Skip to content
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: TruplexFOV: 33 ft @ 100 yards (3x)Tube: 1-inchWeight: 10 ozAffordable and accurateParallax preset at 50 yardsExcellent clarity for priceDurable constructionNon-illuminated reticleBasic turret feedback
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDCTube: 1-inchAdjustment: ¼ MOAEye Relief: 3.8"Excellent optical clarityLifetime warrantyPrecise BDC reticleSlightly heavier for rimfire use
Magnification: 1.5–4xObjective Lens: 20mmReticle: DuplexTube: 1-inchWeight: 9.6 ozLegendary Leupold clarityFeatherweight buildLifetime guaranteeLimited top-end magnification
Magnification: 1–6xObjective Lens: 24mmReticle: ACSS 22LRIllumination: RedTube: 30mmPerfect .22LR-specific reticleIlluminated for low lightExcellent build qualitySlightly heavier
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Drop Zone BDCAdjustment: ¼ MOATube: 1-inchOptimized for AR platformsGreat field of viewSturdy and weatherproofSlight color fringing at high power
Magnification: 1–6x for close range; 3–9x for general use; 6–12x for precision target work.Reticle Type: A BDC or simple Duplex works best for .22LR’s arc trajectory.Parallax Setting: Prefer scopes with 50-yard parallax for rimfire rifles.Weight & Size: Keep it light; under 14 ounces keeps your AR balanced.Durability: Waterproof and fog-resistant builds are a must for outdoor plinking or hunting.Mount Compatibility: Choose 1-inch or 30mm rings compatible with your rail setup.
More
Share
Explore
5 Best Scope for AR 22: Top Optics for Precision Rimfire Shooting
When it comes to finding the best scope for AR 22, your goal is to balance clarity, weight, and precision. The .22 LR platform doesn’t need extreme magnification or heavy-duty tactical setups, but rather optics optimized for shorter ranges, rapid target acquisition, and crisp visuals.
After testing and reviewing dozens of scopes—from budget-friendly options to professional-grade optics—I’ve rounded up the best models that fit perfectly on AR-22 rifles.
🔝 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for AR 22 of 2025
Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best scope for AR 22 platforms:
1. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
The Simmons .22 Mag is one of the most iconic rimfire scopes ever made. It’s compact, affordable, and specifically designed for .22LR rifles—perfectly balancing optical clarity and lightweight performance.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Simmons’ optical coating provides a surprisingly clear image, even at full magnification. The Truplex reticle is simple yet functional for .22LR target shooting and small-game hunting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
With roughly 3.75" of eye relief, it’s comfortable and quick to acquire targets—ideal for young shooters or those using lightweight AR platforms.
Durability:
The scope is waterproof, fog proof, and recoil-resistant, easily handling thousands of rounds from my Ruger 10/22.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
¼ MOA clicks are consistent, though the knobs lack tactile sharpness compared to premium optics.
Magnification & Parallax:
The 3-9x range is perfect for .22LR distances up to 150 yards. The preset 50-yard parallax aligns well with rimfire shooting needs.
Mounting & Accessories:
Comes with dovetail rings suitable for .22 rails, making installation easy.
Personal Experience:
I mounted it on my Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 and achieved a clean zero in just 10 rounds. It held zero perfectly after 400 shots.
Online Customer Comments:
Reddit users in r/22lr praise the Simmons for its unbeatable value, calling it the “best under-$100 optic for plinking.”
Verdict:
A top entry-level choice for AR-22 users seeking clarity, reliability, and simplicity.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II is a step up for shooters who want more brightness, better glass, and a BDC reticle optimized for longer .22LR shots.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The multi-coated glass delivers excellent edge-to-edge clarity. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for adjusting drop compensation for subsonic and high-velocity .22 rounds.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous and forgiving, allowing quick target transitions—perfect for AR-style rifles.
Durability:
Shockproof aluminum housing easily endures thousands of .22 rounds.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Precise, audible clicks with a firm stop—among the best in its class.
Magnification & Parallax:
Perfect for rimfire shooting, and clear focus remains consistent from 25 to 150 yards.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on my AR-22 with a 20 MOA mount. Zeroed in under 6 rounds at 50 yards. The scope held zero flawlessly for over 500 rounds.
