Best Rimfire Scope for Target Shooting

Themarketfront.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

When it comes to finding the best rimfire scope for target shooting, there are plenty of options available on the market. In the quest for precision shooting, we have put together this comprehensive guide to shed more light on rimfire scopes for target shooting.

Rimfire scopes are known for their affordability and versatility. For target shooting, it is important to have a scope that is tailored for the sport to make the most out of it. Besides, the scope should be accurate, easy to use and well-made to ensure reliable performance in all fields.

Whether you are a seasoned marksman or a beginner in target shooting, this guide will help you find the ideal rimfire scope for your needs. We will start by exploring the qualities of a good rimfire scope then take you through the very best models for target shooting that are available out there.

What Makes a Great Rimfire Scope for Target Shooting?

Several attributes make a great rimfire scope for target shooting and they include:

High-Quality Glass

The first thing that a great rimfire scope for target shooting should have is high-quality glass for bright, clear and tack-sharp images.

Precise and Repeatable Adjustments

Moreover, it is essential for the scope to have precise and repeatable adjustments for not just windage and elevation, but also parallax.

Crisp Reticle

A crisp reticle is important for target shooting. You will have a clear point of aim which is vital for precision shooting in all kinds of environments.

Long Eye Relief

The best rimfire scope for target shooting should have a long eye relief to prevent scope related injuries. A minimum of 3.5 inches is recommended to ensure safe and snug shooting.

Durable Construction

Last but not least, a great scope for target shooting should have a ruggedized construction to weather the abuse of shooting in the range or field.

Best Rimfire Scopes for Target Shooting

1) Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Best Scope for 270

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

 

First up, we have the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope comes with all the modern features you’d expect in a target shooting scope. It affordable and very easy to use even for the beginners in target shooting.

Featuring a variable 3-9x magnification, the scope is ideal for close and medium range use. It provides a large viewing angle for easy target finding and stunning accuracy across the entire zoom range.

Another thing that makes it the best rimfire scope for target shooting is the reticle. It is outfitted with a simple, yet sophisticated second focal plane reticle for supreme accuracy. Other than that, the scope features high-grade optical glass and Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses that enhance low light performance and optical clarity.

In terms of construction, it features double internal spring tension system that enables it to hold zero through recoil, vibrations and shock. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging in cold and rainy environment.

Features

  • Finger adjustable turrets
  • Index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
  • Waterproof and nitrogen filled
  • 50 MOA adjustment range
  • Matte finish
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • 3-9x magnification power
  • Aircraft grade aluminum housing
  • 1/4 MOA adjustment click value

Pros

  • Lightweight construction
  • Clear optics
  • Solid construction
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Narrow eye relief

 

2) Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope

Athlon Optics Neos 3-9x40

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

 

Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is a versatile optic ideal for a wide range of shooting applications including target shooting. It comes with all the features you need to hone your shooting skills and maximize your performance in the range.

Designed for the ultimate durability, the scope has a robust aircraft grade aluminum housing. It is rigid enough to take it any beating without the bulk. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof, fog proof and dustproof for striking performance in any weather condition.

To complement the solid construction, this rifle scope has fully multi-coated optics that reduce light reflection and glare in bright light. The end result is higher light transmission for bright, clear and color accurate image views.

In addition to all these features, the Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope has a second focal plane reticle that is etched in glass for permanency and illuminated to provide greater visibility in low light settings.

Features

  • Heat treated one-piece tube
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Aircraft grade aluminum housing
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof
  • Glass-etched reticle
  • Non-reflective matte finish
  • 1-inch tube diameter
  • 3-9x total magnification
  • 80 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range

Pros

  • Large field of view
  • Lighted reticle
  • Ease of adjustment
  • Bright and crisp clear optics

Cons

  • Short eye relief

 

3) Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

 

Simmons ProTarget Rimfire 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope for target shooting for the budget conscious buyers. It is remarkably affordable but rich in features that will boost your target shooting skills and accuracy.

The scope features interchangeable 1/4 MOA .17HMR and .22LR elevation turrets for use with the most popular rimfire calibers. Its reticle is housed on the second focal plane and the adjustment click value is 0.25 MOA.

Optically, this rifle scope has premium-quality glass elements that work together with the fully multi-coated optics to ensure the brightest image to squeeze the ideal shot. Other than that, the scope has a generous eye relief of 3.5 inches for comfortable and secure shooting, with or without eye glasses.

Features

  • Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
  • Second focal plane Truplex reticle
  • Matte finish
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Interchangeable elevation turrets
  • Variable magnification
  • 25 MOA impact point correction

Pros

  • Generous eye relief
  • Lightweight
  • Build quality
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Blurry image at 6x and 7x magnification level

 

4) Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 5-25×56 APLR4 Rifle Scope

Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 5-25x56 APLR4 Rifle Scope

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

 

Next up, we have the Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 5-25×56 APLR4 Rifle Scope. If you are looking for a high-powered rifle scope to take your target shooting skills to the next big level, look no further than this model.

The broad 5-25x magnification power is useful even at the highest settings. This is thanks to the massive 56mm objective lens that draws in large volume of light inside the optics. The scope also boasts HD glass and fully multi-coted lenses that work together to optimize the brightness and clarity of the sight pictures.

When it comes to construction, this rifle scope is built from aircraft grade aluminum which offers exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity. The exposed direct turret for elevation enables quick adjustment in the field while the capped windage turret prevents accidental adjustment in the middle of use.

