The Best Scope For S&W Victory 22 can dramatically improve the accuracy and shooting enjoyment of this popular rimfire pistol. Whether you're punching paper at 25 yards, competing in rimfire challenge events, or stretching your .22 LR out to 100 yards from a benchrest setup, the right optic makes a noticeable difference. The Smith & Wesson Victory is known for its excellent trigger, inherent accuracy, and optics-ready design, making it an ideal platform for magnified optics. After evaluating the available options based on optical quality, weight, eye relief, durability, and suitability for a .22 LR handgun platform, I selected six scopes that stand out for different shooting applications.
Top Product List: Best Scope For S&W Victory 22
– Best Overall for Rimfire Pistols – Best Lifetime Warranty – Best Lightweight Option
Detailed Reviews
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
The Simmons .22 Mag has earned a long-standing reputation among rimfire shooters. Its rimfire-specific parallax setting and lightweight construction make it particularly well-suited for the S&W Victory platform.
Product Specs
Pros
Designed specifically for .22 LR
Cons
Limited low-light performance
The glass clarity is surprisingly good considering its price category. During bright daylight sessions at 25 and 50 yards, I found target edges crisp with minimal distortion. The Truplex reticle remains easy to see against paper targets.
Eye relief is forgiving and makes it easy to maintain sight alignment from various shooting positions. The eye box remains comfortable throughout the magnification range.
Durability is more than adequate for rimfire use. Mounted on a Victory with a Weaver rail, it maintained zero through several hundred rounds of CCI Standard Velocity and Federal AutoMatch ammunition.
The elevation and windage knobs feature positive clicks. During a simple tracking test involving multiple adjustments at 50 yards, the scope consistently returned to zero.
The 3-9x magnification range provides excellent versatility. At 3x, target acquisition is fast, while 9x allows precise aiming on small bullseyes.
Mounting is straightforward due to its compact dimensions and low weight. It pairs nicely with standard rimfire rings.
My personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive. During an outdoor range session with mild winds and overcast conditions, I was consistently producing sub-inch groups at 50 yards. The optic never felt oversized on the pistol.
Online discussions on rimfire forums frequently recommend the Simmons as one of the best values available. Users often highlight reliability and ease of use.
Verdict
For most shooters seeking a dependable optic, this is my top recommendation.
UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster has become a favorite among rimfire enthusiasts thanks to its compact footprint and adjustable objective system.
Product Specs
Adjustable Objective: Yes
Pros
Cons
Turrets feel slightly stiff
Glass quality is respectable. The adjustable objective helps eliminate parallax errors at close distances, which is valuable when shooting a rimfire pistol at 15–25 yards.
Eye relief remains generous throughout the magnification range. I found it particularly forgiving when shooting from unsupported positions.
The scope feels rugged. UTG built the BugBuster with durability in mind, and it handles regular range use without issue.
Turrets provide repeatable adjustments. While they are not match-grade, they performed well during zeroing sessions.
Magnification is ideal for rimfire applications. The adjustable objective allows focus at closer distances than many competing models.
Mounting accessories are typically included, adding value for budget-conscious shooters.
My experience involved mounting the BugBuster on a Victory fitted with a cantilever rail. During testing at 25, 50, and 75 yards, I appreciated the close-focus capability and ability to fine-tune image sharpness.
Online comments often praise its versatility and durability. Rimfire shooters frequently mention using it successfully on pistols, carbines, and air rifles.
Verdict
Shooters wanting maximum versatility from a compact optic should strongly consider the BugBuster.
Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage delivers premium-level optical performance at a mid-range price point.
Product Specs
Pros
Close parallax adjustment
Cons
Slightly larger footprint Higher price than entry-level options
The glass stands out immediately. Edge-to-edge sharpness remains impressive, and chromatic aberration is minimal.
Eye relief is comfortable and allows rapid target acquisition. The eye box remains forgiving even at maximum magnification.
Durability is excellent. Hawke's reputation among rimfire and airgun shooters is well deserved.
Turrets feature precise clicks with dependable tracking. During a box test at 50 yards, the adjustments remained predictable.
The adjustable objective is particularly useful for precision .22 LR work at varying distances.
Installation on the S&W Victory is straightforward with quality rings and a rail adapter.
My testing included shooting steel targets between 25 and 100 yards. The clarity advantage over cheaper scopes became increasingly noticeable as distances increased.
Online users frequently praise Hawke's optical performance and reliability. Rimfire competition shooters often cite it as an underrated option.
Verdict
For shooters prioritizing image quality, the Hawke Vantage is a fantastic choice.
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
Vortex continues to dominate the optics market thanks to dependable performance and one of the industry's strongest warranties.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Larger than dedicated rimfire scopes
Glass clarity is impressive with excellent contrast and brightness. The Dead-Hold reticle offers useful holdover references for longer rimfire shots.
Eye relief remains consistent and comfortable. The eye box is forgiving enough for rapid shooting sessions.
Durability is a major strength. The scope feels robust and inspires confidence.
The turrets deliver repeatable adjustments and maintain zero effectively.
Magnification is well suited for target shooting from 25 to 100 yards.
Mounting requires slightly higher rings compared with compact rimfire optics due to the larger objective lens.
My experience included testing in sunny and cloudy conditions. The scope tracked accurately and held zero throughout extensive shooting sessions.
Online feedback consistently highlights reliability and Vortex's exceptional customer service.
Verdict
If warranty coverage is important to you, the Crossfire II is difficult to beat.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom offers premium quality in a remarkably lightweight package.
Product Specs
Pros
Outstanding optical quality
Cons
Lower maximum magnification
The glass quality is exceptional. Images remain bright and sharp despite the smaller objective lens.
Eye relief is generous and contributes to fast sight acquisition.
Durability is excellent. Leupold optics are known for surviving years of hard use.
Turrets are precise and reliable, making zeroing straightforward.
Although magnification tops out at 4x, it remains sufficient for most practical rimfire pistol applications.
Its lightweight construction keeps the S&W Victory balanced and easy to handle.
During testing, I particularly appreciated the natural handling characteristics. The pistol felt quick and responsive while still benefiting from magnification.