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10 Best Rimfire Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 Compact Long Range Precision Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Magnification
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
20 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional optical clarity and a versatile zoom range that stays perfectly on target.
Reticle Type
The illuminated MOAR reticle is easy to see against various backgrounds, enhancing accuracy in low-light conditions.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable parallax starting as close as 11 yards keeps the image sharp even at short rimfire distances.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is outstanding, built to withstand harsh weather and rough handling without compromising performance.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 scope is a strong choice for rimfire shooters needing flexibility from close to long-range shooting. Its wide 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) allows for quick target acquisition at close distances and precise aiming at longer distances. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving clarity and brightness, which is especially useful in low-light conditions or dense cover. The MOAR reticle is clear and easy to see against different backgrounds, with illumination to assist in dim settings. Adjustable parallax starting as close as 11 yards means the scope stays sharp and accurate even at short rimfire ranges. Eye relief is comfortable for most shooters, making it easier to maintain a good sight picture and avoid recoil issues.

One of the standout features is the ZeroStop elevation adjustment, which lets you quickly return to your zero after making long-range corrections—great for consistent shooting in the field. Durability is excellent; the scope is built to handle extreme weather, dust, and rough handling, which is ideal for outdoor hunting or tactical use.

On the downside, the scope is on the heavier side (about 1.77 pounds), which might be a bit much for lightweight rimfire setups. Also, while the 50mm objective brings advantages in light gathering, it makes the scope bulkier and potentially harder to mount on smaller rifles. For those seeking a rugged, high-quality scope that excels in varied lighting and distances and don't mind the extra size and weight, the NX8 is a solid option for rimfire shooting.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Magnification
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
20 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional optical clarity and a versatile zoom range that stays perfectly on target.
Reticle Type
The illuminated MOAR reticle is easy to see against various backgrounds, enhancing accuracy in low-light conditions.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable parallax starting as close as 11 yards keeps the image sharp even at short rimfire distances.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is outstanding, built to withstand harsh weather and rough handling without compromising performance.
#2

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Long Range Precision Riflescope

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 is a versatile rimfire riflescope that covers a wide range of shooting needs. Its magnification range from 4x to 32x allows you to comfortably target everything from close, fast-moving game to very distant targets, with clear and sharp images at any zoom level. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light for a bright sight picture, which is useful in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.

The scope uses a Mil-XT reticle designed especially for precision shooting and competitive use, offering easy-to-read markings that help with quick aiming and range estimation. It has a first focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle adjusts size along with magnification, so the holdover points stay accurate at any zoom. Parallax can be adjusted from 11 yards to infinity, helping maintain a sharp target image and accurate aiming across various distances. Eye relief is 3.5 inches, which is comfortable and safe for most shooters, reducing the chance of recoil injury.

The scope is built with a tough aluminum body and includes features like ZeroStop for quick return to your zero setting, and a power throw lever for fast magnification changes. While weighing just under 2 pounds, it remains relatively lightweight for its size but still feels solid and durable. Some users might find the smaller exit pupil at higher magnifications (1.6mm at 32x) requires steadier hands or a tripod for best results. This scope is well-suited for hunters and precision shooters looking for a reliable, high-performance rimfire optic with a broad magnification range and useful tactical features.

#3

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Long Range Precision Riflescope

Rating
8.5
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
49 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is consistently high across the Nightforce lineup, ensuring durability and reliability.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 scope is a high-quality option for rimfire shooters who want a wide range of magnification from close-up (4x) to very long-range (32x) shooting. This makes it flexible enough for fast-moving targets nearby or precise shots at a distance. The large 50mm objective lens helps provide bright and clear images, which is useful in low light conditions. The MOAR reticle in the first focal plane (FFP) means the aiming points stay accurate no matter the magnification, which is a big plus for precision. Parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity allows the shooter to fine-tune focus for sharpness and accuracy at any distance, a key feature for rimfire shooting where precision matters. Eye relief is about 3.5 inches, offering a comfortable distance for your eye to avoid recoil impact and maintain a full sight picture. The scope includes the ZeroStop feature, allowing quick and reliable return to zero after adjustments, which saves time during field use.

Constructed from aluminum, it promises strong durability and weather resistance, so it can handle hunting or target shooting in different conditions. The 3.5-inch eye relief might feel a little tight for some shooters, especially those new to scopes. Also, the scope is on the heavier side compared to simpler rimfire scopes, which could affect balance on lightweight rifles. The price tends to be higher than entry-level models, reflecting its premium build and features, making it well suited for serious rimfire enthusiasts who want precision, long-range capability, and versatility in one package.

Rating
8.5
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
49 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is consistently high across the Nightforce lineup, ensuring durability and reliability.

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.

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