When you’re aiming for precision and clarity in your shooting, choosing the right rimfire scope is essential. The 8 Best Rimfire Scopes of 2024 offer a range of options tailored to various needs, from the Vortex Optics Crossfire II to the Leupold VX-Freedom series, each known for their durable construction and advanced features.

But what specific qualities make these scopes stand out?And how do you decide which one suits your shooting style and environment best? Let’s explore the standout features and unique benefits of each model to help you make an informed choice.

Top 8 Best Rimfire Scopes on the Market 2024

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout Riflescope⁠

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Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope⁠

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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope⁠

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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope⁠

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Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope⁠

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Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes⁠

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Burris Droptine 3-9x 40mm Riflescope⁠

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Emerge 2-12x44 FFP MIL Riflescope⁠

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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 Scout Riflescope

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The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout Riflescope, with its versatile 2-7x magnification and V-Plex reticle, is ideal for hunters looking for a reliable and precise optic for their rimfire rifles in 2024.

This scope, positioned in the second focal plane, provides consistent reticle size regardless of magnification, ensuring accuracy throughout its range. Featuring a 1-inch tube size, it’s designed to handle the rigors of the hunting sport with durability and resilience.

Available since March 23, 2023, this riflescope has received positive feedback for its performance and reliability. If you find a lower price, you can inform Vortex Optics through their feedback system, though they can’t always match every reported price, your input helps maintain competitive pricing.

Best For: Hunters looking for a reliable and precise optic for their rimfire rifles in 2024.

Pros:

Versatile 2-7x magnification for a variety of hunting scenarios.

Second Focal Plane design ensures consistent reticle size regardless of magnification.

Durable 1-inch tube designed to withstand the rigors of hunting.

Cons:

Limited to a 1-inch tube size which may not be compatible with all mounting systems.

Can’t always match lower reported prices despite feedback.

Availability has only been since March 23, 2023, so long-term reliability is yet to be fully assessed.

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2. Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope

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For avid hunters and shooting enthusiasts, Leupold’s VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope stands out with its best-in-class optics and unbeatable accuracy. This American-made scope, designed, machined, and assembled in Leupold’s Oregon factory, boasts a magnification range of 2-7x and a 33mm objective lens diameter.

Constructed from durable aluminum and featuring a Hunt-Plex reticle, it’s engineered to meet rigorous ruggedness standards, ensuring lifetime performance backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee. The scope’s dovetail mount enhances its versatility, while its clear optics and precise windage and elevation adjustments receive high praise from users.

With a 4.7-star customer rating and commendations for quality and affordability, the VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope is a reliable choice for both novice and experienced shooters.

Best For: Avid hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking a durable, accurate, and versatile riflescope.

Pros:

Best-in-class optics with clear and precise adjustments

Durable aluminum construction and rugged design

Backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee

Cons:

No night vision capability

Requires specific dovetail mount for installation

Higher price point compared to some entry-level scopes

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3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

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Ideal for hunters seeking reliability and affordability, Bushnell’s Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope offers durability, bright optics, and user-friendly features. This riflescope is designed to guarantee harsh conditions with its waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen-purged fog proofing.

Its 1x magnification and 25mm objective lens provide clear, bright images, making it suitable for various firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. The Picatinny mount assures secure attachment, enhancing stability.

While some users mention the slightly bulky design and projector block, the overall feedback highlights its durability, ease of use, and excellent battery life. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 reviews, this scope remains a cost-effective choice for precision and clarity in every shot.

Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a reliable, affordable red dot sight with durable construction and bright optics.

Pros:

Cost-effective and quality design

Waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen-purged fog proofing

Long battery life and secure Picatinny mount

Cons:

Slightly bulky design

Projector block in line of sight

No night vision capabilities

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4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope

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If you’re a hunting enthusiast looking for a reliable and versatile scope, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features is a top contender.

Constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, this scope promises durability and longevity. The Twilight Light Management System enhances visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring you don’t miss a shot.

With precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments, the scope allows for fine-tuning, making it an excellent choice for accuracy. The 3-9x magnification coupled with a 40mm objective lens diameter provides a clear field of view of 13.6 feet.

Backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee, the VX-Freedom Riflescope stands out regarding quality and performance.

Best For: Hunting enthusiasts seeking a reliable, durable, and versatile riflescope that performs well in various weather conditions and low-light environments.

Pros:

Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures durability in various conditions.

Twilight Light Management System enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for accurate fine-tuning.

Cons:

No night vision capability.

Could be considered slightly heavy at 1.2 pounds for some users.

Higher price point compared to some other riflescopes on the market.

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Click Here to Check Prices

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5. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

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The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Circle-X Reticle is perfect for hunters seeking clear optics and reliable performance in various shooting conditions. This scope offers a magnification range of 3-9x and features a 40mm objective lens, ensuring bright and clear images. The Circle-X reticle aids in range finding, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced shooters.

Built with a durable blend material, this riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and argon purged, ensuring consistent performance regardless of weather conditions. Weighing just 12.5 ounces, it’s lightweight and easy to mount using a cantilever mount. The multi-coated lenses provide excellent low-light capabilities, and with an eye relief of 6 inches, it offers comfortable shooting.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 773 users, it’s praised for its value and reliability, backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a reliable, clear, and affordable riflescope for various shooting conditions.

Pros:

Clear optics with excellent low-light capabilities

Durable and weather-resistant design

Easy to mount and adjust

Cons:

No night vision capabilities

Limited to a 3-9x magnification range

May not match the performance of high-end scopes in extreme conditions

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6. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes

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For those seeking a versatile and high-performance rimfire scope, the Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56 offers exceptional clarity and precision, thanks to its first focal plane reticle and ED glass.

This scope features a 0.25 MOA click value and 110 MOA total elevation adjustment, providing you with precise control over your shots. The parallax adjustment ranges from 25 yards to infinity, ensuring accuracy at various distances.

With six illumination settings, the reticle remains visible in diverse lighting conditions. The precision zero stop system locks your zero position, enhancing reliability. Crafted from durable aluminum, this scope boasts a 56mm objective lens and a magnification range of 4.5-30x, making it ideal for tactical use.

Additionally, it comes with a lifetime unlimited warranty for peace of mind.

Best For: Those seeking a versatile, high-performance riflescope with exceptional clarity and precision for tactical use.

Pros:

High-quality ED glass for bright and sharp images

Precision Zero Stop System for reliable zero position locking

Wide magnification range (4.5-30x) and excellent low light performance

Cons:

Some users report issues with holding zero

Higher cost compared to other scopes in its category

Best Sellers Rank indicates it may not be as popular as some competitors

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7. Burris Droptine 3-9x 40mm Riflescope

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Hunters will frequently find the Burris Droptine Riflescope 3-9x40mm to be their go-to choice for its combination of versatility and ideal magnification. This scope’s compact, lightweight design guarantees ease of handling without sacrificing performance.

Featuring a rugged Ballistic Plex reticle, it’s perfect for precise shots at extended ranges. The low-profile turret simplifies adjustments in the field. High-grade optical glass paired with Burris’s proprietary Hi-Lume multicoating delivers excellent brightness, clarity, and durability. Its shock-resistant construction and steel-on-steel adjustments ensure repeatable accuracy.

With a matte black finish, this scope is crafted from aluminum and specifically designed for hunting, tactical, and military applications. Users have praised its ability to hold zero, clear glass, and tight groups, all at a competitive price point.

Best For: Hunters and tactical shooters who need a versatile, durable, and high-performance riflescope with optimal magnification and clarity.

Pros:

High-grade optical glass with Hi-Lume multicoating for excellent brightness and clarity.

Rugged Ballistic Plex reticle and steel-on-steel adjustments for precise and repeatable accuracy.

Lightweight and compact design for ease of handling in the field.

Cons:

Does not include a mounting system.

No night vision capability.

May be considered pricey for budget-conscious buyers.

