Unlock Precision: Top 10 Rimfire Scopes for Accurate Shooting on the Range

Get ready to enhance your shooting experience with the ultimate lineup of Rimfire Scopes!

In this comprehensive roundup, we’ll dive deep into the world of rimfire scopes, exploring the top options available for hunters, target shooters, and enthusiasts alike. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, you’ll find something to complement your shooting setup.

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Reviews

Kowa TSN-501 Angled Spotting Scope for Rimfire Hunting

The Kowa TSN-501 spotting scope is a fantastic option for those seeking a lightweight and compact alternative to the traditional hunting scope. With its angular design, the scope offers impressive optical performance, including a fully-multi-coated lens system, and an incredible magnification range of 20-40x. The focus on compact, portable designs makes this scope an excellent choice for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring nature, even offering compatibility with an adapter for smartphone users.

Despite its small stature, the Kowa TSN-501 produces sharp, clear images with exceptional detail, making it a great choice for casual observers and pros alike. Its lightweight and compact design also ensures easy carrying and stability, particularly for those who want to keep their hands free while on the go. Weighing a mere 400g, this angled spotter allows for a comfortable birding experience even on long-distance hikes and outings with the whole family.

On the downside, the scope may require a bit of tweaking for perfection. Some users report light falloff and color fringing at maximum zoom power, which can affect the overall experience. Additionally, the eyepiece itself doesn’t have the best eye relief or magnification versatility at higher power levels. Furthermore, those expecting a more robust and well-featured scope might be disappointed with this budget-friendly option.

In conclusion, the Kowa TSN-501 spotting scope is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize compact size, lightweight performance, and excellent value for money. Although it might have its drawbacks, including somewhat poor eye relief and color accuracy at maximum zoom, the low-cost and portable nature of this scope are sure to delight many birdwatching enthusiasts. Whether on the field or on the go, the Kowa TSN-501 is a reliable choice that offers a great combination of functionality and convenience.

AGM Rattler TC35-640 Compact Thermal Imaging Clip-On System

Discover the AGM Rattler TC35-640, an innovative and portable thermal imaging clip-on system that seamlessly converts your daytime optics into a thermal device. Featuring a high-sensitivity 12μm thermal detector with 640x512 resolution and 1024x768 OLED monitor, this compact device enables live video streaming and video recording through an app.

The AGM Rattler TC35-640 offers a detection range of 1750 meters/yards, coupled with a digital zoom capability of 2x, 4x, and 8x magnification, making it an ideal choice for long-range applications. It’s highly suitable for scenarios such as patrolling or hunting.

This device fits effortlessly in front of rifle scopes with up to 8x magnification. The AGM Rattler TC35-640 is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance.

While some users have found the device easy to use, others have reported the instructions as being complicated. However, overall, the AGM Rattler TC35-640 provides an exceptional thermal imaging experience with its versatility and high-quality performance.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Angled Design with Nitrogen Purging and Multi-Coated Lenses

If you’re shopping for a dependable and versatile spotting scope, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 could be the one you’ve been searching for. With its angled design, this scope boasts an impressive 20x to 60x magnification range, making it suitable for use at the shooting range or when exploring nature.

One of the key elements of this Talos model is its fully multi-coated lenses. These lenses work to provide superior light transmission, ensuring bright and detailed images. Furthermore, the K9 glass prisms in the scope reflect a significant amount of light, helping to maintain image clarity even in challenging weather conditions. Its rugged construction, including waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features, ensures that it’s a reliable choice for all sorts of outdoor activities.

While the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 is a high-quality spotting scope, it does have some minor drawbacks. Some users have reported that the included tripod was not as sturdy as they preferred. Additionally, the eye relief can feel slightly restricted for certain individuals, making it a bit more challenging to find a comfortable viewing position.

In summary, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 is a top option for those seeking a dependable spotting scope at an affordable price. Its numerous features and flexible magnification range make it a must-have for any outdoor adventurer. While it does have some minor drawbacks, they are certainly worth overlooking given the scope’s multitude of benefits.

Firefield Budget Spotting Scope - Matte Black

The Firefield 12-36x50 Straight Edge Spotting Optics Kit offers hunters and outdoor enthusiasts an excellent option for spotting their targets with crisp, clear imagery. Featuring fully multi-coated lenses, a durable, rubber-armored body, and a comfortable, straight eyepiece, this scope is perfect for tactical spotting.

