Trying to find the right rimfire scope can get confusing fast. There are so many options, all with different features and price points. Some promise more than they provide, and others seem to just blend in with the crowd. It is tough to know which is truly worth your money and time. Based on real user experiences and focused research, here are 5 of the top choices to look at:
Best Rimfire Scope Picks for November 2025 (By User Reviews)
- The 2-7x32 Crossfire II Rimfire riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a variety of hunting...
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user. Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
- Leupold's Advanced Optical System offers tried and true light transmission for extended glassing sessions, best in class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that...
- In Second Focal Plane (rear focal plane) scopes, the reticle stays the same size while the target grows and shrinks when you adjust the magnification. These reticles are ideal for lowlight hunting...
- A 3:1 zoom ratio gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power (model magnification ranges are available in powers of 3x: 1.5-5, 2.5-8, 3-9, 3.5-10, etc.), so you can dial your...
- Specification: 3-9x40
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Eye Relief: 3.5"
- Precision Aiming: The 4x magnification scope features 1/4 MOA click adjustments for precision accuracy.
- Quality Construction: The scope comes with coated optics, providing impressive viewing clarity. Tube diameter 3/4".
- 30/30 Reticle: The scope comes with 30/30 crosshair reticle for easy targeting, ideal for any type of shooting.
- IPX7 Waterproof and fogproof construction
- All Glass Optical system with Fully Coated lenses producing sharp images in low light.
- Aggressive new design with textured knurling on the magnificaition ring and turret caps that are easy to use in incliment weather or with gloved hands
What Makes a Rimfire Scope Good?
Not all scopes are built with rimfire rifles in mind. Most rimfire calibers have less recoil and are shot at shorter distances. That brings a few unique needs. A rimfire scope should offer reliable accuracy, crisp optics, and adjustment controls that match the rimfire’s shooting style. If any of these are missing, the whole setup starts to fall apart pretty quickly. We see it all the time , scopes that are fantastic for centerfire rifles, but just do not make sense for rimfire use.
So, what counts?
A high-quality rimfire scope puts clarity and easy adjustments first , not just magnification or big feature lists.
From experience, and after helping hundreds of shooters upgrade their rimfire setups, it is clear that a few core features make a big difference. Sometimes a scope has all the bells and whistles, but if the reticle is hard to see or the parallax setting is off, accuracy goes out the window. That is what we always look out for when reviewing any optic. You want a scope that is actually built for the way rimfire rifles get used. There is also a lot of hype about “tactical” looks, but those are rarely as important as build quality or optical glass.
Key Features to Check Before Buying
It is easy to get lost in marketing. We have made that mistake in the past too, trusting brand names or getting caught up in specs like “maximum magnification.” Some features really matter; others are just nice to have. Here is a closer look at what to care about most.
Please do not get distracted by marketing for tactical, illuminated reticles unless you actually plan to shoot in dusk or dawn light. Brightness matters, but only if you shoot at those times.
Common Rimfire Scope Features You Might See
- Parallax fixed at shorter ranges
- Lower-power zoom like 2-7x or 3-9x
- Thin, plain reticles for less target coverage
- Standard 1-inch tubes fit more rings
- Finger-adjustable turrets for fast changes
Parallax Explained (And Why It Matters)
Parallax has been overcomplicated by a lot of brands and reviewers. In plain terms, it is about making sure the reticle stays where it should, no matter how you shift your head. Traditional centerfire scopes usually have parallax set at 100 yards, but most rimfire shots happen at much closer ranges.
If the parallax is off, you may think your crosshair is dead on, but the shot lands an inch or more away. For rimfire, a fixed parallax at 50 yards is usually best. Adjustable parallax is useful if you shoot at a variety of ranges, but not all rimfire scopes have it.
For plinking tin cans or target shooting with a .22, parallax that is matched to your likely shooting range will give you a much better experience.
Optical Quality: What to Watch For
Good scopes all have one thing in common: clear, bright glass. Cheaper models often have blurry edges or lose light fast at dusk. You do not need a huge objective lens for rimfire, but better coatings on the glass and a well-built eyepiece make a bigger difference than most realize. If possible, test the scope in fading light, not just in a store or under bright bulbs.
Do not focus just on numbers. Many rimfire scopes advertise big objective lenses, but if the glass is low quality, it will not help. Edge-to-edge clarity is worth more than a giant lens diameter.
