We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best 22 Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Trijicon SCO VCOG Rifle Scope w/Larue Tactical LT799 Mount, 1-8x28mm, 34mm Tube, VC18-C-2400012

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
4 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers exceptional clarity and bright, distortion-free images across its versatile 1-8x magnification range.
Objective Lens Diameter
Its relatively compact 28mm objective lens balances size with light-gathering ability, though it may be less effective in very low light.
Reticle
The illuminated segmented circle reticle with wind holds ensures quick and precise target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to military standards, the scope offers outstanding durability and weather resistance for rugged outdoor use.

The Trijicon SCO VCOG 1-8x28mm rifle scope is designed for tactical and hunting use, delivering a versatile magnification range from 1x to 8x. This makes it suitable for both close-quarters and medium-range shooting, providing flexibility in the field. The 28mm objective lens, while not very large, is enhanced with multi-coated glass that provides clear, bright images without distortion, helping you spot targets quickly even in lower light.

The reticle is a segmented circle with wind holds, illuminated brightly and powered by a single AA battery, giving good visibility in various lighting conditions and allowing for quick target acquisition. Eye relief is about 4 inches, which should be comfortable for most shooters, though it might feel a bit tight for some, especially with higher recoil rifles. The integrated Larue Tactical LT799 mount simplifies installation without needing extra rings and fits standard Picatinny rails, making it quick to mount and stable.

Durability is a highlight; the scope meets military standards (Mil-Std-810g), so it is built to handle harsh environments and rough handling, and it is weather resistant for reliable use outdoors. The relatively modest objective lens diameter may limit light gathering compared to larger scopes, especially noticeable in very low-light situations. At 32 ounces, the scope is somewhat heavy, which could impact comfort during long hunting trips. The Trijicon SCO VCOG is a rugged, versatile optic with excellent clarity and illumination, ideal for tactical shooters and hunters who need a reliable scope for varying distances, though the weight and smaller lens size could be important considerations depending on specific needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
4 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers exceptional clarity and bright, distortion-free images across its versatile 1-8x magnification range.
Objective Lens Diameter
Its relatively compact 28mm objective lens balances size with light-gathering ability, though it may be less effective in very low light.
Reticle
The illuminated segmented circle reticle with wind holds ensures quick and precise target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to military standards, the scope offers outstanding durability and weather resistance for rugged outdoor use.
#2

Swarovski Optik 5-25x52 dS P Gen II Digital Riflescope (4A-I Illuminated Reticle)

The Swarovski dS Digital Riflescope 5-25x52 P GEN. II offers a powerful zoom range of 5 to 25 times magnification paired with a large 52mm objective lens, delivering bright and detailed views suitable for precision shooting with .22 caliber rifles. Its 4A-I reticle is illuminated and customizable, helping shooters quickly adjust for holdover and windage, which is great for longer-range shots. The scope includes advanced digital features like Bluetooth connectivity through the dS Configurator App, an alignment indicator to keep shots level, and a laser rangefinder measuring up to 1500 yards, all of which provide significant convenience and accuracy aids.

Eye relief and field of view are comfortable for most users, making it easier to maintain a clear sight picture. Built with titanium and designed for hunting, this scope is both durable and weather-resistant, capable of handling outdoor conditions. It also comes with various mounting options, including integral and dovetail mounts, enhancing compatibility with different rifles.

At 2.4 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a .22 rifle scope, which might affect balance on lighter rifles. The digital complexity and reliance on batteries could be a drawback for users preferring simpler, purely optical scopes. Its premium features come with a high price and a lower sales rank, suggesting it is more of a niche product suited for serious shooters seeking a technologically advanced, highly durable, and versatile riflescope for .22 caliber hunting or target shooting, and may exceed the needs of casual shooters.

#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
Exceptional eye relief and a wide, forgiving eye box eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, providing a full and clear sight picture at all magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
Fully multi-coated lenses produce bright, crisp images that enhance shooting accuracy across various lighting conditions.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover estimation, enabling effective shooting up to 500 yards with proper handloads and stable shooting platforms.
Eye Relief
Exceptional eye relief and a wide, forgiving eye box eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, providing a full and clear sight picture at all magnifications.
Field of View
The scope delivers clear and bright vision, making target acquisition quick and comfortable even for newer shooters.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction combined with water and fog resistance ensures confidence in rugged outdoor conditions.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC riflescope offers a versatile 3-9x magnification with a 40mm objective lens, making it suitable for hunting at various distances. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps hunters estimate bullet drop without extra adjustments, facilitating quick shots. The scope features long eye relief and a forgiving eye box, allowing for fast and comfortable target acquisition, even for users new to rifle scopes. The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide bright and clear images. Constructed with a strong aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the scope is sealed against water and fog, ensuring durability in tough outdoor conditions. Weighing 16 ounces, it balances sturdiness and portability effectively.

The Crossfire II lacks night vision capabilities and does not explicitly mention parallax adjustment, which some experienced shooters might desire for enhanced precision. Backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty, it offers confidence for long-term use. This scope suits hunters and general shooters seeking a reliable, easy-to-use option with solid mid-range shooting performance, while those requiring advanced features like night vision or specialized parallax control might consider other models.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
Exceptional eye relief and a wide, forgiving eye box eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, providing a full and clear sight picture at all magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
Fully multi-coated lenses produce bright, crisp images that enhance shooting accuracy across various lighting conditions.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover estimation, enabling effective shooting up to 500 yards with proper handloads and stable shooting platforms.
Eye Relief
Exceptional eye relief and a wide, forgiving eye box eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, providing a full and clear sight picture at all magnifications.
Field of View
The scope delivers clear and bright vision, making target acquisition quick and comfortable even for newer shooters.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction combined with water and fog resistance ensures confidence in rugged outdoor conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best 22 Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right 22-rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or plinking. The right scope will improve your accuracy, help you see your target more clearly, and make shooting more enjoyable. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general plinking or short-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For target shooting or hunting at longer distances, higher magnification (5-9x or more) may be beneficial. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (40mm or more) allow more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for daylight shooting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use and beginners, while more complex reticles with additional markings (like mil-dots or BDC) can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and experience level. If you are a beginner, a simple reticle may be best. If you are more experienced or need to make precise long-range shots, a more complex reticle might be beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) is generally better, as it allows you to maintain a comfortable shooting position and reduces the risk of the scope hitting your face during recoil. For a 22-rifle, which has minimal recoil, eye relief is less critical, but still consider your comfort and shooting style when choosing.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally have a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. If you are shooting at moving targets or need to quickly acquire targets, a wider FOV is beneficial. For precision shooting at stationary targets, FOV is less critical.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you move your head. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes have a fixed parallax setting, while others offer adjustable parallax. For most 22-rifle shooting at short to medium ranges, fixed parallax is usually sufficient. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or require high precision, an adjustable parallax scope may be beneficial.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important for ensuring your scope can withstand the conditions you will be shooting in. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that your scope will perform well in various weather conditions and can handle the occasional bump or drop. Consider the environments you will be shooting in and choose a scope that offers the necessary protection.

FAQ