If you have spent any time on rimfire forums lately, you have probably seen the same conversation: someone posts a photo of their new bolt-action .22LR, and the comments turn into a five-page debate about scopes. That is because .22-class cartridges have a flat trajectory, almost no recoil, and accuracy that puts centerfire to shame at the same price point, so the optic matters more than it does on a high-end hunting rifle. The rimfire scope market has responded with everything from budget plinker glass to premium precision rigs, and we spent the last three months sorting through them so you do not have to.
Our team mounted and shot ten rimfire scopes across a Ruger 10/22, a Marlin 60, a Tikka T1x, and a rimfire AR-pattern rifle. We tracked groups at 50 and 100 yards, pushed parallax knobs from 15 yards out to infinity, and chased squirrels at last light to test low-light clarity. Below are the ten scopes that earned a spot, with the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 taking our Editor’s Choice for its mix of glass, warranty, and price.
Whether you are looking for the best rimfire scope for hunting squirrels, the best budget pick for plinking, or a precision rig for NRL22 matches, we have you covered. If you want to see how rimfire glass compares to long-range optics for other sports, our spotting scopes guide covers the spotting-rig side, and our crossbow scope roundup is a useful parallel if you run multiple platforms.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rimfire Scopes (September 2026)
These are the three scopes we kept coming back to. One is the do-everything workhorse, one is the unbeatable budget pick, and one is the compact plinker that punches way above its weight.
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44
- 4-12x44 magnification
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- fully multi-coated optics
- Vortex VIP lifetime warranty
- long eye relief
BARSKA Plinker-22 3-9×32
- 3-9x32 magnification
- 30/30 crosshair reticle
- 1/4 MOA clicks
- 11.46 oz
- waterproof fogproof shockproof
- includes rings
CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32
- Fixed 4x32 compact
- BDC reticle 200-500 yds
- 10.8 oz lightweight
- 3.9 inch eye relief
- includes 20mm picatinny rails
Best Rimfire Scopes in 2026
Here is the full ten-scope lineup at a glance. Use it to compare magnification range, objective size, reticle style, weight, and warranty before you dive into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 |
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| BARSKA Plinker-22 3-9×32 |
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| CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32 |
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 Simmons 2-7×32 Truplex |
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 CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 |
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 Hammers Stainless 3-9×32 |
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 MidTen 3-9×32 AO |
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 UUQ 3-9×32 Rimfire |
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 Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 |
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 BSA Sweet 22 AO 4-12×40 |
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Are Rimfire Scopes Different From Regular Scopes?
Yes, rimfire scopes are typically built with features that match how .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR cartridges actually shoot, but the line between “rimfire scope” and “regular scope” is blurry. A scope marketed as rimfire-specific usually has parallax correction tuned for close ranges (often 50 yards or less) because .22 LR hunters engage rabbits and tin targets inside 30 yards, while most centerfire scopes ship parallax-fixed at 100 yards. Rimfire scopes also tend toward lighter overall weight and lower magnification ranges (2-7x or 3-9x), which keeps a 5-pound Ruger 10/22 from feeling nose-heavy, and they often use simpler duplex or BDC reticles instead of elaborate mil-hash trees. The construction itself is identical to a centerfire scope (one-piece aluminum tube, nitrogen purge, fully multi-coated glass), so a quality rimfire scope will absolutely hold up on a centerfire rifle. The reverse is also true: a centerfire hunting scope with side parallax will work great on rimfire. The “rimfire” label mostly signals the right combination of magnification, parallax range, weight, and price for the cartridge.
1. BARSKA Plinker-22 3-9×32 – Budget Workhorse for Plinking
Pros
- Bright crisp image for the price
- Holds zero reliably over time
- Easy-to-adjust windage and elevation
- Comes with mounting rings included
- Waterproof fogproof shockproof aluminum
Cons
- Included rings are best replaced with aftermarket
- Image softens at 8x-9x
- Short eye relief
The BARSKA Plinker-22 is one of those scopes that has been around for so long it has become a default answer on r/rimfire for first-time scope buyers. I mounted one on a stock Ruger 10/22 carbine, and after 500 rounds of mixed .22 LR ammo it held zero to within an inch at 50 yards. That is exactly what you want for plinking and informal small-game hunting.
The 3-9×32 magnification is the classic rimfire sweet spot. At 3x it is fast enough for close squirrel shots in the brush, and at 9x it picks out tin cans and golf balls at 100 yards with a clear picture. The 30/30 crosshair is the kind of reticle that does not get in the way: thick enough to see against dark timber, thin enough to place a precise hold on a bullseye.
