The Best Scopes for .22 Pistol in 2022

If you’re shopping around for the best .22 pistol scope, you should consider certain factors so that you can come up with the right decision. For this reason, it will pay off to shop around and compare your options well.

In the following, we’re discussing the top seven picks in the category, along with their strengths and weaknesses. In the process, you’ll be able to make a thorough comparison to figure out which one is right for you.

We hope you can come up with a great decision so that you can get more out of your purchase and have a rewarding experience using your new pistol scope.

Best .22 PistolScope Reviews of 2022

Leupold FX-II 4x28mm Handgun Scope

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II rifle scope comes at an economical cost so you can own one or give it as a present to anyone, without breaking your savings.

Said rifle scope may have lower price, but it is competitive like the other pricey brands with impressive specs in terms of lens quality, internal systems and entire structure filled with protection against unjust damage.

This 1-inch tube scope is designed with multiple features for clearer vision for a field of view of 100 yards. It can perform well in short and medium shooting range. Images through this rifle scope will be seen extra bigger due to its 2 to 7x magnification lens once adjusted. Meanwhile, its objective lens has a maximum range of 32mm.

For tactical or hunting shooting, the bigger the size of the objective lens and magnification capacity of the best rimfire pistol scope, the higher the chance of hitting the exact target. Aside from the mentioned features, Vortex also incorporates other valuable details to the optics of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II rifle scope.

Its reticle is V-Plex, a technology that is popularly known for excellent performance in the hunting field due to the super vivid vision that it contributes to the instrument.

For the high-quality eyesight, the lens is also fully multi-coated so it contains multiple layers of coatings to shield the glass from reflection that may prevent the clear eyesight of any shooter. It also supports the transmission of light within the scope for a clear Illumination on location with high or low light.

Regarding the durability of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope, it is constructed with solid aluminum for shock-proof housing. Also, it has O-ring sealed scope and mixed with nitrogen so it is resistant of water and fog.

However, its capped turret is not as flexible as the adjustable one. Once its setting is lock to zero, you may only make changes if you remove the entire cap.

To sum it up, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope is a valuable piece, which comes in affordable cost yet provides very competitive optics and a strongly built frame.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Scope

The primary upgrade that is noticeable with the Leupold FX-II Handgun Duplex Scope is the four-lens multi-coating system as well as the “fast-focus eyepiece.” The multi-coated lens provides layer of protection to the glass and facilitate brighter light transmission within the scope. Brighter lights give more seamless vision for the sharp shooter.

On the other hand, the “fast-focus eyepiece” enables the eyepiece to lock immediately as soon as the reticle has been established to focus. It is merely the reason why the Leupold FX-II Handgun scope is called fixed-magnification device. Further, it has a steady magnification of 4x. Such type of scope is excellent for hunting and shooting tournaments that requires extreme focus targeting.

This Duplex reticle scope also contains a Twilight Maximum Lighting Management System. It supply additional 20 minutes shooting illumination with anti-glare technology. Another determining factor of a quality scope is the manner of construction. The Leupold FX-II Handgun scope is lightweight so it is easy to carry. Plus, the materials used for the scope is sturdy and have passed the quality standard. Its lenses and body structure is resistant of scratch, water, shock and fog. Hence, it can survive the harshest climate pressure.

However, the fixed magnification may at times affect the performance in shooting session the needs frequent adjustments especially for moving target.

To top it all, the Leupold FX-II Handgun Duplex Scope is a good investment for serious shooters and hunters for its four-Lens multi-coating System, fast-focus eyepiece, duplex reticle, and resiliency. It is a favorite among hunters, as revealed on their pistol scope reviews.

Bushnell Red Dot Sight

It is made compact so it is easy to mount in any picatinny trails and portable to remote shooting areas that needs longer walks. This red dot is compatible to different varieties of guns such as on pistols, rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders.

Optical quality is one of the top concerns when buying red dot. Hunters will be amazed that TRS-25 contains 3 MOA dot-reticle that is a great support as it gives vivid eyesight. Moreover, its 1 x 25mm amber-bright feature contributes to the seamless vision. Hence, shooters can visualize the target in a smooth and precise calculation.

Aside from the above-mentioned, the Bushnell TRS-25 scopes for .22 pistol also have multi-coated lens with 11 brightness settings. That means the scope will still perform well even in areas where the lighting condition is poor. Brightness can be conveniently adjusted through its adjustment dial.

The Bushnell TRS-25 has a battery that can last a long time. It can also withstand climate pressure because of its hard constructed frame. If you touched the weapon, the body is crafted with robust metal to prevent breakage. Expect it also to be waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof.

