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 22 Scopes 2025 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

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Mil-C Reticle Ultra-Compact Rugged Black Matte Hunting Scope (C623)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,331
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and high-quality glass that stands out even compared to other premium optics.
Reticle Type
Illumination in the reticle is optimized for low-light conditions, providing crisp visibility at dusk and night without being distracting during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged design and reliable performance justify the higher price point, reflecting the brand’s reputation for excellence.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is built especially for hunters looking for a versatile and durable optic. Its wide 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) allows quick switching between close and long-distance shots, making it useful in different hunting situations. The large 50mm objective lens helps capture plenty of light for clear images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The MIL-C reticle is simple but precise, with illuminated markings that help with aiming in tough conditions. You get a broad 41.8 feet field of view at the lowest magnification, which is helpful for tracking moving targets. Eye relief is a solid 3 inches, offering comfortable use without worrying about recoil impact. Parallax adjustment is effective down to just 11 yards, improving accuracy at varying distances.

One notable strength is its rugged design; it’s made to handle extreme weather and rough environments, with waterproof, fogproof, and shock-resistant features. The ZeroStop elevation adjustment is a handy feature for quickly returning to your zero point after long-range shots, which can save time and improve consistency. However, the scope weighs 1.77 pounds, so it might feel a bit heavy for those wanting a lightweight setup. Additionally, while the scope is very durable and feature-rich, it doesn’t include night vision capabilities, which might limit its use in total darkness.

This scope is suited for serious hunters who need a reliable, tough optic with a flexible zoom range and clear reticle for varied shooting conditions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,331
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and high-quality glass that stands out even compared to other premium optics.
Reticle Type
Illumination in the reticle is optimized for low-light conditions, providing crisp visibility at dusk and night without being distracting during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged design and reliable performance justify the higher price point, reflecting the brand’s reputation for excellence.
#2

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

Rating
9.1
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13613 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing sharp and accurate sight pictures even on smaller rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable and quick target acquisition without the typical 'scope black eye' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It offers excellent value, combining solid performance and durability at a very reasonable price point.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout riflescope is designed with scout rifles and hunting in mind, offering a versatile 2-7x magnification range that suits both close and moderate distance shooting. Its 32mm objective lens is a solid middle ground, providing a bright image without adding much bulk or weight. The V-Plex reticle is a straightforward, popular choice for general hunting, helping you aim quickly without complicated markings. One standout feature is the generous 9.45 inches of eye relief, which means you can position your eye comfortably behind the scope and still get a clear sight picture—great if you move your head quickly when aiming. The field of view at 42 feet allows a good amount of area to see at 100 yards, balancing detail and visibility fairly well for this magnification.

While the scope doesn’t specify parallax adjustment, it’s common in scopes of this type to have fixed parallax at typical hunting distances, so it might not be ideal for extreme precision shooting at very long ranges. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is tough and designed to handle rough conditions; plus, it’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it holds up well outdoors. The capped reset turrets let you zero in and easily return to zero after adjustments, which is helpful for hunters needing quick scope tweaks. The fully multi-coated lenses improve clarity and light transmission, enhancing image brightness.

This scope isn’t intended for night vision use and has a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle size doesn’t change with magnification, which some shooters may prefer for consistency but others might find limits detailed range estimation. The Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout riflescope is a reliable, user-friendly choice for hunters and scout rifle users who want solid performance, durability, and easy target acquisition without extra complexity.

Rating
9.1
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13613 reviews

Reticle Type
The scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing sharp and accurate sight pictures even on smaller rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief ensures comfortable and quick target acquisition without the typical 'scope black eye' effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It offers excellent value, combining solid performance and durability at a very reasonable price point.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Rating
8.8
Reticle Type
Field of View
Eye Relief

Most important from
13613 reviews

Reticle Type
The glass clarity and crisp reticle make this scope feel like a quality optic.
Field of View
Clear views with minimal darkness make it bright and easy to use.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and minimal black eye ring provide an excellent sight picture.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope holds zero even after hundreds of rounds, ensuring reliable performance.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 riflescope is a versatile option within the Crossfire II lineup. It offers a magnification range of 2x to 7x, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios. The 32mm objective lens, combined with fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses, ensures bright and clear views, which is crucial for accurate targeting. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for hunters who need to estimate holdover at different ranges, providing a clear advantage in varied hunting conditions.

The scope's 3.9-inch eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box allow for quick sight picture acquisition, enhancing usability in fast-paced environments. Additionally, the fast focus eyepiece simplifies reticle focusing, further adding to the user-friendly experience. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II boasts robustness and shockproof performance, while the O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging guarantee waterproof and fogproof reliability, making it a dependable choice in harsh weather conditions. Weighing 1.4 pounds, it's lightweight enough for extended use without causing significant fatigue.

However, it's worth noting that this scope does not include night vision capabilities, which might be a limitation for those needing low-light performance. The unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty provided by Vortex is a significant plus, offering peace of mind with a promise to repair or replace the product if it becomes damaged or defective (excluding loss, theft, deliberate damage, or cosmetic damage that doesn't affect performance). The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking a reliable, versatile, and durable scope for various conditions.

Rating
8.8
Reticle Type
Field of View
Eye Relief

Most important from
13613 reviews

Reticle Type
The glass clarity and crisp reticle make this scope feel like a quality optic.
Field of View
Clear views with minimal darkness make it bright and easy to use.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and minimal black eye ring provide an excellent sight picture.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope holds zero even after hundreds of rounds, ensuring reliable performance.

Buying Guide for the Best 22 Scopes

When choosing a 22-scope, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Whether you're target shooting, hunting, or just plinking, the right scope can make a big difference in your accuracy and overall shooting experience. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get a scope that meets your needs.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects how well you can see and aim at your target. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are great for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range shooting, while higher magnification (10x and above) is ideal for long-range precision. Choose a magnification level based on the typical distance you'll 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 general use. Medium diameters (33-40mm) offer a good balance of light transmission and size, while larger diameters (41mm and above) provide the brightest images, ideal for low-light conditions. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to choose the right objective lens size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can help with various shooting scenarios. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can assist with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Think about your shooting style and needs to select a reticle that will help you aim more accurately.
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. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically have a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. Choose a scope with a FOV that matches your shooting needs, whether it's for quick target acquisition or detailed long-range shots.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are more comfortable and safer to use, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' injury. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil rifle, look for scopes with generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
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 at different distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a specific distance (usually 100 yards), while those with adjustable parallax can be fine-tuned for various ranges. If you plan to shoot at different distances, a scope with parallax adjustment can help you maintain precision.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand the elements and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they perform well in various conditions. High-quality materials and construction will also contribute to the scope's longevity. Consider the environments you'll be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.

FAQ