9 Best Rimfire Scopes of 2021
Photo: Bushnell
Rimfire rifles, and this is more so the .22LR caliber ones are among the most popular guns in the market, and this has been so for many years.
But as an enthusiast of these guns, it is also important to also have the best Rimfire scope to get the best service from your .22LR, .17HMR or any other Rimfire you might be using.
In this piece, we explain these important things to consider in more detail on our buying guide and also review 10 top-rated Rimfire scopes to help you get the best one for your gun.
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9 Best Rimfire Scopes – Review
- 1. Nikon ProStaff 16329 – Best Rimfire Scope Overall
- 2. Nikon 6729 – Durable and Compact
- 3. Tasco MAG39X32D – Good Value for Cash
- 4. Vortex Optics CF2-31001R – Excellent Rimfire Scope for Hunting
- 5. Barska 3-9x32 – An Inexpensive Scope Built for Versatility
- 6. Bushnell 613510B – High-Performing, Mid-Power Rimfire Scope
- 7. Leupold LP110797-BRK VX-2 – Top-rated and High-Quality Rimfire Scope
- 8. Nikon P-Rimfire – Another Flawless Rimfire Scope by Nikon
- 9. Tasco RF37X20D – Inexpensive Scope that Does not Compromise on Quality
- How to Buy the Best Rimfire Scopes
- Conclusion
9 Best Rimfire Scopes – Review
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1. Nikon ProStaff 16329 (Best Overall) |
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2. Nikon 6729 (Durable & Compact) |
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3. Tasco MAG39X32D (Good Value for Cash) |
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4. Vortex Optics CF2-31001R (Excellent for Hunting) |
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5. Barska 3-9x32 (Inexpensive for Versatility) |
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6. Bushnell 613510B (High-Performing, Mid-Power) |
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7. Leupold LP110797-BRK VX-2 (Top-rated & High-Quality) |
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8. Nikon P-Rimfire (Another Flawless Scope by Nikon) |
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9. Tasco RF37X20D (Inexpensive Scope that Does not Compromise on Quality) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Nikon ProStaff 16329 (Best Overall) |
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2. Nikon 6729 (Durable & Compact) |
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3. Tasco MAG39X32D (Good Value for Cash) |
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4. Vortex Optics CF2-31001R (Excellent for Hunting) |
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5. Barska 3-9x32 (Inexpensive for Versatility) |
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6. Bushnell 613510B (High-Performing, Mid-Power) |
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7. Leupold LP110797-BRK VX-2 (Top-rated & High-Quality) |
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8. Nikon P-Rimfire (Another Flawless Scope by Nikon) |
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9. Tasco RF37X20D (Inexpensive Scope that Does not Compromise on Quality) |
1. Nikon ProStaff 16329 – Best Rimfire Scope Overall
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
While all the scopes in our list will be perfect for a Rimfire rifle, this model by Nikon is the best .22LR Rimfire scope for anyone looking for something reliable from a top brand.
The scope uses BDC 150 reticle specifically designed for the .22LR, and it will be highly useful in allowing shooters to compensate for bullet drop when shooting from long distances.
With the fully multicoated optic system, this scope is also designed to ensure maximum light transmission even in low light condition for bright and vivid images.
The durable overall construction with matte finish also ensures that the scope will last for many years, and it will also come with more convenient spring-loaded turrets with instant zero reset for simple field adjustment.
Complete water, fog, and shockproof performance is guaranteed by the O-ring seal and nitrogen purging, and the manufacturer will also back this scope with a lifetime replacement/ repair warranty.
The plastic caps on the turrets feel cheap, but they will not affect the adjustment and they will also last long enough hence not a major shortcoming.
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2 . Nikon 6729 – Durable and Compact
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 19.2 ounces
The choice of material which combines polymer and aluminum makes the Nikon 6729 ProStaff a solid and highly durable scope that can withstand anything that comes its way.