Moreover, this rifle scope has an XPL coating that provides extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and dust. It is also fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof.

Features

  • Glass-etched front focal plane reticle
  • XPL lens coating
  • High precision erector system
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction
  • Direct dial elevation turret
  • One-piece 34mm main tube
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • HD glass elements
  • 110 MOA adjustment range

Pros

  • Rock solid construction
  • Forgiving eye relief
  • Clear glass
  • Crisp turrets

Cons

  • Heavy

 

5) Mueller Optics 4.5-14x 40mm AO Rifle Scope

Mueller Optics 4.5-14x 40mm

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

Mueller Optics 4.5-14x 40mm AO Rifle Scope, marks our fifth pick of the best rimfire scope for target shooting. This is an all-purpose optic that comes with an array of modern features to sharpen your shooting skills and make you a better marksman.

Built with fully multi-coated optics, the scope provides crisp clear lenses for superior brightness and contrast. It has a large diameter ocular lens for wider field of view and an exit pupil range of 8.8-2.8mm to ensure great glassing comfort during length shooting settings.

Another impressive facet about this rifle scope is construction quality. It is built in a 30mm tube to maximize strength and rigidity, while ensuring that there is ample room for adjustments. The tube is nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging and sealed to provide a lifetime of waterproof protection.

Over and above that, this rifle scope is outfitted with an all-weather, high-torque power change ring. It also comes with a fast focus eye bell for quick and easy reticle focusing.

Features

  • 30mm tube diameter
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
  • All-weather, high-torque power change ring
  • Non-reflective matte finish
  • Fast focus eye bell
  • 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Large diameter ocular lens
  • Mil-Dot reticle

Pros

  • Adjustable objective
  • Crisp reticle
  • Excellent build quality
  • Versatile
  • Good value for the price

Cons

  • Narrow eye relief

 

6) Burris Signature HD Scopes 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope

Burris Signature HD Scopes 5-25x50mm

Check Price on Amazon

 

Check Price on Opticsplanet

 

Burris Signature HD Scopes 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope is another high-powered rifle scope ideal for target shooting. It is built to meet the rigorous demands of precision shooters by providing striking performance at any distance.

The scope utilizes a large 50mm objective lens that guarantees spectacular optical performance in all light settings. The fully multi-coated optics enhance light transfer in low light and eliminate glare in bright light for optimal image brightness, clarity and color accuracy. This enables the most precise aiming possible.

The build quality of this scope is as outstanding as the optical performance. It boasts a 30mm aircraft aluminum tube which guarantees unmatched durability, even with repeated use. On top of that, the scope is shockproof and fog proof for unimpeded field use.

What’s more, the scope features a zero-stop feature on all target knobs and a side parallax adjustment for easy parallax correction. It is also outfitted with a broad 65 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range for the most precise aiming possible.

Features

  • 30mm tube diameter
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • Matte finish
  • Adjustable parallax
  • 5x zoom system
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Zero stop turrets
  • Push/pull locking turrets
  • Shock proof and fog proof construction

Pros

  • Relatively lightweight
  • Good magnification range
  • Locking turrets
  • Clear HD glass

Cons

  • Too fine crosshairs

 

Related Posts

 

How to Choose the Best Rimfire Scope for Target Shooting

Choosing the best rimfire scope for target shooting is not something to do on a whip. Here are the key factors you should consider when making your selection.

Durability

Durability is the first thing to take into consideration. You will want a scope that is able to handle the recoil that rimfire rifles scatter and still offer reliable performance in all fields. So, opt for a model that is crafted using the most durable materials preferably aerospace quality aluminum.

Reticle

The next important thing to take into account is the reticle. The reticle a rimfire scope uses can greatly affect your shooting experience. For rimfire target shooting, a simple duplex or cross hair reticle is sufficient for close and mid-range use. But for long range target shooting, go for a mil-dot reticle.

Lens Coating

Lens coatings are an important part of every rifle scope. They are essential for limiting glare in bright light and enhancing light transmission in low light. For the best rimfire scope for target shooting, fully multi-coated lenses are the best choice as they offer the best low light performance.

Eye Relief

The eye relief in a rifle scope can make or break your target shooting experience. Look for a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief. It will prevent scope-induced injuries when using heavy recoiling calibers. Additionally, a scope with a long eye relief maximizes glassing comfort, with or without eye wear.

 

Related Posts

 

FAQs On The Best Rimfire Scope for Target Shooting

1) What magnification do I need for rimfire target shooting?

The ideal magnification for rimfire target shooting largely depends on how far you plan to shoot. Generally, a scope with 2-7x or 3-9x is ideal for most ranges up to 300 yards. However, if you intend to shoot at longer ranges, consider a scope with a higher magnification of 12x and above.

2) Is parallax adjustment necessary for rimfire scopes used in target shooting?

It depends. Parallax adjustment is not always necessary for short and mid-range target shooting. However, it is necessary for shooting at longer distances where precision is crucial.

Conclusion

Knowing the features and attributes that make a good rimfire scope for target shooting is key to finding the right model for your needs. Each scope we have mentioned above comes with all the essential features you need to hone your skills and take your target shooting to the next big level. Hopefully, you have found our article to be insightful and of significant help.

 

Related Posts