It’s also IPX6 compliant, making it 100% waterproof, fogproof, and weatherproof for use in various environments. The kit comes with a camera mounting accessory and a heavy-duty tripod, allowing for easy storing and secure transport.

With a high magnification range, the Firefield scope provides sharp images perfect for hunters and plinkers alike.

Bushnell T Series FDE 15-45x60 Hunting Scope with Mil Hash Reticle

Bushnell’s 15-45x60 spotting scope has been a fantastic addition to my outdoor gear collection. The spotting scope’s 50mm objective lens offers a wide field of view, making it great for tracking moving targets over long distances.

One of the standout features for me is the Mil-Hash reticle, which works seamlessly with Mil-Base riflescope reticles to speed up the zeroing process. Additionally, the scope’s Fully Multi-Coated Optics system ensures crisp, clear images with minimal eye strain. The weather-resistant design with the water-repellent RainGuard HD coating is also a major bonus.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks to the scope. The weight of 23.4 oz might be challenging for prolonged use, especially in hunting or birdwatching situations. Also, the front lens cap’s Velcro stitching failed immediately, and the scope’s case seems too small for the product, making storage less convenient.

Overall, I find this spotting scope well worth the investment, as long as one is aware of its weight and packaging limitations.

ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000 (Mossy Oak Elements Terra) - Range-finding Laser Sight for Hunting

I recently got my hands on the ATN Corporation Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000, and from the first day, I knew it was going to be my go-to companion in the field. The Mossy Oak Elements Terra camo finish blended in perfectly with nature, and its sleek design made it feel even more like an integrated part of my rifle.

One of the most impressive features of this range-finding laser was its accuracy - I could aim at a target and trust that the 5-1000-yard/meter range was accurate to within just one yard or meter. It connected seamlessly with my ATN Smart HD day, night, or thermal riflescope, allowing me to effortlessly make adjustments to my scope’s reticle through its intuitive Bluetooth interface.

Despite its advanced technology, the ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000 was surprisingly user-friendly, even for someone not overly familiar with laser sights like me. It added the distance to the target to videos of shots I made using the smart scope, providing me with valuable data for future shooting sessions.

I was also impressed by the rugged construction - with its hardened aluminum alloy housing, it easily withstood the recoil of high-caliber rifles. The built-in sunshade was another thoughtful feature that protected the device from glare and unwanted light. Battery runtime was a solid 12 hours of continuous operation, making it ideal for long hunting trips.

However, there were a couple of areas where this device could be improved. First, the attachment system with two screws felt a tiny bit snug for my liking. A more secure connection would have been appreciated. Second, the Bluetooth 4.1 functionality could have been faster when integrating with the riflescope.

Overall, the ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000 is a powerful and highly versatile device for any serious hunter. Its accuracy, ease of use, and reliability make it a valuable addition to any rifle setup, despite minor design flaws.

Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring 1.5-5 x 32 IR-E Crossbow Scope - Mil Dot Scope with Adjustable Speed Ring and Red/Blue Illuminated Reticle

In my experience, the Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope has been a reliable and high-quality addition to my hunting gear. The scope’s adjustable Speed Ring allows me to easily set it for crossbows between 270 and 450 FPS, giving me the perfect magnification for my shots. The built-in Speed Ring makes it a breeze to change the settings and get the most accurate aim possible.

One aspect that stood out to me is the durability of the scope. The metal case protects it from impacts and weather while the spring-loaded covers shield the lenses until I’m ready to use them. The infrared technology works exceptionally well in dim lighting, improving my ability to target moving targets at a great distance.

Of course, no product is without its flaws. One issue I faced was with the eye relief, which took some time and patience to get used to. It was also a bit heavier than other scopes I had used, causing a noticeable difference in carrying weight.

Overall, this crossbow scope has been a valuable and capable addition to my hunting gear. It has helped me accurately sight in on my targets and bag several animals. With its durability, built-in Speed Ring, and excellent image quality, I would highly recommend the Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope to any crossbow hunter looking to upgrade their gear.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 IR-E Crossbow Scope - Black, Clear Optics & LED Illumination

As I embarked on a hunting trip, I was eager to test out the Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 IR-E Crossbow Scope. I mounted it on my crossbow, adjusted the sights and speed ring, and headed out into the woods. The scope’s multicoated optics provided exceptional clarity, allowing me to spot my target with ease. The fast focus eyepiece made adjustments swift and simple, ensuring that I could make accurate shots.

