Ever wondered if you can get a great scope for your .22 rifle without spending a fortune? Many shooters think you need to break the bank for clear sights, but that’s not always true! Finding a budget rimfire scope can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that works well, but the prices can be confusing. It’s tough to know which ones are good and which ones will just waste your money.
This guide is here to help! We’ll show you what to look for in a budget rimfire scope. You’ll learn about features that really matter and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident choosing a scope that fits your needs and your wallet. Get ready to improve your shooting without emptying your pockets!
Our Top 5 Budget Rimfire Scope Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Budget Rimfire Scope Detailed Reviews
1. CVLIFE JackalHowl 1-4×20 LPVO Rifle Scope with Cantilever Mount
Rating: 9.1/10
The CVLIFE JackalHowl 1-4×20 LPVO Rifle Scope is a versatile optic designed for rimfire rifles. It offers a range of features, making it suitable for hunting and target practice. This scope aims to provide clear views and quick adjustments for shooters.
What We Like:
- It’s great for different shooting distances, from close up to a bit further away.
- The scope comes with a handy mount and lens covers.
- The lenses are coated to give you a bright and clear picture, even when there’s glare.
- The illuminated BDC reticle helps you aim accurately without fiddling with the knobs.
- You can easily reset the turrets to zero after you’ve sighted in your rifle.
- It’s built tough from aluminum and is waterproof and shockproof, so it can handle rough use.
- It stays zeroed even after shooting many .22 rounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1-4x magnification might be limiting for very long-range shots.
- More detailed information on the specific BDC hash mark ranges would be helpful.
Overall, the CVLIFE JackalHowl 1-4×20 LPVO scope offers a lot of value for its features. It’s a solid choice for rimfire shooters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use optic.
2. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag 4×32 Riflescope
Rating: 9.2/10
Unlock your shooting potential with the Simmons Truplex .22 Mag 4×32 Riflescope. This scope is designed for accuracy and durability, making it a fantastic choice for .22 Magnum and other low-caliber rifles. It’s also a great option for airsoft enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear. The TrueZero Adjustment System ensures your aim stays true, shot after shot. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right away.
What We Like:
- Precision Targeting: The 4x magnification and 32mm objective lens offer a super clear view. You can easily see your target and make accurate shots.
- Durable Construction: This scope is built tough. It uses high-quality materials and has a matte finish that stands up to rough conditions.
- Easy to Mount: Simmons includes mounting rings, so you can attach this scope to most rifles without any trouble. It’s a convenient addition to your equipment.
- Versatile Use: Whether you’re hunting, enjoying shooting sports, or out in nature, this scope works well for many outdoor activities.
- Trusted Brand: Simmons is known for making good optics. This scope is a reliable choice that gives you good value for your money.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for its intended purpose, the 4x magnification might be limiting for targets at very long distances.
- The included rings are functional, but some users might prefer a wider selection of ring types for specialized mounting needs.
The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag 4×32 Riflescope is a solid choice for shooters who need a reliable and accurate optic for their rimfire or low-caliber rifles. It offers great performance and ease of use.
3. Armstrong Precision Rimfire: 4-16X44 Scope for .22LR. Side Focus for Appleseed Target Plinking Hunting and Competition Shooting Sports.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16X44 scope is a fantastic optic designed for your .22LR rifle. It’s perfect for everything from casual plinking at Appleseed events to serious hunting and competitive shooting. This scope brings clarity and precision to your rimfire experience.
What We Like:
- It offers a wide 17.5 Mils of elevation adjustment, which is about 60 MOA. This gives you plenty of room to dial in your shots.
- The lockable and re-settable turrets are a big plus. They stop you from accidentally bumping your settings. Once you’re zeroed, you can easily reset them for quick adjustments.
- It has a Mil-Dot reticle that’s great for estimating distances and holdovers. The reticle is calibrated at 16x magnification, making it easy to learn and use.
- The side parallax focus is a game-changer for .22LR shooting. It adjusts from as close as 15 yards all the way to infinity. This means you get a clear picture of both your reticle and your target, even at close ranges.
- Everything you need is included! Scope rings, lens caps, and a sunshade come with the scope. You can get it ready to go right out of the box without any extra purchases.
- It weighs only 1 pound 2 ounces without the rings and caps, so it won’t add much bulk to your rifle.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Mil-Dot reticle is useful, some shooters might prefer a more complex reticle for advanced competition.
- The included rings have specific torque specs (15 inch/lbs for top screws, 20 inch/lbs for side rail screws). It’s important to follow these for proper installation.
This Armstrong Precision Rimfire scope is an excellent value, providing a feature-rich experience for .22LR shooters. It’s a versatile and ready-to-go optic that will enhance your shooting.
4. Hawke Vantage IR 3-9×40 Rimfire .22 HV Rifle Scope – Illuminated
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hawke Vantage IR 3-9×40 Rimfire .22 HV Rifle Scope is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves shooting .22 LR high velocity rounds. It’s designed specifically for this popular ammunition, making your shots more accurate and your hunting or plinking trips more successful. This scope brings clear views and reliable performance to your favorite .22 rifle.
What We Like:
- It’s made just right for .22 LR High Velocity rounds. The special reticle helps you aim accurately at different distances.
- The lenses are really clear and bright. They let in lots of light, so you can see your target even when it’s not super sunny.
- It’s built tough. It can handle getting wet, foggy, or bumped around. It’s also backed by a strong warranty.
