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10 Best 22 Scopes 2025 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 CF2-31001 Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle, Black, 2-7" x 32"

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Magnification
Eye Relief
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
The scope offers more than enough magnification for mid-range shooting, performing well on rifles like the Ruger mini 14 and 10/22.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide eye box provide a comfortable and quick sight picture, reducing the 'scope black eye ring' effect.
Parallax Adjustment
Its capped turrets offer precise, repeatable MOA adjustments suitable for accurate shooting up to 500 yards when paired with proper handloads and ballistic calculations.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters looking for a versatile, all-around scope. Its 2-7x magnification range offers flexibility for both close and mid-range shooting, which is great for various hunting scenarios. The 32mm objective lens, combined with fully multi-coated lenses, provides bright, clear images even in lower light conditions. The V-Plex reticle is simple and effective, designed to help you quickly and accurately aim without distractions.

One of the standout features is its generous eye relief and forgiving eye box, making it easier to get a quick sight picture, especially helpful if you’re new to scopes or using a fast-moving target. The scope’s single-piece aluminum tube offers strong, shockproof construction, and its waterproof and fogproof design means it can handle tough weather conditions without fogging or leaking. While it doesn’t have night vision capabilities or advanced parallax adjustments, its capped turrets with MOA clicks allow for precise, repeatable adjustments that reset to zero after sighting in. Weighing just over 14 ounces, it’s lightweight enough to carry comfortably on most rifles. Backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty, it also offers peace of mind for long-term use.

The main drawbacks are the limited maximum magnification compared to higher-end scopes and the absence of a first focal plane reticle, which means the reticle size doesn’t adjust with zoom. Still, for those seeking a durable, straightforward, and reliable scope for typical hunting and shooting needs, this Vortex Crossfire II model is a dependable option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Magnification
Eye Relief
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
The scope offers more than enough magnification for mid-range shooting, performing well on rifles like the Ruger mini 14 and 10/22.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide eye box provide a comfortable and quick sight picture, reducing the 'scope black eye ring' effect.
Parallax Adjustment
Its capped turrets offer precise, repeatable MOA adjustments suitable for accurate shooting up to 500 yards when paired with proper handloads and ballistic calculations.
#2

Nightforce NX8-4-32x50mm ZeroStop Digillum Illumination Second Focal Plane (F2/SFP) 30mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, MOAR-CF2D Reticle

Rating
8.8
Magnification

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and precise adjustments make it a valuable tool for serious shooters seeking dependable accuracy.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters who want a versatile and durable scope with a wide magnification range. Its 4x to 32x zoom lets you quickly switch from close to long-distance targets, and the large 50mm objective lens helps bring in bright, clear images even in lower light. The reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size no matter the zoom level, which some users find easier for quick target acquisition. The MOAR-CF2D reticle is designed for accuracy with clearly marked hold points, which helps when you need to make precise shots.

The Digillum illumination system improves reticle visibility in dawn, dusk, or shadowy conditions, and you can adjust the brightness to match your surroundings. Eye relief of 3.5 inches offers a comfortable and safe viewing distance, though some might prefer a bit more for heavy-recoiling rifles. Parallax can be adjusted, allowing better focus on targets at different distances, which is important for long-range shooting. The scope’s rugged build, waterproof and fogproof features mean it can handle tough outdoor environments without worry.

Weighing about 29 ounces, it is moderately heavy, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of extra weight on their rifle. While priced higher than entry-level scopes, its clarity, precise adjustments, and robust construction make it a great investment for serious hunters or marksmen wanting dependable performance in the field.

Rating
8.8
Magnification

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and precise adjustments make it a valuable tool for serious shooters seeking dependable accuracy.
#3

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Mil-C Reticle Ultra-Compact Rugged Black Matte Hunting Scope (C623)

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and high-quality glass that stands out even compared to other premium optics.
Reticle Type
Illumination in the reticle is optimized for low-light conditions, providing crisp visibility at dusk and night without being distracting during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged design and reliable performance justify the higher price point, reflecting the brand’s reputation for excellence.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is built especially for hunters looking for a versatile and durable optic. Its wide 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) allows quick switching between close and long-distance shots, making it useful in different hunting situations. The large 50mm objective lens helps capture plenty of light for clear images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The MIL-C reticle is simple but precise, with illuminated markings that help with aiming in tough conditions. You get a broad 41.8 feet field of view at the lowest magnification, which is helpful for tracking moving targets. Eye relief is a solid 3 inches, offering comfortable use without worrying about recoil impact. Parallax adjustment is effective down to just 11 yards, improving accuracy at varying distances.

One notable strength is its rugged design; it’s made to handle extreme weather and rough environments, with waterproof, fogproof, and shock-resistant features. The ZeroStop elevation adjustment is a handy feature for quickly returning to your zero point after long-range shots, which can save time and improve consistency. However, the scope weighs 1.77 pounds, so it might feel a bit heavy for those wanting a lightweight setup. Additionally, while the scope is very durable and feature-rich, it doesn’t include night vision capabilities, which might limit its use in total darkness.

This scope is suited for serious hunters who need a reliable, tough optic with a flexible zoom range and clear reticle for varied shooting conditions.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and high-quality glass that stands out even compared to other premium optics.
Reticle Type
Illumination in the reticle is optimized for low-light conditions, providing crisp visibility at dusk and night without being distracting during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged design and reliable performance justify the higher price point, reflecting the brand’s reputation for excellence.

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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