Eye Relief
Rimfire rifles have very mild recoil. You do not need massive eye relief, but it should still be comfortable. A scope that forces you into an odd cheek weld can hurt accuracy. Try to aim for at least 3 inches of eye relief. If your rifle is used by kids or newcomers, more is better.
Reticle Choices: Thin or Thick?
Reticle thickness can make or break a rimfire setup. A heavy duplex may be fast to see, but can cover small targets at 50 yards. On the other hand, a thin reticle can vanish in heavy brush or low light. Most rimfire scopes use a simple crosshair. Some add hash marks, but most shooters will not use them for drop estimation on a rimfire. Unless you are shooting at tiny targets very far away, keep it simple, that is usually best.
A good rimfire reticle is one you can see clearly that does not block your view of the target at common shooting ranges.
Build Quality vs. Price
Price does not always line up with actual durability. We have tested scopes two or three times more expensive than others, only to see zero real-world difference in toughness. Rimfire scopes are usually lighter and see fewer rough conditions than heavy centerfire models, but they still need to be shockproof and weather resistant.
Check for single-piece tube construction. If a scope uses weak hardware or bad seals, it will fog up or shift zero after a bumpy ride. A simple, well-built rimfire scope with a basic warranty often outlasts models stacked with extra tech features that you do not end up using anyway.
How Rimfire Scopes Compare: Table Breakdown
| Feature | Typical Rimfire Scope | Standard Rifle Scope |
| Parallax Setting | Fixed at 50 yards | Fixed at 100 yards or adjustable |
| Magnification Range | 2-7x, 3-9x | 3-9x, 4-12x and up |
| Reticle Type | Thin or basic crosshair | Duplex, BDC, or tactical types |
| Weight | Light – Medium | Often heavier |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch | 1 inch or 30mm |
Best Use Cases
Common Pitfalls
What We Like (and Do Not Like) About Rimfire Scopes
Some shooters ask if they can just use an old centerfire rifle scope on a rimfire. Most of the time, this works, but it rarely feels quite right. Rimfire scopes bring the visual clarity and parallax setting needed for the shorter ranges and mild recoil you ACTUALLY get. It makes each shot feel more natural, and confidence grows as a result.
Buyer’s Guide: What Really Matters Most?
It is easy to overthink your choice. Price, brand, and ratings mean something, but the best rimfire scope is the one that feels right every time you take a shot. If possible, look for:
- Clarity that lets you confidently see small targets
- Simple, sharp reticle that suits your shooting style
- Parallax set for the ranges you shoot most
- Light weight that matches your rifle’s balance
- Adjustment turrets you can easily work in the field
- A warranty that is clear and easy to use
If you are not sure, test a few scopes side by side at 50 yards. Poor definition, hard-to-adjust dials, or a reticle that covers your target are big warning signs. Not every detail is obvious from reading specs, either. Sometimes you do not notice a problem until you use the scope in real conditions, and that teaches you to watch out for marketing claims that do not match reality.
Always cross-check what the seller claims with real reviews from people who shoot rimfire often. And if you plan to mount to a picky rifle with a weird rail, check compatibility before you buy. Trust us, it saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rimfire Scopes
What is the ideal parallax setting for a rimfire scope?
Most rimfire scopes work best with a parallax set between 50 and 75 yards. This fits the most common rimfire shooting distances and helps keep shots consistent. Going higher than that can make close shots less accurate.
Are rimfire scopes different from centerfire scopes?
Yes. Rimfire scopes are built for closer ranges, have parallax set for shorter distances, and tend to be lighter. Using a centerfire scope on a rimfire rifle can work, but the reticle or parallax may not match well for usual rimfire ranges.
How much should you spend for a quality rimfire scope?
There is a wide range of prices. Reasonable quality starts around the cost of a nice dinner out. Mid-range scopes often provide the best mix of price and features. You do not have to spend several hundred dollars to get good clarity and solid adjustment controls.
What magnification is best for most rimfire use?
For most uses, 2-7x or 3-9x covers nearly all rimfire scenarios. Bigger magnification adds weight and is not usually needed for casual shooting or small game.
What rings or mounts work best for rimfire scopes?
Most rimfire scopes use a 1-inch tube, which matches well with most factory rimfire rifles. Always check ring height, as rimfire rifles often have shallower stocks and you want the lowest setup that still clears the barrel and bolt.
Is there something about rimfire scopes that often gets overlooked? Let us know what you wish you knew before you bought your first one.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
