When it comes to enhancing the performance of your Ruger American 22 Mag, choosing the right scope is crucial. With the right optics, you can significantly improve your accuracy and shooting experience. I've spent a considerable amount of time testing various scopes to find the best ones that complement this versatile rifle. In this article, I'll share my top recommendations, provide detailed reviews, and guide you through the process of selecting the perfect scope for your Ruger American 22 Mag.

Top 6 Best Scopes for Ruger American 22 Mag on the Market

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire⁠

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Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40⁠

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Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9x40⁠

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Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40⁠

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Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope 3-9x32⁠

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BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40⁠

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Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!

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1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire

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Specifications:

Magnification: 2-7x

Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm

Eye Relief: 3.9 inches

Field of View: 42-12.6 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: V-Plex

Best Features:

Fully multi-coated lenses

Capped reset turrets

Fast focus eyepiece

Second focal plane reticle

Pros:

Excellent clarity and brightness

Durable construction

Easy to zero and holds zero well

Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Limited to lower magnification range

Slightly bulky for some users

Experience and Fit: The Vortex Crossfire II is a fantastic match for the Ruger American 22 Mag. Its clarity and brightness stand out, making it ideal for rimfire shooting. I found the 2-7x magnification range perfect for both close and mid-range targets. The scope's durability ensures it can handle the recoil and rugged conditions, while the capped turrets and fast focus eyepiece enhance usability.

Customer Comments: Many users praise the Crossfire II for its value for money, often highlighting its clear optics and robust build. Some have noted that the limited magnification range is not a significant drawback given the typical use cases of a .22 magnum rifle.

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2. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40

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Specifications:

Magnification: 3-9x

Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm

Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66 inches

Field of View: 33.1-13.6 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: Rimfire MOA

Best Features:

Twilight Light Management System

Scratch-resistant lenses

Lightweight design

Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments

Pros:

Outstanding low-light performance

Rugged and lightweight

Precise adjustments

Leupold’s lifetime warranty

Cons:

Higher price point

No illuminated reticle

Experience and Fit: The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire scope excels in low-light conditions thanks to its Twilight Light Management System. The 3-9x magnification is versatile, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. Its lightweight design ensures it doesn't add unnecessary bulk to the Ruger American 22 Mag, maintaining the rifle's balance and handling.

Customer Comments: Users often commend the Leupold VX-Freedom for its exceptional clarity and performance in low-light conditions. Although it’s pricier than some alternatives, many believe the investment is worth it for the quality and durability offered by Leupold.

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3. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9x40

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Specifications:

Magnification: 3-9x

Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm

Eye Relief: 3.6 inches

Field of View: 33.8-11.3 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: BDC 150

Best Features:

Fully multi-coated optical system

Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets

BDC 150 reticle

Pros:

Clear and bright optics

Easy to zero

Affordable

Durable construction

Cons:

No longer in production (availability may be an issue)

No side parallax adjustment

Experience and Fit: Nikon’s ProStaff Rimfire II is a solid choice for the Ruger American 22 Mag, providing excellent clarity and brightness. The BDC 150 reticle is particularly useful for compensating bullet drop at longer distances. Despite being discontinued, this scope remains popular among shooters for its reliable performance and affordability.

Customer Comments: Many users have expressed their satisfaction with the ProStaff Rimfire II, noting its clear optics and ease of use. However, some have mentioned difficulties in finding this scope due to its discontinued status, advising potential buyers to act quickly when available.

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4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40

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Specifications:

Magnification: 3-9x

Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm

Eye Relief: 3.3 inches

Field of View: 40-14 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: Multi-X

Best Features:

Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses

Fast focus eyepiece

Waterproof and fogproof

Pros:

Excellent performance in low light

Durable and reliable

Affordable price

Easy to mount and adjust

Cons:

Eye relief could be better

Slightly heavy

Experience and Fit: The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its performance in low-light conditions is impressive, making it ideal for early morning or late evening hunts. The Multi-X reticle is straightforward and effective, providing a clear aiming point.

Customer Comments: Bushnell Banner users often highlight its great value for money, especially appreciating its performance in low light. Some have noted the eye relief could be improved, but overall, it's praised for its durability and reliability.

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5. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope 3-9x32

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Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope 3-9x32.png

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Specifications:

Magnification: 3-9x

Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm

Eye Relief: 3.75 inches

Field of View: 33-11 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: Truplex

Best Features:

HydroShield lens coating

SureGrip rubber surfaces

Parallax correction preset from 50 yards to infinity

Pros:

Affordable

Clear optics

Easy to adjust

Lightweight

Cons:

Less durable than higher-end models

Limited magnification range

Experience and Fit: The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope is a great entry-level scope for the Ruger American 22 Mag. Its clear optics and ease of adjustment make it a user-friendly option. The HydroShield lens coating ensures a clear sight picture, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Customer Comments: Many users appreciate the Simmons Truplex for its affordability and performance. It’s often recommended for beginners or those on a budget. Some have mentioned that it may not be as durable as more expensive scopes, but it's still a solid choice for casual shooting.

