The Best Rimfire Target Scopes for Precision Shooting
As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this guide, at no extra cost to you.
If you are comparing options for best rimfire target scope, this guide focuses on the details that matter before you buy.
Okay, so you’ve got a fantastic .22LR rifle, perfect for everything from casual plinking in the backyard to serious competition. But to really wring out its accuracy, you need the right optic. The problem is, the world of rimfire target scopes can feel overwhelming. You want something that’s clear, precise, and won’t break the bank, but how do you even start comparing them? I dove deep into the specs and features of several popular options to cut through the noise. This guide will walk you through what really matters, helping you find the best rimfire target scope that fits your shooting style and budget, so you can hit those targets with confidence.
Table of Contents
best rimfire target scope: Top Picks and Buying Advice
| Image | Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 | ★★★★★ | CHECK PRICE |
 | Hawke Vantage IR 4-16×50 | ★★★★★ | CHECK PRICE |
 | PRO RIMFIRE 4x32MM | ★★★★★ | CHECK PRICE |
 | TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40 | ★★★★★ | CHECK PRICE |
1. Armstrong Precision 4-16×44
The Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 stands out for its comprehensive package, including essential accessories right out of the box. Its side parallax focus is particularly well-suited for the closer ranges often encountered with .22LR shooting, making it a practical choice for plinking and target shooting.
Side Parallax Focus for Close-Range Clarity
This scope features a side parallax focus adjustable from 15 yards to infinity. This is a significant advantage for rimfire shooting, where targets are often closer than those for centerfire rifles, ensuring you can achieve a crisp sight picture without the parallax error that plagues scopes with fixed or rear-adjustable parallax.
Lockable and Resettable Turrets
The turrets on this scope are designed to be locked and resettable to zero. This feature is great for competitive shooters or anyone who wants to ensure their zero isn’t accidentally bumped, while still allowing for easy adjustments and a quick return to a known point of aim.
Included Accessories for Immediate Use
What I really appreciate here is that scope rings, lens caps, and a sunshade are included at no extra charge. This means you can practically mount it and head to the range without needing to buy additional gear, which is kind of wild for the price point.
Mil-Dot Reticle and Eye Relief
It comes with a Mil-Dot reticle, which is a popular choice for ranging and estimation, especially at 16x magnification. The scope also offers excellent eye relief, which is crucial for comfortable shooting, particularly when dealing with any potential recoil.
2. Hawke Vantage IR 4-16×50
The Hawke Vantage IR 4-16×50 is built for reliability and durability, featuring a rugged construction and a reticle specifically optimized for rimfire cartridges like the .17 HMR. Its illuminated reticle and adjustable objective make it versatile for various lighting conditions and shooting distances.
Illuminated Reticle for Low Light
This scope offers 5 brightness levels of illumination for its glass-etched reticle, which is a real advantage when shooting in dawn, dusk, or other low-light scenarios. The reticle itself is calibrated at 16x for a 100-yard zero and provides precise holdover points, which is helpful for consistent accuracy.
Adjustable Objective for Sharpness
The adjustable objective (AO) parallax correction ranges from 15 yards to infinity. This feature is key for ensuring a sharp sight picture and eliminating parallax error, especially when transitioning between closer rimfire targets and longer distances. It’s easy to fine-tune with the front ring.
Rugged, All-Weather Construction
Built to withstand harsh conditions, the Hawke Vantage is nitrogen purged, shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. The capped, low-profile turrets are less likely to snag on brush during a hunt, and the high-torque zoom ring allows for quick magnification changes.
Hawke No-Fault Lifetime Warranty
One of the biggest draws here is the Hawke No-Fault Lifetime Warranty. This provides exceptional peace of mind, covering repairs or replacements regardless of how the damage occurred, which is a testament to Hawke’s confidence in their product’s durability.
3. PRO RIMFIRE 4x32MM
The PRO RIMFIRE 4x32MM offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience with essential features for basic rimfire shooting. Its compact size and included accessories make it a convenient option for those seeking simplicity and ease of use for plinking or small game hunting.
Simple Truplex Reticle and Parallax
This scope utilizes the classic Simmons Truplex reticle, which is familiar and easy to use for most shooters. It also includes an adjustable objective parallax and capped finger-adjustable turrets, providing the core functionality needed for accurate aiming without unnecessary complexity.
Waterproof and Fogproof Build
With IPX7 waterproof and fogproof construction, this scope is designed to perform reliably even when exposed to moisture or temperature changes. This ensures a clear sight picture in a variety of outdoor conditions you might encounter while shooting.
All-Glass Optical System
The fully coated lenses in its all-glass optical system are designed to produce sharp images, especially in lower light conditions. While not as high-magnification as some other options, the clarity is good for its intended purpose of general rimfire use.
Ready to Go Out of the Box
This scope comes with everything you need to get started, including bikini lens covers and 1-inch aluminum dovetail rings with a stop pin. This makes it a convenient, all-in-one solution for shooters who want a simple setup.
4. TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40
The TRACT 22 FIRE 3-9×40 is engineered to match the performance of modern rimfire cartridges, offering excellent versatility for both the range and small-game hunting. Its fully multi-coated optics and Impact BDC reticle provide clarity and precise holdover capabilities.
Impact BDC Reticle for Holdover
The standout feature is the Impact BDC reticle, which offers bullet drop compensation out to 150 yards. This reticle is designed not to obscure the target, even at longer ranges, making it incredibly useful for maintaining accuracy without needing to constantly adjust turrets.
