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10 Best Rifle Scope For 22 Magnum 2025 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 by1,356
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type

Most important from
349 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear optics, providing a sharp image without unnecessary gadgets or complexity.
Parallax Adjustment
Its side focus adjustment enhances precision, making it ideal for long-range shooting and fine-tuning focus on targets.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is thoughtfully executed, offering reliable tracking and consistent zero retention for accurate shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built with durable materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, this scope inspires confidence in its long-term reliability.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 15x, which is great for the varying distances you might encounter when shooting a .22 Magnum. Its 44mm objective lens is a good size to gather enough light for a clear image without being too bulky, helping maintain a balanced feel on lighter rifles. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle provides a clear aiming point that works well in different lighting conditions, which can be valuable during dawn or dusk hunting.

The side focus parallax adjustment is a strong feature that lets you quickly fine-tune focus to your target, reducing aiming errors caused by parallax—something especially useful for the precision needed with .22 Magnum rounds. Eye relief is comfortable for most shooters, which helps avoid scope shadowing or injury from recoil, though this scope is on the medium side compared to some specialized small-caliber scopes. Durability is a standout point: it’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof with a tough aluminum body and a hydrophobic lens coating that repels dirt and water. This means it can handle rough outdoor conditions without losing clarity or reliability.

One consideration is that the scope’s higher magnification and advanced features might be more than needed for casual plinking or very close-range use, potentially adding unnecessary weight or complexity. Its precision, adjustable features, and build quality make it an excellent choice for serious .22 Magnum shooters who want a reliable scope for hunting or target shooting. Plus, Leupold’s lifetime guarantee adds peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,356
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type

Most important from
349 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear optics, providing a sharp image without unnecessary gadgets or complexity.
Parallax Adjustment
Its side focus adjustment enhances precision, making it ideal for long-range shooting and fine-tuning focus on targets.
Reticle Type
The reticle design is thoughtfully executed, offering reliable tracking and consistent zero retention for accurate shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built with durable materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, this scope inspires confidence in its long-term reliability.
#2

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
29 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear glass with a crisp zoom effect, maintaining a full, sharp picture across the magnification range.
Objective Lens Diameter
The 50mm objective lens significantly improves visibility in low light, making target acquisition feel like 'turning on the lights' during dawn or overcast conditions.
Reticle Type
The illuminated FireDot reticle enhances aiming precision in dim settings and remains clear throughout the day, adding valuable versatility for hunters.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is top-notch, with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensuring reliable performance in challenging outdoor environments.

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 riflescope is a solid choice for shooters using a .22 Magnum rifle, offering a versatile magnification range of 3.5 to 10 times and a 50mm objective lens that helps deliver bright, clear images even in low light conditions. Its FireDot Twilight Hunter illuminated reticle is designed to enhance target visibility at dawn or dusk, which is when many .22 Magnum hunters prefer to shoot. The scope includes Leupold’s Custom Dial System with ZeroLock, allowing precise and reliable elevation adjustments without accidental changes—this is especially useful for longer-range shooting where accuracy matters.

The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features, making it durable for outdoor hunting conditions. It also benefits from Motion Sensor Technology to conserve battery life for the illuminated reticle. While the weight of 1.1 pounds might be a bit heavy for those wanting an ultra-light setup, the illuminated reticle requires batteries, which might be a consideration for some.

This scope is well-suited for hunters seeking a high-quality, reliable optic with excellent light transmission and a durable build. Beginners should confirm comfort and ease of use when pairing this scope with their .22 Magnum rifle.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
29 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptionally clear glass with a crisp zoom effect, maintaining a full, sharp picture across the magnification range.
Objective Lens Diameter
The 50mm objective lens significantly improves visibility in low light, making target acquisition feel like 'turning on the lights' during dawn or overcast conditions.
Reticle Type
The illuminated FireDot reticle enhances aiming precision in dim settings and remains clear throughout the day, adding valuable versatility for hunters.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is top-notch, with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensuring reliable performance in challenging outdoor environments.
#3

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
42 reviews

Magnification
Exceptional performance in low-light conditions enhances visibility at dawn and dusk.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built like a tank, offering rugged durability that withstands tough outdoor use.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50 rifle scope is a solid choice for .22 Magnum shooters who want a dependable and versatile optic. Its magnification range of 3-9x provides enough zoom for both close and moderate distances, which suits typical .22 Magnum shooting scenarios like small-game hunting or target shooting. The large 50mm objective lens allows plenty of light to enter, improving visibility in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. The Hunt-Plex reticle offers a simple aiming point that is easy to use without cluttering the view, which is ideal for quick shots.

One notable strength is the scope’s durability—it's waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, meeting military-grade scratch resistance standards. This makes it a rugged option that can handle outdoor environments without worry. Additionally, Leupold’s lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, reflecting confidence in the product’s quality. The scope’s weight of about 14.6 ounces is moderate and shouldn’t add much bulk to your rifle.

This scope suits hunters and recreational shooters who want a reliable, clear, and simple optic that performs well in various light conditions. For those seeking advanced features like parallax correction or specialized reticles for long-range target shooting, this model might not fulfill those requirements. Otherwise, it offers good value with strong optics and tough construction for everyday .22 Magnum use.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
42 reviews

Magnification
Exceptional performance in low-light conditions enhances visibility at dawn and dusk.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built like a tank, offering rugged durability that withstands tough outdoor use.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scope For 22 Magnum

Choosing the right rifle scope for your .22 Magnum is crucial for enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope can make a significant difference in your ability to hit targets consistently, whether you're hunting small game or practicing at the range. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your shooting needs. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a rifle scope for your .22 Magnum.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects your ability to see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For a .22 Magnum, which is often used for small game hunting and target shooting, a magnification range of 3-9x is usually sufficient. Higher magnifications can be useful for longer distances but may be overkill for typical .22 Magnum ranges.
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. Larger objective lenses (40mm or more) allow more light and can provide a clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. However, they also make the scope bulkier and heavier. For a .22 Magnum, a 32mm to 40mm objective lens is usually a good balance between brightness and portability.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and great for general shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points for bullet drop. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and windage adjustments. For a .22 Magnum, a duplex reticle is often sufficient, but if you plan on shooting at varying distances, a BDC reticle might be beneficial.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle stays on target even if you move your eye slightly. This is important for precision shooting, especially at longer distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set at a fixed distance (usually 50 or 100 yards). For a .22 Magnum, which is often used at shorter ranges, a scope with a fixed parallax setting at 50 yards is usually adequate. However, if you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax can be more versatile.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with higher-recoil rifles. While the .22 Magnum has relatively low recoil, having sufficient eye relief (around 3-4 inches) ensures you can shoot comfortably and avoid any potential scope bite. Longer eye relief can also be beneficial if you wear glasses.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand the conditions you'll be shooting in. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that your scope will perform reliably in various weather conditions and withstand the recoil of your rifle. For a .22 Magnum, which might be used in diverse environments, these features are essential for maintaining accuracy and longevity.

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