Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your .22LR rifle and turn it into a precision tool for long-range shooting excellence? In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best scope for 22lr long-range shooting, revealing the optics that will elevate your shooting experience to new heights. From crystal-clear optics to precise turrets and rugged construction, these scopes are your gateway to hitting your mark at extended distances. Therefore, let’s dive in!
How Far Can a 22-Long Rifle Shoot?
The effective range of a .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge, in terms of accurate and reliable shooting, is generally considered to be around 100 to 150 yards (91 to 137 meters) for most firearms and shooters.
Do You Need a Scope for a 22LR Rifle?
While .22LR cartridges are known for their relatively short effective range, a scope significantly enhances accuracy and precision, making it an invaluable accessory for target shooting, varmint hunting, or plinking at longer distances.
Scopes offer better sight picture clarity, help compensate for bullet drop and windage and allow for more precise shot placement. For many shooting enthusiasts, a quality scope on a .22LR rifle can greatly improve the shooting experience and expand the rifle’s versatility.
How To Choose The Best Scope for 22lr Long-Range Shooting
When choosing the best scope for .22LR long-range shooting there are requirements that you should carefully consider to ensure optimal accuracy and performance. They include:
- Magnification Range
For long-range shooting, it is wise to consider a scope with variable magnification to zoom in on distant targets. A magnification range of 4x to 12x or higher is suitable for most .22LR long-range applications.
- Objective Lens Diameter
A larger objective lens (around 40-56mm) allows more light to enter the scope, thus providing better image clarity in low-light conditions.
- Durability
Always ensure the scope is built to withstand the recoil of a .22LR rifle. Look for scopes with shockproof construction and nitrogen-purged or argon-purged tubes for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
- Lens Coatings
A scope with a Fully multi-coated or high-quality coating on the lenses improves light transmission, reduces glare, and enhances image clarity.
- Budget
First, determine your budget but be prepared to invest in a quality scope. A reliable and well-designed optic can significantly impact your long-range shooting performance.
Most Popular Article: 7 Best Scope For 22lr Rabbit Hunting
Best Scope for 22lr Long Range Shooting
1) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality optical device designed to meet the needs of precision shooters and long-range hunters.
With a magnification range of 6x to 24x, the scope offers versatile zoom capabilities, thus making it suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from close-quarters to long-distance engagements.
Durability is a hallmark of Vortex products, and the Diamondback Tactical scope is not left behind. It is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it rugged and shockproof.
The scope features a side parallax adjustment for precise focusing, and it incorporates a fast-focus eyepiece, making it user-friendly in the field.
Specs
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.33 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.5 – 18 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 24.6 oz
- Length: 14.5 inches
Pros
- It is fully multi-coated
- Durable and rugged
- Precision-Glide Erector System
- Precision-Force Spring System
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is a well-regarded and popular optic known for its exceptional optical performance and rugged construction.
Features a magnification range of 3.5x to 10x making it a flexible choice, allowing for a wide range of engagement distances.
One of the standout features of the scope is its excellent glass quality. It also features fully multi-coated lenses that provide exceptional light transmission and image clarity.
Leupold is well-known for its rugged construction, and this scope is no exception. It is made from a durable and lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, that makes it both shockproof and waterproof.
Lastly, it includes the popular Duplex reticle, which is a simple and intuitive design that aids in quick target acquisition. It also features easy-to-use finger-adjustable turrets that provide crisp and precise adjustments with audible clicks.
Specs
- Magnification: 3.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 11.43 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.4 – 3.6 inches
- Length: 12.6 inches
- Weight: 12.6 oz
Pros
- Has Twilight Max Lens System for unequaled light management
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Has Leupold Scope Cover
- Lockable fast-focus eyepiece
- Argon/Krypton waterproofing for signature Leupold waterproof integrity
Cons
- None
3) Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope is a popular choice among budget-conscious long-range shooters and hunters.