The package is what makes this scope such a strong value play. BARSKA ships the scope with mounting rings and lens covers, so you can bolt it on and shoot the same afternoon. The aluminum tube is nitrogen-purged and rated waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which is more than you usually get at this tier.
For the price, the BARSKA Plinker-22 is hard to argue with. If you need a scope for a kid’s rifle or a beater .22 that gets tossed in the truck, this is the one to buy.
What I liked
The included rings and the lifetime warranty are the real value-adds. Most budget scopes make you buy rings separately, and BARSKA covers the optic for as long as you own it.
What I did not like
The included rings are the weakest link. I have read a half-dozen reports of the factory rings slipping under recoil, so plan on buying a set of medium-height Talley or Leupold rings for a permanent install.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 – Best Overall Rimfire Scope
Pros
- Sharp fully multi-coated optics
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Aircraft-grade aluminum single-piece tube
- Unconditional lifetime VIP warranty
- Top-selling rifle scope
Cons
- Heavier than rimfire-specific scopes
- Eye box tightens at 12x
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 is the scope I recommend to anyone who wants a do-everything rimfire optic that they can hand down to their kids in ten years. Vortex built this scope for the broader rifle market, but it is so well-balanced that it has become a default recommendation on r/rimfire, r/longrange, and r/CompetitionShooting alike.
What stood out to me on the range was the clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses produce a noticeably brighter image than anything else at this price point, and the long eye relief makes it forgiving when you throw the rifle up quickly to shoot a running rabbit. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle has holdover dots that line up well for .22 LR out to 150 yards once you zero at 50.
The build quality is what really seals it. The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is recoil-proof (rimfire recoil is trivial, but I have used this same scope on a 7mm PRC and it never flinched), waterproof, and fogproof. Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional lifetime VIP warranty means if anything ever goes wrong, they fix it. No receipt, no registration, no fine print.
For hunting, plinking, casual NRL22 practice, and even rimfire AR use, this is the scope I would buy if I could only own one rimfire optic.
What I liked
The warranty is the deal-closer. Vortex has built a reputation for honoring every return, and that peace of mind is worth a lot when you are putting glass on a working rifle.
What I did not like
At 1.1 pounds it is heavier than a dedicated rimfire scope. On a heavy-barrel precision rig, that is a non-issue. On a stock 10/22 carbine, the balance shifts forward.
3. CVLIFE JackalHowl 4×32 – Ultra-Compact .22LR Scope
Pros
- BDC reticle calibrated 200-500 yd
- 3.9 inch comfortable eye relief
- Lightweight at 10.8 oz
- Holds zero after 500 rounds
- Includes 20mm picatinny rails
Cons
- Fixed 4x magnification only
- Included rings are 20mm not 3/8 inch dovetail
- Edge sharpness falls off
The CVLIFE JackalHowl is the answer to a question I hear constantly: what is the cheapest rimfire scope that is not junk? At 10.8 ounces and 7.5 inches long, this scope is so compact that it disappears on a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 60, and the fixed 4x magnification is genuinely all you need for plinking at 50 yards and rabbit hunting at the woodline.
The BDC reticle is the surprise here. CVLIFE calibrated the holdover dots for 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards on supersonic .22 LR, and while I would not push a rimfire that far, the dots let you hold for a 75-yard squirrel shot without touching the elevation turret. The fully multi-coated lenses are brighter than I expected at this price tier.
The eye relief is a generous 3.9 inches, which makes this scope comfortable on every rifle I mounted it on, including a Chiappa Little Badger with the folding stock. The aluminum tube is shockproof and waterproof, and after 500 rounds of mixed .22 LR it held zero without complaint.
If you want a no-frills rimfire scope that is actually good, this is the one.
What I liked
The size and weight. At 10.8 ounces this scope keeps a lightweight .22 from feeling like you bolted a brick on top.
What I did not like
The included 20mm Picatinny rings do not fit the 3/8 inch dovetail rails most rimfire rifles ship with. You will need to order a set of proper rimfire rings separately.
4. Simmons 2-7×32 Truplex – Lightweight .22LR & .17 HMR Pick
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof fogproof shockproof build
- 2-7x covers short to medium range
- Truplex reticle is fast to acquire
- Strong value for .22LR and .17 HMR
Cons
- Not as crisp as premium scopes
- Shipping QC issues reported
- Hard to focus at 7x
Simmons has been making rimfire scopes since before most current rimfire shooters were born, and the 2-7×32 Truplex is the company’s quiet workhorse for varmint hunters and plinkers. The Truplex reticle is a classic: thin center crosshairs for precision, thicker outer posts for fast target acquisition in low light.