Also, this is a more compact scope that will not take up unnecessary space on your rifle, and the size also makes it usable in almost any Rimfire.
But when it comes to the actual performance, the fully multi-coated optic system with up to 98% light transmission and patented BDC reticle are its key highlights as they take its performance to a whole new level.
With this top-notch Rimfire scope, you also get a quick focusing eyepiece, spring-loaded and zero-reset turrets, and precise positive hand turn adjustment. And the scope is nitrogen filled and O-ring-sealed for maximum water, fog, and shock protection.
A finicky eye relief at the higher magnification is typical of most of these scopes and should hence not be the deal breaker.
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3. Tasco MAG39X32D – Good Value for Cash
Photo: Tasco
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 11.4 ounces
Tasco MAG39X32D is by far the best Rimfire scope for the money on our list. At its price tag, it will be super hard to get anything with similar or better features and performance.
Apart from the great value for cash that this scope will offer, it is also quite durable and with a beautiful design and a one-inch main tube that will accommodate a wider adjustment range.
For the optics, Tasco uses some fully multicoated lenses that will deliver brighter and clearer images in almost any lighting condition.
The scope has a 50-yard parallax setting that ensures that you get a parallax-free shooting, and it is 100% fog and waterproof. When you buy it you will also gent mount rings for your .22LR.
While it can be a bit blurry (mostly around the field of view edges) at high magnification settings, this is not a unique issue as most scopes also have the problem. Also, the included rings might not have the best fit but they still work well enough.
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4. Vortex Optics CF2-31001R – Excellent Rimfire Scope for Hunting
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 14.3 ounces
If hunting is your Rimfire rifle's main purpose, the Crossfire II by Vortex Optics will be the best scope for you as it is designed to provide the performance and reliability you need when hunting.
The 3.9 inches eye relief is not only one of the longest in our Rimfire scope review but also quite generous when compared to what others in its class and price range have to offer. And the eyebox is also very forgiving to ensure comfortable and easy shooting at all distances.
The main tube is a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum that makes this a solid and sturdy scope and also ensures that you get a strong and shockproof performance. Also, it is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to make it fog and waterproof.
Adjustment is also easy thanks to the capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable, and you can reset them to zero after sighting in. There is also a fast focus eyepiece, and the scope uses some anti-reflective and fully multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission and clear images.
Edges around the field of view can be a little blurry at the maximum 7x magnification, but this is not a major shortcoming as many shooters will hardly even notice the blurriness as it is not significant.
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5. Barska 3-9x32 – An Inexpensive Scope Built for Versatility
Photo: Barska
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
Barska makes this Rimfire scope with versatility in mind and given its design, features and overall performance, it will be handy for a variety of applications including general hunting and plinking. And it is also a more budget-friendly scope.
The scope uses some fully coated optics that will deliver bright and clear pictures and with a 1-inch monotube construction made from a solid aluminum material for long-lasting performance.
With its generally more rugged construction, this 3-9x magnification Barska scope will also be perfect for the rough outdoors as it can withstand a lot of abuse.
Windage and elevation adjustment is a quick and easy process thanks to the convenient adjustment knobs with 1/4 MOA click adjustments.
Also, this is the second most affordable scope in our list, and despite its small price tag, it is still backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The free ring mounts that come with this Rimfire scope are not the best quality, but given the small price tag of the scope and the fact that they still fit well, this should not be a deal breaker.
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6. Bushnell 613510B – High-Performing, Mid-Power Rimfire Scope
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 3.5-10x
- Eye Relief: 3.4
- Objective Diameter: 36mm
- Weight: 15 ounces
There are many brands that make good Rimfire scopes, but Bushnell is one best among them as they are known for making top-notch quality scopes like their high-performing model 613510B.
This mid-power scope has a lot to offer which includes a fast focus eyepiece that will make reticle focusing a breeze so that you never miss your target even when it is on the move.
