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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 by1,347
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 by1,347
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

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
At higher magnifications, the field of view narrows, which can slow target acquisition on moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, outperforming many competitors.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle is bright and focused exactly on the aiming point without cluttering the view, enhancing target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing comfortable and easy alignment behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience difficulty with parallax adjustment and reticle alignment at longer distances, causing point of impact to shift with head movement.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's robust build and weather resistance provide confidence for harsh outdoor use and long-term durability.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 is a high-end riflescope designed specifically for long-range shooting and hunting. It offers a versatile magnification range from 6x to 36x, making it easy to zoom in on distant targets with great clarity. The large 56mm objective lens allows plenty of light to pass through, resulting in bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions. It features an illuminated first focal plane reticle with options for red or green illumination, which helps maintain precise aiming at any magnification level and in various lighting conditions. The reticle’s center is illuminated, focusing on the exact aiming point without cluttering the view.

One standout feature is the extensive 110 MOA elevation adjustment, giving shooters ample room to compensate for bullet drop at long distances. The scope also includes an external locking windage turret, allowing quick and secure wind corrections without losing zero. Parallax adjustment is present, which helps sharpen the target image and reduce aiming errors at different ranges. With its robust 34mm main tube made of thick metal and tested to endure high shock forces, the scope is built for durability and harsh outdoor use. It is weather-resistant, suitable for hunting in varying conditions.

The scope is relatively heavy at just over 39 ounces, which might be a consideration for those wanting a lighter setup. Also, while it boasts advanced glass coatings for excellent light transmission, the field of view at higher magnifications will naturally narrow, which can make target acquisition slower for moving targets. The scope does not include night vision features, so it's best suited for daylight or twilight shooting. This ZEISS model is well-suited for serious long-range shooters and hunters who need precise adjustments, bright optics, and reliable ruggedness, though it may be excessive for casual or short-range use.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
At higher magnifications, the field of view narrows, which can slow target acquisition on moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, outperforming many competitors.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle is bright and focused exactly on the aiming point without cluttering the view, enhancing target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing comfortable and easy alignment behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience difficulty with parallax adjustment and reticle alignment at longer distances, causing point of impact to shift with head movement.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's robust build and weather resistance provide confidence for harsh outdoor use and long-term durability.
#3

Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
86 reviews

Magnification
The fixed 4x magnification and bullet drop compensating reticle provide reliable accuracy for mid-range engagements.
Reticle Type
The fixed 4x magnification and bullet drop compensating reticle provide reliable accuracy for mid-range engagements.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable shooting even under recoil, adding to its practical design.
Parallax Adjustment
While perfect for military use, the lack of a diopter adjustment can be a drawback for some shooters needing fine focus customization.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged, extremely well-built construction stands out, reflecting top-tier durability for demanding environments.

The Trijicon ACOG 4x32 is a rugged, combat-proven rifle scope designed especially for military use, but it can also appeal to serious hunters or tactical shooters. It offers a fixed 4x magnification with a 32mm objective lens, which is a good balance for mid-range target engagement. The reticle is a red chevron that uses tritium and fiber optics for battery-free illumination, automatically adjusting brightness depending on light conditions—a handy feature for low-light or changing environments.

The scope is built with tough aircraft-grade aluminum, making it very durable and weather-resistant, suitable for rough outdoor use. It features the Bindon Aiming Concept, allowing shooters to use it with both eyes open for quicker target acquisition, which is beneficial in fast-paced scenarios. The reticle is bullet drop compensating and calibrated for popular calibers like .223 and .308, helping with accuracy at distances up to 800 meters. While it has a fixed magnification, it does not offer zoom flexibility compared to variable scopes, and parallax adjustment is limited, which may affect precision at very close or long ranges.

Weighing around 2 pounds, it is somewhat heavy compared to simpler hunting scopes, reflecting its tough build and added features. The eye relief is generous, offering comfortable shooting even with recoil. This scope excels in durability, automatic reticle brightness, and combat-ready features, making it an excellent choice for military-style shooting or hunting at moderate distances, though it may be less suitable if variable zoom or fine parallax tuning is required.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
86 reviews

Magnification
The fixed 4x magnification and bullet drop compensating reticle provide reliable accuracy for mid-range engagements.
Reticle Type
The fixed 4x magnification and bullet drop compensating reticle provide reliable accuracy for mid-range engagements.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable shooting even under recoil, adding to its practical design.
Parallax Adjustment
While perfect for military use, the lack of a diopter adjustment can be a drawback for some shooters needing fine focus customization.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged, extremely well-built construction stands out, reflecting top-tier durability for demanding environments.

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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