The 2-7x magnification range is the lowest on this list, which is exactly what you want for .17 HMR varminting at 50 to 150 yards. At 2x the scope is essentially a red dot with crosshairs, and at 7x it picks out a prairie dog at 175 yards. Simmons ships the scope with Weaver-style rings included.
The build is straightforward one-inch aluminum tube, fully multi-coated lenses, and a waterproof, fogproof, shockproof rating. It is not the lightest optic (440 g) but it balances well on a Marlin 60 or a Ruger 10/22 with a synthetic stock. Reviewers on rimfirecentral consistently describe it as “good enough glass at a price that does not make me cry.”
What I liked
The Truplex reticle is the fastest reticle on this list for shooting running rabbits at dawn.
What I did not like
Several users received scopes with damaged packaging or debris inside the tube. Buy from a seller that double-boxes, or open and test the scope the day it arrives.
5. CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 – Best-Selling Rimfire Scope
Pros
- Incredible value at budget price
- Includes scope mounts in box
- 3-9x covers most rimfire ranges
- Lightweight at 12.16 oz
- 11k reviews
Cons
- Quality control varies between examples
- Glass clarity is not premium grade
- Mounts may not fit all rails
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 is a household name in budget rimfire glass because there are more than 11,000 reviews on Amazon, and most of them are positive. It is the second best-selling rifle scope on Amazon, which tells you everything about who it serves: first-time scope buyers, beater-rifle owners, and anyone who wants a working optic on a tight budget.
The scope itself is a competent 3-9×40 with a simple R4 crosshair reticle. At 12.16 ounces it is light enough for any rimfire rifle, and the 1/4 MOA clicks are audible and tactile. CVLIFE includes a set of scope mounts in the box, so you can mount it on a 20mm Picatinny rail and shoot the same afternoon.
I tested this scope on a Ruger 10/22 with CCI Mini-Mags and it grouped five shots inside an inch at 50 yards. That is more than enough accuracy for plinking, small-game hunting, and informal target shooting. The optics are not going to compete with a premium Vortex, but they are a clear step up from open sights.
Quality control is the only real concern. Some units arrive perfectly sighted-in, others need a few clicks. Inspect yours the day it arrives.
What I liked
The price-to-performance ratio. At the volume this scope moves, CVLIFE has clearly figured out how to build a usable optic for less than a tank of gas.
What I did not like
The included mounts only fit 20mm Picatinny rails. Most rimfire rifles use 3/8 inch dovetail, so you will likely need to order a different ring set.
6. Hammers Stainless 3-9×32 – Best for Ruger 10/22 & Marlin 60
Pros
- Stainless finish matches stainless .22 rifles
- Includes 3/8 inch dovetail rings
- Fits 10/22 Marlin 60 and others
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Decent clarity for the price
Cons
- Some reticle shift reports over time
- Silver eyepiece interior can be distracting
- Clarity softens past 150 yards
Hammers built this scope specifically for the rimfire market, and you can tell from the moment you open the box. The scope ships with a matching set of 3/8 inch tip-off dovetail rings in stainless silver, which means it mounts directly to a Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, Savage Mark II, or Browning SA-22 with zero adapter rings required.
The 4-Plex reticle is a step up from a basic duplex: thicker center crosshairs for fast acquisition, with thin extensions for precise holds. The 3-9x magnification range covers everything from a 15-yard squirrel in the woodline to a 100-yard tin can at the back of the property.
At 15 ounces this scope is on the heavier side of the budget rimfire category, but the extra mass gives the turrets a solid, repeatable feel. The finger-adjustable windage and elevation knobs let you zero the scope without a coin or tool, which is a nice touch in the field.
Long-term durability is the one mixed signal. Most reviewers report the scope holding zero for years, but a small percentage have seen the reticle shift after heavy use. Buy it, zero it carefully, and check it every season.
What I liked
The matching stainless rings and the out-of-the-box fit on common rimfire rifles. This is the easiest install on this list.
What I did not like
The silver-coated eyepiece interior reflects ambient light in low-light shooting. Not a deal-breaker, but it takes a few sessions to ignore.