One feature that stood out to me was the scope’s illumination. The blue and red LED lights were adjustable and bright enough to see clearly in low light conditions. This was particularly useful during the early morning hunt, providing a much-needed boost to my sight. The adjustment click value of 0.5 inches at 100 yards ensured that I could make precise adjustments to my shots, further enhancing my accuracy.

However, I did encounter a minor issue with the speed ring. It proved to be a bit tricky to adjust, making it slightly more challenging to fine-tune my shots. Despite this, I was overall impressed with the scope’s performance and would definitely recommend it to other crossbow enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-packed accessory.

Excalibur Dead-Zone Compact Rimfire Scope for Crossbows

This compact Excalibur Dead-Zone Crossbow Scope is a game-changer for those crossbow enthusiasts seeking premium quality within a relatively affordable price range. Suitable for crossbows that operate at shooting speeds of 300-410 fps, the scope can accommodate a 32mm objective lens and features a 1” tube for outstanding light transmission. Its fully-coated lenses ensure crisp visuals, while the variable multi-reticle design ensures optimal viewing experience.

The reviewers seem incredibly pleased with the scope’s level of accuracy, reliability, and ease of adjustment. Some even claim it’s all they’ll ever need from a scope, praising the clarity and light-gathering capabilities. However, a small minority have faced some minor hassles, such as a stubbornly tightening set screw, although these instances do not seem to significantly mar the overall positive sentiment.

The only downside reported by a few users is the difficulty in distinguishing the reticle when the sun sets, but all agree that the high-end construction and excellent performance easily justify the purchase of this scope. It’s not simply an accessory, but a valuable tool for serious crossbow users, providing unrivaled precision and efficiency.

Snypex Knight PT 72mm f/6.0 ED-APO Photography Scope: Exceptional Digiscoping Capabilities

Recently, I had a chance to try out the Snypex Knight PT 72mm f/6.0 Ed-Apo Photography Scope. As a photography enthusiast, I was intrigued by its multi-functional design that allowed for digiscoping with DSLR cameras. The scope was pretty easy to assemble, and I appreciated the T-mount threads for attaching camera-specific T-2 adapters.

One of the features that stood out to me was the extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and apochromatic doublet lens configuration that virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations. This resulted in high-contrast views with almost no distortion across the entire field of view. The anti-reflection fully multicoated optics were also a great addition, making the views bright and improving low-light performance.

However, I did encounter some issues with the focus. It was challenging to get a good focus on stars, and the scope seemed to struggle in comparison to what I had expected from an apochromatic lens. Additionally, when trying to contact Snypex support, I didn’t receive any response, which was disappointing.

Despite these pitfalls, the Knight PT 72mm f/6.0 Ed-Apo Photography Scope served me well for daytime use, and I would consider it a solid alternative to a regular spotting scope if you’re looking to take some impressive digiscoped shots.

Buyer’s Guide

Rimfire scopes are essential tools for both experienced and new hunters. They can provide better accuracy, improved visibility, and enhanced precision in shooting targets at varying distances. Purchasing a rimfire scope that suits your specific needs can be a daunting task. This buyer’s guide aims to simplify the process by providing essential features, considerations, and general advice about rimfire scopes to help you make an informed decision.

Magnification

Magnification is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a rimfire scope. It determines how far you can see your target. For beginners, a 2-4x to 2-7x magnification range should be sufficient for most hunting scenarios. Seasoned hunters may prefer a higher magnification range of 6-12x for improved accuracy and target acquisition at long distances. However, higher magnification can sometimes result in a smaller field of view and reduced image clarity.

Objective Lens Size

The objective lens size of a rimfire scope, measured in millimeters, determines the amount of light that enters the scope. A larger objective lens lets in more light, which can be advantageous when hunting in low-light conditions. However, a larger lens size also adds weight and bulk to the scope. For most hunting scenarios, a 24-50mm objective lens size should provide a good balance between light gathering and portability.

Reticle Type

The reticle type is a crucial consideration when purchasing a rimfire scope, as it provides the lines and marks that help you aim at your target accurately. Common reticle types include simple crosshairs, duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensation). The choice of reticle depends on the user’s preference and shooting needs. For beginners, a simple crosshair or duplex reticle should suffice. More advanced hunters may prefer a mil-dot or BDC reticle for improved long-distance accuracy.

