{TOP 5} Best Scope For Ruger 10/22 Reviews (2023 Updated)

Do you want to acquire a rimfire scope for your Ruger 10 22 rifle but don’t know where to begin? Let’s help you find the best scope for your rifle.  As a gun lover, I understand how difficult it may be to find the best Ruger 10 22 rifle scopes. This is why I’m writing this post, and I urge you to read it all the way through. It contains some useful advice on how to choose the best scope for your Ruger 10/22. I’ll also do some reviews on some selected Ruger 10 22 scopes.

Every scope manufacturer claims to be the best manufacturer of high-quality optics. Furthermore, new scopes are launched virtually every day to meet the needs of new clients. The number of Ruger 10 22 rifles that have been sold since its introduction is over 6 million, and the number keeps growing by the day. Ruger 10 22 firearms make for a sizable 16.7% of America’s market rifles. As a result, rivalry among scope makers is very high.

So, which scope is best for Ruger 10-22? There is no definitive answer because it is dependent on what individuals want or need. Nonetheless, there are certain scopes that have pleased more shooters than others. 

Here are our 5 best scope for Ruger 10-22.

Ruger 10/22 Scopes: Why Do You Need Them?

Ruger 10/22 rifles are available in three separate models: regular Ruger Carbine, Ruger Tactical, and Ruger Takedown. While the Takedown and Carbine variants have gold-beaded front sights and adjustable rear sights, the Ruger Tactical models do not.

The 10/22 Rifle is best suited for shooting around 30-75 yards, so you won’t need a very powerful scope to achieve the best results. So, if you do not use a riflescope or some iron sights, hitting smaller creatures like varmints beyond 30 yards will be much more difficult.

A scope can give the following:

• User confidence grows as accuracy improves.
• Improved varmint-hunting performance
• Save money by conserving ammo.

A riflescope on the Ruger 10/22 may extend your effective range to roughly 100 yards. So, if you practice sufficiently with the rifle, you could be able to hit targets at distances of up to 120 yards. In summary, you should acquire a good optic for the Ruger 10/22 rifle to enhance accuracy and save ammo by reducing missed shots.

Ruger 10/22: How To Make It Work For You

A riflescope can assist and increase the maximum effective range by providing a magnified picture of the target, as well as possible reticle benefits like the corrections for bullet drop, elevation, and windage.

You can enjoy a Ruger 1022 by doing the following:

• Using an improved, smooth trigger mechanism. A sloppy trigger will always result in a clumsy pull. A smooth trigger pull leads to greater accuracy.

• Barrels that are longer. Use a Ruger 10/22 firearm with the longest barrel possible. Most Ruger models have a barrel length of roughly 18.5 inches. Going higher equals greater distance accuracy.

Ruger 10/22 Scopes: What Makes Them Great?

Weight and Size 

A high-quality Ruger 10/22 riflescope will be built with weight and size in mind. Since the Ruger weapon isn’t extremely heavy on its own, and you don’t require a very high scope magnification, any good scope for this rifle should be small and lightweight.

Lightweight and smaller scopes are easy to place on a rifle and will not destabilize the rifle’s balance, especially if a shooter is used to utilizing the rifle’s iron sights. A good Ruger 1022 scope will often weigh around 12 to 18 ounces and measure around 10 to 13 inches in length.

Features

A top-tier scope for the Ruger 10/22 should have high-quality features that set them apart from the competition.

Long-distance scopes with magnification capabilities higher than 4x, for example, should incorporate elevation and windage adjustment turrets. These adjustment turrets will make it easier for you to alter the location of your reticle in relation to the target for elevation compensation or wind direction in your surroundings.

Most turrets “click” loudly as you make adjustments. This is ideal for making fine changes.

Consider the mounting choices for a certain scope. Some scopes can be fitted using rings, necessitating a bit extra work to properly install everything. Others may be attached to the Picatinny or Weaver mounting rail on your rifle.

Bullet Drop Compensation

A Bullet Drop Compensator is a kind of reticle with little hash marks at the bottom vertical line. As far as the rifle has been correctly calibrated and zeroed, these hash markings will help you to adjust for bullet drop, making it possible for you to hit shots that are at longer distances.

BDC reticles are unfortunately restricted with the Ruger 10/22 rifle since the maximum effective range is only a little more than 100 yards. Still, this can be useful when hunting pests or varmints over long ranges.

