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Magnification: 1–8xObjective Lens: 28mmTube Diameter: 34mmFocal Plane: First (FFP)Weight: 22.5 ozReticle: VHR (Variable Hybrid Reticle)Eye Relief: 3.7–4.1 inchesAdjustment Value: 0.1 MILExceptional clarity for a sub-$500 LPVOTrue 1x setting for fast acquisitionCrisp FFP reticle scalingDurable 34mm tubeSlightly heavier for the PMR-30 frameEye box tightens at higher magnification
Magnification: 1–6xObjective Lens: 24mmFocal Plane: Second (SFP)Reticle: ACSS Gen III BDCWeight: 16.9 ozEye Relief: 3.5–4.0 inField of View: 110 ft @ 100 yds (1x)Perfect balance of weight and clarityIntuitive ACSS BDC reticleExcellent illumination brightnessBudget-friendlySFP reticle not ideal for long-range holdsSlight edge distortion at 6x
Magnification: 1.5–4xObjective: 20mmTube: 1-inchWeight: 9.6 ozReticle: DuplexEye Relief: 4.2 inchesParallax: Fixed @ 100 ydsUltra-lightweight, perfect for PMR-30Excellent glass for its sizeGenerous eye reliefLifetime Leupold warrantyLacks illuminationNo tactical reticle options
Magnification: 3–9xObjective: 40mmTube: 1-inchReticle: Dead-Hold BDCEye Relief: 3.8 inField of View: 33.8–12.6 ft @ 100 ydsExcellent optical performance for the priceReliable zero retentionVortex lifetime warrantySlightly large for a pistol platformNo illumination
Magnification: 1–6xFocal Plane: First (FFP)Tube: 30mmReticle: SR-2 (Illuminated)Weight: 20 ozEye Relief: 3.1–4.0 inMilitary-grade constructionRazor-sharp clarity and illuminationPerfect for close to midrange shootingPremium priceSlightly heavier
Magnification: 1–6x or 1–8x is ideal. Anything beyond 9x adds weight without practical benefit.Focal Plane: SFP works fine for rimfire; FFP only if you want advanced ranging.Weight: Keep it under 20 oz to preserve balance.Reticle Type: A BDC or ACSS reticle helps compensate for the flat but fast .22 WMR.Eye Relief: Minimum 3.5 inches to avoid awkward head positions.Durability: Recoil is mild, but choose nitrogen-purged optics for fog resistance.
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Best Scope for PMR 30: Top Compact Optics for .22 WMR Accuracy
Finding the best scope for PMR 30 can transform this lightweight .22 WMR pistol from a fun plinker into a precise rimfire performer. The Kel-Tec PMR-30, with its flat trajectory and impressive 30-round magazine, deserves a scope that matches its versatility—something compact, durable, and precise for both target shooting and varmint control. After personally testing a variety of optics on the PMR platform, I’ve narrowed down the best options that deliver both clarity and balance without overpowering the pistol’s light frame.
Top Product List
Here are my top picks for the PMR-30 setup, balancing weight, optical clarity, and practical magnification ranges:
Detailed Reviews
1. Arken Optics EP8 1-8x28 LPVO First Focal Plane Riflescope 34mm Tube
The Arken Optics EP8 is one of the most well-balanced optics I’ve tested on the PMR-30. It delivers tactical-level clarity in a compact package, offering a 1–8x magnification range perfect for rimfire shooting distances.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Arken’s multi-coated lenses provide vibrant contrast and edge-to-edge clarity. The FFP reticle scales with magnification, allowing accurate holdovers even at 100 yards with the .22 WMR.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is generous at around 3.8 inches, but the eye box can feel restrictive past 6x magnification—common for FFP optics.
Durability
I mounted it using a 34mm cantilever mount on the PMR-30 rail. Despite several hundred rounds, the zero held firmly. The scope’s anodized aluminum body shrugged off dust and recoil without issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Tactile and crisp. Each 0.1 MIL click was repeatable. I ran a simple box test at 50 yards—zero shift was less than 0.1 MIL total.
Magnification & Parallax
Magnification adjustment is smooth. Parallax is factory set at 100 yards, which works well for rimfire distances.
Mounting & Accessories
Used lightweight Arken rings. The 34mm tube may require a specific mount, but it fits securely and maintains ideal cheek weld height.
Personal Experience
On the PMR-30, the EP8 felt slightly front-heavy but still manageable. Shooting 40-grain CCI Maxi-Mag rounds, I achieved consistent 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards.
Online Feedback
On Reddit’s r/Optics community, users praise Arken for their “budget Nightforce” quality, often comparing the EP8’s glass to optics twice the price.
Verdict
If you want a tactical-grade LPVO for precision plinking or small game hunting, the EP8 offers unmatched value.
2. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III Rifle Scope
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The ACSS reticle is the highlight here. Designed for fast ranging and holdover correction, it’s remarkably useful with the flat .22 WMR trajectory. The glass clarity is crisp for this price segment, though edges soften slightly at max power.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Very forgiving, even at full magnification. Eye relief is consistent and comfortable.
Durability
Primary Arms scopes are known for toughness. After 400 rounds, zero was unaffected. The anodized finish resists scratches and glare.
