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Rimfire Budget Scopes for Around $100 with Good Reviews

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45K views 86 replies 40 participants last post by  localguy  
#1 ·
I did some online research and found a few scopes for rimfire rifles that had good reviews. I was specifically looking for a mildot or rangefinder reticle for a 22 cal. rifle with the best bang for the buck, clear lenses and durability for around $100. My favorites are the Burris Droptine 3-9 x 40mm scope with parallax factory set at 50 yards, and the Bushnell Banner II DOA 3-9 x 40MM scope. You may want to visit the manufacturers website to compare pricing and specs.

List of Scopes on Amazon for Around $100.00

1. 2. 3. 4. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J2RGBH...00J2RGBHI/?coliid=I360J3J1L3MA5K&colid=2O1I8Y69Z5DQN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
5. Amazon.com
6. Amazon.com

7. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APT0JH...01APT0JHY/?coliid=I25TZKYGZ7IMRN&colid=2O1I8Y69Z5DQN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
 
#13 ·
"Eye relif in first one." Good to know.
Primary Arms is a really good choice. The fixed power will be lighter than some variable power scopes and the optics are so clear as I have read reviews. The scope is shorter that the 3-9 x 40mm scope (preferred) and the shorter scope could be an issue with some rifles and rifle owners. Primary Arms makes really good quality scopes.
 
#5 ·
i have several of the droptine 22RF scopes, so far have had no issues, all are functioning as they should, and optics adequate. I've noticed as my eyeballs get older i'm having to back the ocular lens adjustment out farther, and those droptines seem to have afairly large adjustment range for that.

not yet sure how they'll hold up long term, but in the last year i've added some Hawke variables that focus up to 10yards...so far all still fine.
 
#15 ·
i have several of the droptine 22RF scopes, so far have had no issues, all are functioning as they should, and optics adequate. I've noticed as my eyeballs get older i'm having to back the ocular lens adjustment out farther, and those droptines seem to have afairly large adjustment range for that.

not yet sure how they'll hold up long term, but in the last year i've added some Hawke variables that focus up to 10yards...so far all still fine.
Good to know they last.
 
#6 ·
Nice topic -

Burris Rimfire is one of my favorites for about $125 but I haven't seen them advertised in a while and a quick check doesn't list them on the website anymore. I guess they don't make them anymore

There are some decent choices you listed. I have a Bushnell Banner on a Marlin .30-06. Cheap scope on a cheap rifle but gets the job done. No complaints.

I also have a couple of these Vortex Sonora units - one on an AR, one on a Ruger 7.62 Ranch and one for my next 10/22. Great scope for the money. There are always sales on these for $99 at PSA or KyGunCo

Vortex Sonora 4-12x44 Rifle Scope w/ Dead-Hold BDC SON-412 | Palmetto State Armory
 
#12 ·
Nice topic -

Burris Rimfire is one of my favorites for about $125 but I haven't seen them advertised in a while and a quick check doesn't list them on the website anymore. I guess they don't make them anymore

There are some decent choices you listed. I have a Bushnell Banner on a Marlin .30-06. Cheap scope on a cheap rifle but gets the job done. No complaints.

I also have a couple of these Vortex Sonora units - one on an AR, one on a Ruger 7.62 Ranch and one for my next 10/22. Great scope for the money. There are always sales on these for $99 at PSA or KyGunCo

Vortex Sonora 4-12x44 Rifle Scope w/ Dead-Hold BDC SON-412 | Palmetto State Armory
  • Good info you shared for future considerations.
  • I really like the Vortex scopes. Great reviews.
  • I believe Burris still makes the scopes I listed. However, the one I like the best is the Burris ballisstic plex 2-7 x 35mm (not listed0 that has been discontinued and expensive if you can find one new. It is the only Burris scope that I saw negative reviews, and probably discontinued for those reasons.
- Burris has the best warranty "lifetime warranty, transferable, no questions asked."
 
#38 ·
I put a BSA sweet 22 on a Remington 597 target HB about 10 years ago. It's a good scope, no doubt, but I don't think it better than my Burris or Nikon rimfire models that were a little cheaper and a lot lighter.

The Sweet 22 is just so big and heavy. The 597 I have it on is a bench queen so it is fine. But it takes a lot more space in the safes and cases and I wouldn't want to carry it around on a woods gun.
 
#26 ·
Cheapest scope I own is a Simmons 4x32. And I’m very impressed with it. Have it mounted on my TD 10/22. Just a great solid small clean scope with shockingly clear glass and a fine crosshair reticle

My only complaint with it is the dials are not numbered. So it’s more of a set it and forget it deal. Fine for my use but wish they were numbered none less. Best part was this thing was $50 Canadian.

Image
 
#41 ·
Cheapest scope I own is a Simmons 4x32. And I’m very impressed with it. Have it mounted on my TD 10/22. Just a great solid small clean scope with shockingly clear glass and a fine crosshair reticle

My only complaint with it is the dials are not numbered. So it’s more of a set it and forget it deal. Fine for my use but wish they were numbered none less. Best part was this thing was $50 Canadian.

View attachment 381046
I have this same scope, I agree its a nice little scope but if you compared it to a droptine, bushnell rimfire or a banner.....you'd be shocked at the difference. Its pretty significant. That said, my simmons sits in my tool box drawer.......
 
#27 ·
I have….six? Seven? Of the BSA sweet series. They are on 22, 17 and 223 rifles. The target turrets run perfectly, IME. Just make sure you use the correct weight ammo, and the same velocity you zeroed with as well.

