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 Vortex 22 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 Strike Eagle 3-18x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,434
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
839 reviews

Reticle Type
The illumination is good, although a bit busy in the reticle, but it's easy to get used to.
Parallax Adjustment
The parallax adjustment is spot on and the scope is clearest at the yardage labeled.

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed for mid- to long-range shooting, making it suitable for dynamic target shooting. Its 3-18x magnification range offers versatility, allowing for extended effective range without adding excessive weight, which enhances mobility. The 44mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses provide clear and sharp images from dawn until dusk, which is ideal for various lighting conditions. The EBR-7C illuminated reticle in the first focal plane ensures accurate reads at any magnification level, making it easier to adjust your aim quickly and precisely.

Additionally, the 34mm tube allows for significant elevation and windage adjustments, beneficial for long-distance shooting. The exposed elevation turret facilitates faster adjustments, while the capped windage turret reduces size and weight. The RevStop Zero System ensures a reliable return to zero, and the locking turrets keep your settings secure. The throw lever included allows for rapid magnification changes, adding to the scope's practical usability. Furthermore, the riflescope is built to be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, enhancing its durability in various environments. The Armortek coatings protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt, maintaining the scope's longevity.

One noteworthy aspect is the unlimited, unconditional lifetime VIP warranty, offering peace of mind for users. However, the scope weighs 2.7 pounds, which may be considered heavy by some users. Also, it requires a CR2032 battery to operate, which adds a small recurring cost for replacements. Given its features, this riflescope is an excellent choice for serious shooters looking for a reliable, versatile, and durable optic for mid- to long-range shooting.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,434
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
839 reviews

Reticle Type
The illumination is good, although a bit busy in the reticle, but it's easy to get used to.
Parallax Adjustment
The parallax adjustment is spot on and the scope is clearest at the yardage labeled.
#2

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP Riflescope EBR-2C MRAD

Rating
8.2
Reticle Type

Most important from
856 reviews

Reticle Type
The turrets are nicer and the illuminated reticle is a great feature, making adjustments easy and precise.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP Riflescope is a high-performance scope ideal for both close and long-range shooting. It offers a versatile 5-25x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that the hold points remain accurate at any magnification, which is a significant advantage for precision shooters. The EBR-2C MRAD reticle is detailed yet uncluttered, providing clear visibility and functionality with 10 intensity levels and convenient off positions between each setting.

Eye relief of 3.4 inches offers comfortable viewing, even during extended use. The scope also features adjustable parallax, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy over different distances. The lenses are XR fully multi-coated, enhancing light transmission, and are protected with Armortek coatings to resist scratches, oil, and dirt. The Viper PST Gen II is built with a single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, ensuring durability and a robust performance. It is O-ring sealed and argon purged, providing waterproof and fog-proof reliability in various weather conditions.

The laser-etched turrets, RZR zero stop, and fiber optic rotation indicator make adjustments easy and precise, which is beneficial for shooters who dial for bullet drop and wind compensation. On the downside, the scope is relatively heavy at 31.2 ounces, which might be a concern for some users who prioritize weight. Additionally, it does not have night vision capabilities, which could limit its use in low-light conditions. However, with an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is a solid choice for serious shooters seeking a reliable, high-quality riflescope.

Rating
8.2
Reticle Type

Most important from
856 reviews

Reticle Type
The turrets are nicer and the illuminated reticle is a great feature, making adjustments easy and precise.
#3

Vortex Optics Viper HD 5-25x50 Second Focal Plane Scope - VMR-3 MOA Reticle

The Vortex Viper HD 5-25x50 scope is designed for hunters and shooters who need a versatile, reliable optic for medium to long distances. It offers a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x, allowing you to zoom in closely for precision shots or zoom out for a broader view. The 50mm objective lens is large enough to gather good light, which helps with clarity and visibility, especially in low-light conditions. The reticle is a VMR-3 style in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size when you zoom in or out, which some users find easier to use for quick target acquisition and holdover calculations. Eye relief is 3.4 inches, which is comfortable for most shooters and helps prevent recoil injury.

This scope is ruggedly built with a strong 30mm aluminum tube and protects against scratches, fog, and water, making it suitable for tough outdoor use. The parallax adjustment on the side lets you fine-tune focus for targets at different distances, improving accuracy. The turrets have a locking feature to keep your settings from accidentally changing, which is great for maintaining zero during hunting or shooting sessions. The Viper HD also comes with useful extras like a sunshade, lens cover, and a lifetime warranty, which adds peace of mind.

It does not have night vision capability, and at 1.56 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, which might be a consideration if you prefer lightweight gear. The illuminated reticle helps in low light but might not be as useful for those who want a simple, non-illuminated reticle. This scope is well suited for serious hunters and shooters who want a high-quality, durable optic with strong magnification and reliable performance across various shooting conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex 22 Scopes

When choosing a Vortex-22 scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs. A scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience by providing better accuracy and target acquisition. Understanding the different features and how they align with your requirements will help you make an informed decision.
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 your target at various distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range shooting. High magnification (10x and above) is best for long-range shooting where precision is crucial. Choose a magnification level 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 image brightness and clarity. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for daylight shooting. Medium diameters (33-44mm) offer a balance between light transmission and size, good for general use. Larger diameters (45mm and above) provide better performance in low-light conditions but are bulkier. Choose based on your typical shooting environment and preference for scope size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. This is important for aiming accuracy and can vary in design. Simple crosshairs are good for general use and beginners. More complex reticles, like mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), provide additional information for range estimation and bullet drop compensation, useful for long-range shooting. Choose a reticle type that matches your shooting style and experience level.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Short eye relief (less than 3 inches) is common in low-recoil setups and allows for a more compact scope. Medium eye relief (3-4 inches) offers a balance of comfort and versatility. Long eye relief (4 inches and above) is essential for high-recoil firearms to prevent injury. Choose based on your firearm's recoil and your comfort preference.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. This is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. A wider FOV (more than 30 feet at 100 yards) is beneficial for close-range and fast-moving targets. A narrower FOV (less than 20 feet at 100 yards) is typical for high magnification scopes used in long-range shooting. Choose based on the type of shooting you do and the importance of target tracking.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move against the target when you move your head. This is important for maintaining accuracy at different distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a fixed distance (usually 100 yards), suitable for general use. Scopes with adjustable parallax allow for fine-tuning at various distances, essential for precision shooting at long ranges. Choose based on your need for accuracy at varying distances.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now