10 Best Rimfire Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 Hunt-Plex Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for reliable performance in various conditions. With a magnification range of 4-12x and a generous 50mm objective lens, this scope offers excellent light transmission, aiding visibility during dawn or dusk hunts. The Hunt-Plex reticle, designed for clarity, functions well in low light without the clutter of hash marks, making target acquisition straightforward.

Durability is a strong point, as this scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, meeting military standards for scratch resistance. Constructed from aluminum and featuring a matte finish, it’s built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Additionally, Leupold's reputation for customer care ensures you’ll receive support if needed.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. Being a second focal plane scope means that the reticle size remains constant while the target changes size, which may not be ideal for all shooters, especially those who prefer range estimation features. Additionally, some may find the weight (0.6 kg) to be on the heavier side compared to other options in similar categories.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 is particularly suited for hunters who prioritize optical clarity and ruggedness, making it a dependable companion in the field. Its features cater well to traditional hunting needs, but those seeking advanced reticle options or lighter weight may want to explore other alternatives.

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.

The Hawke Vantage IR Riflescope is designed with rimfire shooters in mind, particularly those using .17 HMR rifles. It offers a solid magnification range from 4x to 12x, providing versatility for both close and longer-range shots. Its 40mm objective lens is a good size for gathering enough light to deliver clear images in various lighting conditions, and the 11-layer fully multi-coated optics enhance clarity and brightness. The etched Rimfire .17 HMR reticle is specifically tailored for this caliber, helping with accurate shot placement.

Parallax adjustment is handled through a side focus control that goes out to infinity, allowing shooters to fine-tune focus and reduce aiming errors at different distances. The fast focus eyebell suggests easier and quicker eye alignment. Durability is a strong point here, with a sturdy 1-inch aluminum mono-tube chassis that’s nitrogen-purged and sealed to be waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, making it reliable in tough outdoor conditions. The low-profile fingertip turrets offer precise adjustments without snagging on gear. At just 142 grams, it’s lightweight, which is beneficial for hunters who need to carry gear comfortably.

One minor drawback is that it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s less suitable for very low light or night hunting. Also, its field of view is somewhat narrow at 3.5 degrees, which might require more careful target tracking at higher magnifications. This scope balances quality optics, durability, and specialized features well for rimfire users, especially hunters looking for a rugged and clear sighting tool tuned for .17 HMR rifles.