The one I have a pic of was a $60 used Savage Mark II, I zeroed the gun at 25 yards, dialed up for 100, and put a shot dead center, first try. Funny thing, I just got a Savage Mark II FV-SR, and ordered another BSA scope for it.

Image
 
#31 ·
I’m not saying THAT scope is good, it looks like the $7 Tasco Walmart special….but I have a Mossberg 142A T bolt wearing an old Bushnell Sportview of that style, and it shoots pretty well.

Image


That isn’t a flyer, I shot one, adjusted the scope, and shot 6 more.

Image
 
#33 ·
I've purchased several scopes in the last year. UTG 3-12 and 4-16 30mm tube are real deals. I had both these scopes and 4 others on my daily carry rifle in the last year. Other scopes were Monstrum 3-18, Athlon Argus 5-20, Mini Wraith 2-16, and Leopold 6-18 VXII. Other than the Leopold my choice is the UTG 4-16.
 
#36 ·
Was thinking about glass, and remembered another inexpensive scope line that has served me pretty well....the Bushnell Trophy scopes. I have a couple of the 4-12xAO's on assorted guns, as well as a 4-15xAO, and a 6-18xAO.

Will have to check, i think all of mine are earlier ones (Japanese made, maybe?)... i seem to recall they later went to another country for production, and have no experience with later models.

they focus down close quite well at rimfire ranges...some of those have now been with me for 15-20 years , no issues. I see them pop up at gun shows at decent prices, and when they do i end up adopting them.
 
#57 ·
Was thinking about glass, and remembered another inexpensive scope line that has served me pretty well....the Bushnell Trophy scopes. I have a couple of the 4-12xAO's on assorted guns, as well as a 4-15xAO, and a 6-18xAO.

Will have to check, i think all of mine are earlier ones (Japanese made, maybe?)... i seem to recall they later went to another country for production, and have no experience with later models.

they focus down close quite well at rimfire ranges...some of those have now been with me for 15-20 years , no issues. I see them pop up at gun shows at decent prices, and when they do i end up adopting them.
The early Bushnell Trophy scopes were made in Korea, not sure where they're made now?
 
#37 ·
I was looking at UTG scopes as well and they had some pretty good reviews.

A few brands of scopes I have not seen mentioned that have some good reviews are the Tract and Crimson Trace name brand scopes. They are in the $150 and up price bracket though, but are excellent choices. The Crimson Trace, number 2. scope listed below for $131 on Amazon is pretty sweet. I think this scope may be a contender.

1. 2.
 
#44 ·
I was looking at UTG scopes as well and they had some pretty good reviews.
I use a UTG TrueHunter AO on both of my Diana air rifles and can confirm they are good, a little heavy but extremely reliable. I didn't have very good luck with their Accushot line though but was able to return 2 of them to PA within 30 days for full credit and prepaid shipping.

I'm going to recommend an Athlon, the Talos can be found a shade over your budget, mine was $179.00.
 
#49 · (Edited)
This seems like a good deal on Amazon for two scopes; Crossfire 4-12 x 44 and Crossfire 3-9 x 40mm scopes for $318. I'm not too crazy about the reticles as I like a thicker and more defined BDC reticle.

 
#54 ·
I did some online research and found a few scopes for rimfire rifles that had good reviews. I was specifically looking for a mildot or rangefinder reticle for a 22 cal. rifle with the best bang for the buck, clear lenses and durability for around $100. My favorites are the Burris Droptine 3-9 x 40mm scope with parallax factory set at 50 yards, and the Bushnell Banner II DOA 3-9 x 40MM scope. You may want to visit the manufacturers website to compare pricing and specs.

List of Scopes on Amazon for Around $100.00

1. 2. 3. 4. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J2RGBH...00J2RGBHI/?coliid=I360J3J1L3MA5K&colid=2O1I8Y69Z5DQN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
5. Amazon.com
6. Amazon.com

7. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APT0JH...01APT0JHY/?coliid=I25TZKYGZ7IMRN&colid=2O1I8Y69Z5DQN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I have used Simmons 22 MAG scopes with good results. That said part of the choice depends upon what type of shooting yoinare doin i.e. long ranfe precision or squirrels / plinking....
 
#55 ·
So true. For short distanceshooting of a 22 cal. rifle, a high powered scope may not be necessary unless you are using it in a precision match. I read reviews from an author for the ten best scopes for a 22 cal rifle on a budget/entry level and Simmons was one the author's favorite. Here is his review:

Simmons 22 Mag 4Ă—32 (Model 511022)

Simmons 22 Mag 4x32 Scope


"For me, no list of top-rated scopes for most any .22 rifle is accurate or complete without at least one fixed 4x power scope, and the Marlin 60 is no exception.
If you’re shopping for a nice 4x powered scope that won’t break the bank, then the Simmons 22 Mag 4×32 model might be worth checking out.
Now, some shooters might be hesitant to use a scope called named the 22 Mag scope on a 22LR, thinking that the scope was only designed to be used on a 22-mag rifle, but let me put your concerns to rest. The 22 Mag name of this scope series is just a name that Simmons opted to use as these scopes are NOT specially designed to be used with a 22 Mag rifle.
The 22 Mag series of rifle scopes will work just fine with any caliber, including 22 Long Rifle.
Like most scopes in the sub-$50 price range, the optical quality is about what you would expect but is not bad for the cost.
This model uses the Simmons TruPlex reticle, which is basically Simmon’s version of a duplex. This reticle style mates up to the shorter ranges of the 22LR quite well.
Like most all fixed power scopes, the big draw with this model is its simplicity. It’s a point-and-shoot solution in most scenarios, without any dials to turn or adjustments to make.
This riflescope model is available in a matte finish and a silver finish."