Do you want to own the Ruger on 10/22? It is one of the .22LR rimfire rifle best sellers ever!
It becomes a popular choice due to its low recoil, reasonable ammunition, easy customization and handling, and low weight.
With these rifles, you can do anything you want from rimfire rifles.
Of course, you will not use this rifle to fight in battles. But it is suitable for small game hunting, competition shooting, plinking, close-range shooting, and even as a training tool.
In other words, they can serve every purpose of yours, from target shooting to hunting.
So, if you are searching for the best scope for Ruger 10/22, you can consult our suggestion. There are also some tips to select the right product for your Ruger.
Top 7 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes 2024
1 UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope – Editor’s Choice
You probably doubt that Chinese products often have questionable quality and longevity though they are inexpensive.
But that is not true with this UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope. In fact, it is a high-quality scope from China.
Despite an affordable price, the scope will bring a variety of features.
Dual red and green illuminated reticle helps shooters to easily spot the reticle in a wide range of environments, especially in low light conditions.
However, we recommend low brightness settings – if the reticle is too bright, you will find it harder to see the target.
Another plus point is that when the battery runs out, you still see the black reticle.
The scope uses a mil-dot reticle, which is suitable for long-range shooting and distance measurement.
The UTG 36 mil-dot Tactical Range Estimating Reticle has nine dots in each direction of the reticle, offering you 19 aiming points.
This updated feature can help you shoot more precisely.
Besides, the UTG BugBuster scope features multi-emerald coated lenses, adjustable parallax, variable magnification power (3-9x), and lockable and resettable turrets for easy zeroing.
And of course, waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features increase the durability of the scope.
For Ruger 10/22 recoil, this model can hold zero very well. But about the turrets, they are not really precise.
If you do not care much about made-in-China products, the UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is one of the best budget scopes for your Ruger 10/22 with the quality of a high-end model!
2 Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot Sight – Runner-up Option
If you are looking for a low-cost Ruger 10/22 red dot, the Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot is an ideal option.
The great thing is that the TRS-25 is so reliable and simple to use.
With an easy adjustment dial, you can quickly adjust the red dot brightness for any situation.
The sharp and well-defined 3 MOA red dot is precise even at longer ranges. And hitting a target at about 100 yards with this red dot seems simpler than with iron sights.
Besides, the brightness is adjustable, with 11 intensity settings. Now you can shoot in both low light and bright light conditions.
You may not need the brightest setting because it is a bit too intense.
It is also a well-constructed unit, which is 100% waterproof. The O-ring prevents optics from getting wet, even when you submerge it in water.
The nitrogen inside the scope assures optical surfaces will not fog because of humidity or temperature change.
And of course, it is shock-resistant, making it ready to use in any situation. The scope can tolerate bangs, bumps, drops, and all rough-and-tumble environments of the field.
Besides reliable performance, the scope is also lightweight, just less than 4 ounces so that you can easily carry it anywhere.
What about the battery? It lasts for 3,000 hours and you can turn it off if you do not use it.
But treat it with care when you put it in or out of a bag – you may turn it on by accident, thus draining the battery quickly.
However, the biggest obstacle of this red dot is its lack of the latest and greatest features. But this is easy to understand because it is still a low-end product.
Of course, the Bushnell TRS-25 is not the best red dot sight for the money overall, but it is the best option at this low-end range.
3 BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope – Best for your money
As the name suggests, this Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 rifle scope is suitable for plinking. You can also use it in other hunting applications.
With the standard 3-9x magnification, the scope is suitable for short to medium-range shooting rather than long-range shooting.
If you are close enough with a field of view of 13 – 36 feet at 100 yards, you can even use this scope for bird watching.
Although the optics does not have the best quality, the scope still delivers clear and sharp images in the daytime. It works best at 50 yards, and of course, the quality will deteriorate in a longer range.
But your purpose is plinking and brush hunting, right? Then this scope should be suitable for you.
Despite being a low-end product, this scope still features fully multi-coated lenses for better optical clarity and performance.
Thanks to a 32mm objective lens, the scope will increase light transmission, thus bringing clearer and brighter images.
The scope is easy to use, with dials for both windage and elevation. It can be mounted with ease and hold zero very well. It is also beneficial for you that the eye relief is big, at 3.5 inches.
