Rimfire rifles are among the most popular firearms available out there. They are widely used for a variety of shooting applications from plinking, target shooting and varmint hunting, and in this guide, we will be focusing on the best rimfire scope under $200.
In the recent years, rimfire scopes have become more and more cost-effective. This is attributed majorly to the advanced technology taking place in the field of optics. With a budget under $200, it is easy to find a high-quality rimfire scope will all the features you require to finesse your shooting skills.
However, sorting the good scopes from the cheaply built models can be difficult given the plethora of models available on the market. We have done the legwork for you and come up with a comprehensive guide of the best rimfire scopes under $200. But before we get into the scopes in detail, let’s start by taking a look at the attributes of a good rimfire scope in this price range.
Attributes of a Great Rimfire Scope
A great rimfire scope is outfitted with a multitude of attributes which work together to make a reliable sighting tool. These features include:
Durable Construction
The primary feature of a great rimfire scope is durable construction. It should have a housing that is ruggedized and impact resistant to hold up to any abuse
Optical Clarity
Moreover, the scope should be built with premium grade glass elements that guarantee crisp, sharp and detail-rich sight pictures
Long Eye Relief
It is essential for the scope to have a long eye relief for safe and comfortable glassing, with or without eyewear
Versatile Zoom Power
The magnification power of the scope should be versatile enough to meet all your shooting needs across different ranges
Lightweight Design
Last but not least, the best rimfire scope under $200 should have a construction that is ultra lightweight so it won’t weigh you down as you carry it from one point to the other.
Best Rimfire Scopes under $200
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm 1in Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
In the realm of optics, the Crossfire II 2-7x32mm 1in Rifle Scope is by far the best red rimfire scope under $200. It is a mid-powered but versatile rifle scope designed for close and medium range engagements. The variable 2-7x magnification power is offered in the second focal plane reticle. The reticle is non illuminated but clear and visible even in the low-level light settings. Further, the scope features a large field of view to help the reticle achieve its purpose. Vortex optics are crafted with long lasting durability and this rifle scope is not any different. It has a rugged construction to withstand recoil and impact. The housing is also fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. Moreover, this rifle scope brings to the table fully multi-coated optics to enhance optical clarity and performance in low light. It also has a lightweight construction of 14.3oz only so it will be very easy to carry in the field together with your rimfire rifle. Features
Pros
Cons
|
2) Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
The Neos 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is another mid-powered rimfire rifle scope ideal for hunting and recreational shooting. It is designed with a variable 3-9x zoom power and an array of other features that are outstanding. A defining feature of this rifle scope is durability. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum for the ultimate durability. Besides, it has complete waterproof and fog proof protection so it is ready for use in any environment. Optically, this rifle scope employs fully multi-coated glass lenses for enhance brightness and light transfer. Even in low light, it provides stunning pictures rich in color contrast. Other than that, the etched glass reticle it employs provides accurate holdovers throughout the entire magnification. This reticle is also illuminated to provide greater visibility in low light environments. Features
Pros
Cons
|
3) Hawke Sport Optics Vintage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Vintage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best rimfire scope under $200 for low light shooting and hunting. It is optimized to perform under all lighting conditions and fine tune your shooting accuracy. With 11 layers of fully multi-coated optics, this rifle scope offers excellent image clarity and brightness. The long eye relief makes it safe to use with high recoil rounds and with the fast focus eye bell, you will be able to focus the reticle quickly and with ease. Another stand out feature of this rifle scope is the reticle. It is housed in the second focal plane and has red and green illumination with 5 levels of illumination. This guarantees confident aiming in the low light settings. On top of all these benefits, the Vintage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is constructed on a 1-inch mono-tube chassis which provides outstanding strength and durability. Features
Pros
Cons
|
4) Simmons 22 MAG 4×32 Rimfire Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
This is a fixed power rifle scope ideal for hunting and target shooting. It comes with all the modern features you’d expect at a price that is incredibly affordable. With the fixed magnification factor, this rifle scope provides a large viewing angle to help you scan, identify and acquire targets quickly. The new eyepiece design provides up to 4” eye relief for use with or without eyeglasses. Moreover, the scope has a TrueZero windage and elevation dials for making accurate and repeatable adjustments. The optical performance of this rimfire scope is incredible. It is built with high-quality optical glass and fully coated optics which work together to provide exceptional light transmission and image clarity. On top of that, the scope is outfitted with a Hydroshield lens coating which is scratch proof and water repellent. Features
