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10 Best Rimfire Scopes 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13631 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
Chosen by1,167
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13631 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.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA , black

Rating
10.0
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13631 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear, bright optics with a crisp reticle that enhances quick target acquisition.
Eye Relief
The long eye relief provides a comfortable viewing experience with minimal black ring effect, reducing eye strain.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is impressive; it withstands rough field use and maintains zero well when paired with quality mounts.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP riflescope is a solid choice for rimfire shooters looking for versatility and reliability. Its 3-9x magnification range covers most rimfire shooting situations, from close targets to moderate distances. The 40mm objective lens strikes a good balance by gathering enough light for clear images, making it suitable for dawn or dusk hunting. The V-Plex reticle is simple and effective, designed to help quickly acquire targets without cluttering the view.

One notable feature is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches, which provides comfortable viewing and helps prevent recoil injury to the shooter’s eye. While it does not include parallax adjustment, it still performs well for typical hunting and general shooting tasks. The fully multi-coated lenses improve brightness and clarity, which is important when light conditions are less than ideal. Durability is a strong point; the scope’s aircraft-grade aluminum tube is both shockproof and waterproof, thanks to O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging. This means it can handle rough outdoor conditions and resist fogging, adding to its reliability in the field. It’s also backed by Vortex’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers repairs or replacement for defects.

More advanced rimfire shooters might miss features like adjustable parallax or first focal plane reticles for range estimation. Additionally, with a moderate eye relief and no night vision compatibility, this scope is better suited to daylight or low-light use rather than complete darkness. The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is a dependable, well-built scope ideal for rimfire shooters who want a durable, easy-to-use scope for general hunting and shooting. Its straightforward features and quality optics deliver good value without overwhelming beginners or casual users.

Rating
10.0
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13631 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear, bright optics with a crisp reticle that enhances quick target acquisition.
Eye Relief
The long eye relief provides a comfortable viewing experience with minimal black ring effect, reducing eye strain.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is impressive; it withstands rough field use and maintains zero well when paired with quality mounts.
#3

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Riflescope

Rating
8.2
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
230 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Fantastic clarity and well made scope.

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.

Rating
8.2
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
230 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Fantastic clarity and well made scope.

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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