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10 Best 22 Scopes 2026 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - XLR-2 Reticle (MOA)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,270
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
55 reviews

Reticle Type
The first focal plane reticle is impressive, enlarging as you zoom for better precision.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A bit pricey, but the durability and performance promise it will last a lifetime.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP riflescope is designed for long-range hunters and shooters, offering high magnification from 4.5x to 22x, which is excellent for distant targets. The large 50mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images, enhanced by HD optical systems and XR coatings, which correct color and improve image quality.

The XLR-2 reticle features an illuminated design with elevation and windage markers, making it ideal for precise long-range shooting. Eye relief is a generous 4 inches, providing comfort during extended use. The scope includes a locking elevation turret and RevStop Zero System, ensuring quick and reliable adjustments in the field. Parallax adjustment allows fine-tuning for different distances, improving accuracy.

The riflescope is built with a single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, ensuring durability and resistance to weather, with waterproof and fogproof performance thanks to O-ring seals and argon purging. Weighing just 21.7 ounces, it is lightweight for its class, making it easier to handle during long hunting trips. The Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT is backed by a lifetime VIP warranty, providing assurance for long-term use. This product is particularly suited for serious long-range hunters and shooters who value precision, reliability, and durability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,270
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
55 reviews

Reticle Type
The first focal plane reticle is impressive, enlarging as you zoom for better precision.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A bit pricey, but the durability and performance promise it will last a lifetime.
#2

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm F2 30mm Tube Precise Black Hunting Gun Scope - ZeroStop Second Focal Plane Long-Range Shooting Scope, Moar - 20 MOA Reticle (C434)

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification adjustment is smooth and intuitive, eliminating the need for a throw lever and making zoom changes effortless.
Reticle Type
The MOAR reticle enhances fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, living up to its advertised performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and durable, with a substantial weight that reflects its rugged construction and weather resistance.

The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope is a solid choice for hunters and long-range shooters who want a versatile and reliable optic. Its magnification range from 5.5x to 22x allows you to handle both close and distant targets effectively. The large 56mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, giving you a clear and bright view even in lower light conditions. The MOAR reticle with its floating center crosshair and 20 MOA elevation is designed to help with fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, which is great for shooting at varying distances.

Eye relief is 3.9 inches, providing comfortable eye positioning without risking impact from recoil, and the parallax adjustment works from 50 yards to infinity, helping to keep your target in sharp focus no matter the range. The scope’s second focal plane reticle means the reticle size stays the same while zooming, which is preferred by many hunters for consistency. Built with a sturdy metal body and weather-resistant design, this scope stands up well to rough outdoor conditions. The ZeroStop feature is particularly useful—it lets you quickly return the elevation turret to your zero setting, saving time and reducing errors in the field.

Its weight (about 32 ounces) and size are on the heavier and bulkier side, which might be less ideal for those seeking an ultra-light setup. Also, while the illumination is analog, it may not be as bright or adjustable as some digital options. For those looking for a durable, precise, and bright scope for long-range hunting or shooting with good versatility, the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm is a strong candidate. The added heft reflects its rugged construction and quality.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification adjustment is smooth and intuitive, eliminating the need for a throw lever and making zoom changes effortless.
Reticle Type
The MOAR reticle enhances fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, living up to its advertised performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and durable, with a substantial weight that reflects its rugged construction and weather resistance.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
1126 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing sharp and accurate sight pictures even on smaller rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable and quick target acquisition without the typical 'scope black eye' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It offers excellent value, combining solid performance and durability at a very reasonable price point.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout riflescope is designed with scout rifles and hunting in mind, offering a versatile 2-7x magnification range that suits both close and moderate distance shooting. Its 32mm objective lens is a solid middle ground, providing a bright image without adding much bulk or weight. The V-Plex reticle is a straightforward, popular choice for general hunting, helping you aim quickly without complicated markings. One standout feature is the generous 9.45 inches of eye relief, which means you can position your eye comfortably behind the scope and still get a clear sight picture—great if you move your head quickly when aiming. The field of view at 42 feet allows a good amount of area to see at 100 yards, balancing detail and visibility fairly well for this magnification.

While the scope doesn’t specify parallax adjustment, it’s common in scopes of this type to have fixed parallax at typical hunting distances, so it might not be ideal for extreme precision shooting at very long ranges. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is tough and designed to handle rough conditions; plus, it’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it holds up well outdoors. The capped reset turrets let you zero in and easily return to zero after adjustments, which is helpful for hunters needing quick scope tweaks. The fully multi-coated lenses improve clarity and light transmission, enhancing image brightness.

This scope isn’t intended for night vision use and has a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle size doesn’t change with magnification, which some shooters may prefer for consistency but others might find limits detailed range estimation. The Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout riflescope is a reliable, user-friendly choice for hunters and scout rifle users who want solid performance, durability, and easy target acquisition without extra complexity.

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
1126 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing sharp and accurate sight pictures even on smaller rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable and quick target acquisition without the typical 'scope black eye' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It offers excellent value, combining solid performance and durability at a very reasonable price point.

Buying Guide for the Best 22 Scopes

When choosing a 22-scope, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Whether you're target shooting, hunting, or just plinking, the right scope can make a big difference in your accuracy and overall shooting experience. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get a scope that meets your needs.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects how well you can see and aim at your target. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are great for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range shooting, while higher magnification (10x and above) is ideal for long-range precision. Choose a magnification level based on the typical distance you'll 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 image brightness and clarity. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for general use. Medium diameters (33-40mm) offer a good balance of light transmission and size, while larger diameters (41mm and above) provide the brightest images, ideal for low-light conditions. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to choose the right objective lens size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can help with various shooting scenarios. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can assist with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Think about your shooting style and needs to select a reticle that will help you aim more accurately.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically have a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. Choose a scope with a FOV that matches your shooting needs, whether it's for quick target acquisition or detailed long-range shots.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are more comfortable and safer to use, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' injury. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil rifle, look for scopes with generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy at different distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a specific distance (usually 100 yards), while those with adjustable parallax can be fine-tuned for various ranges. If you plan to shoot at different distances, a scope with parallax adjustment can help you maintain precision.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand the elements and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they perform well in various conditions. High-quality materials and construction will also contribute to the scope's longevity. Consider the environments you'll be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.

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