If you are in the market for the best rimfire scope for hunting, you have come to the right place. We have created this rimfire scope’s buying guide to help you find a model that caters for all of your rimfire hunting needs.
Varmint and small game hunting is by far the most fun activity you can have with your rimfire gun. It becomes even more fun when you have a quality scope at your disposal. A top-notch rimfire scope will bring you closer to the action, magnify the small game and turn your hunting trips into a success. It will also aid in fast acquisition of targets which is vital when hunting small game.
What Makes a Great Rimfire Scope for Hunting?
When shopping for the best rimfire scope for hunting, there are multiple features you need to look for. One of the features that a great rimfire scope for hunting should have, is a variable zoom power to help you hunt game at different ranges.
Secondly, the scope should be made with premium-quality glass to enhance color accuracy and resolution. It should also come with solid lens coatings to enhance the transmission of light when you are hunting is low light conditions.
Furthermore, a great rimfire scope for hunting has to have a weatherproof construction to ensure unimpeded field use. It should be O-ring sealed and filled with inert gas to be fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof.
In addition, the scope should be well-built to offer unmatched durability. It should have a robust and reliable construction that is rigid enough to withstand the rough and tough handling that comes with hunting.
A great rimfire scope for hunting also features a lightweight construction for maneuverability convenience and a long eye relief to ensure snug and safe observation with or without eyewear.
8 Best Rimfire Scope for Hunting
Finding a rimfire scope that matches you needs and hunting habits is no mean feat. With the plethora of products available on the market, it becomes a difficult and time-consuming task especially for the first time buyers.
This post covers the best rimfire scopes for hunting that are suitable for every modern hunter out there. Without wasting any more, let’s jump right in.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
First up we have the VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope. Leupold, a household name in the field of optics is known for its tough and well-made optics and this model is not an exception. It is cost-effective, simple to use and ideal for a wide range of hunting applications.
Featuring a Twilight Light Management System, the scope is ideal for hunting in nearly all lighting conditions. The system plus the premium quality optics provide the best image brightness and clarity, even in twilight conditions.
Furthermore, the scope boasts the legendary Leupold ruggedness. It has a 1-inch main tube that is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum to ensure durability and longevity. For added protection, it has scratch resistant lenses and a waterproof and fog proof construction to ensure unimpeded field use.
This rimfire rifle scope also features a long eye relief to accommodate users with or without eyeglasses and lightweight construction for easy maneuverability as you look for game.
Features
- 1-inch main tube
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Matte finish
- Aircraft quality aluminum housing
Pros
- Quality construction
- Easy on the wallet
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight design
- Excellent craftmanship
Cons
- The rings are not included
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics has a reputation of making premium-quality, cost-effective scopes geared towards precision shooting. The Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is not any different. It has a user-friendly design and a variable 2-7x magnification which makes it ideal for close and medium range hunting with the rimfire rifle.
Furthermore, the scope is made to last. It is built with aircraft grade aluminum and machine-locked lenses so you can take it on any hunt without any fear of scratches or breakage. Moreover, it is waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions and shockproof to withstand heavy recoil and rough handling.
Another highlight of the scope is the unmatched optical performance. It has fully multi-coated lenses which reduce glare and light loss due to reflection. This increases light transfer especially in low light settings and ensures that the images produced are bright and crisp clear.
For added convenience, the scope features capped reset turrets to avert accidental adjustments, and a fast focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing. It also offers a long eye relief for comfortable observation even during prolonged glassing sessions.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Capped reset turrets
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Hard anodized finish
- 1-inch main tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Clear glass
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3) Bushnell Banner 3-9×50 Multi-X Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Banner 3-9×50 is the best rimfire scope for hunting in low light conditions. It has an oversized 50mm objective lens which collects as much light as possible in low light settings. It is also equipped with Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses which increase light transmission to produce bright and crisp clear images even in low light settings.
At 100 yards, the scope provides a field of view of 36ft to help you get on game fast and ensure that nothing is left undiscovered. Apart from that, it has a fast focus eyepiece which provides clear target views and finger adjustable turrets with resettable dials for quick and accurate target acquisition.
To minimize glare when you are hunting in broad daylight, the scope comes with a matte satin finish which also makes it scratch proof. Furthermore, it has spring clip assembly for enhanced accuracy and reliability, and a sure grip power change ring for quick and easy magnification adjustments.
