objective may affect mounting height

• Exact model specifications need verification

Decision Summary

Best if: You prefer a BDC reticle and a conventional 3-9x scope for rimfire shooting.

Consider another option if: You need adjustable parallax or prefer a simple duplex-style reticle.

4. TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 AO – Best for Target Shooting

Best for paper targets and deliberate rimfire shooting

The TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 AO is designed for rimfire shooters who want more magnification and greater control over parallax. Its adjustable objective (AO) makes it particularly relevant to target shooting, where the shooter may use different target distances and wants to reduce parallax error.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4–12x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Reticle: Rimfire-oriented reticle options, depending on configuration

• Parallax: Adjustable objective

• Focal plane: Confirm the selected model’s specification

• Intended use: Rimfire target shooting and precision applications

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 4-12x magnification range is suited to shooters who want a larger image of relatively small targets. At 4x, the scope offers a useful view for general range work. Moving toward 12x makes it easier to see fine target details, although higher magnification can also make image movement more noticeable.

The adjustable objective is an important distinction. It allows the shooter to adjust parallax for different target distances, helping maintain a consistent relationship between the reticle and the target when eye position shifts slightly.

This feature is particularly useful for benchrest shooting, where a consistent sight picture and clear target focus are important. It also gives the scope greater flexibility than a model with a fixed parallax setting. Rimfire-specific scopes with adjustable parallax are commonly considered for target applications.

Trade-Offs

The greater magnification range and adjustable objective provide more flexibility, but they also introduce additional adjustments. The 40mm objective may require careful attention to ring height and clearance, while the higher magnification can make the scope less convenient for quickly acquiring larger targets.

May Not Be Ideal If

The TRACT 22 FIRE may be more specialized than necessary for casual plinking or a lightweight rifle that is carried frequently. Shooters who value simplicity and minimal adjustment may prefer a lower-powered optic.

Pros

• 4-12x magnification for detailed target viewing

• 40mm objective

• Adjustable parallax

• Suitable for deliberate target shooting

• Greater focus flexibility across distances

Cons

• More adjustments than basic rimfire scopes

• Higher magnification can narrow the field of view

• May be unnecessary for casual shooting

Decision Summary

Best if: Your primary interest is paper-target shooting and you want adjustable parallax.

Consider another option if: You need a compact scope for casual use or prefer a simpler optical system.

5. Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7×35 – Best for Field and General Use

Best for shooters who want a compact scope with a 35mm objective

The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7×35 offers a combination of compact magnification and a moderately sized objective lens. Its configuration is suited to the practical needs of a .22 LR rifle, particularly where portability and a straightforward sight picture are important.

Key Features

• Magnification: 2–7x

• Objective lens: 35mm

• Reticle: Configuration-dependent

• Focal plane: Second focal plane on the relevant model

• Parallax: Check the exact rimfire model specification

• Construction: Weather-resistant design, depending on configuration

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 2-7x magnification range is well suited to general rimfire shooting. At 2x, a shooter has a relatively broad field of view for finding and observing targets. At 7x, smaller targets can appear larger for more deliberate aiming.

The 35mm objective gives this scope a slightly larger front lens than a 32mm model. Although objective size alone does not determine image brightness, the larger aperture can provide a useful balance between light gathering and manageable dimensions.

The Diamondback range is intended to provide a practical optical system without the bulk of a high-magnification target scope. Nevertheless, buyers should distinguish this rimfire configuration from similarly named Diamondback models, which can have substantially different specifications.

Trade-Offs

The 2-7x magnification range is practical for general shooting but offers less detail at higher magnification than a 3-9x or 4-12x model. A fixed-parallax configuration also offers less flexibility than an adjustable-objective scope for varying target distances.

May Not Be Ideal If

This scope may not be the best fit for shooters who spend most of their time shooting small paper targets from a bench and want higher magnification or adjustable parallax.

Pros

• Compact 2-7x magnification

• 35mm objective

• Practical for general rimfire applications

• Straightforward variable-power design

• Weather-resistant construction on the applicable model

Cons

• Less maximum magnification than 3-9x and 4-12x alternatives

• Limited parallax flexibility

• Reticle and configuration should be checked before purchase

Decision Summary

Best if: You want a compact variable-power scope for general-purpose .22 LR shooting.

Consider another option if: You need higher magnification or adjustable parallax for precision target work.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for a .22 LR Rimfire Rifle

1. Magnification

Magnification determines how large the target appears through the scope. For many .22 LR applications, a 2-7x or 3-9x scope provides a practical balance between target visibility and field of view. Higher magnification can be useful for detailed paper-target observation, but it also tends to make image movement more noticeable and may reduce the field of view.

Consider your intended use before choosing. A compact, low-power scope can be sufficient for recreational shooting, while a higher-powered model may be more appropriate for deliberate target shooting.

2. Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens is the front lens of the scope. Common rimfire configurations use objective diameters between 32mm and 40mm. A larger objective can provide a larger exit pupil at the same magnification, but it may also increase the scope’s size and mounting requirements.

A 32mm objective can help keep a lightweight rifle balanced, while a 40mm objective may appeal to shooters who want a larger aperture. Glass quality, coatings, and magnification also influence the final image.

3. Parallax Adjustment

Parallax occurs when the reticle appears to shift relative to the target as the shooter’s eye moves. This matters particularly at shorter shooting distances, where scopes designed for longer-range centerfire applications may not offer the ideal parallax setting.

A fixed 50-yard parallax setting is common in rimfire scopes. Alternatively, an adjustable objective provides flexibility for different target distances. For precision-oriented applications, understanding the parallax configuration is an important part of comparing optics.

4. Reticle Design

The reticle provides the aiming reference inside the scope. A simple duplex or V-Plex-style reticle offers an uncluttered sight picture and can be easy to understand. BDC reticles add additional references that may be useful for estimating holdovers, but their calibration depends on the ammunition and trajectory assumptions.

Choose a reticle that is easy to see against your intended target without obscuring too much of it. For most general-purpose shooting, a straightforward design may be sufficient.

5. Eye Relief and Field of View

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens where you can see the full image. Adequate eye relief helps maintain a comfortable viewing position and reduces the need to place your eye too close to the scope.

Field of view describes how much of the scene is visible through the optic at a given distance. Lower magnification generally provides a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe targets. These characteristics are worth comparing alongside magnification, especially when selecting a scope for a lightweight rifle.

6. Weight and Mounting Compatibility

A heavy scope can change the balance and handling of a lightweight .22 LR rifle. Compact optics can help preserve the rifle’s original feel, while larger target scopes may add weight and require a more substantial mounting arrangement.

Before buying, confirm the scope’s tube diameter, objective clearance, ring height, and compatibility with the rifle’s receiver or rail. Also check the manufacturer’s mounting recommendations to ensure the optic can be securely fitted.

7. Waterproofing and Fogproofing

A scope intended for outdoor use should have suitable weather protection. Waterproof construction helps protect the internal optical system from moisture, while fogproofing helps prevent internal condensation when temperatures change.

Sealed and gas-purged construction can improve resistance to moisture entering the scope. These features can be particularly useful when a rifle is used outdoors in changing weather, although they do not remove the need for sensible care and storage.