Tube Size and Material

The tube size and material of a rimfire scope can have a significant impact on its durability, reliability, and overall performance. For most hunting scenarios, a 1-inch tube size should provide a good balance between weight, size, and optical performance. The most common material for riflescopes is aircraft-grade aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. Some high-end models may use steel or titanium for enhanced strength and durability.

FAQ

What are rimfire scopes?

Rimfire scopes are designed specifically for use with rimfire rifles, such as those chambered for. 17HMR, . 22 LR, or. 22 WMR cartridges. These scopes allow for precise aiming and improved accuracy when shooting at small targets or long distances. They feature a more compact design and are generally less expensive than other types of scopes.

Since rimfire guns typically used for target shooting, hunting small game, or competitive shooting, rimfire scopes cater to those particular needs, providing shooters with a reliable and cost-effective option for enhancing their shooting experience and skill development. They can also be versatile and compatible with other types of rifles as well.

What should I consider when purchasing a rimfire scope?

When choosing a rimfire scope, it is essential to consider several factors. First, you should think about the type of shooting you will be doing and find a scope that is suitable for that purpose. For example, if you are into target shooting or competitive shooting, you may want a scope with a higher magnification.

Another factor to consider is the scope’s overall quality and durability. Investing in a reliable scope with quality optics will help to improve your shooting experience and accuracy. Additionally, it is a good idea to choose a scope that is easy to adjust and has a user-friendly design, especially if you are new to using scopes. Lastly, ensure that the scope you select fits your specific rimfire rifle by checking its compatibility with the firearm’s mounting system.

How much should I expect to pay for a good rimfire scope?

The price of a rimfire scope can vary greatly, depending on its features and the manufacturer. However, compared to other types of scopes, rimfire scopes tend to be more budget-friendly. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $300 for a good quality rimfire scope. It is always recommended to find the best balance between affordability and desired features when purchasing a scope.

As with any product, it is essential to do your homework and read reviews before making a decision. A cheaper scope might seem like a good option initially, but it may have lower optical clarity and durability, which could impact your shooting experience in the long run. Therefore, investing a bit more in a well-regarded rimfire scope will likely provide better value for your money.

Are there any features that make a rimfire scope stand out from other scopes?

One feature that sets rimfire scopes apart from other types of scopes is their compact design. Rimfire rifles typically have shorter action lengths, and rimfire scopes are built to accommodate this by featuring shorter tubes and overall length. This design makes it easier to mount a scope on a rimfire rifle, especially for smaller shooters or those who prefer a more minimalist setup.

Additionally, many rimfire scopes are designed with specific cartridges in mind, allowing for enhanced accuracy and performance. For example, a scope designed for use with the. 22 LR cartridge will have reticle and turret adjustments tailored for that particular cartridge’s ballistic characteristics. This specificity can be a major advantage for shooters looking for the best performance possible from their rimfire rig.

How do I choose the right magnification for a rimfire scope?

When selecting the magnification for a rimfire scope, it is crucial to consider the distance at which you will be shooting and the type of target you will be engaging with. Low magnification (3x to 6x) may be sufficient for shorter distances or target shooting where precise shooting is not critical. However, for long-range shooting or hunting small game, a higher magnification (10x to 16x) will provide a clearer, more accurate aiming point.

It is also essential to choose a scope with a wide field of view (FOV) appropriate for your shooting requirements. A scope with a narrower FOV may have higher magnification, but it will be more challenging to acquire a target quickly. In contrast, a scope with a wider FOV will provide better situational awareness and target acquisition. Finding the right balance between magnification and FOV will allow you to make the most of your rimfire scope’s capabilities.

What are the differences between first focal plane and second focal plane scopes?

The primary difference between first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scopes lies in how their reticles interact with the scope’s magnification. In a FFP scope, the reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range, which means it expands or contracts as you change the magnification. This means that the size of the reticle remains accurate to actual size at any magnification level, providing greater precision when making adjustments.

In contrast, an SFP scope has a fixed-size reticle regardless of the magnification level. As you increase or decrease the magnification, the reticle appears larger or smaller, respectively. Although this may seem less useful at first, SFP scopes can be more cost-effective, as their reticles are often simpler and less expensive to manufacture. However, FFP scopes are generally considered more advanced and provide a competitive edge for serious shooters and hunters.

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