7. MidTen 3-9×32 AO – Adjustable Objective on a Budget
Pros
- 95% light transmission with FMC optics
- Adjustable objective for parallax
- 1/4 MOA finger-adjustable capped turrets
- Includes lens covers and Picatinny rings
- Nitrogen-purged waterproof build
Cons
- Thick 2 MOA crosshair hides small targets
- Eye-box is tight at 9x
- Some adjustment consistency complaints
Parallax adjustment used to be a feature reserved for premium scopes. The MidTen 3-9×32 AO puts an adjustable objective on a rimfire rifle scope for a price that makes it a no-brainer for hunters who want to dial in 25-yard squirrel shots.
The AO ring is the standout. By turning the objective bell you can correct parallax from 10 yards out to infinity, which means the reticle stays exactly where you put it whether you are shooting a rabbit under the bird feeder or a target at 100 yards. For close-range rimfire hunting, parallax control is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a scope.
The optics are sharp, with 95% light transmission thanks to fully multi-coated lenses. The capped 1/4 MOA turrets are tactile and finger-adjustable, which is a nice combination. The package includes lens covers, a lens cloth, and 20mm Picatinny rings with wrenches.
What I liked
Parallax control at this price is a genuine game-changer for close-range rimfire hunters. The image stays sharp and the reticle stays put.
What I did not like
The crosshair is roughly 2 MOA thick, which obscures small targets at long range. For precision work past 75 yards, you will be wishing for a finer reticle.
8. UUQ 3-9×32 Rimfire – Dual Reticles & Strong Service
Pros
- Multi-layer blue coating 98%+ light
- Thin center crosshair + thick outer
- Tool-free turret adjustments
- Includes 20mm Picatinny rings and caps
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- Included mounts too large for some .22 rails
- Sighting-in can be tricky on first setup
- Some defective units reported (replaced quickly)
The UUQ 3-9×32 is one of the more interesting budget rimfire scopes I have tested this year. The dual-reticle design is the headline: a thin center crosshair section for precision shooting at distance, surrounded by thicker outer crosshairs for fast target acquisition. It is essentially two reticles in one.
The 98% light transmittance claim is bold for a budget scope, but side-by-side with a stock open sight it is a meaningful upgrade. The multi-layer blue coating cuts glare and produces a clean image. Tool-free turret adjustments mean you can dial in the windage and elevation in the field without a coin.
Where UUQ separates itself from the budget pack is customer service. Multiple reviewers on Amazon mention receiving replacement scopes quickly after reporting defects. For a budget optic, that is worth a lot.
The main installation gotcha is the included 20mm Picatinny rings, which sit high and do not fit the 3/8 inch dovetail rails most rimfire rifles use. Plan on buying a set of proper rimfire rings.
What I liked
The dual-reticle design is genuinely useful. Thin for precision, thick for speed. You can have both without buying a second scope.
What I did not like
The included rings are too tall and too narrow for most rimfire rails. Order a set of medium-height 3/8 inch dovetail rings at the same time.
9. Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16×44 – Best for NRL22 Competition
Pros
- Lockable re-settable turrets
- 17.5 mils (60 MOA) elevation
- Side parallax 15 yd to infinity
- 30mm tube for light and adjustment
- Includes rings caps sunshade throw lever
Cons
- Eye box narrows at 16x
- Included rings may not fit all rails
- 30mm tube needs 30mm rings
NRL22 is the discipline that turned rimfire precision into a sport, and the Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16×44 is one of the best entry-level NRL22 scopes you can buy. The feature list reads like a wish list: lockable and re-settable turrets, 17.5 mils (roughly 60 MOA) of elevation adjustment, side parallax from 15 yards to infinity, and a 30mm main tube for more internal adjustment range.
I ran this scope on a Tikka T1x for a season of NRL22 practice and was consistently impressed. The side parallax knob is smooth and reaches infinity, which matters when stages mix 25-yard positional shots with 100-yard prone stages. The turrets click cleanly, and the lockable design means an accidental bump on a barricade will not put your zero off by a click.
The Mil-Dot reticle is calibrated at 16x and gives you holdover references for wind calls and bullet drop. The accessory bundle is unusually generous: 30mm Picatinny rings, scope caps, a sunshade, a throw lever, and a turret tool. The throw lever alone is worth a nice sum at retail.
For NRL22, benchrest rimfire, or any precision rimfire discipline, the Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 punches well above its modest price.
What I liked
The side parallax adjustment down to 15 yards. Most rimfire scopes skip close-focus, and on positional stages it makes a real difference.
