We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Rimfire Scopes 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,364
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
13785 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers excellent glass quality that rivals more expensive brands, providing bright and clear optics without the typical 'soda straw' tunnel vision.
Objective Lens Diameter
Adjustable Objective enhances clarity and focus, making it versatile for rimfire shooters who need quick target acquisition at various ranges.
Reticle Type
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works well for holdover and ranging out to 500 yards, especially when paired with a stable shooting platform and ballistic calculations.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is impressive, with a solid build that holds zero well under regular use on budget rifles like the Ruger Mini 14 and Savage Axis.

The Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for rimfire shooters looking for a versatile magnification range. Its 4-12x zoom allows for clear target acquisition at various distances, while the 44mm objective lens helps provide bright and sharp images even in lower light. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to assist with holdover at different ranges, making it practical for hunting where precise bullet drop compensation is valuable. Eye relief is generous at about 115mm, offering comfort and safety for most shooters. The scope features a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle sharpening, which is helpful for quick shots.

Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is durable, shockproof, and built to withstand rough outdoor conditions. The sealed tube and nitrogen purging ensure it remains fogproof and waterproof, which is crucial for weather resistance during hunting trips. However, this scope does not have a dedicated parallax adjustment, which rimfire shooters who need extreme precision might miss. Also, it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s not suitable for low-light or nighttime shooting.

This scope is well-suited for general rimfire hunting and target shooting, offering strong durability and good optical clarity at an affordable price point. It may be less ideal for specialized precision shooting where parallax adjustment is important.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,364
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
13785 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers excellent glass quality that rivals more expensive brands, providing bright and clear optics without the typical 'soda straw' tunnel vision.
Objective Lens Diameter
Adjustable Objective enhances clarity and focus, making it versatile for rimfire shooters who need quick target acquisition at various ranges.
Reticle Type
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works well for holdover and ranging out to 500 yards, especially when paired with a stable shooting platform and ballistic calculations.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is impressive, with a solid build that holds zero well under regular use on budget rifles like the Ruger Mini 14 and Savage Axis.
#2

Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC MOA

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
72 reviews

Magnification
The magnification ring and parallax adjustment start stiff but loosen up with use, contributing to overall reliability.
Objective Lens Diameter
The glass clarity and optical quality are solid, delivering a clear and sharp image with no noticeable distortion.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle significantly improves target acquisition in low-light conditions, making shooting easier and faster.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets offer precise, audible clicks and smooth adjustment, while the side focus is essential for accurate short-range shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durably built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands rough outdoor use and varying weather conditions.

The Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 riflescope is a solid choice for rimfire shooters looking for a versatile, reliable optic. Its variable magnification from 2x to 7x provides flexibility for close to medium-range shooting, which suits rimfire rifles well. The 32mm objective lens offers decent light transmission without adding much bulk or weight. The scope's HD optical system delivers a clear and sharp image with good color accuracy, useful in varying light conditions.

One of its standout features is the illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC reticle, designed to assist with holdover and windage. This makes it easier to estimate bullet drop and adjust for wind without turning turrets, speeding up target acquisition. The illumination also enhances visibility in low-light situations.

The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it durable enough for rough outdoor use and changing weather conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece allows quick reticle adjustment for clear sighting. This scope is well-suited for hunters and target shooters who want a durable, clear, and easy-to-use riflescope with helpful holdover reticle features. It performs well in daylight and low-light settings but may not be ideal for specialized long-distance rimfire shooting.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
72 reviews

Magnification
The magnification ring and parallax adjustment start stiff but loosen up with use, contributing to overall reliability.
Objective Lens Diameter
The glass clarity and optical quality are solid, delivering a clear and sharp image with no noticeable distortion.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle significantly improves target acquisition in low-light conditions, making shooting easier and faster.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets offer precise, audible clicks and smooth adjustment, while the side focus is essential for accurate short-range shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durably built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands rough outdoor use and varying weather conditions.
#3

Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 (1 inch) Rimfire MOA Reticle Riflescope

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
339 reviews

Reticle Type
Reasonably compact and light, with a useful reticle for correcting drop and windage.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Well-made and dependable, worth paying for quality over cheaper brands.

The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 Rimfire MOA Reticle Riflescope is well-suited for rimfire rifles. It offers a magnification range of 3x to 9x, providing versatility for both short and long-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens ensures a clear and bright image, which is crucial for accurate targeting. The Rimfire MOA reticle is particularly effective for low-light hunting, making it a good choice for early morning or late evening outings. The second focal plane design ensures that the reticle size remains constant, which can be a benefit for some shooters.

It does lack hash marks for range estimation, which some users might miss for more precise long-range shooting. The capped finger click adjustments make it easy to fine-tune the scope settings without tools, and the robust aluminum construction guarantees durability. This scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle harsh weather conditions and rugged use. Eye relief is not specified, but Leupold is known for comfortable viewing experiences.

Additionally, the full lifetime guarantee provided by Leupold offers peace of mind, showing confidence in their product’s quality. A minor drawback could be its weight (0.76 pounds), which might be slightly heavier compared to other rimfire scopes, but its solid build compensates for this. This scope is highly recommended for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile rimfire scope.

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
339 reviews

Reticle Type
Reasonably compact and light, with a useful reticle for correcting drop and windage.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Well-made and dependable, worth paying for quality over cheaper brands.

Buying Guide for the Best Rimfire Scopes

Choosing the right rimfire scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're target shooting, hunting, or plinking. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, aim more accurately, and ultimately improve your overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications of rimfire scopes and how they relate to your specific needs and preferences.
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 and aim at your target. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general plinking and short-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For target shooting or hunting at longer distances, higher magnification (5-9x or more) may be necessary. Choose based on the typical distance you will 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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (40mm or more) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for daylight shooting and smaller rifles. Consider the lighting conditions and the weight you are comfortable with when choosing the objective lens diameter.
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 suitable for general shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle type based on your shooting style and the complexity of adjustments you are comfortable with.
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, especially at longer distances. Scopes with adjustable parallax (often marked as AO for Adjustable Objective) are beneficial for precision shooting. For general plinking or short-range shooting, fixed parallax scopes are usually sufficient. Consider if you need the extra precision of adjustable parallax based on your shooting activities.
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, especially with rifles that have significant recoil. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) is better for high-recoil rifles and provides more flexibility in positioning your eye. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rimfire rifles. Choose eye relief based on the recoil of your rifle and your comfort level.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring that your scope can withstand the conditions you will be using it in. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features are important for maintaining performance in various weather conditions and ensuring the longevity of the scope. Consider the environments you will be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now