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10 Best Rimfire Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

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

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

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.

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#2

Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle (MOA) , black

Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle (MOA) , blackVortex

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire riflescope is designed for hunters and shooters who need a reliable scope for close-range shooting. With a magnification range of 2-7x, it allows for versatility in different hunting scenarios. The 35mm objective lens diameter helps in gathering light, which is great for early morning or late evening hunts, providing a bright and clear image. Its V-Plex reticle is user-friendly, making it suitable for various hunting applications, giving shooters confidence in their aim.

One of the standout features is its durable construction. The solid one-piece aluminum tube is shockproof and has a hard anodized finish that helps blend into environments, which is essential for hunting. The scope is also argon purged and O-ring sealed, making it both fog proof and waterproof, ensuring reliability in different weather conditions. Plus, the lifetime VIP Warranty adds peace of mind for investment, as it covers repairs or replacements for any defects.

There are some limitations to consider. The eye relief of 3.1 inches is decent but might not be sufficient for all users, particularly those with high-recoil rifles; they may require more distance to avoid scope bite. While the scope performs well at short to medium ranges, those looking for extended range capabilities might find the magnification range somewhat limiting. Additionally, while the fast focus eyepiece aids in quick adjustments, users who prefer more complex reticle options may find the V-Plex too simplistic for their needs. Given its specifications and features, this scope is an excellent choice for casual hunters and those new to shooting, but more experienced marksmen or those needing advanced features might want to explore other options.

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#3

Vortex Optics Sonora 4-12x44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle | Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof, Aircraft Grade Aluminum | Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty

Vortex Optics Sonora 4-12x44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle | Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof, Aircraft Grade Aluminum | Unlimited, Unconditional WarrantyVortex

The Vortex Optics Sonora 4-12x44 Riflescope is a versatile and durable option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts. With a magnification range from 4x to 12x and a 44mm objective lens, it accommodates various shooting distances and provides a clear view through its fully multi-coated lenses, which help increase light transmission and reduce glare. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating hold-over at different ranges, making it a reliable choice for hunting scenarios. Eye relief of 4 inches ensures comfortable usage, even with heavier recoil firearms.

The construction features a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring both ruggedness and lightweight portability at 15.8 ounces. The scope is also shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, thanks to its nitrogen purging and O-ring seals, making it highly durable and weather-resistant in various conditions. A locking diopter eyepiece adds convenience by allowing users to set and forget their eyepiece settings. The hard anodized matte finish helps to camouflage the scope, reducing glare and visibility.

One standout feature is the unlimited, unconditional lifetime VIP warranty, which offers peace of mind by covering repairs or replacements for defects or damage, although it does not cover loss or cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect performance. This makes the Vortex Optics Sonora 4-12x44 an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, versatile, and durable rimfire scope.

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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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