10 Best Rimfire Scopes for .22 Rifles

Barska, Bushnell, and Simmons all crowd this category, so a good rimfire optic earns its spot two ways: it has to (1) hold zero on a .22 LR through a full range trip and light recoil cycling, and (2) give you a clean, parallax-managed sight picture inside the 25 to 100 yard window where rimfire actually lives. The best rimfire scope for 22 is the one that nails both without asking you to spend rifle money on glass. Our editorial team has analyzed dozens of rimfire optics against those two rules, cross-referencing thousands of verified buyer reviews, manufacturer datasheets, and reticle specs to sort the honest performers from the airsoft-grade filler.

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In 2026, the best rimfire scopes for a 22 are the PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32MM, the Barska 4×20 Rimfire Crosshair, the Barska AC10380 Plinker-22 3-9×32, the TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40, the BARSKA 30/30 4×32, the TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12X40 T-Plex, the Simmons Pro Rimfire 4x32mm, the UUQ 3-9×32, the TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 BDC, and the Bushnell R3 3-9×40. Here's more on each pick's main benefits, fit, trade-offs, and best uses.

Comparison Chart of Best rimfire Scope for 22

List of Top 10 Best rimfire Scope for 22

Every pick below earned its place through spec analysis and aggregate buyer feedback, weighted toward the things that actually matter on a rimfire: repeatable zero, usable eye relief, and a reticle that suits the way you shoot. We favored optics with parallax set for close rimfire distances and reticles built for the .22 LR trajectory. Expect honest trade-offs on each, because no scope in this price class does everything.

Below are the list of products:

Main Benefits:

• ✔ 3-9x magnification covers close plinking and 75-100 yard small game from one optic
• ✔ Rimfire-specific BDC reticle takes the guesswork out of .22 LR holdover past 50 yards
• ✔ Nitrogen-purged, fog and moisture resistant build handles damp field mornings
• ✔ 32mm objective keeps the tube light and balanced on lightweight rimfire rifles
• ✔ 1-inch main tube fits the most common and affordable ring sets

Across verified buyer feedback, the recurring theme is that this scope punches above its tier for clarity, holding a usable image edge to edge at 9x where budget optics tend to blur. Reviewers running it on 10/22-style semi-autos report the zero stays put through hundreds of rounds, which is the single most important thing a rimfire scope has to do. That repeatability is why it sits at the top of our list.

The BDC reticle is where research separates it from the plain-crosshair crowd. Once you confirm your load and zero at 50 yards, the lower stadia give you honest reference points for those longer plinking shots at spinners and cans, so you're not guessing at holdover in the wind. The trade-off is a fixed 32mm objective that gathers less light than a 40mm at dawn or dusk, so serious low-light hunters may want a bigger front lens.

Best fit: the all-around .22 owner who plinks, competes casually, and hunts small game and wants one scope for all of it.

Best use: general-purpose rimfire duty on a 10/22, bolt-action trainer, or CZ 457 out to 100 yards.

Barska 4×20 Rimfire Riflescope Crosshair Reticle

Main Benefits:

• ✔ Fixed 4x magnification means one setting to learn and nothing to fiddle with
• ✔ Parallax set at 50 yards matches the sweet spot for short rimfire ranges
• ✔ Very light weight keeps youth rifles and takedown 10/22s nose-neutral
• ✔ Simple duplex crosshair is fast to pick up on moving targets
• ✔ Compact length leaves room for eye relief on short receivers

Verified buyer feedback consistently frames this as the scope you hand a new shooter or bolt onto a plinker you don't want to overthink. The 4x fixed power removes the zoom-ring variable entirely, and the 50-yard parallax setting means the reticle sits flat on target at the exact distance most backyard and range .22 shooting happens. Reviewers repeatedly call it a clean, honest step up from open sights.

The honest limitation is the 20mm objective, which is small even by rimfire standards, so the image dims noticeably in early morning or late evening light. There's also no magnification flexibility, so anything past 60 yards asks a lot of a 4x picture. Aggregate reports still rate it as reliable for its intended job, just don't expect it to reach where a 3-9x does.

Best fit: new shooters, youth setups, and anyone who wants dead-simple close-range aiming.

