Finding the best scope for Bergara BMR 22LR is more than just matching a piece of glass to a rifle—it’s about unleashing the true accuracy potential of this remarkable rimfire platform. The Bergara BMR (.22LR) is already known for its sub-MOA precision, crisp trigger, and smooth bolt throw.
Pairing it with the right optic elevates it from a capable plinker to a competition-grade rimfire rifle. In this detailed review, I’ll share my top optic recommendations based on field use, optical performance, and mounting experience on my Bergara BMR 22LR setup.
🏆 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Bergara BMR 22LR of 2025
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
This classic rimfire-friendly optic is a perfect match for the Bergara BMR. It balances affordability, sharp glass, and reliable mechanics. Designed with hunters and small-bore competitors in mind, the Crossfire II offers everything you need for consistent .22LR accuracy.
Product Specs:
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP) Adjustment: 1/4 MOA per click Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inches Pros:
Excellent clarity for its price Rugged, fogproof, and waterproof design Dead-Hold BDC calibrated well for .22LR drop Cons:
Slight edge distortion at high magnification Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The Crossfire II provides edge-to-edge clarity up to 9x. Its BDC reticle helps compensate for .22LR bullet drop at 75–150 yards with minimal math.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
The generous 4-inch eye relief ensures comfort even with varying cheek welds, especially useful on lightweight rimfires.
Durability:
Vortex’s nitrogen-purged aluminum tube easily handles recoil and rough field handling.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Crisp, tactile clicks. Each click tracks consistently and returns to zero after adjustments.
Magnification & Parallax:
The fixed parallax (100 yards) is decent for general rimfire shooting, though not perfect for precision under 50 yards.
Mounting & Accessories:
I used Vortex medium 1” rings on a 20 MOA Picatinny rail. It cleared the barrel perfectly and stayed zeroed after 400 rounds.
My Personal Experience:
At 50 and 100 yards, this scope performed flawlessly on my BMR. Zeroing took 8 rounds, and the optic held zero through multiple outings.
Online Comments:
On Reddit’s r/22LR, users praise the Crossfire II as a “budget tank” and say it’s the most reliable entry-level optic for the BMR.
Verdict:
Ideal for general rimfire shooting and hunting under 150 yards.
2. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP
If your BMR is set up for NRL22 or precision rimfire matches, the Arken EP5 is a beastly choice. It offers true tactical-grade features usually found in $1,500+ scopes.
Product Specs:
Field of View: 25.3–4.9 ft @ 100 yds Pros:
Crystal-clear Japanese glass Excellent tracking and zero stop FFP reticle ideal for precision holds Cons:
Heavier than most rimfire setups Overkill for casual shooters Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Exceptional clarity and contrast. The reticle scales perfectly with magnification, allowing accurate holds at any power.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Slightly tight at max zoom but manageable with proper cheek weld.
Durability:
Built like a tank—handles .308-level recoil easily, so on a .22LR, it’s rock solid.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Positive clicks, flawless tracking. I performed a box test, and it returned to zero every time.
Magnification & Parallax:
Parallax adjusts down to 25 yards—perfect for rimfire.
Mounting & Accessories:
Used Arken’s 34mm rings on a 20 MOA base. It’s tall, but balance was good with a bipod.
My Experience:
In NRL22-style targets (25–200 yards), this scope delivered absolute precision. The glass lets me see bullet trace even at 100 yards.
Online Comments:
Shooters on Sniper’s Hide love its repeatability and value for the price.
Verdict:
Perfect for long-range .22LR competitions and target work.
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50 FFP
Athlon’s Argos BTR GEN2 bridges the gap between affordability and tactical precision. It’s one of the most popular optics in the NRL22 community for a reason.
Product Specs:
Parallax: 10 yards to infinity Pros:
FFP reticle with accurate subtensions Adjustable parallax to 10 yards Cons:
Slight chromatic aberration at 24x Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Good edge clarity and color contrast. The illuminated APMR reticle works excellently for .22LR drop compensation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
About 3.3 inches—usable, but tight at high magnification.
Durability:
Tracks true, holds zero even after rough handling.
My Setup:
Mounted on a Bergara BMR carbon model using a 30mm one-piece mount. Zeroed at 50 yards with Eley Tenex; perfect clicks across elevation adjustments.
Reddit Opinions:
NRL22 shooters call it “the best sub-$500 FFP scope.”
Verdict:
A fantastic choice for those who want to compete or shoot steel plates out to 300 yards.
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
The Leupold VX-Freedom is a time-tested, lightweight, and crystal-clear optic ideal for small-game hunting or casual plinking.
Specs:
Parallax: Fixed at 60 yards Pros:
Extremely light and compact Cons:
Performance:
Perfectly complements the Bergara BMR’s sleek build. Parallax at 60 yards is just right for rimfire.
Personal Use:
This was my squirrel-hunting setup—held zero perfectly after 200 rounds.
Verdict:
For hunting and field use, this is the most practical lightweight optic available.
5. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
A rimfire classic. The Simmons .22 Mag scope is designed specifically for .22LR platforms, offering affordability without compromising function.
Specs:
Pros:
Pre-set for rimfire distances Cons:
Not ideal for precision shooting beyond 100 yards Verdict:
Great entry-level optic for casual shooters or beginners.
🔧 How to Choose the Right Scope for Bergara BMR 22LR
When picking a scope for the BMR, consider:
Magnification: For .22LR, 3–9x is perfect for hunting; 6–24x suits target shooting. Parallax Adjustment: A must for accuracy under 100 yards. Reticle Type: BDC or MIL hash reticles help compensate for rimfire bullet drop. Weight: Keep under 25 oz for balance unless competing. Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction is essential. ❓ FAQs
1. What magnification is best for Bergara BMR .22LR?
3–9x for hunting, 6–25x for precision or NRL22 matches.
2. Should I use FFP or SFP?
FFP for competition and variable ranges; SFP for static hunting distances.
3. Is a 20 MOA rail needed?
Yes, if shooting beyond 150 yards—it maximizes elevation adjustment.
4. What’s the best budget optic for BMR?
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 offers unmatched value.
5. What parallax distance is ideal?
Scopes with 10–50 yard adjustment are best for rimfire.
6. Can heavy scopes affect accuracy?
Yes—heavier optics can change the rifle’s balance; choose wisely.
7. Which reticle is best for .22LR drop?
MIL-dot or BDC with holdover marks are perfect for 50–150 yards.
🎯 Conclusion
After extensive testing, the best scope for Bergara BMR 22LR depends on your use case:
For general target and hunting: Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 For precision competition: Arken EP5 or Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 For ultra-light simplicity: Leupold VX-Freedom All five scopes deliver reliable accuracy, durable builds, and optical performance that matches the Bergara BMR’s superb precision. Whether you’re chasing rimfire trophies or just tightening your groups at 100 yards, these optics elevate your shooting to the next level.