However, we do not highly appreciate the 30/30 reticle – it has the same problems with spinning crosshairs as it starts to spin and does not remain vertical after a long time in use!
What’s more, another minus of this product is the lack of parallax adjustment.
And the model is shock-resistant, waterproof, and fog-proof. However, cheap aluminum material makes the body prone to scratch.
When you buy this product, you will also take home a full kit of accessories, including a lens cover, lens cloth, and mounting rings (though the mounting rings are a little crappy).
See? Such an economical choice!
Another budget option from BARSKA you can consider – it is best used for brush hunting and medium-range shooting.
4 Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte BDC Riflescope
You probably already know this – Nikon is a globally reputable brand of rifle scopes and optics.
This ProStaff scope comes with 4-12x magnification and fully multi-coated lenses.
The objective lens is 40 mm, though it is too much for a 10/22 scope in usual cases.
However, this large diameter allows for a bright sight picture and high contrast views in any lighting condition – it can transmit up to 98 percent of light.
The scope uses a see-through BDC (ballistic drop compensating) reticle, allowing you to adjust your aim for different distances instantly without any manual adjustments.
If you want some target shooting, it will be an incredible choice for you.
And do you know that this ProStaff model, as well as all of the Nikon scopes, features the Nikon Spot On Ballistic Match Technology? What can it do?
It enables you to discover all precise aiming points on the reticle at different yardage-measured distances for your specific load and ammunition.
Any other special features? There are a quick focus eyepiece, a generous 3.7-inch eye relief, and spring-loaded instant zero turrets.
However, you may feel that the eye relief is too short at the 12x magnification.
We also highly appreciate the excellent build quality because it is 100% waterproof and fog proof.
If there is something wrong with your scope, do not worry. Nikon offers you a lifetime warranty for all quality and manufacturing.
The brightness and clarity are the strengths of the product. With its features, the Nikon 6729 ProStaff is an ideal scope for not only Ruger 10/22 rifles but also other higher-powered rifles.
5 Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell knows how to create a high-quality scope, and this Bushnell Optics Drop Zone is no exception.
With this anodized-finish aluminum alloy scope, you will get fully multi-coated optics for maximum brightness and clear images.
Besides, the scope comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for fast-moving of the lens, robust construction, bullet drop compensation, and parallax settings, and so on.
Like other scopes, it is also waterproof and fog proof.
The scope can zero at 50 yards and aim points stretch out to 125 yards. In fact, it can accurately shoot up to 100 yards.
But no matter how far you are going to shoot, all shots can be done with ease, thanks to the generous 3.7-inch eye relief.
Besides, the target turrets will allow for more precise pinpoint adjustments. But if you are going to track the game, you have to re-consider because they cannot keep up well.
The scope will fit any Ruger 10/22; just make sure the rings for mounting it are the right ones.
Any drawbacks? The turrets and knobs are stiffer than we have expected. But in general, this problem does not affect much of our experience of using the product.
And while many scopes have a lifetime warranty for all malfunctioning issues, this Bushnell Optics only offers you a limited warranty.
Just because this is a “budget” label does not mean its products are not quality. It is full of features, robust, and effective for medium-ranging shooting.
6 Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
This is one of the models specifically designed for use with a .22 rifle, for example, Ruger 10/22.
It is such a sleek one-piece tube construction. What you will get is lighter weight, greater solidity, and durability.
The lenses are not only made of high-class optical glass but also have a HydroShield coating. Therefore, you will get a sharp and high contrast picture in any weather condition.
The magnification of this Simmons scope is 3-9x, and the eye relief is nice, too – 3.75 inches. This model uses the TruPlex reticle for convenient shooting in the backdrop.
The scope also comes with excellent features, like QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece for acquiring targets quickly or SureGrip rubber surface on the windage and elevation caps, parallax adjustment knobs, and power change rings for easy adjustment.
Even if it is cold or wet weather or you are wearing gloves, you can easily adjust the scope.
What’s more, the TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system will allow for more crisp clicks and accurate adjustments.
Therefore, you can easily zero the rifle as well as stop the scope from losing zero, even after a thousand shots.
It is hard to find a minus, but if you are owing a Mossberg 702 linkster, the scope is not a perfect fit.