Focal Plane

Other reticle variations might increase or decrease the value of a sight. Some reticles are basic, while others include extra hash marks that may be used to adjust for other factors like windage and elevation.

Take into account if a reticle is the first or second focal plane.

• If your reticle is an FFP:  The size changes as magnification changes. This makes any measurement hash marks related to your goal precise. This type of reticle is preferable for long-range shooting.
• If the reticle is in the second focal plane: As your magnification changes, the size should not be changed. They’re calibrated for a single magnification (specified in your scope’s user handbook), but additional magnification levels require some math or estimate on your side. Second focal plane reticles are superior for close range shooting.

Both reticles are useful at all distances. It’s simply a question of personal choice. SFP reticles are easier to operate and hence better alternatives for novices.

How much scope magnification do you require?

A Ruger 10/22 rifle is ideally suited for smaller games or mild varmint hunting, as well as backyard plinking with friends. It isn’t intended for big games or long-range shooting.

A Ruger 10/22 weapon can only hit targets accurately up to around 100 yards at most. As a result, a scope that has a magnification higher than 9x is not required. If the rifle’s rest is properly adjusted, a 9x power scope will allow you to strike shots from more than 100 yards.

Scopes with magnifications ranging from 4x to 7x are best for striking targets that are 50 to 100 yards.  Close range shooting with distances less than 50 yards can be done with a 4x fixed power scope.

The following is a general breakdown of scope magnifications:

1-4x: ideal for shots under 50 yards.

4x-6x: recommended for shots between 50 to 100 yards.

6x-9x: ideal for shots ranging from 75 to 120 yards

What Scope Should You Choose For Your Specific Target or Range?

Although each of the aforementioned factors affects scope quality, however, you should choose a scope that you know will work best for your target or normal shooting range.

For example, if you typically use a Ruger 10/22 to hunt vermin or pests on your land, you might need a sight capable of medium-to-long range shots. Choose a long-range scope that has a high magnification and, ideally, a first focal plane reticle. BDC reticles are an excellent choice. If you only use the Ruger 10/22 for target shooting or backyard plinking, you won’t need a long-range scope. In this situation, you might select a less expensive and lighter scope.

5 Best Scope For Ruger 10/22

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32 Rimfire Riflescope 

https://shrsl.com/2mze7

Have you noticed that everybody always mentions this scope in their recommendation for the Ruger 1022 scope selection? While this is due in part to the variety of scopes available in the Crossfire II scope family, it is also due to the constant quality that the Vortex brand provides across the Crossfire II series.

Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire Rifle scope works well with any .22 LR rifle, but it works exceptionally well with semi-auto versions of all sorts.

In many aspects, it is identical to some other scopes we’ll discuss, but it comes with improved construction and optical quality.

The crossfire II scope has V-Plex reticle, and the parallax setting is at 50 yards. The rapid focus eyepiece has 3.9 inches of eye relief.

The zero-reset turrets feature 1/4 MOA adjustment and come as capped. No special tools are required for zeroing.

The one-piece tube of the scope is 1inch in diameter, and it is manufactured of aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish. The Vortex scope is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof. The lens is completely multicoated for improved picture quality, and they include ArmorTek scratch-resistant coatings on the lens to keep scratches, grease, and other debris at bay.

This vortex scope also has the Vortex Lifetime Warranty, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.

2. Bushnell Trophy TRS 25

If you are on a tight budget, this Bushnell Trophy TRS optic is the ideal red dot optic for your Ruger 10/22 rifle.

After I purchased these scopes for a buddy, he got a second one on his muzzleloader rifle. Keep reading to find out why anyone should consider this scope for Ruger 10-22…

The glass of this scope is very clear and excellent for the price. It has multi-coated glass, which is a significant advance for any red dot optic at this price. The Amber-Bright contrast lens coating is responsible for the lens’s red/orange color.

The lens’s mirror finish decreases glade and gives superb light. I don’t like settling for less than I need in a scope’s glass. For the price, this red dot optic is fantastic.

The scope’s objective lens is out of reach and appears to be tilted. When you turn it on, the light coming from the LED would be reflected back to the optic to create the dot.

This red dot optic is modest and distinct. It has a fair size for rapid target acquisition but is not so big that it obstructs your aim.  There are 11 brightness levels for this 3 MOA reticle. It works nicely during the daytime and looks fantastic at night.

