Best scope for a .22 rifle in 2026: picks by budget and use (plinking, hunting, NRL22)
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How we picked
We haven't tested these scopes hands-on yet. Picks are based on published specs, common use in rimfire matches and the features that matter at rimfire distances: close focus, the right reticle, weight and price. Prices are as seen in October 2026 and change often; follow the links for current pricing.
The picks
| Scope | Price seen | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire | $129 | SFP, V-Plex, 50 yd parallax | Plinking, youth rifles, small game |
| Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 | Check price | SFP, Rimfire MOA | Hunting with holdovers |
| Arken EPL-4 4-16x44 FFP | $299.99 | FFP | Budget NRL22 |
| Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x50 FFP | $288.99 | FFP, MOA reticle | Budget target, MOA users |
| Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 FFP | $399.99 | FFP, mil | NRL22 Base, light rifles |
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 FFP | $449 | FFP, MRAD | NRL22 Base, benches |
| Vortex Venom 5-25x56 FFP | Check price | FFP, MRAD | Step-up target scope |
| Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 | Check price | FFP, MRAD | Open division |
| Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 F1 | Check price | FFP, Mil-C | Compact premium |
| Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 | Check price | FFP, MRAD | Top-end Open builds |
What matters for a rimfire scope
- Close focus: rimfire shooting happens at 10–100 yd. Look for side-focus parallax down to 10–25 yd, or a rimfire model fixed at 50 yd. A centerfire scope set for 100–150 yd will show parallax error at 25–50 yd.
- Reticle and turrets that match: mil/mil or MOA/MOA. See MOA vs MRAD.
- Focal plane: FFP for holdovers at any magnification (NRL22); SFP is fine for hunting at one power.
- Weight and size: a light sporter (about 5 lb) balances badly with a large target scope. Match the scope to the rifle.
- Elevation travel: .22 LR needs about 6.3 mil (21–22 MOA) at 200 yd from a 50 yd zero [1]; pair long-range scopes with a canted base.
- Magnification: 4–16x covers most rimfire; above 20x, mirage and a narrow field of view often hurt more than help at 50–100 yd.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Best scope by use
Plinking and youth rifles
The Crossfire II Rimfire is light, inexpensive and parallax-set for rimfire distances. Pair it with simple rings and a 50 yd zero (how to zero a .22). Youth rifle ideas: best first .22.
Small-game hunting
A 3–9x SFP scope with a simple holdover reticle is the classic choice: the VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 has a reticle built around rimfire trajectories. Low power gives a wider field of view for moving squirrels; see best .22 for squirrels.
NRL22 Base
Base caps rifle plus scope MSRP at $1,650 [2]. On a $699 rifle, you have about $950 for a scope at MSRP, which covers the SLx 4-16x44 and the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50. Check the scope's MSRP on the maker's site, not the street price. Builds in NRL22 Base builds.
Open division, PRS rimfire and ELR22
Premium FFP mil scopes like the Match Pro ED, NX8 and Razor HD Gen III offer better tracking, clarity and turret feel. See PRS rimfire and ELR22.
Mounting
- Dovetail receivers (T1x, CZ 457) take 11 mm rings or a Picatinny rail: HD T1x Picatinny rail, HD CZ 457 rail, CZ steel rimfire rings.
- Canted bases for long range: MDT T1x 20–50 MOA base, MDT CZ 457 base.
- Level and torque: Level-Level-Level, F.A.T. Wrench. Full steps in optics mounting.
Common mistakes
- Putting a 30 oz target scope on a youth rifle.
- Buying a centerfire scope that won't focus at 25 yd.
- Mixing a mil reticle with MOA turrets.
- Spending the NRL22 Base budget on the rifle and leaving too little for glass.
Bottom line
Match the scope to the job: a light rimfire scope for fun and hunting, an FFP mil scope with close focus for matches, and premium glass only once you know what you need.
Scope weight and rifle balance
A light sporter around 5 lb feels best with a compact scope. Heavier 50–56 mm target scopes suit heavy-barrel or chassis rifles used from a bench or prone. If you carry the rifle in the field, weigh the scope plus rings in your decision as much as the glass quality.
Ring height and cheek weld
Use the lowest rings that clear the barrel and bolt handle. Too high and you lose cheek contact; too low and the bolt or objective hits. The T1x's 45-degree and the CZ 457's 60-degree bolt throws both help with lower rings [3] [4]. Add a cheek riser if needed.
Budget split advice
A common rule is to spend roughly half as much on the scope as on the rifle for a first precision setup. For NRL22 Base, do the math on MSRP, not street price, because the $1,650 cap uses the manufacturer's listed MSRP [2].
Warranty and service
Several brands offer strong lifetime warranties. Check the warranty terms for your scope before buying used, since some don't transfer. Keep your receipt and serial number.
Illuminated reticles and low light
Illumination helps against dark backgrounds at dawn and dusk, common in squirrel woods. It adds cost and battery checks; many rimfire shooters skip it on target rifles and keep it on hunting scopes. Carry a spare battery in winter, when cold drains cells faster.
FAQ
What is the best budget scope for a .22?
For plinking, a rimfire-specific scope like the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire ($129 seen). For NRL22 on a budget, an FFP mil scope such as the Arken EPL-4 or Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44.
What magnification do I need for a .22 LR?
3–9x suits hunting and plinking; 4–16x covers most target and NRL22 shooting.
Can I use a centerfire scope on a .22?
Yes, if it focuses close enough (ideally 10–25 yd) and suits the rifle's weight.
Do I need FFP for NRL22?
It isn't required, but FFP keeps holdovers correct at every magnification, which helps on timed stages.
Sources
- AmmoSight .22 LR trajectory table (G1 0.125, 1,235 fps)
- NRL22 2027 Rules (valid May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- American Rifleman T1x MTR review
- American Rifleman CZ 457 American review (2020)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]