Best use: backyard plinking and 25 to 50 yard target practice.

Barska AC10380 Plinker-22 Scope 3-9×32 30/30

Main Benefits:

• ✔ 3-9×32 variable zoom at a genuine entry-level price
• ✔ Mounting rings included, so you're ready to shoot out of the box
• ✔ 30/30 duplex reticle is clean, fast, and beginner-friendly
• ✔ Parallax tuned for rimfire distances keeps close targets sharp
• ✔ Lightweight 1-inch tube suits youth and starter rifles

In our analysis of value picks, the Plinker-22 keeps coming up because it removes the hidden cost of buying rings separately, which on cheap scopes can rival the scope's own price. Buyers describe it as a straightforward, reliable performer for casual range days, with a 30/30 reticle that's easy for newcomers to read. It does the core job of turning a bare-rail .22 into a scoped shooter without stress on the wallet.

Where the budget shows is at the top of the zoom range and in low light, where verified reviews note the image softens at 9x and dims early in the evening. The turrets are functional but basic, so expect to confirm zero carefully rather than trust precise click values. For plinking and casual practice, those are fair concessions.

Best fit: first-time scope buyers and parents outfitting a youth .22.

Best use: budget range setups and weekend plinking inside 75 yards.

TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ 40mm objective gathers more light than the common 32mm rimfire lens
• ✔ Impact BDC reticle gives calibrated holdover points for .22 LR trajectory
• ✔ Fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, high-contrast images
• ✔ Direct-to-consumer pricing buys better glass per dollar
• ✔ 3-9x range balances close plinking and small-game distance

Verified buyer reviews single out the optical quality as the standout, describing edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast that feels a class above typical budget rimfire scopes. The Impact BDC reticle rewards shooters who take the time to map holdovers, turning 75 and 100 yard hits from luck into repeatable results. That combination makes it a favorite among more serious rimfire hobbyists and NRL22-curious shooters.

The trade-off is that the taller 40mm objective needs medium or high rings and sits the scope higher over the bore, which some low-comb rifle stocks don't love. It's also a buy-online-direct product, so you won't find it on a local shelf to handle first. For shooters who prioritize glass and holdover precision, those are minor.

Best fit: rimfire enthusiasts who want premium clarity and a real BDC system.

Best use: precision plinking, small-game hunting, and entry-level rimfire competition.

BARSKA 30/30 Crosshair Reticle 4×32 Rifle

Main Benefits:

• ✔ 32mm objective brightens the image over compact 20mm rimfire scopes
• ✔ Fixed 4x keeps operation simple with nothing to adjust mid-string
• ✔ 30/30 crosshair reticle is clean and quick to acquire
• ✔ Mounting rings included for a ready-to-go setup
• ✔ Doubles on airsoft and pellet rifles thanks to low recoil tolerance

In aggregate reviews, shooters like this scope for its versatility, moving it between a .22 plinker and an airsoft or pellet gun without drama. The larger 32mm front lens gives it a meaningfully brighter sight picture than the 4×20, which matters for target definition on overcast days. It's a fixed-power scope that feels a little more capable than its size suggests.

The honest downside is the same one all fixed-4x optics carry: no reach adjustment, so distant or precise shots are limited by that single magnification. A few buyers note the included rings are basic and worth upgrading if you shoot often. For close-to-mid casual work, it holds its own.

Best fit: shooters who want a simple, brighter fixed-power scope for multiple platforms.

Best use: plinking, small-bore practice, and airsoft or pellet crossover duty.

TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12X40 Rimfire Scope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ 4-12x range reaches farther and resolves finer detail than 3-9x optics
• ✔ Clean T-Plex reticle stays uncluttered for precise aiming
• ✔ 40mm fully multi-coated objective keeps the high-power image bright
• ✔ Rimfire-calibrated parallax reduces aiming error at close distance
• ✔ Direct pricing delivers strong glass for the magnification

Buyer feedback frames this as the pick for shooters who like to dial up and pick apart small targets, whether that's benchrest paper or distant steel. The extra magnification helps you read wind drift on a .22 LR, which is the real challenge past 75 yards, and the T-Plex reticle keeps the field of view clean while you do it. It rewards a steady rest and a patient trigger.

