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10 Best 22 Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 is a high-end riflescope designed specifically for long-range shooting and hunting. It offers a versatile magnification range from 6x to 36x, making it easy to zoom in on distant targets with great clarity. The large 56mm objective lens allows plenty of light to pass through, resulting in bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions. It features an illuminated first focal plane reticle with options for red or green illumination, which helps maintain precise aiming at any magnification level and in various lighting conditions. The reticle’s center is illuminated, focusing on the exact aiming point without cluttering the view.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,217
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
15 reviews

Magnification
At higher magnifications, the field of view narrows, which can slow target acquisition on moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, outperforming many competitors.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle is bright and focused exactly on the aiming point without cluttering the view, enhancing target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing comfortable and easy alignment behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience difficulty with parallax adjustment and reticle alignment at longer distances, causing point of impact to shift with head movement.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's robust build and weather resistance provide confidence for harsh outdoor use and long-term durability.
#2
9.4 score

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

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.

Rating
9.4
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.
#3
8.8 score

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

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.

Rating
8.8
Reticle Type
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13616 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.

Top 10 Best 22 Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6x to 36x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Reticle Type: Illuminated FFP, red/green light
Parallax Adjustment: Present
Durability and Weather Resistance: 34mm metal tube, shock, weather-resistant

Chosen by 1217 this week

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

Magnification: 2.5-20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle Type: Mil-Dot Crosshair
Field of View: 41.8 feet
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Parallax Adjustment: Effective down to 11 yards
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shock-resistant

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

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: V-Plex
Field of View: 42 ft
Eye Relief: 9.45 inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, aluminum

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

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC
Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 22-48x65 Angled

Magnification: 22-48x
Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
Durability and Weather Resistance: O-ring sealed, argon purged

BURRIS The Oracle Bowsight OracleX (300410)

Magnification: 2x to 7x
Reticle Type: Mil-dot
Field of View: 47 feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: durable aluminum mount

Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - XLR-2 Reticle (MOA)

Magnification: 4.5-22x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle Type: XLR-2 (MOA)
Eye Relief: 4 Inches
Parallax Adjustment: Yes
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof and fogproof
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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.

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