The Bushnell Trophy red dot sight is quite sharp from level 1 to roughly level 6; however, it can get a little blurry at a higher brightness setting. However, because it is so bright, I’ve never needed to utilize the maximum setting when shooting. The eye relief on the scope is infinite. You may still need your glasses because it’s not enlarged, but it provides endless eye relief for convenient two-eye shooting. It makes no difference if you are 2 feet or 2 inches away from this optic; it will appear the same.

When I talk about a scope that is waterproof, what I actually mean is that it’s weatherproof enough for James Bond to shoot underwater.

This red dot sight is entirely water resistant. It is O-ring sealed; even if totally submerged, the optic remains dry. It is also entirely fog proof. The nitrogen in the scope prevents fogging of the internal optical surfaces due to humidity or abrupt temperature fluctuations. Despite its low price, the weatherproofing characteristics of this scope are excellent.

Bushnell promises that the battery will last about 3,000 hours. I’m not sure I believe that assertion, but I am sure the battery lasts considerably because I’ve used mine for a long time and only had to change the battery just once. I’d rather not be stocked with a low battery, so I always keep an extra.

This red dot optic is powered by a CR2032 battery, which you may not have sitting around at all times.

The Bushnell TRS scope has two capped turrets, one for elevation and one for windage. Each click is 1 MOA. It is coarser than other scopes, but with a 3 MOA dot, I do not think it is a problem. The elevation and windage settings are tight, so you can tweak them with a dime, but they won’t be jostled away by your recoil.

With a Ruger 10/22, zeroing was a breeze. I was dialed in after only 50 yards with a couple of bullets. True zero has been perfectly stable after hundreds of rounds.

The lighting adjustment was a little tight at first, but it did soften up with some usage.

You won’t need to worry about unintentional adjustments. The adjustment knobs will remain exactly where you placed them.

It is a fixed power scope without magnification, but installing one is simple. You can use a Magnifier. It is a good, low-cost combination.

The Bushnell scope has no parallax in the horizontal or vertical axes, unlike other red dots.

The scope mount readily installs on a Picatinny rail, so you won’t need to purchase any additional equipment to put it snuggly on your rifle.

3. Vortex Strikefire II 

The Vortex Strikefire is an excellent red dot sight at a reasonable price.

In fact, I believe it is a great Ruger 10/22 red dot. Let’s find out why this is so.

This scope’s glass is extremely clear; I can see every detail via the lens without any fuzz. This is due to the Strikefire II’s multi-coating. This makes it incredibly easy to see and clearly identify targets. The reticle on this sight is 4 MOA. You can change to green light if you have visual problems that make it difficult to notice red.

That is not a problem for me; however, for people with astigmatism, a condition that makes red dots seem somewhat deformed, this scope is very handy for targets up to 100 yards. If you are experiencing astigmatism, you may be more interested in a holographic sight. There are 10 different brightness levels to pick from in this scope. This implies that the Vortex Strikefire II may be used in any condition, even low light settings. The two lowest levels are even compatible with night vision.

One good thing about red dot optics is that they provide endless eye relief and eliminate the need to stay in an uncompromising eye box.

You can use this scope with two eyes open for an excellent field of view, which is something a magnified scope cannot accomplish. This optic is extremely long-lasting. O-ring seals ensure that it is entirely watertight. Furthermore, Vortex used nitrogen purging, making it completely fogproof. Vortex also made the scope tube out of an aluminum alloy, making it both sturdy and lightweight. Because of these qualities, you may use this scope in any environment without fear of destroying it.

Windage and elevation adjustments are made via 1/2 MOA click turrets. The adjustments are quick and accurate. The turret clicks are sturdy; however, they are not easily adjustable by hand. The turret caps, on the other hand, have a bar that can be used to make adjustments, so you can always make simple modifications on the field without having to carry a screwdriver.

My Ruger 10/22 zeroed quickly and easily. With a few shots, I could hit the bullseyes.

I’ve also used this sight on my AR-15  rifle with no problems keeping zero.

The scope’s on/off button and brightness adjusting controls are situated directly on the front, making them quite convenient to use when looking through the scope, which is essential for determining the ideal brightness level for your present conditions.