Hand-Turn Adjustments with Zero Reset
I like that the windage and elevation adjustments are hand-turn, offering precise, repeatable, and audible 1/4″ clicks at 50 yards. They are also easily reset to zero without tools, which simplifies sighting in and making quick field adjustments.
50 Yard Parallax Setting
With a 50-yard parallax setting, this scope is ideally suited for the typical distances encountered by rimfire shooters. This setting helps ensure a clear sight picture and minimizes parallax error, especially at higher magnifications.
Argon Gas Purged and Waterproof
The scope is O-ring sealed and purged with Argon gas, making it completely waterproof and fogproof. This construction ensures reliable performance in challenging environmental conditions, maintaining optical clarity.
TRACT Trust Assurance Lifetime Warranty
TRACT offers a Lifetime Warranty under their Trust Assurance program, which covers the product’s functionality for its entire lifespan, regardless of ownership. This is a strong indicator of quality and customer support.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best rimfire target scope involves looking beyond just magnification and considering how you’ll actually use it.
Magnification Range for Your Needs
For general plinking and casual shooting, a lower magnification range like 3-9x or 4x is often sufficient. If you’re involved in competition shooting or need to identify small targets at longer distances, higher magnifications (12x, 16x, or more) become more beneficial. However, higher magnification can sometimes reduce field of view and make parallax adjustment more critical.
Parallax Adjustment: Essential for Rimfire
Parallax error occurs when your eye isn’t perfectly centered behind the scope, causing the reticle to appear to move relative to the target. For rimfire shooting, which often involves closer targets, a scope with adjustable parallax (either side focus or adjustable objective) is highly recommended. This allows you to ensure the reticle and target are on the same focal plane for maximum accuracy.
Reticle Type and Illumination
Simple reticles like the Truplex are great for beginners. More advanced options like Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticles offer ranging and holdover capabilities for more precise shooting at various distances. Illuminated reticles can be a game-changer in low light, but ensure they have adjustable brightness levels.
Build Quality and Durability
Even though .22LR rifles have less recoil than centerfire counterparts, a well-built scope is still important. Look for features like waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction. Nitrogen purging is a common method to prevent internal fogging. The material of the scope tube (e.g., aluminum) also contributes to its overall robustness.
Who Should Buy What
For those starting out or on a tight budget, the PRO RIMFIRE 4x32MM offers a simple, complete package. If you need versatility for varying light and distances with good warranty support, the Hawke Vantage IR or TRACT 22 FIRE are strong contenders. For shooters prioritizing close-range focus and a ready-to-go kit, the Armstrong Precision 4-16×44 is an excellent choice.
What To Avoid
Avoid scopes with fixed parallax settings if you plan on shooting targets closer than 50-100 yards, as parallax error can significantly impact accuracy. Also, be wary of scopes with extremely low-quality glass or flimsy construction, as they won’t hold zero reliably or provide a clear sight picture.
How These Products Compare
The reviewed scopes range from basic, fixed-power options to more advanced variable-power scopes with features like illuminated reticles and side parallax. Magnification, parallax adjustment, and included accessories are key differentiators among these rimfire target scopes.
Dialing In Your Rimfire Scope
When setting up your new rimfire target scope, remember that many .22LR platforms have limited recoil. This means that while lockable turrets are nice, they aren’t always essential. Focus more on a clear reticle and reliable parallax adjustment for those crucial close-range shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification do I need for a rimfire target scope?
For general plinking and casual shooting with a .22LR, a magnification range of 3-9x or a fixed 4x is usually sufficient. If you’re aiming for precision at longer distances or in competition, higher magnifications like 12x or 16x can be more beneficial, but always consider the parallax adjustment capabilities.
Is parallax adjustment important on a rimfire scope?
Yes, parallax adjustment is very important for a rimfire target scope. Because .22LR rifles are often used for closer targets than centerfire rifles, parallax error can be more pronounced. Scopes with adjustable parallax (side focus or AO) ensure the reticle and target are on the same focal plane, leading to more accurate shots.
Do I need an illuminated reticle for a rimfire scope?
An illuminated reticle can be very helpful for shooting in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, or in heavily shaded areas. However, it’s not strictly necessary for all types of rimfire shooting. If you primarily shoot in bright daylight, a non-illuminated reticle will likely suffice.
What is the difference between MOA and Mil-Dot reticles?
MOA (Minute of Angle) and Mil-Dot are both measurement systems used on reticles for aiming and range estimation. MOA clicks are typically 1/4″ or 1/3″ at 100 yards, while Mil-Dot reticles use ‘mils’ (approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards) for ranging. Many scopes use Mil-Dot for ranging and offer MOA adjustments, or vice versa.
Before you decide, it may help to compare this guide with best varmint scope, best scope in cyberpunk 2077, and best scope for rossi rs22.
Conclusion
Finding the best rimfire target scope really comes down to matching the optic’s features to your specific shooting needs. Whether you’re after the convenience of an all-inclusive package like the Armstrong Precision, the rugged reliability of the Hawke Vantage, the simplicity of the PRO RIMFIRE, or the versatile precision of the TRACT 22 FIRE, there’s a great option here. I’d lean towards scopes with adjustable parallax for that critical edge in accuracy. Take a look at these options, consider your budget and intended use, and you’ll be hitting those targets with newfound confidence in no time.
