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10 Best Leupold Scope For 22 Rifle 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
369 reviews

Magnification
Optically, the scope delivers bright and clear glass that holds zero reliably, even at 100 yards.
Reticle
The reticle design is clean and straightforward, featuring only horizontal hashes which simplify aiming.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment ensures the reticle remains stable across the target despite slight head movements.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is exceptional with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a strong choice for those looking to upgrade their .22 rifle setup, especially if you want versatility in magnification and great durability. Its magnification range from 3x to 15x lets you zoom in close for target shooting or keep a wider view for hunting smaller game. The 44mm objective lens is a bit larger than average for a .22 scope, which means it gathers more light for clearer images, even in lower light conditions like dawn or dusk. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, helping you aim precisely without distractions. A side focus parallax adjustment lets you quickly sharpen the image to the exact distance, which is handy if you switch targets often or shoot at varying ranges.

One of its big strengths is durability—it's waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, plus it has a special lens coating that resists water and dirt, meaning less cleaning fuss. The Custom Dial System (CDS) with ZeroLock is a smart feature that prevents your elevation settings from accidentally moving, ensuring your shots stay on target. However, this scope is a bit heavier and more expensive than some simpler .22 scopes, so it’s best suited for users who want a durable, versatile, and precise optic, rather than casual plinking.

If you value high-quality optics and rugged construction for serious shooting or hunting with a .22 rifle, this Leupold scope represents a solid option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
369 reviews

Magnification
Optically, the scope delivers bright and clear glass that holds zero reliably, even at 100 yards.
Reticle
The reticle design is clean and straightforward, featuring only horizontal hashes which simplify aiming.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment ensures the reticle remains stable across the target despite slight head movements.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is exceptional with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction backed by a lifetime guarantee.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
The glass quality is outstanding, providing clear and bright images that enhance shooting confidence.
Reticle
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and brightness with a reticle that excels in hunting scenarios, especially for moving targets.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its lightweight yet rugged construction makes it impressively tough without adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 riflescope is a high-quality optic designed with professionals in mind, offering excellent clarity and brightness thanks to its advanced lens system. It has a versatile magnification range from 3.6x to 18x, making it suitable for a variety of shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens helps gather ample light for clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. The reticle is on the front focal plane (FFP), meaning it stays accurate for range estimation at any zoom level, which is a big plus for precise shooting. The scope includes parallax adjustment to help keep your target sharp at different distances.

Eye relief is comfortable, which helps prevent any recoil-related injury and makes aiming easier. Its build is tough — waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof — so it can handle harsh weather and rough handling in the field. However, for a .22 rifle, this scope might be more advanced and pricey than what casual or beginner shooters need, as it’s built for professional and tactical use. Also, it does not have night vision capabilities, so it’s not suited for low-light hunting beyond its light transmission abilities.

If you want a durable, precise, and reliable scope and are willing to invest in top-level performance, this Leupold model will meet those needs well.

Rating
9.1
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
26 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
The glass quality is outstanding, providing clear and bright images that enhance shooting confidence.
Reticle
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and brightness with a reticle that excels in hunting scenarios, especially for moving targets.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its lightweight yet rugged construction makes it impressively tough without adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
#3

Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 (34mm) M5C3 Side Focus FFP PR2-Mil Riflescope

Rating
8.2
Reticle

Most important from
9 reviews

Reticle
Delivers excellent performance for long-distance shooting with precise and reliable crosshair setup.

The Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 riflescope is a solid choice for shooters seeking a reliable and high-quality optic, especially if versatility in magnification and excellent clarity are desired. Its magnification range from 4.5x to 18x allows precise shooting at various distances, making it useful for small caliber rifles like a .22. The 52mm objective lens is fairly large, allowing more light to pass through for a brighter image, which helps in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.

This scope features a PR2-Mil reticle in the first focal plane (FFP), meaning the reticle size shifts with magnification, helping estimate range and holdover for accurate shooting. The side focus parallax adjustment helps eliminate image blur and keeps the target sharp at different distances, which is important for small-caliber precision. The model is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, making it suitable for hunting or outdoor use in harsh weather. The matte finish reduces glare, enhancing stealth.

One potential downside is that the 34mm tube size is somewhat unusual compared to the standard 30mm or 1 inch, which might limit mounting options. While this scope is professional grade, its price and features may exceed the needs of casual plinkers. It is well-suited for hunters or serious shooters who want a dependable, clear, and precise scope capable of handling varied conditions and distances on a .22 rifle.

Rating
8.2
Reticle

Most important from
9 reviews

Reticle
Delivers excellent performance for long-distance shooting with precise and reliable crosshair setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Scope For 22 Rifle

Choosing the right scope for your .22 rifle can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're using it for target practice, hunting, or plinking. A scope helps you see your target more clearly and aim more accurately. When selecting a scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them.
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 with lower magnification (1-4x) are suitable for close-range shooting and quick target acquisition, while higher magnification (5-9x or more) is better for long-range shooting. For a .22 rifle, which is typically used for short to medium ranges, a scope with 3-9x magnification is often ideal. Consider your typical shooting distance to choose the right magnification.
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 and provide a brighter image, which is beneficial in low-light conditions. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. For a .22 rifle, a 32mm to 40mm objective lens is usually sufficient, balancing brightness and portability.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs can aid in various shooting scenarios. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and great for general shooting. More complex reticles, like mil-dot or BDC (bullet drop compensator), can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation, which is useful for long-range shooting. For a .22 rifle, a duplex reticle is often sufficient, but if you plan to shoot at varying distances, a BDC reticle might be beneficial.
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, causing the reticle to appear to move when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with adjustable parallax are useful for precision shooting. For a .22 rifle, parallax adjustment is not always necessary, but if you are shooting at distances beyond 50 yards, it can be a helpful feature.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, as it prevents the scope from hitting your eye during recoil. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are more comfortable and safer to use, especially for rifles with significant recoil. For a .22 rifle, which has minimal recoil, eye relief is less critical, but a comfortable distance of around 3 inches is generally recommended.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important factors to consider, especially if you plan to use your rifle in various outdoor conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they can withstand harsh environments and rough handling. High-quality materials and construction will also contribute to the longevity of the scope. For a .22 rifle, which might be used in different weather conditions, choosing a durable and weather-resistant scope is a wise decision.

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