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6. BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40

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Specifications:

Magnification: 3-9x

Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm

Eye Relief: 4 inches

Field of View: 33-11 feet at 100 yards

Reticle: Duplex

Best Features:

Adjustable objective

Target turrets

Fully coated optics

Pros:

Affordable price

Good clarity and brightness

Specifically designed for .22 rifles

Easy to use turrets

Cons:

Heavier than some alternatives

Turrets can be a bit stiff

Experience and Fit: The BSA Sweet .22 is designed specifically for .22 rifles, making it a perfect match for the Ruger American 22 Mag. Its adjustable objective and target turrets make it easy to achieve precise shots. The scope’s clarity and brightness are commendable, especially given its price point.

Customer Comments: Users often commend the BSA Sweet .22 for its excellent value and performance. Some have noted that the turrets can be stiff, but overall, it's praised for its user-friendly design and reliability.

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How to Choose the Best Scope for Ruger American 22 Mag

Selecting the best scope for your Ruger American 22 Mag involves considering several key factors:

1. Magnification Range

For a .22 magnum rifle, a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x is generally sufficient. This range allows for versatility, accommodating both close-range and mid-range shooting.

2. Objective Lens Diameter

A larger objective lens diameter (such as 40mm) allows more light to enter the scope, providing a clearer and brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.

3. Reticle Type

The reticle type can significantly impact your shooting experience. For a .22 magnum, a simple duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle can be very effective.

4. Eye Relief

Ensure the scope has adequate eye relief to prevent any potential injuries from recoil. A minimum of 3.5 inches is recommended , but more is preferable for comfort and safety.

5. Durability

Since the Ruger American 22 Mag can be used in various environments, it's essential to choose a scope that is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This ensures it will perform well in different weather conditions and withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.

6. Turrets and Adjustments

Look for scopes with precise and easy-to-use turrets. Features like resettable turrets and parallax adjustments can enhance your shooting accuracy and convenience.

7. Lens Coatings

Fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission, reduce glare, and provide a clearer image. This is particularly important for shooting in low-light conditions.

8. Weight

A lightweight scope will be easier to handle and less likely to affect the balance of your rifle. This can be crucial for maintaining accuracy and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

9. Budget

While it's important to invest in a quality scope, there are many affordable options that offer excellent performance. Determine your budget and find a scope that provides the best value within that range.

FAQs

1. What magnification is best for a .22 magnum rifle?

A magnification range of 3-9x is typically ideal for a .22 magnum rifle, offering versatility for both close and mid-range shooting.

2. Do I need a specific scope for the Ruger American 22 Mag?

While you don't necessarily need a scope specifically designed for the Ruger American 22 Mag, choosing one that is suited for rimfire rifles will enhance your shooting experience.

3. How important are lens coatings on a scope?

Lens coatings are very important as they enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and improve the clarity and brightness of the image. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best option.

4. Is an illuminated reticle necessary for a .22 magnum scope?

An illuminated reticle can be beneficial in low-light conditions, but it's not essential. Many high-quality scopes without illuminated reticles perform well in various lighting conditions.

5. How do I mount a scope on my Ruger American 22 Mag?

Mounting a scope involves attaching scope rings to the rifle's base or rail, securing the scope within the rings, and ensuring it is properly aligned and leveled. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific mounting procedures.

6. Can I use a centerfire scope on a rimfire rifle?

Yes, you can use a centerfire scope on a rimfire rifle, but rimfire-specific scopes often have parallax settings more suitable for the typical distances shot with rimfire rifles.

Conclusion

Choosing the best scope for your Ruger American 22 Mag can greatly enhance your shooting experience, providing improved accuracy, clarity, and overall performance. After testing and evaluating various scopes, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II, Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire, Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II, Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn, Simmons Truplex .22 Mag, and BSA Sweet .22 stand out as top choices.

Each of these scopes offers unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize low-light performance, durability, or ease of use, there's a scope on this list that will meet your needs. By considering the factors outlined in the how-to section and reviewing the detailed product evaluations, you can make an informed decision and choose the best scope for your Ruger American 22 Mag.

Top 6 Best Scopes for Ruger American 22 Mag on the Market

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire

2. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40

3. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9x40

4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40

5. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope 3-9x32

6. BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40

How to Choose the Best Scope for Ruger American 22 Mag

FAQs

Conclusion

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