Top 10 Best .22lr Scopes In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

Long-range is one of the most relaxing forms of shooting and spending the afternoon with the guys, plinking targets, always creates great memories. You’re having such a good time that you decide to go out and buy a new .22 long rifle. Now all you need to do is to find yourself the best .22 lr scope.

Well, you have come to the right place!

After going through this best .22lr scopes review, you will know why these best of the best scopes stand out from the rest in the .22lr scope market.

With a detailed product description, we will run through our top picks of the Best .22lr Scopes as well as, the Pros and Cons of each option. So that you can make the best choice as to which is the perfect .22lr scope for you.

The following table will help you navigate the article and get you straight to the best .22lr scope.

So, let’s get to it…

Top 10 Best .22lr Scopes On The Market 2023 Reviews

1 Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex

Leupold is a name that is welcomed among shooters and has brought satisfaction to all who have used their products. The Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex is another fine entry into the market that provides both range and function.

This durable scope can withstand water, fog, and impact. On top of that, it has a scratch-proof lens with military standards as well as a clean matte fine duplex coating. In addition, its ultra-lightweight and the tube diameter is only 1- inch.

The Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex has a fixed 4x magnification and a 28mm objective lens. As to be expected, the turrets are fully functional for windage and elevation and a ¼ MOA adjustment. Weighing at only 7.5 oz. and only 9.2 inches it fits perfectly on all LR rifles.

Our rating: (4.9 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

2 Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope

Probably one of the most recognizable names the industry is Bushnell and their long line of Banner Dusk & Dawn products. For over 65 years, Bushnell as provided quality optics for sports, nature, hunting and spectating.

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope has sharp and accurate HD clarity with DDB multi-coat lens. Also, the construction has made this scope 100% water and fog proof.

The windage and elevation turrets are designed with caps to keep them safe from accidental adjustments. As all Bushnell scopes, this one comes with the Ironclad lifetime warranty which guarantees the great quality and workmanship that has gone into this model.

Versatile 3-9x magnification with a large 40mm objective lens provides a great range as well as stunning bright, and clear images. Moreover, each piece has gone through exclusive stress testing for life long durability.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

3 Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150

Nikon may be a camera brand to most but remember that they made their name with their high-quality lenses and optics.

The Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150 is perfect for light-bullet long-range shooting. The reason for this is that the scope comes with a BDC 150 reticle. It also features nitrogen purging, while the o-rings create perfect water, fog, and shockproof sealing.

This scope comes with a 3-9x magnification, which is perfect for rim firing. Also, the 40 mm. objective lens offers great views of the targets and keeps them brightly lit. In addition, the windage and elevation turrets are spring-loaded for instant reset zeroing. The lens uses Spot on Ballistic Match Technology for accurate aiming and are clear and multi-coated to fit with the large objective lens.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

4 Bushnell Red Dot Sight

Breaking away from the long-range shooting, you might be looking from some high-paced CQB drills and need something for quick target acquisition. Introducing the Red Dot, a much simpler optic as there is no magnification.

This small matte black optic fits perfectly on rifles, shotguns, and pistols. In detail, this model comes with 11 different brightness settings, mounts for most Picatinny rails and temperature change fog proofing. On top of that, the construction assures you 100% water and shock proofing, especially considering the Ironclad warranty that it offers.

This Bushnell Red Dot Sight comes with 3 MOA Dot reticle and a massive 37 mm objective lens. Under the caps, you’ll find the windage and elevation adjustments, which don’t need to be bothered with must after the first zeroing. Coming in at 4.3 inches and barely weighing 11 oz. it’s so small and light you just have to point and shoot.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

5 Primary Arms Classic Series 6×32 Rifle Scope

Another brand worth mentioning is Primary Arms and their Classic series. This product is an entry-level scope which is good for those of you just getting into shooting.

The ACSS 22lr reticle is the highlight on this scope. The design aids in first hit ratio and specific for range clay as well as bottles and cans. The windage and elevation turrets are capped and easily adjusted by hand without the need for tools.

At a fixed 6x magnification, there is no option for close-range shooting. Included with the large 32mm objective lens, this scope comes with lens covers for transportation protection. The tube also measures only 1 inch while the weight is 11oz.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

6 Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics is one of the more notable brands in the industry, and their Crossfire line has been a notable success since it was launched. Perfect and versatile for hunting the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is a great option for you.

The V-plex reticle offers versatility when shooting targets allowing you to focus quickly on targets. The lens themselves are fully multi-coated as well as being anti-reflective. Set in the second focal plane, this is great for those who prefer that option.

Externally, the scope is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and is built to withstand water, fog, and shocks. On top of the scope, you’ll find the capped windage and elevation turrets that can be adjusted without tools.