The field of view for this red dot is up to 100 yards only. The Bushnell TRS-25 may not provide the clearest vision for farther distance.

Overall, the Bushnell TRS-25 red dot is every hunters and shooters best pick. It offers great quality that comes in an affordable cost.

BSA 30mm Red Dot Scope

This system is light enough for small calibers. In this case, you do not have to worry about yours being out of balance due to a heavy scope. Also, this optics solution is rugged to deal with and withstand the demands of large calibers. The rifle scope is valuable no matter the kind of caliber. Using it, you can be sure it can handle the job.

I would also like to note that the scope is versatile, and it can work for close and medium-range shooting. So if you are a beginner looking to improve your shooting skills at different distances, you might want to check out the BSA scope. This model also has five MOA adjustments that make it the perfect choice for those who want a more advanced scope that can deliver. It can help in improving one’s hunting or shooting capabilities, too. It also has an 11-position rheostat that makes it the more versatile choice. Selecting this optics system, you can be certain you will get more of it.

On the downside, the rifle scope can be a bit tricky to install or mount the first time.

Still, the BSA scope for the Ruger .22 pistolis one of the most decent choices in the category. It is a great pick for hunters looking to get more of their scope. It is rugged for most terrains and conditions and has the design that makes it adaptable for small and large calibers.

Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Pistol Scope

The Burris Optics Handgun scope is such a game changer in the combat field, as it boasts a ballistic plex technology. Such feature is an advantage for long-range shooting, as the reticle becomes trajectory compensating. It means the reticle provides simple yet high precision strike.

Further, the said scope for smith and Wesson .22 pistol model flaunts 32 mm objective lens that allows larger amount of light within the scope for transparent and clear eyesight. A generous eye relief of 9.2 to 12 inches is also provided by the said scope for eye protection.

Accompanied by multi-coated lens, the scope can still work at its best vision even on areas with poor illumination. Multiple layers of coating also help in reducing glare that may hinder the eyesight of the shooters.

In terms of structure, the Burris Optics is successful in creating the Burris Optics Handgun Scope durable. It won’t be deteriorated easily form shock and unfavorable movements cause by some calibers with heavy recoil. Its single body tube is filled with Nitrogen so the fog can’t interrupt the functionality of the scope.

On a little precaution, this scope may expose the user to a chemical such as of TDI.

To sum it all, the Burris Optics Handgun scope will give you a competitive performance in the combat field brought by its 2-7x32mm magnification and objective lens size, ballistic plex technology, and strongly made frame.

Weaver Classic 2×28 Handgun Scope

By just looking at the weapon, you will understand why serious hunters and shooters fall for the Weaver Classic Handgun Scope. It paved the way among the usual black matte housing of riflescope. What makes it attractive is its unique silver body structure that comes in a substance.

One of the top bragging rights of the Weaver Classic Silver Handgun Scope is its fixed 2-magnification range and 28mm objective lens that can perform well in nearby and mid-range shooting. Images through the scope can be zoomed twice from the common human eyesight. That is an advantage to enlarge the view.

Weaver Classic Silver Handgun Scope also boasts a Dual-X reticle. Some overlook the advantage of a scope that can determine easily the zero position. With the Dual reticle system, the turret adjustment is also shown which is also set to have parallax up to 50-yard.

For a more convenient and clearer vision, the optics of Weaver Classic Silver Handgun Scope is fully multi-coated. It is highly dependable against reflection and boost clarity as light transmits properly in the tube.

The Weaver Scope can also endure any weather circumstance because it is tested and made of robust materials. It is constructed as resilient against fog, water and shock.

It is noticeable that the scope has a lower magnification range of 2x, so the zoom is only limited.

Nevertheless, the Weaver Classic Silver Handgun Scope is still a stand-out piece among the other scopes because of its iconic qualities, such as sturdy housing, fully multi-coated optics, and Dual-X reticle.

Hammers 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief Pistol Scout Scope

One of the determining factors of a quality scope is the technology incorporated in it so it can support the hunters and shooters to achieve their tactical goals. The Hammers 2-7×32 Pistol Scout Scope has it if you’re asking about functional technology. It has an upgraded four-plex reticle. This type of reticle benefits the user as it provides maximum accuracy and clarity for long range shooting.

This one-inch single tube has a premium quality lens that provides seamless eyesight to the users. It has an extreme magnification size of 2x to 7x and a higher 32mm objective lens. Hence, lights that are more glowing could enter the scope for clearer images and easy acquisition of target.

Another optical quality of this scope is it has fast-focus weaver rings so the scope lock in once the target is captured. It is good for fixed-magnification shooting, but its windage and elevation can be adjusted in one click.