The trade-off with more power is a narrower field of view and more visible mirage and wobble at 12x, so freehand and fast shooting suffer. Fixed parallax also means the sharpest picture lives around the set distance rather than everywhere. For deliberate, supported shooting, it's a strong tool.

Best fit: precision-minded shooters who shoot from a rest and want reach.

Best use: benchrest accuracy testing and small-target work out to 100-plus yards.

Simmons Pro Rimfire 4x32mm Riflescope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ Multi-coated optics deliver a bright, clear image for the price tier
• ✔ Waterproof and fogproof sealing handles rain and temperature swings
• ✔ Fixed 4×32 keeps the setup simple and consistent
• ✔ Quick-focus eyepiece speeds up target acquisition
• ✔ Backed by a well-known optics brand with wide parts availability

Verified buyer reviews credit Simmons with delivering more polish than its price suggests, citing a clean image and a build that shrugs off weather. The brand recognition matters here: shooters trust the name, and the quick-focus eyepiece is a small convenience that makes getting on target faster. It's a safe, no-surprises pick for close-range rimfire.

The limitation is familiar for fixed-power scopes: 4x only, so it's built for close and mid ranges rather than reaching out. Some aggregate reports mention the reticle is on the thicker side, which can obscure very small targets at distance. For everyday .22 duty, those are easy to live with.

Best fit: buyers who want a recognized brand and simple, weatherproof reliability.

Best use: general small-game and range shooting inside 75 yards.

UUQ 3-9×32 Rimfire Rifle Scope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ Upgraded objective lens improves brightness over base budget scopes
• ✔ 20mm rail rings included, so it mounts to most rimfire rails out of the box
• ✔ Waterproof and fogproof construction for all-weather use
• ✔ 3-9x variable zoom covers close and mid rimfire ranges
• ✔ Lightweight design keeps handling nimble on small rifles

In our analysis of newer budget entries, UUQ stands out for packing a full feature set, including rings and weather sealing, at a price that undercuts legacy brands. Verified buyers describe it as a pleasant surprise for casual shooting, with clearer glass than they expected at the price. The included 20mm rings save the hassle and cost of a separate mount purchase.

The honest caveat is brand track record: UUQ is a value-focused name, so long-term durability data is thinner than for established makers, and turret precision is basic. A few buyers recommend confirming zero carefully after mounting. For casual plinkers watching their budget, it delivers real bang for the buck.

Best fit: budget shooters who want variable power and a complete kit in one box.

Best use: recreational plinking and casual small-game shooting inside 75 yards.

TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 Rimfire Scope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ BDC reticle provides calibrated aiming points for extended .22 LR shots
• ✔ 4-12x magnification resolves small targets far downrange
• ✔ 40mm fully multi-coated objective sustains brightness at high power
• ✔ Rimfire parallax setting sharpens the close-range image
• ✔ Direct-sale pricing gives premium glass value

Verified buyer feedback highlights how the BDC reticle and higher magnification combine for confident holdovers on distant steel and small game, once you've mapped your load. Reviewers who shoot rimfire at 100 yards and beyond find the trajectory references genuinely useful for cutting down guesswork. It's the pick when you want to stretch a .22 as far as it will honestly go.

The trade-off is complexity: a busier BDC reticle takes range time to learn, and at 12x the field of view tightens and hold wobble becomes obvious offhand. As with the other TRACT models, you buy it online rather than off a shelf. For dedicated distance shooters, the payoff is worth the learning curve.

Best fit: shooters who want maximum reach plus a holdover reticle in one optic.

Best use: long-range rimfire plinking and small-game hunting past 75 yards.

Bushnell R3 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope

Main Benefits:

• ✔ Drop Zone 22 BDC reticle is tuned specifically for .22 LR holdovers
• ✔ IPX7 rating means it survives brief submersion in water
• ✔ Fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, clear images across the zoom
• ✔ 40mm objective gathers strong light for dawn and dusk hunting
• ✔ Backed by Bushnell's long-standing warranty and service network

According to aggregate buyer reviews, the R3 blends dependable Bushnell glass with a genuinely useful BDC reticle, giving shooters holdover confidence out to typical rimfire distances. The IPX7 waterproofing, which certifies protection against submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, is a step beyond the basic weather sealing most rivals offer. That makes it a natural fit for wet-weather hunting.