Furthermore, when you switch off the scope and put it on again, it will remember the last brightness setting. Another advantage of red dot sights like this is that they have no parallax. The Vortex Strikefire II does not provide magnification, but it is intended to be used in conjunction with a magnifier.

After experimenting with a few various alternatives, I would recommend the Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier. It fits neatly on the scope and provides 4x magnification as an alternative.

This scope comes with an offset cantilever scope mount that is compatible with any Picatinny rail. The provided mount makes installation simple, and because it’s offset, you may use it in conjunction with an iron sight or a magnifier. The scope mounting is also excellent since it positions the red dot at an ideal height for co-witnessing AR’s iron sights. The scope also includes built-in flip covers for lens protection. It is an excellent feature because I usually always have to purchase flip caps for most scopes I purchase. It comes with CR2 lithium battery, so you can start using it right away.

To top it all, the scope is guaranteed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, which ensures that it is insured for life.

If you’re searching for a dependable, low-cost red dot sight for Ruger 10/22, the Vortex Strikefire II scope will do; I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

4. Athlon Optics Neos 3-9x40mm 

If you have a tight budget, there’s no reason to sacrifice quality and accuracy in your rimfire scope selection. The Athlon Optics Neos 3-9x40mm scope model will provide you with a lot of hunting enjoyment as well as a lot of durabilities. Let us check what’s on the menu…

For starters, it is a 17-ounce weight scope, but that does not prevent you from being agile with your weapon. It’s made of a 1-inch aluminum main tube, an SFP reticle, and a multi-coated lens that offers outstanding light transmission.

The BDC functionality in this reticle is noteworthy. The Neos scope is intended for use with rimfires and 22 LR cartridges, but not a centerfire scope. When you shoot, the reticle estimates the bullet drop, thereby making your shots more accurate.

Setting the zero at 50 yards compensates for bullet drop at 150, 125, 100, and 75 yards. While that is helpful for aiming or hunting at more than 100 yards, it will not provide optimal impact, which may result in injured animals escaping.

Another thing I enjoy about the Athlon Optics is the glass clarity and resolution. Most scopes get hazy at the borders of view. The Neos remains crisp and clear from edge to edge.

The increased ring lug aids in rapid magnification adjustments. It moves smoothly and easily with minimal finger pressure. 

The scope delivers good results during small game hunting in low light settings at 6x magnification.

The exit pupil is 13-4.2 mm and has a length of 12.4 inches; it gives about 3 inches of eye relief. It is a good all-around sight for your Ruger, providing everything you need for target shooting or small game hunting.

5. Simmons Truplex Rifle scope

The Simmons Riflescope is a good beginner scope for 10/22 platform. With a price tag considerably cheaper than most of the scopes, most shooters are skeptical about the quality.

The scope’s body is made of a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum.  This scope also has lenses that have hydro shield coating to sharpen sight images regardless of weather. It is a great scope for hunting and target shooting.

Buyers Guide for Ruger 10/22 Scope

Quality

The general construction quality of a scope can determine if it’s a worthwhile buy. Whether you’re buying a cheap scope or an expensive one, it should meet your shooting needs. You should pay special attention to things like the materials that were used in its construction – an aircraft-quality aluminum is a common choice that we like since it is strong and lightweight.

The scope’s finish should be looked at too. A finish can lessen the possibility of damage as a result of corrosion, and it can reduce sun glare. The weatherproof capabilities must be checked too. A waterproof scope may be utilized for hunting in adverse weather without worrying about the optic failing you. The smoothness of moving between magnifications is also important. Some scopes feature smooth magnification adjustment rings, while others are difficult to operate and poorly constructed.

Overall, keep in mind that you will get what you paid for. A high-quality scope may have a larger price, but you can still get a cheap scope for your rifle that would do the job well..

Size of the objective lens

The size of the farthest lens facing your target is described as the objective lens diameter of the scope. A wider lens may capture more light and convey a more colorful image to the eye. If you can afford it, a wider lens is normally preferable, but bear in mind that some lenses can be too wide when mounted on a rifle.

Before paying for a scope, ensure it has a lens that will properly fit your rifle. Otherwise, it won’t be useful to you.

Eye Relief And Eye Box

Your eye relief and eye box are almost identical. The “eyebox” is a hypothetical box where the shooter’s eye can get the whole visual picture produced by the scope. It is any place your eye can be and still clearly see the reticle and target ( positioned on the scope’s side, below, above, or anywhere else).