Also, shooting with this scope will be a parallax-free affair as it includes a side parallax focus adjustment, and it is built with an extremely durable housing designed to withstand the harsh outdoor environment.
The design also offers absolute fog and waterproof performance, and it is also more compact to ensure your rifle maintains perfect balance.
Shooters will also love that it uses replaceable BDC turrets and some special dusk and dawn brightness lenses that are also multi-coated to provide superior sight picture clarity and brightness.
At high magnification, the eye relief seems a bit lacking, but it should still be long enough to ensure comfortable shooting from any distance. There are also lots of plastic components on the scope but the good news is that they are heavy-gauge and highly durable
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7. Leupold LP110797-BRK VX-2 – Top-rated and High-Quality Rimfire Scope
Photo: Leupold
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3.7-4.2 inches
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
Leupold’s VX-2 is a top-rated Rimfire scope that features high-quality overall construction with some top-notch component to deliver many years of excellent services.
The construction includes a durable but lightweight aluminum alloy main tube that is also designed to be more spacious to accommodate more features and a wide adjustment range.
Its optical performance is almost unmatched by any other scope in its class, and it is mostly thanks to the DiamondCoat lens coatings and Index Matched Lens system.
With the precise finger click adjustments and custom elevation dials, adjusting both the windage and elevation should be a quick, easy and precise process. And this scope is also designed to ensure absolute fog and waterproof integrity.
It would have been great if the turrets were zero-reset, but even without this feature they still offer great performance and will hold zero well. And the price is only high when you compare it to other models on our list.
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8. Nikon P-Rimfire – Another Flawless Rimfire Scope by Nikon
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 16.1 ounces
Nikon is a trustworthy brand when it comes to the manufacture of optics, and just like with most of their other scopes, this P-Rimfire model does not disappoint.
With its BDC 150 reticle that is specifically made for the .22LR trajectory, the scope is designed to ensure shooters get better-aiming points from 50 to 150 yards. And if you combine this with the fully multicoated lenses, you can be sure of always getting an excellent sight picture.
Another thing that makes this one of the best Rimfire scopes is the fact that it uses zero-reset turrets that will help to simplify field adjustment.
Also, the scope has some precise tactical hand-turn adjustments, O-ring seal and nitrogen filled to make it fog and waterproof and Nikon will back it with their lifetime repair/replacement warranty.
Although the scope can be a bit fuzzy at distances of over 80 yards, there is no cause for alarm as this should be expected since it is a 50-yard parallax setting scope.
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9. Tasco RF37X20D – Inexpensive Scope that Does not Compromise on Quality
Photo: Tasco
- Magnification: 3-7x
- Eye Relief: 2.4 inches
- Objective Diameter: 20mm
- Weight: 5.8 ounces
All our Rimfire scopes review showcase top notch scopes, but if you are shopping on a very small budget, this Tasco model is one of the cheapest you can get without compromising quality and performance.
It features a durable solid metal overall construction and with an aesthetically appealing design that also includes a gloss finish to ensure that it not only performs well but also looks amazing on your Rimfire.
The 3-7x variable power might not offer the widest magnification range, but it still enhances the versatility of the scope and makes it great for long distance shooting.
Tasco also makes this scope with some high-quality multicoated optics that enhance light transmission for bright and clear images and will also include the mounting rings on the package.
The 2.4 inches of eye relief that this scope offers is quite small when compared to what others in our list provide but for such a highly affordable Rimfire scope, it is good enough. Also, adjustment is still easy enough even with no audible clicks.
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How to Buy the Best Rimfire Scopes
Photo: thetruthaboutguns.com
To make sure that you chose the best rimfire scope, you need to consider the following important things when shopping.
1. Fixed or Adjustable Scope
One of the most important decisions that a Rimfire enthusiast and every other gun owner should make when it comes to buying a scope is the type to buy. And here the two basic types are the fixed and adjustable scopes.