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Emerge 2-12x44 FFP MIL Riflescope

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Ideal for those seeking precision in long-range shooting, the Blackhound Emerge 2-12x44 FFP MIL Rifle Scope frequently impresses with its illuminated reticle and zero stop feature. This scope is designed to provide precise long-range response data, making it suitable for hunting, recreational, and competitive shooting.

The advanced fully multicoated optics guarantee superior light transmission and sharper images, essential for enhancing your shooting accuracy. Included accessories such as complimentary rings, scope hood, and mounting levels make the setup process straightforward.

Constructed from durable aluminum and featuring a MIL-preference reticle, it caters to shooters who aim to improve their skills under dynamic conditions. Despite some mixed customer feedback, its features and lifetime warranty make it a remarkable option for serious shooters.

Best For: Shooters seeking precision in long-range hunting, recreational, and competitive shooting with advanced features like illuminated reticle and zero stop.

Pros:

Advanced fully multicoated optics for superior light transmission and sharper images.

Includes complimentary mounting accessories such as rings, scope hood, and mounting levels.

Fully-transferable lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

Cons:

Mixed customer feedback regarding product quality and customer service.

Complaints about loose lens cover and return process.

Some customers experienced disappointment and loss of money due to issues with the scope and return process.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Rimfire Scopes

When selecting a rimfire scope, you need to take into account several important factors that will greatly impact your shooting experience.

Pay attention to magnification and clarity, as these determine how well you can see your target; the size of the objective lens, which affects light gathering and image brightness; and the type of reticle, which can influence aiming precision.

Additionally, evaluate the scope’s durability and build quality, as well as the eye relief distance, to guarantee comfort and safety during use.

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Magnification and Clarity

To achieve precise shooting with your rimfire rifle, consider the magnification and clarity of the scope as key elements.

Magnification, typically ranging from 3x to 9x, is essential for precision shooting, offering versatility across different shooting scenarios. Higher magnification allows for detailed target acquisition, while lower magnification provides a broader field of view, making it easier to track moving targets or shoot at varying distances.

High-quality optics guarantee the clarity and sharpness of images, which is critical for distinguishing targets at different distances. Scopes with fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission and reduce glare, greatly enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This feature is especially important during dawn or dusk shooting sessions when natural light is minimal.

Additionally, adjustable parallax settings are crucial for eliminating optical errors, ensuring that the reticle remains on target regardless of the distance. This adjustment helps maintain accuracy and precision, particularly for long-range shots.

Furthermore, selecting a scope with generous eye relief is important for comfort and safety, especially with high recoil rimfire rifles. Adequate eye relief prevents any potential injury from the scope’s recoil, allowing for a more comfortable shooting experience.

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Objective Lens Size

While magnification and clarity are essential for precision, the size of the objective lens plays a significant role in determining the overall performance and suitability of your rimfire scope. A larger objective lens, such as 40mm, allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image and better visibility in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for early morning or late evening shooting sessions when natural light is limited.

Conversely, smaller objective lenses, like 24mm, offer a more compact and lightweight alternative, making them ideal for shooters prioritizing portability and ease of handling. The trade-off, however, is that less light enters the scope, which may reduce image brightness and clarity in dim environments.

Moreover, the size of the objective lens impacts the field of view and the exit pupil diameter, both of which influence the overall shooting experience. Larger lenses generally provide better clarity and resolution, aiding in accurate target acquisition.

When selecting the objective lens size, consider your specific shooting environment and intended use to make sure the scope meets your unique needs and preferences. This thoughtful consideration will enhance your shooting accuracy and overall performance.

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Reticle Type Options

Choosing the appropriate reticle type for your rimfire scope can greatly improve your shooting accuracy and overall experience. When selecting a reticle, you’ll find several options, each tailored to different shooting needs and preferences.

Duplex reticles, known for their simple crosshair design, facilitate quick target acquisition and are excellent for general-purpose shooting. Their uncluttered layout helps you focus on the target swiftly, making them a popular choice for beginners and seasoned shooters alike.

For those who often engage in long-range shooting, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are invaluable. These reticles feature multiple aiming points calibrated for various distances, compensating for bullet drop. This allows you to make precise shots over extended ranges without constant adjustments.