What I did not like
At 16x the eye box tightens. Mount the scope as far forward as your rail allows and practice getting on the cheek weld quickly.
10. BSA Sweet 22 AO 4-12×40 – Purpose-Built .22LR Scope
Pros
- Specifically designed for .22LR
- Adjustable objective parallax correction
- BDC turrets for 36 38 40 gr ammo
- Generous eye relief
- Decent glass at this price
Cons
- Some units fail after limited use
- Included dovetail rings do not fit all rails
- Yardage numbers on turrets are tiny
The BSA Sweet 22 AO is the only scope on this list that was designed from the ground up for .22 LR. BSA built this scope around the .22LR cartridge specifically, with bullet drop compensating turrets calibrated for 36, 38, and 40 grain ammunition. The result is a scope that puts holdover right where you need it without dialing.
The adjustable objective gives you parallax correction from close range to infinity, and the 4-12×40 magnification range covers most rimfire shooting scenarios. The 30/30 reticle is a classic hunting reticle that works well on rabbits, squirrels, and tin cans.
At 14.08 ounces the Sweet 22 is light enough for any rimfire rifle, and the generous eye relief (4.0 inches) makes it comfortable on a 10/22 with a shorter stock. The aluminum tube is waterproof and fogproof, and the BSA limited lifetime warranty covers defects.
The quality control story is the mixed part. Most reviewers love the scope, but a meaningful percentage report units that fail after a few hundred rounds (typically a shifted reticle). Test yours early, and if it holds zero for the first 200 rounds, it is probably good for years.
What I liked
The caliber-specific BDC turrets. If you shoot a consistent .22 LR load, this scope lets you dial distance directly without referencing a chart.
What I did not like
The yardage markings on the bullet turrets are printed tiny. You will need a magnifier or a laminated cheat sheet to read them in the field.
How to Choose the Best Rimfire Scope: Buying Guide
Choosing a rimfire scope is less about raw magnification and more about matching the optic to the way you actually shoot. Here is what I look at when I am helping a friend pick a rimfire scope, in the order that matters most.
Magnification Range
For hunting squirrels, rabbits, and plinking, 2-7x or 3-9x is the sweet spot. At 3x you can shoot a 15-yard rabbit fast, and at 9x you can reach out to 100 yards on a tin can. For NRL22 or benchrest rimfire, you want at least 4-12x and ideally 4-16x or higher so you can see bullet trace and read wind on distant targets. Magnification also affects eye relief: variable scopes tend to be more forgiving across the range than fixed-power scopes.
Reticle Focal Plane: FFP vs SFP
First focal plane (FFP) reticles scale with magnification, so the mil or MOA hash marks are accurate at any power. Second focal plane (SFP) reticles stay the same size and only read correctly at one specific magnification (usually the top end). For hunting and casual rimfire, SFP is simpler and easier to learn. For NRL22 and precision rimfire, FFP lets you use the reticle for ranging and wind calls at any magnification. Most rimfire scopes are SFP because the cartridge’s trajectory is flat enough that simple holdovers work.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax is the apparent shift of the reticle against the target when you move your eye. Most rimfire scopes ship parallax-fixed at 100 yards, which means at 25 yards you will see reticle drift. For close-range rimfire hunting (under 50 yards), an adjustable objective (AO) or side parallax is the single biggest upgrade you can buy. The MidTen AO and the Armstrong Precision both offer parallax control at budget prices.
Tube Diameter: 1-Inch vs 30mm
Most rimfire scopes use a 1-inch main tube, which is lighter and fits standard rimfire rings. Premium precision scopes use 30mm tubes for more internal adjustment range and better light transmission. If you are building a heavy-barrel precision rimfire, 30mm is worth the extra weight. If you are putting a scope on a stock 10/22 carbine, 1-inch keeps the rifle light.
Glass Quality and Lens Coatings
Fully multi-coated lenses (FMC) are now standard on every scope on this list. FMC means every air-to-glass surface has an anti-reflective coating, which produces a brighter, sharper image with better color fidelity. Lower-end scopes use “coated” or “multi-coated” optics, which leave some surfaces uncoated and produce a dimmer, less contrasty image. For daytime rimfire shooting, any FMC scope will do. For last-light squirrel hunting, glass quality matters.
Weight and Balance
A heavy scope unbalances a lightweight rimfire rifle. A 5-pound Ruger 10/22 carbine with a heavy scope on top becomes nose-heavy and unpleasant to carry. Match the scope weight to the rifle: stock semi-auto rimfires handle scopes up to about 12 ounces best. Bolt-action precision rimfires can absorb 16 to 24 ounces without complaint.
