Skip to content
Share
Explore

5 Best Scope for Browning BL-22: Top Optics for Precision and Fun Plinking

When it comes to finding the best scope for Browning BL-22, the search can get surprisingly complex. The BL-22 lever-action rifle is a lightweight, fast-handling .22 LR rifle known for its buttery-smooth short-throw lever and old-school craftsmanship.
Because of its low recoil and compact design, you need a scope that complements—not overwhelms—it. After testing a dozen popular rimfire scopes, I’ve rounded up the best options that fit perfectly on the BL-22 for small-game hunting, target shooting, and backyard plinking.

🔍 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Browning BL-22 of 2025

Here are my top picks for scopes that match the Browning BL-22’s performance and aesthetics:
– Best Overall .22LR Scope for BL-22
– Best Budget Pick
– Best for Small-Game Hunting
– Best for Durability and Brightness
– Best Entry-Level Optic

1️⃣ Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 — Best Overall .22LR Scope for Browning BL-22

image.png
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 delivers legendary Leupold clarity, ruggedness, and simplicity. It’s lightweight, perfectly balanced for the Browning BL-22, and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Reticle: Duplex
Weight: 12.2 oz
Eye Relief: 3.7–4.2 in
Adjustments: ¼ MOA clicks
Parallax: Fixed at 60 yards

Pros

Excellent glass clarity and low-light performance
Featherlight and compact — ideal for lever rifles
American-made with Leupold’s lifetime warranty
Crisp turrets and smooth magnification ring

Cons

No adjustable parallax
Higher price point than rimfire-only scopes

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The VX-Freedom’s lenses are fully multi-coated, producing razor-sharp images even in early morning light. The Duplex reticle is classic and uncluttered — perfect for fast target acquisition on small varmints.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Generous eye relief ensures a comfortable cheek weld on the BL-22’s low comb. The eye box is forgiving, which is critical for a lever-action rifle where quick shoulder mounts are common.

Durability

The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof — built to handle everything from field bumps to rain-soaked hunts.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Tactile and precise ¼ MOA clicks with firm resistance. It tracked consistently in my 50-yard box test.

Magnification & Parallax

The 3–9x range is perfect for the BL-22’s .22LR ballistics, keeping things lightweight yet versatile.

Mounting & Accessories

I mounted it with Leupold Rifleman 1-inch low rings on the BL-22’s dovetail rail. Perfect fit and alignment with the hammer.

My Personal Experience

Mounted on my Browning BL-22 Grade II, zeroing took only 7 rounds at 50 yards. After 300 rounds of CCI Mini-Mags, the zero didn’t shift. At dusk, squirrels at 40 yards were easy pickings with its bright optics.

Online Customer Comments

Hunters on RimfireCentral and Reddit praise it for “optical quality unmatched under $300” and its ability to “stay zeroed forever.”

Verdict

If you want the best blend of optical quality, reliability, and looks for your BL-22 — this is it.

2️⃣ Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire — Best Budget Pick

image.png
The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 has been the go-to rimfire scope for decades. It’s affordable, reliable, and purpose-built for .22 rifles like the BL-22.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 32mm
Reticle: Truplex
Weight: 10 oz
Eye Relief: 3.5 in
Click Value: ¼ MOA
Parallax: Adjustable (50 yards)

Pros

Extremely affordable
Rimfire parallax setting
Lightweight and balanced
Great clarity for the price

Cons

Plastic turret caps
Limited low-light performance

My Personal Experience

I installed this scope using medium dovetail rings. It zeroed quickly with CCI Standard Velocity ammo and held zero after 250 shots. It’s a superb choice for casual plinking and small pests.

Verdict

Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a dedicated .22 optic without spending big money.

3️⃣ Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR — Best for Small-Game Hunting

image.png
The Hawke Vantage AO IR brings precision to rimfire shooting. It features an adjustable objective and illuminated reticle — ideal for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Illumination: Red/Green
Parallax Adjustment: 10 yds – ∞
Reticle: Mil-Dot
Weight: 17 oz

Pros

AO parallax is perfect for short-range rimfire accuracy
Crisp illumination
Excellent build quality

Cons

Slightly heavier than Leupold or Simmons
Illumination could be brighter on sunny days

My Personal Experience

Zeroing was straightforward at 50 yards. Using CCI Mini-Mag 40gr, I consistently grouped under ½ inch. The AO helped refine focus at close range, and the illuminated reticle stood out under tree shade.

Verdict

For hunting small game at varying ranges, this is a standout optic for the BL-22.

4️⃣ Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC) — Best for Durability and Brightness

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.