- You can light up the reticle in red or green. This helps you see it better in dim light. The markings are easy to read from 50 to 200 yards.
- It’s easy to use. The zoom ring is smooth, and the adjustment knobs are simple to turn and won’t snag.
What Could Be Improved:
- The magnification range is good for many situations, but some shooters might want even more zoom for very long shots.
- While the reticle is great for .22 HV, those who shoot other types of .22 ammo might need a different scope.
This scope truly enhances the .22 LR shooting experience. It offers great value for its performance and durability.
5. TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series
Rating: 9.3/10
The TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series, Diamond Reticle, Black is a fantastic optic for hunters and shooters. It offers a clear view and tough construction. This scope is designed to help you hit your targets with confidence, no matter the situation.
What We Like:
- It gives you a bright and clear view, even in tough weather.
- The scope is built strong with aircraft-grade aluminum. It won’t scratch easily.
- The special diamond reticle is great for hunting deer and turkey.
- It comes with rings that fit shotguns perfectly.
- This scope is fog-proof and waterproof, so it works in any weather.
- It includes an elastic lens cover to protect the lenses.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4x magnification might be too low for some very long-range shots.
- While durable, some users might prefer more advanced reticle options for specific hunting styles.
This TRUGLO scope is a reliable and effective choice for many hunting and shooting needs. It’s built to last and perform well in the field.
Your Guide to Awesome Budget Rimfire Scopes
Finding the right scope for your rimfire rifle doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. A good budget rimfire scope can make plinking, small game hunting, and even target practice much more fun. This guide will help you pick a scope that fits your needs and your wallet.
What to Look For in a Budget Rimfire Scope
When you’re shopping for a budget scope, some features are more important than others.
Key Features to Consider:
- Magnification: This tells you how much closer the scope makes things appear. For rimfire rifles, a variable magnification is often best. A range like 3-9x is very popular. It lets you zoom in for small targets or zoom out for a wider view.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the front lens of the scope. A larger objective lens (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. This means a brighter picture, especially when the sun is going down.
- Reticle: This is the aiming crosshair you see inside the scope. Simple duplex reticles are common and easy to use. Some scopes have special reticles designed for rimfire cartridges, which have “holdover” marks to help you aim at different distances.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece while still seeing a full picture. Good eye relief means you won’t bump your forehead on the scope when the rifle recoils (even rimfire rifles have a little kick!).
Materials Matter
The stuff a scope is made of affects how tough and clear it is.
Important Materials:
- Body Tube: Most budget scopes use aluminum. Look for aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s strong and light.
- Lenses: The glass inside the scope is super important. Coated lenses help light pass through better. This makes the image brighter and sharper. Multi-coated lenses are even better.
Quality: What Makes a Scope Shine (or Not Shine!)
Not all scopes are made the same. Some things make them better, and some things make them worse.
Factors Affecting Quality:
- Build Quality: A well-built scope feels solid. It doesn’t have loose parts. The adjustments for windage (side-to-side) and elevation (up-and-down) should feel crisp and precise. Cheap scopes might feel wobbly or have adjustments that slip.
- Optical Clarity: This is how clear and sharp the image is. Even budget scopes can have good clarity. Look through them if you can. Do the edges look fuzzy? Is the color natural?
- Durability: A good scope can handle bumps and drops. Many are waterproof and fog proof. This means they won’t fog up inside when you go from a warm place to a cold one.
Using Your Scope: Experience and Fun
How you use your scope will help you decide what you need.
User Experience and Use Cases:
- Plinking: Just shooting for fun at targets like tin cans or paper targets. Most budget scopes work great for this. You don’t need super high magnification.
- Small Game Hunting: Hunting squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals. You need a scope that can give you a clear shot at reasonable distances. Good light gathering is helpful for early morning or late evening hunts.
- Target Shooting: Competing or practicing for accuracy. You might want a scope with a reticle that helps you make precise shots at longer ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best magnification for a rimfire scope?
A: A variable magnification between 3x and 9x is usually perfect for most rimfire uses. It gives you flexibility for different distances.
Q: Do I need a scope with special rimfire reticles?
A: It’s not required, but rimfire reticles can help. They have marks to help you aim more accurately at different distances without constantly adjusting the scope.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a decent budget rimfire scope?
A: You can find good budget rimfire scopes for under $100. Some excellent options are available between $50 and $150.
Q: Are expensive scopes always better?
A: Not always! For rimfire rifles, a good budget scope can perform just as well as a more expensive one for many tasks.
Q: What does “waterproof” and “fog proof” mean for a scope?
A: Waterproof means the scope can handle rain or being submerged briefly without damage. Fog proof means the inside of the lenses won’t fog up when you change temperatures.
Q: How do I clean my scope lenses?
A: Use a lens cleaning cloth and a special lens cleaning solution. Never use paper towels or rough cloths, as they can scratch the lenses.
Q: Can I use a rimfire scope on a larger rifle?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Rimfire scopes are designed for the light recoil of rimfire rounds. A larger rifle could damage a rimfire scope.
Q: What is parallax?
A: Parallax is when the reticle seems to move when you move your eye behind the scope. Many rimfire scopes are set to be parallax-free at common rimfire distances, like 50 yards. This helps with accuracy.
Q: How important is eye relief?
A: Eye relief is very important for comfort and safety. It lets you get a full picture without your eye being too close to the scope.
Q: Where can I buy budget rimfire scopes?
A: You can find them at outdoor sporting goods stores, online retailers, and gun shops.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!