The trade-off is that at its street price it competes hard with the TRACT models on optical quality, and some buyers feel the glass, while good, is not class-leading. The Drop Zone 22 reticle is calibrated for standard-velocity .22 LR, so hyper-velocity loads will shift the holdovers. For most hunters wanting a trusted, weatherproof scope, it's a solid choice.

Best fit: hunters who value a known brand, a .22-specific reticle, and true waterproofing.

Best use: all-weather small-game hunting and general rimfire duty out to 100 yards.

Comparative Analysis

To rank these ten fairly, we scored each across the four dimensions that decide a rimfire scope's real-world usefulness: optical clarity, reticle and aiming system, durability and weatherproofing, and value per dollar. Here's how they stack up.

Optical clarity and brightness

1. TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40, 2. TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12×40 (both), 3. Bushnell R3 3-9×40. The 40mm fully multi-coated objectives on the TRACT models lead here, gathering the most light and holding contrast at higher power, with the Bushnell's coated glass close behind.

Reticle and aiming system

1. PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32, 2. Bushnell R3 Drop Zone 22, 3. TRACT 22 FIRE BDC. Purpose-built BDC reticles beat plain crosshairs for .22 LR holdover, and the top three all give you calibrated reference points instead of a single aiming line.

Durability and weatherproofing

1. Bushnell R3 (IPX7), 2. Simmons Pro Rimfire, 3. UUQ 3-9×32. The Bushnell's IPX7 submersion rating sets the bar, while the Simmons and UUQ both deliver solid waterproof and fogproof sealing for their tiers.

Value per dollar

1. Barska Plinker-22 3-9×32, 2. UUQ 3-9×32, 3. PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32. The included rings on the Barska and UUQ stretch every dollar, while the PRO RIMFIRE earns its spot by delivering flagship performance without a flagship price.

Who Should Buy What

If you want one scope to cover everything, the PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32 is the honest answer. Its rimfire BDC reticle, versatile zoom, and repeatable zero make it the easiest recommendation for the shooter who plinks, practices, and hunts small game without wanting to think about it. The category-level catch is that its 32mm objective trades a little low-light reach for lighter weight, which most shooters happily accept.

You can read more about how BDC and trajectory principles work through primary optics resources like the Bushnell reticle guides.

Budget-minded and new shooters are best served by the fixed-power and entry variable scopes: the Barska Plinker-22, the UUQ 3-9×32, the two Barska fixed 4x models, and the Simmons Pro Rimfire. These deliver the core job of clean, close-to-mid aiming, often with rings included, and they're forgiving to set up. The honest downside across this group is softer glass at the top of the zoom and dimmer performance in low light, so plan your shots around good daylight.

Precision and distance shooters should look at the TRACT 22 FIRE lineup and the Bushnell R3. The TRACT 40mm optics lead on clarity and give you a real BDC or clean T-Plex for stretching a .22 to 100 yards and beyond, while the Bushnell adds IPX7 waterproofing for wet-weather hunts. The category trade-off is higher magnification narrows your field of view and demands a steady rest, and premium glass costs more, so match the tool to how you actually shoot.

For load and velocity data that affects your holdovers, manufacturer ballistics pages such as those from Bushnell are a reliable starting point.

For most .22 owners, the smart move is to buy the scope that matches your dominant use rather than chasing every feature. The PRO RIMFIRE covers the widest range of needs, the Barska Plinker-22 wins on pure value, and the TRACT 4-12×40 rewards the precision crowd. Any of the ten will beat iron sights, so the real question is honestly which distances and conditions you shoot most.

The PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32 earns best overall because it marries a true .22 BDC reticle with the versatility and repeatable zero most rimfire shooters actually need. If your budget is tight, the Barska Plinker-22 delivers variable power with rings included and hard-to-beat value. Pick based on how you shoot, and any of these will serve honest years behind a .22.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.