Pros
Cons
|
5) Bushnell 4-12×40 Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Next up, we have the Bushnell 4-12×40 Rifle Scope. If you are looking for a rimfire scope for medium and long-range use, this model right here is your ideal option. The scope excels at varying ranges in any lighting condition. This is made possible by the large 40mm objective diameter that collects as much light as possible. On top of that, it features Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lenses for brightness and clarity in low light. With the single-piece design, this rifle scope is ultra-durable to take in any beating. It has a non-reflective matte finish to hide your shooting position in bright light. Furthermore, it is waterproofed and filled with dry nitrogen to prevent fogging and misting. The other essential features it brings to the table are a multi-x reticle placed on the second focal plane, fast focus eyepiece and 1/4 MOA fingertip, resettable windage and elevation adjustment. Features
Pros
Cons
|
6) Barska 4×32 IR Plinker 22 Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Barska 4×32 IR Plinker 22 Rifle Scope marks our next pick in our list of the best rimfire scope under $200. It has an illuminated reticle for confident aiming in low light and quality optics that offer striking optical performance. This rifle scope is built tough as nail. It is shock proof to withstand heavy recoil, abuse and accidental falls. Besides, it is fully waterproof and fog proof so as to ensure unimpeded field use. Not only is the build quality stunning but also the optical features. It has bright, clear and high-quality optics to maximize resolution and color accuracy. Besides, these optics have anti-reflective coatings that fight glare and enhance light transmission. Above all, the Barska 4×32 IR Plinker 22 Rifle Scope has lightweight construction of 16.08oz and a compact form of 11.93” length for easy maneuverability. Features
Pros
Cons
|
7) Mueller Optics 4.5-14x40mm AO Rifle Scope
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Mueller Optics 4.5-14x40mm AO Rifle Scope is hard to beat when it comes to versatility. It is an all-purpose rifle scope ideal for hunting, tactical shooting and plinking across a wide range of distances and shooting environments. This rifle scope offers premium innovative features for unparalleled performance. For starters, it has an adjustable objective for image focusing and parallax correction. Additionally, it is built with premium-grade optics and fully multi-coated lenses for superior image brightness and clarity. In terms of construction, the scope is built in a 30mm tube. It provides ample room for internal adjustment which enhancing strength and rigidity. Moreover, the tube is sealed and nitrogen filled to be fully waterproof and fog proof. Last but not least, all Mueller Optics 4.5-14x40mm AO Rifle Scopes come with a fast focus eyebell and an all-weather high-torque power change ring. Features
Pros
Cons
|
Related Posts
- 8 Best LPVO Under 500
- 8 Best Night Vision Scopes under $1000
- 8 Best Night Vision Compatible Red Dot Sights
How to Choose the Best Rimfire Scope under $200
The most important factors to consider when buying a rimfire scope under $200 are:
Quality of Lenses
Even on a budget, it is important to prioritize lenses that provide adequate clarity, brightness and edge to edge sharpness. Furthermore, the lenses should have premium anti-reflective coatings to ramp up light transmission and fight glare in bright light.
Weight
The weight in rimfire scope is determined by the glass elements and type of materials used. We recommend light scopes with an average of 1.2lbs. This is irrespective of the kind of shooting you will be using the scope for.
Eye Relief
The best rimfire scope under $200 is built with a generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. Such a generous eye relief is essential for ensuring comfortable and safe use of the scope even with eyeglasses.
Durability
It is also important to get a scope that is built for the ultimate durability. A rimfire scope that is made with an aluminum, magnesium or any other heavy-duty material is essential for enhancing the overall strength and rigidity. Besides, you should opt for a scope that is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof as well.
Related Posts
- 8 Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
- 8 Best Red Dots for 10/22 Takedown,Carbine & Steel challenge
- 8 Best Scopes for 270 Long Range
FAQs On The Best Rimfire Scope Under $200
1) Are budget rimfire scopes any good?
Yes. There are plenty of budget friendly rimfire scopes whose performance is almost equal to that of high-end models. All you need to do is prioritize your essential features when making your selection.
2) What magnification size is suitable for a rimfire scope?
Rimfire scopes have a variable magnification that typically ranges from 2x to 9x. The appropriate magnification will largely depend on your needs and intended use, but models with 2-7x or 3-9x are more than sufficient.
Final Words
Buying a rimfire scope doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a budget under $200, it is possible to get a quality and high performing scope for your specific shooting needs. We hope that our article on the best rimfire scope under $200 has been insightful enough and you can now find a scope that best matches your shooting needs.
Related Posts