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10 Best Rifle Scope For 22 Magnum 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 by1,363
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type

Most important from
377 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 by1,363
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type

Most important from
377 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

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13868 reviews

Magnification
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing for quick and strain-free target acquisition even at higher magnifications.
Reticle Type
Adjustable objective and clear reticle make it versatile for varying distances, with effective use up to 500 yards when paired with proper ballistic calculations.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable objective and clear reticle make it versatile for varying distances, with effective use up to 500 yards when paired with proper ballistic calculations.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing for quick and strain-free target acquisition even at higher magnifications.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is solid, with a robust build that fits well on budget rifles like the Ruger Mini 14 or Savage Axis without adding excessive weight.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO is a solid choice for a rifle scope designed to work well with a .22 Magnum. Its magnification range from 6x to 18x offers flexibility, allowing you to use it for both closer shots and longer distances, which is useful for hunting small to medium game. The 44mm objective lens strikes a good balance by providing bright and clear images without making the scope too heavy or bulky. The V-Brite illuminated reticle is especially handy in low-light conditions, helping you quickly acquire targets at dawn or dusk. An adjustable objective helps to remove parallax, which improves accuracy by keeping your target sharp even if your eye position shifts slightly.

The long eye relief and forgiving eye box make it easier to get a comfortable sight picture without strain, important for fast target acquisition. Durability-wise, the scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof. It's also waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, so it holds up well in various weather. The capped reset turrets with MOA clicks allow precise adjustments and the ability to reset zero, which is useful for fine-tuning your shots.

On the downside, the illuminated reticle requires a battery, which means occasional maintenance, and the scope is somewhat heavier than simpler models, which might be a consideration for long hunting trips. Also, it's a second focal plane scope, so the reticle size doesn’t adjust with magnification, which may affect holdover calculations at different zoom levels. This scope provides a great mix of features for .22 Magnum shooters who want versatility, durability, and clarity, especially in hunting scenarios.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13868 reviews

Magnification
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing for quick and strain-free target acquisition even at higher magnifications.
Reticle Type
Adjustable objective and clear reticle make it versatile for varying distances, with effective use up to 500 yards when paired with proper ballistic calculations.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable objective and clear reticle make it versatile for varying distances, with effective use up to 500 yards when paired with proper ballistic calculations.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing for quick and strain-free target acquisition even at higher magnifications.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is solid, with a robust build that fits well on budget rifles like the Ruger Mini 14 or Savage Axis without adding excessive weight.
#3

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
13868 reviews

Magnification
This scope is a solid budget choice that provides enough magnification and a helpful BDC reticle for shots out to 500 yards and beyond with the right setup.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope’s clear reticle and adjustable objective lens make it versatile for both mid-range and varmint shooting.
Reticle Type
This scope is a solid budget choice that provides enough magnification and a helpful BDC reticle for shots out to 500 yards and beyond with the right setup.
Parallax Adjustment
The scope’s clear reticle and adjustable objective lens make it versatile for both mid-range and varmint shooting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing quick target acquisition without the usual 'soda straw' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality feels robust and reliable, matching the expectations for a scope that can handle outdoor hunting conditions.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for those using a .22 Magnum rifle, especially for hunting. Its 4 to 12 times magnification range offers flexibility for both close and mid-range shots, which is useful given the .22 Magnum’s typical effective distances. The 44mm objective lens provides a bright and clear view, thanks to fully multi-coated lenses that reduce glare and improve light transmission. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps with aiming at different ranges by simplifying holdover estimation, which is handy if you’re new to range adjustments. Eye relief is generous, making it comfortable to use without worrying about getting too close to the scope, and the eye box is forgiving, allowing for quick target acquisition.

While the scope does not feature a specific parallax adjustment, the reticle design and magnification range help compensate for aiming accuracy across varied distances. The scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof. It is also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions. This model does not support night vision compatibility, which some users might consider when selecting a scope for low-light use.

Weighing 17.2 ounces, the scope has a robust feel that some might find heavier than other models. Backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty, this scope suits hunters and shooters who want a reliable, easy-to-use scope that performs well in daylight conditions and can withstand rough use.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
13868 reviews

Magnification
This scope is a solid budget choice that provides enough magnification and a helpful BDC reticle for shots out to 500 yards and beyond with the right setup.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope’s clear reticle and adjustable objective lens make it versatile for both mid-range and varmint shooting.
Reticle Type
This scope is a solid budget choice that provides enough magnification and a helpful BDC reticle for shots out to 500 yards and beyond with the right setup.
Parallax Adjustment
The scope’s clear reticle and adjustable objective lens make it versatile for both mid-range and varmint shooting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing quick target acquisition without the usual 'soda straw' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality feels robust and reliable, matching the expectations for a scope that can handle outdoor hunting conditions.

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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