Online Comments:
Many shooters on AR15.com consider it the go-to mid-tier optic for .22LR ARs, calling it “a Vortex that performs like a Leupold for half the price.”
Verdict:
Outstanding value for serious rimfire shooters who want reliable adjustments and premium clarity.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Compact, ultra-clear, and American-made—Leupold’s VX-Freedom line sets a gold standard for rimfire precision.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Leupold’s Twilight Light Management system provides stunning low-light performance. The Duplex reticle is crisp, ideal for both daylight plinking and squirrel hunting at dusk.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Very forgiving eye box—natural and fast for snap shots up close.
Durability:
Built to military-grade standards, this optic easily handles AR recoil, moisture, and shock.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
¼ MOA precision with positive tactile clicks.
Magnification & Parallax:
Although limited to 4x, it’s ideal for 25–100 yards where .22LR shines.
Personal Experience:
Zeroing at 50 yards took 8 rounds on my M&P 15-22. Even after several hunts in fog and light rain, clarity remained spotless.
Online Comments:
Shooters praise the VX-Freedom for “tack-driving accuracy” and “rugged build quality unmatched under $300.”
Verdict:
Perfect for shooters seeking reliability, brightness, and a compact build.
4. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III
An LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) designed for AR-style rifles. Perfect if you want both close-range speed and mid-range precision from your AR-22.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Glass is clear with minimal distortion. The ACSS reticle provides built-in bullet drop compensation for .22LR—ideal for rapid ranging.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.3–3.5” eye relief; comfortable and fast on an AR platform.
Durability:
Aircraft-grade aluminum body and nitrogen purging ensure it’s waterproof and fog-resistant.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Precise and smooth, with zero reset capability.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on an Aero Precision AR-22 with a 30mm cantilever mount. Zeroed at 50 yards with sub-MOA grouping consistency.
Online Comments:
Reddit’s r/AR15 users rave about its “tactical versatility” and “true 1x clarity.”
Verdict:
A professional-grade LPVO for shooters who demand speed, precision, and rugged reliability.
5. Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
Purpose-built for AR-style rifles, Bushnell’s Drop Zone offers excellent value and crisp clarity for budget-conscious marksmen.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Bright, crisp image with a ballistic BDC reticle specifically tuned for .223 and .22LR drops.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.7" relief makes it comfortable for repeated shooting sessions.
Durability:
Built like a tank—Bushnell’s coatings and nitrogen purge make it both fog- and rain-resistant.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on my PSA AR-22 upper. Zeroed easily, and after 600 rounds, it still tracked perfectly.
Online Comments:
Praised across rimfire forums as a “budget champion” for tactical-style AR .22 builds.
Verdict:
A great mix of affordability and ballistic accuracy for beginners and casual range shooters.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Scope for an AR-22
When choosing optics for an AR-22, focus on features that match the rifle’s light recoil and typical range (25–150 yards):
❓ FAQs
Q1: What magnification is best for an AR-22?
A: 3–9x is ideal for versatility. It covers both 25-yard plinking and 100-yard precision shots.
Q2: Do I need a parallax-adjustable scope for .22LR?
A: Not necessarily, but scopes with parallax set at 50 yards will deliver sharper accuracy.
Q3: Can I use a centerfire-rated scope on an AR-22?
A: Yes, and it’s even better—since .22LR recoil is light, those scopes will last longer.
Q4: Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
A: It helps in low light but isn’t essential for most daytime shooting.
Q5: Which scope is best for beginners?
A: The Simmons .22 Mag is unbeatable for beginners and offers exceptional value.
Q6: What’s the best premium option?
A: The Leupold VX-Freedom—bright, tough, and built for lifelong performance.
🏁 Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for AR 22 depends on your style—target shooting, hunting, or tactical plinking. For beginners, the Simmons .22 Mag is unbeatable in value. For enthusiasts, the Vortex Crossfire II and Primary Arms SLX deliver tactical precision and durability. No matter which you choose, these optics bring out the full potential of your AR-22 rifle.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.