Fixed scopes will only offer you one magnification option but they are also some of the cheapest and are designed to be more compact and lightweight as they have fewer parts. Also, the few parts will make fixed scopes less likely to be knocked off the zero.
With adjustable scopes, on the other hand, you get to choose from a wide range of magnification options which allows you to zoom in and out of the target according to the shooting situation.
2. Performance
When it comes to the overall performance of your Rimfire scope, there are several things that will come into play.
Along with a proper clarity, a good magnification that is easy to adjust will be key determinants of the overall performance of your scope.
The scopes light transmission capability also affects the performance, and the higher the transmission the better as it will ensure top-notch performance even in low light conditions.
3. Durability
A good Rimfire scope for you is one that is made to last for a long time by having some top quality parts and is also well-built.
Besides having quality components like turrets and lenses, the scope also needs to have a solid and sturdy main tube to ensure maximum durability.
For the main tube, one-piece construction that uses materials like aluminum alloy or anodized aluminum is the best when it comes to durability. And aircraft-grade aluminum like what is used to make Vortex Optics CF2-31001R is even tougher.
Other factors like fog, shock, and waterproofness are also vital when it comes to determining the durability of your Rimfire scope.
4. Turret
Turrets are vital for adjusting the scope’s windage and elevation, and so they are another important thing to consider when shopping.
And depending on the model and brand, you can also find turrets in different styles, and so you need to know what works best for you.
Finger adjustable turrets like what you get on Bushnell 613510B and most other models on our list are always the most desirable as they make adjustments easier. Also, turrets that can reset to zero can be handy for shooters that plan to use their Rimfire from different ranges.
5. Lens and Reticle
The lenses are one of the crucial things that you should never compromise on when it comes to buying a Rimfire scope. To make sure that you get the best lens, you need to consider both the size and coating.
For the coating, you should never settle for anything less than multicoated lenses. But, the best option, if you do not mind spending a little extra cash, is fully multicoated lenses.
With fully multicoated lenses, you can be sure of getting an excellent light transmission and better visual fidelity. And the larger the objective lenses the better as it will allow more light in for brighter and clearer sight pictures.
Reticles are also an important factor to consider when shopping for the best 22LR Rimfire scope as they affect the aiming and shooting accuracy.
Like with any other scope, the range that you will be shooting from will determine the best reticle for you. For ranges of more than 100 yards, simple mil-dot reticles that allow for range estimation and wind/elevation compensation are the best. Duplex reticles, on the other hand, should be more than enough for short range hunting and plinking.
6. Waterproof
Because you will be using your Rimfire rifle outdoors and in various environments, it is vital to make sure that it is completely waterproof.
A scope whose main tube is nitrogen or argon purged and with some high-quality O-ring seals is the best when it comes to ensuring waterproof integrity.
Luckily, most Rimfire scopes are designed to offer absolute water, fog, and shockproof performance. But, it is always a good idea to read customers review before buying to ascertain that the scope is completely waterproof before you buy it.
7. Ease of Use
Whether you buy an expensive top quality scope from a reputable brand or a cheap one, it will only serve you well if it is easy to use.
The ease of use is a broad term that will incorporate many things and what a more experienced shooter finds easy to use might not be as simple or smooth to use for beginners.
However, there are certain parameters that you can use to determine the ease of use of a scope such as its ease of mounting and whether it comes with all the necessary components and instruction or not.
Also, the ease of adjusting things like the windage and elevation and the magnification will also have an effect on the overall ease of use of a Rimfire scope.
Conclusion
Choosing a Rimfires scope can be a daunting task given the many options available out there and the fact that they look good enough. However, our review above should make it easy to narrow down your choices.
That said, the Nikon ProStaff 16329 takes our top overall spot as it excels in every aspect from the quality of the optics to the overall build.
But, for Rimfire shooters and hunters shopping for an inexpensive scope, the Barska 3-9x32 is unbeatable.