Turrets & Adjustments
1/2 MOA clicks with audible feedback. Simple and reliable.
Magnification & Parallax
Smooth adjustment. Fixed parallax at 100 yards—perfect for PMR-30 ranges.
Mounting
Used lightweight rings on a Picatinny adapter. Balance felt perfect—did not disturb the pistol’s handling.
Personal Experience
Using Hornady 30gr V-MAX rounds, my groups averaged 1.2 inches at 50 yards. The BDC dots matched closely to 25, 50, and 100 yards zero points.
Online Discussion
Forum shooters at RimfireCentral praise the SLX 1-6x for its versatility and reliability, calling it a “set it and forget it” optic.
Verdict
Ideal for shooters who want intuitive holdovers and fast reticle acquisition without adding weight to the PMR-30.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass quality here is stunning for such a compact optic. Edge-to-edge resolution remains consistent even in low light. The simple Duplex reticle suits quick shooting and varmint work.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Extremely forgiving. I could easily maintain a full sight picture from various positions.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank. It’s fully waterproof, fogproof, and recoil-proof. After a day at the range with 300 rounds, zero stayed rock solid.
Turrets
Simple capped turrets with precise 1/4 MOA clicks—ideal for set-and-forget zeroing.
Magnification & Parallax
The 1.5–4x range is perfect for the PMR-30’s effective distances. Parallax is set at 100 yards.
Mounting & Experience
I mounted it with low 1-inch rings to keep the PMR’s low profile. The lightweight nature made it handle like an iron-sight setup with added precision.
Community Feedback
Leupold fans on forums consistently rank the VX-Freedom as one of the most dependable rimfire-friendly scopes ever made.
Verdict
For those who want simplicity, clarity, and reliability above all, the VX-Freedom is a perfect match for the PMR-30.
4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass & Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed for bullet drop compensation. It works surprisingly well for .22 WMR, allowing precise holds out to 150 yards.
Eye Relief & Comfort
Generous eye relief makes it feasible to use with a PMR-30 carbine conversion or mounted offset.
Durability
Fully waterproof, nitrogen purged, and recoil-tested. It endured harsh sunlight and temperature shifts without fogging.
Personal Range Results
Zeroed at 50 yards in just 10 shots using CCI TNT 30gr ammo. Maintained consistent POI even after a full day’s shooting.
Forum Discussion
Many shooters on rimfire forums report using this exact model for both .22 LR and .22 WMR rifles, citing its long-term reliability.
Verdict
A versatile scope for those who might later use it on a rimfire rifle or conversion kit.
5. EOTECH Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Optical Performance
The Vudu’s glass rivals high-end European optics. Colors pop vividly, and reticle illumination is daylight bright.
Eye Relief & Comfort
Even with recoil impulses from the PMR-30, the generous 4-inch eye relief provided a comfortable experience.
Build Quality
Aircraft-grade aluminum housing, argon purged, and IPX8 waterproofing. It’s overbuilt for the PMR-30 but future-proof if you move to larger calibers.
Experience
Mounted with an ADM QD mount, it maintained zero perfectly after multiple removals. The SR-2 reticle is incredibly fast at 1x and precise at 6x.
Online Consensus
Redditors in r/tacticalgear frequently praise the Vudu for its durability and “real glass clarity.”
Verdict
The EOTECH Vudu is for shooters who demand premium optics and plan to use their PMR as a precision training platform.
How to Choose the Right Scope for PMR 30
When picking optics for the Kel-Tec PMR-30, prioritize weight, eye relief, and magnification practicality. Here’s what I’ve learned through real testing:
For PMR-30 owners who occasionally mount their pistol in carbine configurations, consider compact LPVOs or lightweight rimfire scopes with true 1x low ends.
FAQs
1. Can you mount a full-size rifle scope on a PMR-30?
Yes, but balance and handling suffer. Stick to lightweight optics or LPVOs for optimal ergonomics.
2. What’s the effective range of a PMR-30 with a scope?
With proper ammo and a 6x scope, you can achieve 1.5-inch groups at 75 yards and accurate hits at 100 yards.
3. Should I choose FFP or SFP for rimfire?
SFP is usually better since magnification remains constant and it’s more affordable.
4. Is red dot better than scope for PMR-30?
For fast plinking, yes. But for precision or varmint shooting, a low-power scope provides better accuracy.
5. Does the PMR-30’s recoil affect zero retention?
Not significantly. Most quality scopes retain zero perfectly due to the pistol’s mild recoil impulse.
6. What mount works best?
A lightweight Picatinny low-profile mount. Avoid tall mounts that raise the optic too far from bore axis.
7. Which scope offers best value for money?
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm delivers the best all-round performance and durability under $300.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for PMR 30 is about finding balance—literally and functionally. The PMR-30 thrives with compact optics that don’t overburden its lightweight frame. For my money, the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24 offers the best blend of clarity, durability, and functionality for rimfire use, while the Leupold VX-Freedom remains the most intuitive option for pure reliability. If you want top-tier glass and future-proof performance, the EOTECH Vudu 1-6x24 is unbeatable.
Each of these scopes complements the PMR-30’s unique characteristics, enhancing precision and shooting enjoyment across all distances.
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