Meanwhile, Mil-Dot reticles provide hash marks that aid in range estimation and holdover adjustments, offering versatility for both hunting and tactical applications.

Additionally, illuminated reticles enhance visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring you can maintain accuracy when light is scarce. This feature is particularly useful during dawn or dusk hunts or in shaded areas.

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Durability and Build

When selecting a rimfire scope, durability and build quality are essential factors that guarantee long-term performance and reliability. You’ll want to look for scopes made from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. This guarantees the scope can withstand various shooting conditions while maintaining its integrity over time.

Additionally, consider scopes with shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features. These elements protect your scope from environmental challenges, ensuring consistent performance regardless of weather conditions.

It’s also important to check for multi-coated lenses. These coatings enhance light transmission and clarity while reducing glare, providing a better shooting experience.

In addition, opt for scopes with sealed construction. This design prevents dust, debris, and moisture from infiltrating the internal components, preserving the scope’s functionality for the long term.

Evaluating the build quality involves examining the integrity of the tube, turrets, and adjustment mechanisms. A well-constructed scope will withstand recoil and maintain zero settings over time, ensuring you don’t constantly readjust after each shot.

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Eye Relief Distance

Understanding eye relief distance is crucial to guaranteeing a comfortable and safe shooting experience with your rimfire scope. Eye relief distance refers to the space from the eyepiece of the scope to your eye where you can see the entire field of view without encountering black rings.

For rimfire rifles, which generally have lower recoil, a shorter eye relief distance of around 2-3 inches is typical. This ensures that you can maintain a proper position and achieve a clear view without straining your eye.

Longer eye relief distances, typically around 3-4 inches, are more suitable for high recoil firearms to prevent potential scope eye injuries. However, since rimfire rifles exhibit minimal recoil, the shorter eye relief distances are both adequate and comfortable.

For shooters who wear glasses or have sensitivity to recoil, considering the eye relief distance becomes even more critical, as it directly affects your ability to shoot comfortably and safely.

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Light Transmission Quality

To guarantee the best performance from your rimfire scope, prioritize scopes with high light transmission quality for brighter and clearer images.

High light transmission is essential, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring that you can acquire and maintain a clear sight picture even as the light diminishes. When selecting a scope, look for lenses with multiple coatings. These coatings greatly reduce glare, increase contrast, and enhance overall image quality.

A larger objective lens diameter is another important factor to prioritize. Larger lenses allow more light to enter the scope, improving visibility in dim lighting conditions, which is crucial for early morning or late evening shooting.

The quality of the glass used in the lenses also plays a significant role. High-quality glass ensures maximum light transmission and maintains image clarity, even at various magnification levels.

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Warranty and Support

Having selected a scope with excellent light transmission quality, you should also consider the warranty and support options to guarantee long-term reliability and satisfaction.

The length and extent of the warranty can vary greatly among manufacturers and models, making it important to review these details carefully. A robust warranty that covers common issues like fogging, shock damage, or reticle malfunctions is essential. Some brands even offer lifetime warranties, providing long-term protection for your investment in a rimfire scope, offering peace of mind for years to come.

Additionally, strong customer support and service options are important. Scopes that come with easy access to repairs or replacements can save you time and hassle should any problems arise. Prioritize brands that have reputable customer service teams capable of assisting with any questions or concerns about the product. This level of support can make a significant impact on your overall experience and satisfaction with the scope.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right rimfire scope can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. With options like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II and Leupold VX-Freedom series, you’re assured of durable construction, advanced features, and precise adjustments.

Consider factors such as magnification range, waterproofing, and the quality of the glass to find the perfect scope for your needs. Each of these recommended scopes offers reliability and performance, ensuring precision and clarity for every shot you take.

Top 8 Best Rimfire Scopes on the Market 2024

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout Riflescope

2. Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope

3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope

5. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

6. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes

7. Burris Droptine 3-9x 40mm Riflescope

8. Emerge 2-12x44 FFP MIL Riflescope

Factors to Consider When Choosing Rimfire Scopes

Magnification and Clarity

Objective Lens Size