Ruger 10/22 is a legendary semi-automatic rifle that is widely used for varmint and small game hunting. It was introduced way back in 1964 and since then, it continues to be the go-to rifle for most hunters. In our post today, we are going to focus on the best scope for Ruger 10/22.
A good optic is a handy sighting gear to have on the Ruger 10/22. It will enhance your performance in the hunting field by helping you find and acquire targets with ease. A quality and well made scope also goes a long way to help you achieve maximum accuracy with this rifle and push it to its full potential.
Whether you use your Ruger 10/22 for varmint control and small game hunting or recreational target shooting and skill development, you want to mount a quality optic on it to bring out its best. But with so many options available, knowing which model to choose is no mean feat. We have done the hard work for you. We have scoured the market and put together a list of the best scopes for Ruger 10/22 that make a valuable addition to this rifle.
But first things first, let’s start by taking a look at the design features that make a great scope for Ruger 10/22.
What Makes a Great Scope for Ruger 10/22?
A great scope for Ruger 10/22 is made of not one but a wide variety of features. They include:
Multi-Coated Optics
A great scope for Ruger 10/22 should have all the air to glass surfaces coated with anti-reflective coatings to limit glare and increasing light transmission.
Quality Construction
Solid and sturdy construction is another feature that a scope for Ruger 10/22 must have. The better the build quality the longer the scope will last.
Sufficient Eye Relief
The other important attribute of a great scope for Ruger 10/22 is long eye relief for comfortable fatigue-free shooting.
Weatherproof Construction
The best scope for Ruger 10/22 has to have a weatherproof construction to protect the optics from moisture damage. It should also be fog proofed to maintain a clear field of view in all kinds of weather conditions.
Best Scopes for Ruger 10/22
When shopping for the best scope for Ruger 10/22, you will find that there are plenty of models available out there. Here is a selection of the very best models that we recommend for your hunting, plinking and target shooting needs. Let’s have a look.
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is by far the best scope for Ruger 10/22. Built in 1-inch main tube diameter, the optic harbors a ton of quality and user-friendly features to help you take full advantage of your rifle.
It is versatile enough to meet all your hunting and target shooting needs at close to medium ranges. Furthermore, the scope provides stunning optical performance in all lighting conditions. This is made possible by the fully multi-coated optics that boost light transmission and maximize performance in low light.
High build quality is another feature that makes the scope stand out. It has a single-piece body tube made from aircraft grade aluminum. Furthermore, the turrets are capped to prevent accidental adjustment and provide extra shield from bumps. The scope is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
This variable powered rifle scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece to help with quick and easy focusing of the reticle. It is also equipped with a fast reset to zero function that keeps it sighted for longer.
Features
- 2-7x total magnification
- Single-piece 1-inch main tube diameter
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Anodized aluminum body
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Scratch resistant Armortek lens coating
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generous eye relief
- Holds zero well
- Easy to sight in
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Image quality is poor at higher magnifications
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Coming in second is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. Leupold is known for its rugged and versatile optics and the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is not built any different. It is durable, reliable and great for a variety of shooting applications.
This scope offers the best value for money. It is unbelievably inexpensive but built with a ton of high-quality features that you need to enhance your performance in the field. Besides, it offers unmatched accuracy and dependability, even in the most unforgiving shooting environments.
Weighing a mere 12.2oz, the scope is ultra-light for easy maneuverability. In terms of construction, it is made with 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is durable enough to weather the roughest handling. This rifle scope also has water, fog and dust protection for uninterrupted field use.
Optically, it has a Twilight Light Management System that makes glassing in low light a walk in the park. Over and above that, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope brings to the table a generous eye relief to fit all users, with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch body tube
- Twilight Light Management System
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- Robust 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight yet durable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Quality glass
Cons
- Non illuminated
3) Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Sitting comfortably in third is the Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope. If you are a beginner in hunting and target shooting, this optic suits you. It is very easy to use and reasonably affordable.
The selling point of this scope is durability. It is designed and build with a single piece of aluminum to endure whatever comes its way. With the quality construction, you are assured of many years of reliable performance as well as unmatched durability and longevity.
Furthermore, the scope is perfect for use in virtually any lighting condition. It has a large 40mm objective lens that enhances low light performance and fully multi-coated lenses that assist in the transmission of light.
Over and above that, it sealed to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside the optics. The optical tube is also purged with nitrogen gas to significantly reduce moisture inside the tubes and keep the lenses free on fog.
Features
- Fixed focus
- 3-9x magnification power
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Capped turrets
- Second focal plane Center X reticle
- 1-inch body tube
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight construction
- Rugged and reliable housing
- Accurate and versatile
Cons
- Short eye relief
4) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for Ruger 10/22 is Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This 1-inch tube scope is optimized for hunting. It is great for a wide range of hunting applications at close to medium ranges.
The variable 3-9x magnification is built in a second focal plane reticle that does not change in size with change in magnification. This reticle is easy to shoot with and it does not obstruct the target in any way to ensure precision aiming.
When it comes to construction, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is made with high-quality materials to enhance performance and boost durability. Furthermore, the optical tube is filled with dry nitrogen and sealed on both ends to be fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof.
The scope is designed to excel in all lighting conditions. It employs Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lenses that optimize image brightness and detail even in low level light settings. Other than that, the scope features a fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing.
Features
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Multi-coated optics
- Multi-X second focal plane reticle
- 3-9x total magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 40mm objective diameter
Pros
- Low price
- Large field of view
- Very bright and clear optics
- Easy adjustments
Cons
- Poor eye relief
5) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope will fine tune your performance with the Ruger 10/22 irrespective of the kind of shooting you will be doing.