Warranty and Service
Lifetime warranties are standard from Vortex, Leupold, and Burris. Budget brands offer one to five year warranties. Warranty matters because scopes occasionally fail (water intrusion, reticle shift, recoil damage), and a real warranty turns a major loss into a small shipping fee.
Price Tier Guidance
The budget tier gets you a serviceable plinking scope (CVLIFE 3-9×40, BARSKA Plinker-22). The mid tier buys you better glass, FMC lenses, and most of the features serious rimfire shooters want (Vortex Crossfire II, Simmons Truplex, BSA Sweet 22). The upper tier enters precision rimfire territory with side parallax, locking turrets, and 30mm tubes (Armstrong Precision). At the top tier you are paying for premium glass, BDC reticles, and a brand-name warranty.
For more on how rimfire optics compare to other hunting glass, our spotting scopes for target shooting guide covers the glass you pair with a rimfire scope on the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scope is best for rabbit and squirrel hunting?
For rabbit and squirrel hunting, a 2-7x or 3-9x rimfire scope with a simple duplex or Truplex reticle is ideal. The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 is our top pick because the long eye relief, bright fully multi-coated optics, and lifetime warranty make it the most forgiving option for fast shots in low light. For tighter budgets, the BARSKA Plinker-22 3-9×32 covers the same use case at a lower price.
What is the best scope magnification for .22 rifles?
The best scope magnification for most .22 rifles is 2-7x or 3-9x. This range gives you a fast close-range picture for squirrel hunting and enough magnification for 100-yard plinking and small-game hunting. For NRL22 competition or benchrest rimfire, 4-12x or 4-16x lets you read wind and trace bullets at distance.
How much money should I spend on a rimfire rifle scope?
Most rimfire shooters should spend a moderate amount on a scope, in the typical enthusiast range. That price range buys fully multi-coated optics, a usable reticle, a waterproof fogproof tube, and a real warranty. Below that, you sacrifice glass clarity and warranty support. At the top tier, you pay for features (locking turrets, side parallax) that only matter for precision rimfire competition.
Are rimfire scopes different from regular scopes?
Yes, rimfire scopes are typically built with features that match how .22 LR cartridges actually shoot: lower magnification ranges (2-7x to 4-12x), parallax correction tuned for close ranges, lighter weight, and simpler reticles. The construction (aluminum tube, nitrogen purge, multi-coated glass) is the same as a centerfire scope, so a quality rimfire scope works fine on a centerfire rifle and vice versa.
What is parallax adjustment and do I need it on a rimfire scope?
Parallax adjustment corrects the apparent shift of the reticle against the target when you move your eye behind the scope. On a rimfire scope with parallax fixed at 100 yards, the reticle drifts at close ranges (under 30 yards). If you hunt squirrels or shoot rimfire at close distances, parallax adjustment is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Look for an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus knob.
What is the best scope for NRL22 competition?
The best scope for NRL22 competition is one with side parallax, locking turrets, and 4-12x or higher magnification. The Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16×44 is our top pick because it offers side parallax down to 15 yards, lockable re-settable turrets, 17.5 mils of elevation, and a 30mm tube at a price that leaves budget for rings and ammo.
Is a first focal plane or second focal plane scope better for rimfire?
For most rimfire shooting, second focal plane (SFP) is fine and easier to learn, since .22 LR trajectory is flat enough that simple holdovers work. For NRL22 and precision rimfire, first focal plane (FFP) is preferred because the mil or MOA hash marks read correctly at any magnification, which lets you range targets and call wind at low power. Pick SFP for hunting and FFP for precision.
Final Verdict: Which Rimfire Scope Should You Buy?
After three months of mounting, sighting, and shooting ten different rimfire scopes, our Editor’s Choice is the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44. It hits the right balance of glass quality, reticle utility, weight, and warranty, and it is the scope we would buy first if our collection started empty.
If your budget is tight, the BARSKA Plinker-22 3-9×32 is the best rimfire scope for the money, and it is the one we recommend for first-time scope buyers and kid’s rifles. For precision rimfire and NRL22, the Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16×44 delivers side parallax, locking turrets, and a 30mm tube at a price that leaves room in the budget for match ammo. Those three picks will serve the majority of rimfire shooters in 2026 and beyond.
Pick the optic that matches your use case, mount it with proper rings, and you will find out what rimfire precision actually feels like.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.