The “eye relief” of your scope is the distance between the shooter’s eyes and the scope where the entire sight image is seen. For example, if the eye relief of a scope is 3 inches, this implies that a shooter would clearly see the reticle and target when the shooter’s eye is 3 inches from the scope.

Eye relief is also crucial since it means your eye is further away from the optic, meaning you are less likely to be harmed when your rifle kicks back after a shot. A Ruger 10/22 rifle, on the other hand, does not need a scope with long eye relief because it produces less recoil.

Most shooters should be happy with an eye relief of 2-4 inches.

What is the Best Way to Mount a Rifle Scope on the Ruger 10/22?

To mount a rifle scope on the Ruger 1022 rifle, we would start by looking at the materials needed to perform the scope mounting, after which, we would look at other factors that must be considered before mounting a scope on the Ruger 10/22

MATERIALS

There are some items you have to get to correctly attach a scope to your Ruger 10/22:

After gathering the materials, it is time to build the base.

Base Attachment 

To attach the base, start by placing the rifle on the rifle rest, and use a screwdriver to unscrew the receiver. If you believe you’ll ever remove the riflescope and utilize an iron sight, I recommend storing your receiver screws in a safe plastic bag. The Ruger weapon has an aluminum receiver, so the threads are easily stripped. To protect the screw from loosening after some time, you can make use of a thread lock. It will make the screws stay tight without having to tighten them all the way. Carefully spread the thread lock on the screws of the base.

Screw your base carefully once you’ve distributed the thread lock on the screws. These should not be over-tightened. If you overtighten it, you might easily strip the threads. I prefer to tighten them until the screws start to feel snug. If you tighten it excessively, you will strip the threads, and you will not be able to repair it yourself. You have to either buy a new rifle or take the old rifle to a skilled gunsmith to re-tap the holes.

I prefer to let my rifle rest for about 6-8hours once I’ve installed all four screws and mounted my mount to the receiver. After setting up the thread lock, we can now attach our scope rings.

Adding The Scope Rings

The way different scope brands attach a scope ring to the base might vary. Some brands have a post that spans the full length of the ring base, while other brands have clamps that fasten on. Loose the screws on the ring’s base so that you may slide the ring bases onto your mount. Screw the rings’ bases into the mounting base to keep them in place. Do not lock them up just yet.

Scope Placement and Eye relief

After you’ve put on the rings, check the eye relief that you have. Eye relief is the gap your eye must have from the scope ocular lens for you to see your targets well.

If you position your scope too far or too close to your eye, you’ll notice black rings around your image. Get your scope in place by unscrewing the top half of each ring. If your scope is a variable magnification optic, set it to its greatest power. Eye relief changes as the scope change its magnification powers.

If your scope is set to the greatest power, you will be able to determine how near you should be to acquiring a clear image.

At this stage, you should try to practice how you want to shoot as much as possible. If you intend to fire your Ruger 10/22 rifle from a prone position, place the scope farther down the rifle barrel, but if you intend to shoot from a standing position, then it should be mounted a little closer to you.

At this point, you have not fastened the scope rings on the accessory rail,  so you can shift them up and down on the rail or as needed to achieve the best sight image. Remove the scope slowly and lock down the scope rings once you’ve got it exactly where you want it to be mounted. Tighten until they line up with the holes in your rail.

Rifle And Scope Leveling 

After I’ve secured my scope rings to the base, I’ll check the rifle’s level before putting the scope. After repositioning my rifle on the rest, I connect a magnetic bubble level to the center of the weapon’s base. When you successfully leveled your rifle, carefully insert the scope into the tightened rings. Examine it without moving your weapon to ensure that the crosshairs are aligned.

Put a level ontop of the scope and adjust it so that the bubble on the scope touches the same line that you leveled the rifle base to. After that, replace the rings. Threadlock the ring screws and insert the scope ring screws into their respective holes. Tighten the screws one after the other in a quarter turn, working your way through all the screws. Ensure you apply uniform pressure. Don’t fully tighten one screw before starting another. 

If you tighten each screw entirely, the scope will spin as you tighten it, and the reticle and rings will go off-center. You’re finished when all of the screws are properly tightened. After setting the rings, it’s time to boresight.