It is built with a Twilight Light Management System, a system that enhances low light performance. It adds more shooting light in twilight conditions and enhances image brightness and clarity is such light settings.
With an eye relief of 4.2-3.7”, the scope allows comfortable glassing with or without eyewear. Over and above that, it boasts a wide field of view for quick scanning and acquisition of targets. This scope also features a lightweight design of 11.1oz so it will be easy for you to carry it in the field.
In addition to everything else, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope has a durable and rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body tube that is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 2-7x variable magnification
- Twilight Light Management System
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 75 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Scratch resistant lenses
Pros
- Decent build quality
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight construction
- Excellent value
Cons
- Lens covers not included
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for Ruger 10/22 in our list is the Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope. Getting this scope for hunting or target shooting applications will better your performance come what may and make every expedition more enjoyable.
It features a variable 3-9x magnification power that is ideal for close and medium range shooting. It provides a wide field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition when you increase the zoom to 9x.
Construction-wise this rifle scope has a 1-piece main tube made from aircraft grade aluminum. It is this robust construction that makes it ideal for use in all environments. Further, the scope has an envied steel-on-steel adjustment system to improve mounting options.
For added convenience, the Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope has a lightweight construction of 13oz and a European style eyepiece that requires no locking mechanism. It also boasts a Ballistic plex reticle that is put on the rear focal plane. The reticle maintains the same size in the entire zoom range and automatically compensates for bullet drop from 100 to 500 yards.
Features
- HiLume multi-coated lenses
- Second focal plane Ballistic plex reticle
- European style eyepiece
- 3-9x magnification power
- 1-inch body tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- High grade optical glass
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accurate and versatile
- Quality construction
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
7) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm is a premium quality rifle scope that is optimized for multiple applications. Ideal for users of all levels, this rifle scope provides reliable optical performance in all hunting and shooting environments.
The highlight of this rifle scope is construction quality. It has a rugged and ultra-durable design engineered to weather extreme conditions. On top of that, it is shockproof, fog proof and submersible to 10ft to ensure uninterrupted field use.
To complement the solid construction, the scope is designed with a generous windage and elevation adjustment for highest total travel. The easy focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing while the diopter included accommodates every shooter’s individual prescription.
What’s more is the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope features battery-free reticle illumination that enables precise aiming in any light. Furthermore, the windage and elevation adjusters require no tools to make adjustments and they are capped to ensure no accidental shift during use.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Capped windage and elevation turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Tritium/fiber optic illumination
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- 30mm body tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-6x total magnification
Pros
- Confident aiming in any light
- Lightweight
- Outstanding durability
- Generous eye relief
- Quick and easy adjustment
Cons
- Costly
What Magnification Do You Need?
For precision target shooting, hunting and pest control, the Ruger 10/22 has an effective range of about 150 yards. For such a range, you will need a variable scope with moderate magnification.
Generally, a rifle scope with 3-9x magnification power is sufficient for such a range. It will help you cover various ranges with ease without sacrificing on the field of view.
See Also
- 7 Best Scope for Marlin 336
- 7 Best Scope for 270 Winchester
- 7 Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
- 7 Best Scope for Ruger AR-556
Things to Look for in the Best Scope for Ruger 10/22
Build Quality
Build quality is the first and most important feature to look for when shopping for a Ruger 10/22 scope. Generally, the type of materials used to make a scope determine its overall build quality.
Go for a scope that is crafted with the hard wearing materials such as aircraft grade aluminum. Such scopes are good at withstanding rough handling and regular wear and tear. Quality construction is also vital as it affects the overall performance of the scope.
Optics
Secondly, consider the quality and type of optics the scope uses. The best scope for Ruger 10/22 is made with high-quality glass elements to maximize resolution, detail and color accuracy. Over and above that, the scope should have superior anti-reflective coatings applied on the lenses. These coatings are responsible for limiting glare and enhancing light transmission.
Ease of Handling
The next thing to take into account is ease of handling. For you to get the absolute best from your scope, it must be designed with ease of handling in mind. Firstly, the scope should be easy to mount and dismount from the rifle. Furthermore, it should be easy to shoot and to make adjustments during use
Weight
Weight is another important facet to consider. Irrespective of whether you use your Ruger 10/22 for hunting, pest control or target shooting, you need a lightweight scope that weighs less than 2 pounds. Anything heavier than that will get in your way of shooting and affect the precision and balance of the rifle.
Eye Relief
In scopes, eye relief varies from one device to the other. If you are buying a scope for the very first time, eye relief is a measure of how far your eye has to be from the scope’s eyepiece and still ensure that you have a full field of view.
It is an important thing to consider, more so if you wear eyeglasses. The longer the eye relief, the better. A tip is to get a scope that maintains an eye relief more than 3.5” at both high and low magnification setting.
FAQs
- What is the Ruger 10/22 good for?
The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary semi-automatic rifle whose versatility is unparalleled. It is fun to shoot with for users of all ages and levels, and a great firearm for target shooting, plinking and hunting small and medium sized game.
- Should you scope a Ruger 10/22?
Yes, you should use a scope on your Ruger 10/22. When you add a quality and reliable scope on your Ruger 10/22, you will be in an excellent position to maximize its performance and make the most out of it. A scope also goes a long way to make this rifle more thrilling to shoot with irrespective of the kind of shooting you will be doing.
Conclusion
Investing in the right Ruger 10/22 scope is key to achieving the most out of it. With plenty of options to pick from, keep in mind that the kind of activity you purpose to use the scope play a significant role in determining the model that you get. Hopefully, this guide has given you some great options for Ruger 10/22 scopes to get you started.