Above all, the scope is 100% waterproof, dust proof and fog proof for use even in harsh weather conditions.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and dry-nitrogen filled
- One-piece, 1” main tube
- Sure grip power change ring
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment
- Spring clip assembly
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Excellent low light visibility
- Lightweight design
- Great glass quality
Cons
- Not illuminated
4) SIG SAUER Whiskey3 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Next up we have the SIG SAUER Whiskey3 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope. Designed to excel in a variety of situations, this scope is makes a perfect companion for varmint and small game hunting.
It has an impressive 3-9x zoom range. At 3x, the scope provides a large field of view for easy target finding. It also provides superior precision for quick target acquisition when you ramp up the zoom power to 9x.
Complementing the versatile zoom range is the 50mm aperture which ensures that the images generated at every zoom setting are of high quality. Additionally, the scope employs low dispersion glass to reduce chromatic aberration and provide stunning optical clarity in any situation. It also has fully multi-coated lenses which deliver vivid sight pictures even when you are hunting in low light settings.
Regarding construction, the scope is crafted using high-grade materials to enhance durability. It is also built with aa matte finish to prevent glare and an European style eyepiece to ensure smooth, rapid and precise reticle adjustment.
This versatile rifle scope also boasts a waterproof and fog proof construction that makes it a perfect addition to any weapon while ensuring that it is operable in any weather condition.
Features
- 3x optical zoom
- Low dispersion glass
- Second focal plane reticle
- European style eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Matte finish
- Fog proof and IPX-7 waterproof rating
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Stunning low light performance
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- The image quality is poor at highest zoom settings
5) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
If you are a hunting beginner, the Diamondback 3-9x40mm rifle scope is your ideal option. It is made with an array of intuitive and user-friendly features all at a price that is easy on the wallet.
Firstly, the scope has pop-up dials which provide easy and precise windage and elevation adjustment. This is important to ensure quick and accurate target acquisition. Besides, the turrets are capped for added protection from bumps and impacts, and with the precision glide erector system, you are guaranteed of repeatable tracking and adjustment.
Moreover, the scope has a MAG-View fiber optic for smooth magnification adjustment and a fast focus eyepiece for simple focusing of the reticle. In terms of construction, the body is crafted from aircraft grade aluminum and coated with a hard anodized finish to make it scratch proof and rust resistant.
Like any other Vortex optic, the scope is built to be operable in all weather conditions. It is purged with Argon gas to drive out moisture and prevent internal fogging. It is also sealed to be 100% waterproof and fog proof.
This rifle scope also brings to the table a shockproof design for added protection and fully multi-coated lenses which offer bright and clear sight pictures from dawn till dusk.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Water, fog and shock proof
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- MAG-View fiber optic
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Crisp clear glass
- Lightweight and durable
- Good reticle
Cons
- Mushy turrets
6) Primary Arms 3-9x44mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms 3-9x44mm Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope for hunting for the budget buyers. While this rifle scope is cheap, it does not cut any corners on durability or quality. It is built with quality and reliable features to last long and help you get the most out of your hunting trips.
With a mere weight of 18.0oz, the scope is light, portable and simple to use. Additionally, it has fully multi-coated optics which provide bright and clear image views even in poor light settings. It is also equipped with a fast focus eyepiece for smooth reticle focusing and capped finger adjustable turrets to prevent accidental dialing in the field.
Furthermore, the scope has a shockproof design to stand up to recoil and impacts. It is also waterproof to be usable even in harsh weather conditions and nitrogen purged to keep the lenses free of fog.
Above all, this second focal plane rifle scope employs a thin edge technology which provide consistently clear sight pictures from one edge to the other.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 600g shockproof rating
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 6063 aluminum housing
- Capped, finger-adjustable turrets
- This Edge Technology
- 30mm main tube
- 3-9x magnification range
Pros
- Great value
- Crisp clear sight picture
- Lightweight design
- Decent eye relief
- Versatility
Cons
- No illuminated reticle
7) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
The Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope is built with some of the finest features which make it one of the most reliable rimfire riflescopes out there. It has a variable 3-9x magnification for use at varying ranges and a wide field of view for quick target finding.