Features a magnification range of 6x to 24x making it ideal for various shooting applications. The 50mm objective lens diameter ensures good light transmission, thus allowing for clear and bright images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
With the side focus parallax adjustment feature it allows you to fine-tune the focus on your target, reducing parallax errors for precise shots at different distances.
In addition, has illuminated the first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which means that the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at all magnifications, making it easier for range estimation and holdover corrections.
Specs
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.3inches
- Weight: 29.6 oz
Pros
- First focal plane
- Fully multi-coated
- Illuminated reticle
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
Cons
- None
4) Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope
On to the next is the Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope is a high-end, precision-oriented optic designed for long-range shooting and target applications.
With a versatile magnification range of 7x to an impressive 42x, it is geared toward those who demand the utmost in optical quality and precision at extreme distances.
Its substantial 56mm objective lens gathers an ample amount of light, which is crucial for clarity and brightness, particularly in low-light conditions.
Optically, the scope boasts Leupold’s high-definition (HD) lenses with DiamondCoat 2 coatings, thus ensuring superior light transmission, excellent image clarity, and exceptional color fidelity.
It is also durable as it is constructed from a rugged, one-piece aluminum tube, which is both shockproof and waterproof. The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, providing reliable fog-proof performance and ensuring it can withstand a variety of weather conditions.
Specs
- Magnification: 7 – 42 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 2.7 – 16.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.2 inches
- Weight: 26.3 oz
- Length: 6.9 inches
Pros
- Has 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing.
- Precision ground lenses feature lead/arsenic-free environmentally friendly glass compositions.
- Lifetime warranty
- Absolute waterproof and fog-proof integrity
- Generous eyebox provides incredible head position latitude, edge-to-edge brightness, and a full clear sight picture
Cons
- None
5) Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30x56mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30x56mm APRS1 Rifle Scope is a high-quality, long-range precision optic designed for discerning shooters and hunters who demand top-tier performance.
Has a magnification range of 4.5x to 30x, which is an excellent choice for extreme long-range shooting and target engagement.
Tactical shooters and long-range marksmen will appreciate the exposed and easily adjustable turrets, because these turrets provide crisp, tactile, and audible clicks, making it simple to make precise windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
The scope is argon-purged and O-ring sealed, thus providing waterproof and fog-proof performance, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
Features first focal plane (FFP) design. This ensures that the reticle’s measurements remain consistent at all magnification levels, allowing for accurate adjustments and holdover corrections.
Specs
- Magnification: 4.5 – 30 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 1.9 – 8.8 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 3.75 – 24.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 36.5 oz
- Length: 15.3 inches
Pros
- Has UHD glass
- Locking turrets
- Precision Zero Stop System
- Long eye relief
- Durable
Cons
- None
Also Check Out: 7 Best LPVO For 22lr
FAQS of The Best Scope for 22lr Long Range Shooting
Q1: What should I look for in terms of scope durability for .22LR long-range shooting?
Always ensure the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. Also, look for scopes constructed from durable materials and featuring nitrogen-purged or argon-purged tubes for reliable performance in varying weather conditions.
Q2: How important is lens coating for a .22LR long-range shooting scope?
High-quality lens coatings, such as fully multi-coated, are important for improved light transmission, reduced glare, and enhanced image clarity. They also contribute to a clearer sight picture, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Q3: Are there any specific brands known for producing the best scopes for .22LR long-range shooting?
Reputable scope manufacturers like Leupold, Vortex, and Athlon are known for producing high-quality optics. Consider their offerings and consult user reviews and recommendations from experienced shooters.
Final Thoughts
In the world of shooting, it’s often the small-caliber wonders that leave the biggest impressions. Armed with the best scopes for .22LR long-range shooting, you’ll experience the thrill of precision and the joy of hitting your mark at impressive distances.
These scopes aren’t just accessories; they’re your gateway to mastering your rifle and redefining what’s possible with a humble .22LR. With crystal-clear optics, meticulous design, and rugged reliability, they are your trusty companions in the quest for accuracy.
Related