When it comes to durability, the matte black housing of the Hammers 2-7×32 Pistol Scout Scope is anodized and made of hard to beat materials. Hence, it can survive water splash, fog invasion, and shock breakage. What is more surprising is that the scope package comes with bungee transparent lens caps and 21mm pair of weaver rings for mounting.

The only challenging thing about the Hammers 2-7×32 Pistol Scout Scope is that the image may start looking blurred for shooting range that exceeds 100 yards.

In general, the Hammers Pistol Scout Scope is what you are looking for if you want an affordable piece that has a magnificent 2-7×32 magnification and objective lens size.

What Makes a Great .22 Pistol Scope?

A great .22LR scope is made of durable materials and is designed for rim fire ammunition. It is not made of fancy materials or high magnification.

In addition, the rifle scope should be available at an affordable price and with a low profile design. It has a durable and sturdy construction that makes it ideal for all types of terrain. This scope is ideal even for different hunting conditions. For the most part, the scope is of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is perfect for rugged conditions. It also has an O-ring sealing and gas purging to ensure that the scope can offer waterproof and fog-proof performance.

Overall, the scope with the compact features and a solid performance will be your best choice.

What Magnification Do You Need?

The magnification you need for rimfire rifles should not be too high. You don’t have to go for a scope with 16-power magnification. It will be not much help for the 22LR. For it, a scope with 2-7x or 3-9x would be enough.

On the other hand, the choice on magnification can also be subjective. It is a matter of personal preference. Some hunters choose one that has a variable magnification setting 3-9x, meaning 3 is the lowest magnification and 9 is the highest. This can be a good choice for you if you want to a more versatile scope that you can use for different distances and hunting/shooting styles.

Others choose one offering a fixed magnification like 4x. This only means that you cannot change the magnification setting. However, you must be using it for the same distance hunting or shooting.

Overall, you must select a magnification that will deliver you clear images all the time. Thus, you must also factor in the quality of the optics in addition to the magnification.

Refer to this guide when shopping for a scope that has the magnification you need.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Scope for .22 Pistol

Choosing among the .22 pistol scopes can be confusing and challenging if you’re unaware of what things to look for. For this reason, it can be helpful to think about the features and considerations when comparing your options. To get started, check out the following factors.

Reticle

Choosing a .22-pistol scope, you don’t need an adjustment for both the windage and elevation at more than 100 yards because BDC is important at such distances. In addition, illuminated reticles might wash out small targets, making them hard to see.

Magnification

Magnification is a primary factor to consider when shopping around for a scope. There are variable and fixed magnification scopes. Fixed-magnification scopes have a fixed setting. However, this option might not be for hunters looking to use their scopes at varying distances. If you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills and try shooting at different distances, you might want to go for a variable scope.

The variable magnification can let you use your scope at varying conditions and circumstances. On the other hand, fixed scopes tend to last longer because they don’t have many moving parts. Overall, you need to ensure of the view field of a scope isn’t too narrow for a shooting condition.

Purpose

What do you want to do with the scope? Would you like to use it for hunting or shooting? Your purpose of using your gun also matters when choosing your optics system.

Cost

Narrow down your choices by figuring out how much you can spend on the scope. It will also help you in comparing your options and avoid wasting time on scopes beyond the budget you set.

Weight

You should also factor in the weight of scope when shopping around for one. Do not go for a heavy scope that will throw the rifle out of balance. You must go for one that is lightweight to prevent limiting the movement speed and affect ease of handling. A heavy scope can affect any small game or varmint hunting.

Action/caliber

This factor is one of the things to look into when finding the right scope for your 22LR. You need to know the action type and caliber of the gun. Handguns have a different recoil than rifles. The manner that the scope would mount to the gun wouldn’t be the same, plus the mount can also be limiting.

You should also know the gun’s caliber. For example, small calibers, such as the .22 magnum or the .22LR, will have different recoil than the heavier magnum. It will also have a vibration pattern that needs a certain type of scope. A heavy magnum will need a strong scope meant for extreme recoil.

Adjustable objective

It lets you adjust the parallax of the scope in order to facilitate the hitting of small targets. It should have an adjustable parallax that can improve the precision at different target ranges and that can deliver a better sight picture.

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Conclusion

There you have some of the things to look for when shopping around for a good riflescope for the 22-pistol scope that you can refer to for a better decision. Again, consider the weight, magnification, purpose and reticle, to name some when shopping around for a great scope. To get started finding the best .22 pistol scope, you might want to refer to the top picks we reviewed and compare their pros and cons. Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses that can make one better for a certain condition over the other. Nevertheless, compare your options based on your needs, your skill level and your hunting style.

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