The scope boasts a QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece which delivers a constant eye relief of 3.5 inches in the entire magnification range. This ensures comfortable use of the scope with or without eyeglasses. Better yet, it has high-quality optical glass which delivers stunning resolution and color accuracy, and fully-coated optics to enhance image brightness and sharpness.
For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. It also features a HydroShield lens coating which keeps the lenses moisture and dirt-free, in all-weather conditions.
Other essential features included are an adjustable parallax, easy-to-use Truplex reticle and a SureGrip rubber surface which allows for easy adjustments in any shooting conditions.
Features
- Black matte finish
- High-quality optical glass
- Waterproof and fog proof
- SureGrip rubber surfaces
- QTA eyepiece
- HydroShield lens coating
- Truplex reticle
Pros
- Constant and accommodating eye relief
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Parallax free viewing from 50 yards to infinity
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No warranty
8) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage IR 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Hawke Sports Optics Vantage IR 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. It has a phenomenal 3-9x magnification which gives you the flexibility to acquire targets at varying ranges. It also maintains a decent eye relief of 3.5” at every zoom setting to ensure comfortable glassing.
The scope is made to redefine your hunting experience when the sun goes done. This is thanks to the illuminated reticle with five different brightness settings. In addition to that, the scope boasts 11 layers of lens coatings to offer admirable image clarity even in the poor lighting conditions.
This 1-inch tube scope is built to last. It is crafted from aluminum which guarantees longevity and durability without adding any extra bulk. It also features a glass-etched reticle for added durability and a fog proof and waterproof construction to be operable in all weather conditions.
The Vantage IR 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is also equipped with a fast focus eye bell for quick target acquisition and a high torque zoom ring for effortless magnification adjustment.
Features
- 1/4 MOA low profile fingertip turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eye bell
- 11 layer fully multi-coated optics
- Glass-etched reticle
- 1-inch mono-tube aluminum chassis
- High torque zoom ring
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Rugged construction
- Easy to zero
- Decent eye relief
Read Also
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- Best Night Vision Scopes for AR-15
- Best LPVO Scopes
- Best Scopes for Big Game Hunting
How to Choose a Rimfire Scope for Hunting
Whether you are looking to buy your first rimfire scope for hunting or you are in the market for an upgrade, here are the key factors you should consider when making your selection.
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing to consider. The magnification power for rimfire scopes for hunting vary from one product to the other for you to choose one that is best for your hunting needs. In most cases a variable power rimfire scope with 2-7x or 3-9x magnification power is ideal for virtually all hunting applications.
Durability
Next, consider the build quality of the scope. When hunting, the scope gets subjected to rough handling, harsh impacts and accidental falls. If it is of low quality, it will only serve you for a short duration and then break down.
To avoid this, look for a scope that is built-well to last long. The best rimfire scope for hunting will also be shockproof to withstand recoil, and waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief which is the distance from which you have to put the scope from your eye and get a full, clear picture of the target is an important part of every scope. If the scope’s eye relief is too little, you will have a hard time glassing comfortably. You can even injure your eye when the scope recoils.
For rimfire hunting, you need a scope with at least 3.5” of eye relief. It will be comfortable to look through with or without eye wear. A long eye relief will also prevent eye fatigue irrespective of how long you look through the scope.
Lens Coatings
In a scope, lens coatings are very important. They determine how clear the sight pictures will be when you look through the scope. Ensure that you get a scope with proper and quality lens coatings to optimize image clarity. The scope should also have top-tier glass optics to enhance resolution and image quality.
Weight
Lastly, consider the weight of the scope. A light scope will not only be easy to carry, but also simpler to mount and use. Lightweight scopes also have the added advantage of scattering recoil more effectively and not getting in your way during use.
FAQs
- How much magnification do I need?
The magnification you need largely depends on your hunting range and individual preference. But on average, a variable power scope with 2-7x or 3-9x magnification is sufficient. It will let you take shots as close as 50 yards and as far as 400 yards and beyond with ease.
- Are rimfire scopes worth it?
Absolutely. Rimfire scopes make a great addition to any rimfire rifle. They are ideal for both hunting and shooting where they enhance your shooting accuracy as well as the distance at which you are able to place a shot accurately.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has given you all the information you need to get the best rimfire scope for hunting. The scopes we have mentioned above are made with a multitude of the finest features to revolutionize your hunting trips and take your hunting skills to the next high level. Look at the features that make each scope a good purchase and choose appropriately.