Overall, this riflescope has outstanding features that will attract any buyer out there!
7 Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Second Focal Plane Riflescope
We come to the final suggestion of the day – the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire.
It is one of the best models for medium and long-range targeting. That is because the V-Plex MOA Reticle can give you absolute accuracy.
This highly functional and intuitive reticle combines the simplicity of a standard crosshair with a 1 MOA gap to calculate holdover.
It is also etched in the SFP (second focal plane), thus keeping the image at an ideal size all the time.
And again, we have to talk about the fantastic Vortex glass. The multi-coated lenses with anti-reflection coatings will maximize both brightness and image quality.
Besides, no glare, waterproof, and fog-proof features mean that you can shoot anytime and in any condition you like.
Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the model features an additional anodized exterior coating, protecting the tube from oil, dirt, scratches, and bumps.
The eye relief is generous, at 3.9 inches, and the parallax is 50 yards. About the field of view, it is excellent too, from 12.6 to 42 feet at 100 yards.
Contrary to all the features above, the size is a minus of the scope because it is a little bulky.
Overlooking the size, you will find that the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is another great choice for Ruger 10/22, especially if you are going to do the medium and long-range shooting.
Features Of A Best Scopes For Ruger 10/22
What makes a proper scope for Ruger 10/22 rifles? Let’s find out!
Reticle
As you know, there are so many types of reticles. Here are three main groups of reticles:
- Simple – NikoPlex, V-Plex, Dot, Duplex
- MOA, Mil-Dot – Crosshairs
- BDC – Bullet Drop Compensation
The choice depends on your preference. But if your shooting range is above 100 yards, a Mil-dot or MOA, a BDC reticle will be useful.
Magnification Power
Basically, longer-ranging shots will require higher magnification power. Look at the shooting distance you desire to find the appropriate magnification.
Long Range (above 100 yards)
Hitting small targets from a long distance will require better clarity, and of course, greater magnification.
The most suitable 10/22 scope for long-range shooting will have a 6 to 9x magnification.
Medium Range (50 – 100 yards)
The targets in this mid-range may be moles digging up your yard or rats in the barn or. For your effective shooting performance, you should choose the magnification power of 4 – 6x power.
Close Range (0 – 50 yards)
Luckily, the Ruger 10/22 is especially suitable for close-range shooting. If you want a precise pinpoint shot, try to go with a 1 – 4x power. Your friends will ask where you got your Ruger 10/22 scope!
The best Ruger 10/22 scopes must match their owners’ marksmanship style.
If you do not require high power, you can find scopes with less range but more features.
In contrast, if you are not sure about your shooting range, stick with a safe solution by choosing a full variable.
That scope will adjust quickly from 1x to 9x so that you can use it in different hunting situations.
Eye Relief
Let us tell you again – eye relief, or the distance between your aiming eye and the scope for ultimate sight image, is another factor you need to consider.
Because of .22’s low recoil, you just need scopes with a moderate eye relief of between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
Brightness
You must know this – the larger the objective lens of the scope is, the brighter the sight picture you will get. However, the larger objective lens also means a heavier scope.
So, for a Ruger 10/22, an objective lens with a diameter of 20mm or 33mm is enough and does not add extra weight to your scope.
However, some users still prefer the larger 40mm or 42mm lens because they want a much brighter sight picture.
How To Mount A Rifle Scope On A Ruger 10/22
Zeroing a scope on a Ruger 10/22 is a quite simple process, but you need to do it carefully. Watch this short video below. It will help you to have a closer look at how to mount a scope on Ruger 10/22.
To Sum Up
Whether your purpose is target shooting, medium-range shooting, small game hunting, or just plinking, there will be a suitable rifle and scope for you.
To prepare the best scope for Ruger 10/22, make sure you read our reviews of the most highly-rated rifle scopes. We believe you will get the right one!
If you are still too confused to choose one, what about trying the UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope? It is low-cost, durable, accurate, and comes with a full kit including flip-open caps, 2-inch sunshade, and a pair of heavy-duty rings, and even a lifetime warranty.
What more would you ask for at this affordable price?
And now, get some cheap .22lr ammunition, go out there shooting, and have fun!
If you like our review, please comment or share with your friends – we will be so glad!
