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 by1,272
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
1404 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 by1,272
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
1404 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 Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
10.0
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
1900 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Clear view with next to no darkness at all, providing a bright and clear sight picture.
Reticle Type
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic that feels reliable.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, adding to the scope's functionality for hunting rifles.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches with minimal scope black eye ring, offering a full image at both low and high power.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire riflescope is a well-rounded option for both novice and experienced shooters looking for a reliable scope for hunting or target practice. Its 2-7x magnification range allows for versatility in various shooting scenarios, making it suitable for short to mid-range shots. The 32mm objective lens diameter ensures a decent light transmission, contributing to bright and clear views, especially in low-light conditions. The V-Plex reticle is user-friendly and adaptable for a range of hunting situations, which many users appreciate.

One of the standout features is the long eye relief of 3.9 inches, which provides comfort during prolonged use and minimizes the chance of recoil-related injuries. The fast focus eyepiece also adds to the convenience by allowing quick reticle adjustments. The construction is robust, made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which enhances durability and ensures it can handle the rigors of outdoor use. Additionally, its waterproof and fogproof capabilities make it a reliable choice in varying weather conditions, backed by a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

There are some drawbacks. The magnification range might not suffice for users looking for high-powered options for long-distance shooting. While the V-Plex reticle is versatile, some shooters might prefer more specialized reticles for specific types of shooting. The scope is also relatively lightweight at 13.9 ounces, which is a plus for portability, but this may lead some users to question long-term durability in extreme conditions.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable, user-friendly rimfire scope with solid performance for a variety of shooting applications, though it may not meet the needs of those requiring higher magnification.

Rating
10.0
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
1900 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Clear view with next to no darkness at all, providing a bright and clear sight picture.
Reticle Type
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic that feels reliable.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, adding to the scope's functionality for hunting rifles.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches with minimal scope black eye ring, offering a full image at both low and high power.
#3

Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope Kit - Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Reticle, 1" Hunter Rings - 0.90" Low Height, Neoprene Cover

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
260 reviews

Magnification
The scope offers crystal clear glass even at full magnification, delivering impressive optical quality for its price point.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It’s a well-made, high-quality item that feels solid and reliable in the field.

The Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 rimfire riflescope is a solid choice for hunters who want reliable gear without complicated features. Its 3-9x magnification range is versatile for typical rimfire shooting distances, and the 40mm objective lens offers a good balance between light gathering and a compact size. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help with holdover and windage adjustments, which is useful for shooters who want quick aiming points at different ranges without guessing. Although it doesn’t specify parallax adjustment, this model is suited primarily for rimfire calibers, where parallax is often fixed or less critical at typical shooting distances. Eye relief is comfortable and safe, accommodating various shooting positions.

The scope is built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—perfect for outdoor use in different weather conditions. Plus, the fully multi-coated lenses enhance clarity and performance in low light, important for dawn or dusk hunting. The included low-profile rings and neoprene cover add value by simplifying setup and protecting the scope from damage.

The 1-inch tube is standard but not ideal if you want a scope with larger adjustment ranges or more advanced features like side parallax or illuminated reticles. While it delivers good optical quality for the price, it might not fully satisfy experienced shooters looking for ultra-high-end glass. This scope is well suited for newer hunters or casual shooters who want durable, easy-to-use optics with helpful reticle markings and decent light performance without extra complexity.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
260 reviews

Magnification
The scope offers crystal clear glass even at full magnification, delivering impressive optical quality for its price point.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It’s a well-made, high-quality item that feels solid and reliable in the field.

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