Last updated on October 26th, 2026
A good rimfire scope for precision .22LR is not just a small hunting scope with more magnification. Precision rimfire puts different demands on an optic: close parallax, enough elevation, a useful reticle, repeatable turrets, and enough magnification to see tiny targets without turning the rifle into a boat anchor.
NRL22, small-target practice and longer-distance .22LR shooting put close parallax and usable elevation travel high on the shopping list.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best for | Why it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP | Best overall precision rimfire scope | Good magnification, FFP reticle, useful turrets and strong value. |
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP | Best budget rimfire scope | Simple, affordable, light enough, and still usable for positional .22LR work. |
| Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 | Best dedicated NRL22-style option | A popular precision rimfire style optic with the magnification and features shooters want. |
| Maven RS.1 2.5-15×44 | Best crossover hunting and rimfire scope | Lighter, cleaner and more practical if the rifle is not just a match gun. |
| Discovery XED 6-36×56 | Best high-magnification budget option | Lots of magnification and features for shooters who want to stretch a rimfire. |
1. Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP – Best Overall
The Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP is a very easy scope to recommend for precision .22LR because it gives you the things rimfire shooters actually use: enough magnification, a first focal plane reticle, exposed turrets, and a price that still makes sense on a rimfire rifle.
- Best for: most precision .22LR and NRL22 shooters.
- Watch out for: size and weight on very light rimfire rifles.
- Read more: Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP Scope Review.
2. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP – Best Budget Pick
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP is the budget pick because it gets a lot of the basics right. It gives you a usable FFP reticle, practical magnification, and enough control to start learning holds and dialing without spending premium-scope money.
- Best for: first precision rimfire builds and budget NRL22 setups.
- Watch out for: limited top-end magnification compared with 5-25x and 6-24x scopes.
- Read more: Vortex Diamondback Tactical Review.
3. Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 – Best Dedicated Precision Rimfire Option
The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 is one of the scopes that comes up again and again in precision rimfire conversations. It is built around the kind of features .22LR match shooters want: high magnification, useful reticle, exposed turrets, and a close-focus setup that makes sense on small targets.
- Best for: NRL22-style rifles and dedicated precision rimfire builds.
- Watch out for: size, weight and whether the rifle really needs 30x.
- Product page: Bushnell Match Pro ED.
4. Maven RS.1 2.5-15×44 – Best Crossover Hunting and Rimfire Scope
The Maven RS.1 is not the obvious pure competition pick, but it is a very sensible crossover scope. If your .22LR does double duty as a hunting rifle, field rifle, or compact trainer, a huge 56mm target scope may not be the best fit.
- Best for: rimfire rifles that still need to be carried and used in the field.
- Watch out for: less top-end magnification than the bigger match scopes.
- Read more: Maven RS.1 Review.
US listing: original Maven RS.1. Australian listing: Maven RS1.2 successor.
5. Discovery XED 6-36×56 – Best High-Magnification Budget Option
The Discovery XED 6-36×56 is worth considering if you want a lot of magnification for rimfire testing, small targets, and longer .22LR shooting without jumping straight into premium glass.
- Best for: shooters wanting higher magnification for small targets and longer rimfire practice.
- Watch out for: more magnification does not automatically make wind calls easier.
- Read more: Discovery XED 6-36×56 Review.
Also Worth Considering
The Arken EP-5 5-25×56 and Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 6-24×56 are both common recommendations in precision rimfire circles. I would put them in the same conversation as the Venom, Diamondback Tactical and Bushnell Match Pro style optics: useful magnification, exposed turrets, and enough reticle to shoot holds properly.
What Makes a Good Precision Rimfire Scope?
- Close parallax: rimfire targets are often close. A scope that will not focus properly inside 50 yards is frustrating.
- Enough elevation: .22LR drops hard once you stretch it, so turret travel matters.
- A usable reticle: holdovers and wind holds are part of rimfire shooting, especially in NRL22-style stages.
- Reliable turrets: if you dial constantly, mushy or inconsistent turrets get old quickly.
- Realistic magnification: 25x or 30x can be useful, but field of view and wobble matter too.
Final Pick
For most precision .22LR shooters, I would start with the Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP. It gives you the magnification, reticle and turret setup that make sense for precision rimfire without getting silly. If budget is tighter, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical is still a good entry point. If the rifle is more of a field trainer than a match rifle, the Maven RS.1 is the one I would look at.
For more optics reading, start with the Optics Reviews hub, Best Long Range Rifle Scope in 2026, and Best Scope Under $1000.
PRECISIONRIFLE