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10 Best 22 Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm F2 30mm Tube Precise Black Hunting Gun Scope - ZeroStop Second Focal Plane Long-Range Shooting Scope, Moar - 20 MOA Reticle (C434)

Magnification: 5.5-22x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle Type: MOAR
Field of View: 17.5 feet
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Parallax Adjustment: 50 yards to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: sturdy metal, weather-resistant

Chosen by 1339 this week

BURRIS The Oracle Bowsight OracleX (300410)

Magnification: 2x to 7x
Reticle Type: Mil-dot
Field of View: 47 feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: durable aluminum mount

Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope 22-48x65 Angled

Magnification: 22-48x
Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
Durability and Weather Resistance: O-ring sealed, argon purged

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: V-Plex
Field of View: 42 ft
Eye Relief: 9.45 inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, aluminum

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: Dead-Hold BDC
Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6x to 36x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Reticle Type: Illuminated FFP, red/green light
Parallax Adjustment: Present
Durability and Weather Resistance: 34mm metal tube, shock, weather-resistant
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm F2 30mm Tube Precise Black Hunting Gun Scope - ZeroStop Second Focal Plane Long-Range Shooting Scope, Moar - 20 MOA Reticle (C434)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
51 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification adjustment is smooth and intuitive, eliminating the need for a throw lever and making zoom changes effortless.
Reticle Type
The MOAR reticle enhances fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, living up to its advertised performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and durable, with a substantial weight that reflects its rugged construction and weather resistance.

The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope is a solid choice for hunters and long-range shooters who want a versatile and reliable optic. Its magnification range from 5.5x to 22x allows you to handle both close and distant targets effectively. The large 56mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, giving you a clear and bright view even in lower light conditions. The MOAR reticle with its floating center crosshair and 20 MOA elevation is designed to help with fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, which is great for shooting at varying distances.

Eye relief is 3.9 inches, providing comfortable eye positioning without risking impact from recoil, and the parallax adjustment works from 50 yards to infinity, helping to keep your target in sharp focus no matter the range. The scope’s second focal plane reticle means the reticle size stays the same while zooming, which is preferred by many hunters for consistency. Built with a sturdy metal body and weather-resistant design, this scope stands up well to rough outdoor conditions. The ZeroStop feature is particularly useful—it lets you quickly return the elevation turret to your zero setting, saving time and reducing errors in the field.

Its weight (about 32 ounces) and size are on the heavier and bulkier side, which might be less ideal for those seeking an ultra-light setup. Also, while the illumination is analog, it may not be as bright or adjustable as some digital options. For those looking for a durable, precise, and bright scope for long-range hunting or shooting with good versatility, the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm is a strong candidate. The added heft reflects its rugged construction and quality.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
51 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification adjustment is smooth and intuitive, eliminating the need for a throw lever and making zoom changes effortless.
Reticle Type
The MOAR reticle enhances fast target acquisition and precise adjustments, living up to its advertised performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and durable, with a substantial weight that reflects its rugged construction and weather resistance.
#2

BURRIS The Oracle Bowsight OracleX (300410)

The Burris Optics Oracle X Rangefinder Crossbow Scope is designed specifically for crossbow hunters who want precise aiming assistance. It offers a variable magnification from 2x to 7x, allowing users to zoom in on targets at various distances while maintaining accuracy thanks to magnification compensation. The scope includes a built-in laser rangefinder that quickly measures the exact distance to the target, which is a major plus for hunters who need fast and reliable distance info. It also has an inclinometer that calculates the perfect aiming point by factoring in the angle of your shot, which is especially helpful for tree stand hunting or shooting at uneven terrain.

The reticle type is Mil-dot, providing a good balance between aiming precision and ease of use. The field of view is 47 feet at 100 yards, which is decent for spotting and tracking targets. The scope features an electronic bubble level to help prevent canting errors, improving shot consistency. The durable aluminum mount system ensures the scope stays firmly attached to your crossbow, even in rugged outdoor conditions, and the matte black finish reduces glare.

The scope does not offer night vision capabilities, which may limit use in very low light situations. It weighs about 1.1 pounds, which is relatively light but could still add some bulk depending on your setup. For crossbow hunters seeking a high-tech scope that combines rangefinding with accurate ballistic calculations, the Burris Oracle X is a strong contender. It excels in providing timely distance and angle data to improve shot accuracy but may not suit those needing night vision.

#3

Nightforce NX8-4-32x50mm ZeroStop Digillum Illumination Second Focal Plane (F2/SFP) 30mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, MOAR-CF2D Reticle

Rating
8.5
Magnification

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and precise adjustments make it a valuable tool for serious shooters seeking dependable accuracy.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters who want a versatile and durable scope with a wide magnification range. Its 4x to 32x zoom lets you quickly switch from close to long-distance targets, and the large 50mm objective lens helps bring in bright, clear images even in lower light. The reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size no matter the zoom level, which some users find easier for quick target acquisition. The MOAR-CF2D reticle is designed for accuracy with clearly marked hold points, which helps when you need to make precise shots.

The Digillum illumination system improves reticle visibility in dawn, dusk, or shadowy conditions, and you can adjust the brightness to match your surroundings. Eye relief of 3.5 inches offers a comfortable and safe viewing distance, though some might prefer a bit more for heavy-recoiling rifles. Parallax can be adjusted, allowing better focus on targets at different distances, which is important for long-range shooting. The scope’s rugged build, waterproof and fogproof features mean it can handle tough outdoor environments without worry.

Weighing about 29 ounces, it is moderately heavy, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of extra weight on their rifle. While priced higher than entry-level scopes, its clarity, precise adjustments, and robust construction make it a great investment for serious hunters or marksmen wanting dependable performance in the field.

Rating
8.5
Magnification

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and precise adjustments make it a valuable tool for serious shooters seeking dependable accuracy.

Buying Guide for the Best 22 Scopes

When choosing a 22-scope, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Whether you're target shooting, hunting, or just plinking, the right scope can make a big difference in your accuracy and overall shooting experience. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get a scope that meets your needs.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects how well you can see and aim at your target. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are great for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range shooting, while higher magnification (10x and above) is ideal for long-range precision. Choose a magnification level based on the typical distance you'll be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for general use. Medium diameters (33-40mm) offer a good balance of light transmission and size, while larger diameters (41mm and above) provide the brightest images, ideal for low-light conditions. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to choose the right objective lens size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can help with various shooting scenarios. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can assist with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Think about your shooting style and needs to select a reticle that will help you aim more accurately.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically have a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. Choose a scope with a FOV that matches your shooting needs, whether it's for quick target acquisition or detailed long-range shots.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are more comfortable and safer to use, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' injury. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil rifle, look for scopes with generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy at different distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a specific distance (usually 100 yards), while those with adjustable parallax can be fine-tuned for various ranges. If you plan to shoot at different distances, a scope with parallax adjustment can help you maintain precision.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand the elements and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they perform well in various conditions. High-quality materials and construction will also contribute to the scope's longevity. Consider the environments you'll be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.

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