With a 2-7x magnification, this model is great for hunting where you don’t need too much range but is just enough for most hunting scenarios. Provided with a 32mm objective lens, clarity, and lighting shouldn’t be a worry. In addition to that, it weighs 14.3 oz. and is 11.3 inches long with a 1-inch diameter tubing.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

7 Monstrum Tactical G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope

The name Monstrum may be unfamiliar, but the design is widely popular on the range. This comes with many names, but ‘quick-scopes’ is one of the better-known, because of its ability to acquire targets quickly and easily.

Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is water, fog, and shockproof. And is designed in the first focal plane which is preferred by many, as the reticle doesn’t change size as you zoom in. The windage and elevation turrets are uncapped. This is an advantage as the scope can be quickly adjusted in the field without tools or removing any caps.

In addition, this scope has a dial controlled IR, which comes in green and red with adjustable brightness levels. If that wasn’t enough, the package also includes scope rings, a honeycomb filer, spring-loaded lens covers, a carry bag, a battery, and even a free cleaning cloth.

Ideal for close to mid-range shooting, the 1-4x magnification is perfect most ranges. As for the 24mm objective lens, you get a nice clear view of the target. However, it is a bit small, so getting used to it will take some time. Weighing 1 pound, the extra weight will tire you a bit more, but it will help in recoil management.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

8 Weaver Rimfire 2.5-7X28 Riflescope (Matte)

The Weaver Rimfire 2.5-7X28 Riflescope (Matte) scope is a sleek low-profile scope. Newer to the industry than most of the others, as it is a product of Bushnell.

Weaver’s Rimfire scopes are for the small caliber but with high performance. Available in matte black, this optic has a multi-coated lens and is made from premium materials. It is also water, fog, and shockproof, making it a perfect hunting scope. Last but not least, the windage and elevation turrets are capped for maximum protection.

Magnifying at 2.5-7x, this scope offers a flexible range for small game. And features a large and clear view aided by the 28mm objective lens. To top it off, it measures 11.5 inches and weighs 9.75 ounces. Yet another good addition to your plinker squad.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

9 Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

Simmons is a brand that is built to last, and since they formed in 1983, they have been supplying quality optics to hunters and sportsmen alike.

The Truplex .22 mag is made from high-quality materials that have been put through countless stress tests. The high-quality optics also provide stunning high-definition clarity. But that’s not all, the lens use Hydroshield coating keeping images sharp regardless of condition. Even the surface uses Simmons’ SureGrip rubber, so making adjustments to the capped windage and elevation turrets is easy with or without gloves.

With the magnifying power of 3-9x, reaching distant targets is what this was made for. Customary to Simmons, their Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece makes snapping targets easy and effortless. Also, the large 32mm objective lens makes this scope great for all manners of rifles. If that wasn’t enough scope rings are also provided for you to mount on your rails as soon as you open the box.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

10 BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm, Duplex, Rifle Scope

With its roots in England, Birmingham Small Arms or BSA started producing weapons for the royalty. From 1866 till now, BSA has been a name that any shooter is familiar with and would be very proud to own any of their products.

This well-manufactured scope is water, fog, and shockproof. And you’d think it would cost a lot, but this strong and affordable scope is excellent value. Set in the SFP and ¼ MOA this equates to accuracy and precision. Additionally, the turrets are hand-adjustable without tools, and when needed, a simple push will reset all the turrets.

The large and powerful 3-9x40mm makes shooting small game, targets, and pretty much anything almost too easy. The crystal clear images are brought to you by a fully-coated lens and to protect them are lens covers. Weighing in at 21 oz. and being 12.2 inches in length, this scope can get a little heavy after a while.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

Best .22lr Scopes Buying Guide

So far, you have been presented with a mountain of information, and might be feeling a little overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we have created a guide that crunches up all the core elements of what makes the best .22lr scopes and how they weigh up against one another.

Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm Fine Duplex

Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150

Bushnell Red Dot Sight

Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32 Rifle Scope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Monstrum Tactical G2 1-4x24 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope

Weaver Rimfire 2.5-7X28 Riflescope (Matte)

Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm, Duplex, Rifle Scope

So What Are The Best .22lr Scopes?

Finally, you have made it to the end, and you’re ready to make a purchase. Depending on what you are looking for, there are three that stand out as being the best .22lr scopes and surpass the others in all regards.

The first notable mention is the...

This one is for those of you who are looking for a field ready scope that gives you the most value for your money. It is ready to hit the field straight out of the box.

Up next is a superior scope in terms of craftsmanship and quality. The...

...is built to last with a lifetime warranty to support the amazing durability promised by Bushnell. Its 3-9x magnification capacity and 40mm objective lens make it perfect for rugged hunting trips or any environment you find yourself in.

Last on the list, is a scope from the less versatile magnification group. This is because the...

...wins in its own category as sharpshooting isn’t the goal. It’s an extremely fast scope, and where it lacks in magnification, it makes up for it with its large 37mm objective lens. Included in the package, is a scope grip for instant attachment and a life-time warranty. The fact that it can also be used on high caliber rifles also gives it an edge in terms of being multi-purpose.

Regardless of choice, we hope you have found the best of the best .22lr scopes for your needs and that you have a great time shooting with it.