When it comes to rimfire rifles designed for young shooters or light, precise plinking sessions, few rifles are as iconic as the Henry Mini Bolt.
Finding the best scope for Henry Mini Bolt requires understanding its unique characteristics: it’s lightweight, single-shot, .22LR caliber, and intended for both beginners and seasoned rimfire enthusiasts.
Over the years, I’ve tested multiple optics across .22 platforms, from budget-friendly 3–9x scopes to high-end illuminated reticles, and in this article, I’ll share the ones that best balance size, clarity, and reliability.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Henry Mini Bolt of 2025
Here’s a quick overview of my top recommendations for pairing with the Henry Mini Bolt:
Each of these optics brings a unique advantage—lightweight design, clear glass, and dependable zero retention—all critical for maximizing the accuracy potential of a small-frame rimfire rifle.
1. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire Scope
The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 has long been a staple among rimfire shooters for its affordability and solid performance. It’s an ideal fit for the Henry Mini Bolt thanks to its compact form factor and parallax set for 50 yards—perfect for .22LR trajectories.
Product Specs
Pros
Lightweight and rimfire-specific parallax Affordable yet crisp optics SureGrip turrets easy for kids to adjust Cons
Slight color fringing at edges Glass Clarity & Reticle
Glass is better than most budget scopes. I noticed minor edge distortion, but the center clarity remains sharp. The Truplex reticle is simple and perfect for training new shooters.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief at 3.75 inches is forgiving—perfect for beginners learning proper cheek weld. The eye box is generous across the zoom range.
Durability
Nitrogen-purged and fog-proof, this scope endured rain sessions without issue. It held zero after 400+ rounds of standard .22LR CCI ammunition.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Each ¼ MOA click felt defined but slightly mushy. Still, the adjustments tracked well during a basic box test.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3–9x range is ideal for the Mini Bolt. The parallax preset at 50 yards keeps the focus consistent for typical .22LR shooting distances.
Mounting & Accessories
I used low-profile rimfire rings on the Mini Bolt’s dovetail rail—zero clearance issues.
My Experience
I mounted this on my Henry Mini Bolt using Warne 1-inch rimfire rings. Zeroing took just six rounds at 50 yards. The scope retained zero for weeks of youth training sessions—proving ideal for reliability and teaching fundamentals.
Online Customer Feedback
Rimfire enthusiasts on Reddit and rimfirecentral.com echo the same sentiment: unbeatable clarity and durability for under $60.
Verdict
If you’re outfitting a Henry Mini Bolt for a young shooter, the Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 offers unmatched simplicity and value.
2. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage series brings features often found in pricier optics: adjustable objective (AO), illuminated reticle, and clear multi-coated glass. It’s a step up in optical quality for rimfire accuracy.
Product Specs
Reticle: Mil-Dot Illuminated (Red/Green) Parallax: Adjustable from 10 yards to infinity Pros
Adjustable parallax down to 10 yards Excellent illumination in low light Crisp image even at high zoom Cons
Slightly heavier for small rifles Needs high rings to clear the bolt handle Glass Clarity & Reticle
Glass is sharp edge-to-edge with little chromatic aberration. The illuminated reticle aids in shaded or evening sessions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
At about 3.5 inches, it’s still forgiving. The Mini Bolt’s compact length benefits from adjustable mounting flexibility.
Durability
The anodized aluminum body feels premium. It handled rough handling and damp mornings well.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Tactile clicks, consistent tracking—Hawke’s turrets are more refined than most scopes in this price class.
Magnification & Parallax
Having an AO makes close-range accuracy exceptional. I was hitting bottle caps at 25 yards with pinpoint consistency.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted via 1-inch medium-height rings. Some shooters prefer high rings for bolt clearance.
My Experience
After zeroing with CCI Standard Velocity .22LR, I shot from 20 to 100 yards. Adjusting parallax allowed tack-driving accuracy—proof that this scope suits both paper and small game targets.
Online Comments
Many on RimfireCentral praise the Vantage AO for its “unbelievable value for the clarity,” especially for air rifles and rimfires alike.
Verdict
The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR is perfect for shooters wanting premium glass and flexible focus capability on the Henry Mini Bolt.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Rimfire MOA
Leupold’s VX-Freedom series offers legendary durability and top-tier glass in a lightweight body. Specifically, the Rimfire MOA version is tuned for .22LR drop profiles.
Product Specs
Pros
Crystal-clear optics with no distortion