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10 Best 22 Scopes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Mil-C Reticle Ultra-Compact Rugged Black Matte Hunting Scope (C623)

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is built especially for hunters looking for a versatile and durable optic. Its wide 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) allows quick switching between close and long-distance shots, making it useful in different hunting situations. The large 50mm objective lens helps capture plenty of light for clear images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The MIL-C reticle is simple but precise, with illuminated markings that help with aiming in tough conditions. You get a broad 41.8 feet field of view at the lowest magnification, which is helpful for tracking moving targets. Eye relief is a solid 3 inches, offering comfortable use without worrying about recoil impact. Parallax adjustment is effective down to just 11 yards, improving accuracy at varying distances.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,346
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
41 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and high-quality glass that stands out even compared to other premium optics.
Reticle Type
Illumination in the reticle is optimized for low-light conditions, providing crisp visibility at dusk and night without being distracting during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged design and reliable performance justify the higher price point, reflecting the brand’s reputation for excellence.
#2
8.8 score

Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - XLR-2 Reticle (MOA)

The Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP riflescope is designed for long-range hunters and shooters, offering high magnification from 4.5x to 22x, which is excellent for distant targets. The large 50mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images, enhanced by HD optical systems and XR coatings, which correct color and improve image quality.

Rating
8.8
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
55 reviews

Reticle Type
The first focal plane reticle is impressive, enlarging as you zoom for better precision.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A bit pricey, but the durability and performance promise it will last a lifetime.
#3
8.5 score

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

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 is a high-end riflescope designed specifically for long-range shooting and hunting. It offers a versatile magnification range from 6x to 36x, making it easy to zoom in on distant targets with great clarity. The large 56mm objective lens allows plenty of light to pass through, resulting in bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions. It features an illuminated first focal plane reticle with options for red or green illumination, which helps maintain precise aiming at any magnification level and in various lighting conditions. The reticle’s center is illuminated, focusing on the exact aiming point without cluttering the view.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
At higher magnifications, the field of view narrows, which can slow target acquisition on moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, outperforming many competitors.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle is bright and focused exactly on the aiming point without cluttering the view, enhancing target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing comfortable and easy alignment behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience difficulty with parallax adjustment and reticle alignment at longer distances, causing point of impact to shift with head movement.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's robust build and weather resistance provide confidence for harsh outdoor use and long-term durability.

Top 10 Best 22 Scopes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Mil-C Reticle Ultra-Compact Rugged Black Matte Hunting Scope (C623)

Magnification: 2.5-20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle Type: Mil-Dot Crosshair
Field of View: 41.8 feet
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Parallax Adjustment: Effective down to 11 yards
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shock-resistant

Chosen by 1346 this week

Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - XLR-2 Reticle (MOA)

Magnification: 4.5-22x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle Type: XLR-2 (MOA)
Eye Relief: 4 Inches
Parallax Adjustment: Yes
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof and 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

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 Razor HD Spotting Scope 22-48x65 Angled

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

Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4

Magnification: 4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle Type: Red Chevron
Eye Relief: generous
Parallax Adjustment: limited
Durability and Weather Resistance: tough aircraft-grade aluminum, durable

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
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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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