Ever looked through a scope and felt like you were missing something? For many .22 rifle owners, that feeling hits hard when it’s time to pick out a scope for target shooting. It’s not just about seeing the target better; it’s about hitting it with precision, shot after shot. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one will help you achieve those tight groups on paper?
Choosing the right scope can feel like a puzzle. You want something that’s clear, easy to use, and won’t break the bank. But the sheer variety of magnifications, reticles, and brands can leave you scratching your head. Are you wondering what makes one scope better than another for hitting that bullseye? This is where many shooters get stuck, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
Don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to look for in a .22 rifle scope for target shooting. We’ll break down the key features, explain what they mean for your shooting, and help you understand how to find a scope that fits your needs and budget. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence.
Our Top 5 22 Rifle Scope For Target Shooting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 22 Rifle Scope For Target Shooting Detailed Reviews
1. Highwild Air Gun Resetting Target Auto Reset Steel Target
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the Highwild Air Gun Resetting Target! This tough steel target is built to last and makes practice exciting. Its neon orange color makes it easy to see, so you won’t miss a shot.
What We Like:
- It’s made of strong steel, so it can take a beating.
- The auto-reset feature is super cool! Hit the top plate, and the other five plates flip back up all by themselves.
- It comes with 10 bright neon orange stickers. These stickers help you see if you hit your mark.
- It’s designed for .22 caliber rimfire handguns and rifles, but only with soft-nose bullets.
- You can fold it flat. This makes it simple to store and carry wherever you go.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember it’s only for .22 caliber soft-nose bullets. Using other types of ammo could damage it.
- While it’s heavy-duty, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on it for wear and tear over time.
This target will definitely make your shooting practice more engaging. It’s a sturdy and fun addition to your air gun gear.
2. Armstrong Precision Rimfire: 4-16X44 Scope for .22LR. Side Focus for Appleseed Target Plinking Hunting and Competition Shooting Sports.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Armstrong Precision Rimfire 4-16X44 Scope is a fantastic tool for .22LR rifle owners. It’s designed for a variety of shooting activities, from casual plinking at the range to more serious competition. The side focus helps you get a clear picture quickly, making it great for hunting too. This scope aims to give you a sharp view of your target, whether it’s a small game animal or a distant bullseye.
What We Like:
- The 4-16X magnification is very versatile. It lets you see targets up close for plinking and farther away for hunting or competition.
- The side focus is a big plus. It makes it easy to adjust the focus without taking your eye off the scope, which is super helpful.
- It’s built for .22LR rifles, so it’s a good match for many popular firearms.
- The 44mm objective lens lets in a good amount of light, helping you see better in dimmer conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- More specific details on the reticle type would be helpful for advanced shooters.
- Information on the scope’s construction materials and weather resistance could be clearer.
- While it’s designed for .22LR, clearer guidance on its suitability for higher recoil rimfire cartridges might be beneficial.
This Armstrong scope offers a strong combination of features for its intended purpose. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to improve their .22LR shooting experience.
3. Atflbox Metal Eagle Reset Target
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner sharpshooter with the Atflbox Metal Eagle Reset Target! This cool target is designed for fun outdoor shooting practice with your air rifle. It’s built tough and ready for action in your backyard.
What We Like:
- AUTO RESET: Hit the top target, then the bottom one, and your eagle is ready for another shot! No more walking back and forth.
- DURABLE STEEL: Made from strong, heavy-duty steel, this target can handle lots of shooting. It’s built to last.
- EASY SETUP: You can set it up in about 10 seconds. It’s light and easy to carry, so you can shoot anywhere outside.
- RUST RESISTANT: A special powder coating protects it from rust, so it stays looking good even in the weather.
- COOL EAGLE DESIGN: The metal eagle looks awesome! The yellow targets are 3mm thick and the whole thing is a good size.
What Could Be Improved:
- The reset mechanism requires hitting two separate targets in sequence, which might take a little practice to master initially.
- While rated for .177 and .22 air rifle pellets, it’s always good to double-check your airgun’s power to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the target.
This Atflbox Metal Eagle target brings exciting shooting practice right to your backyard. Get ready for hours of target-hitting fun!
4. Highwild Triple Gong Spinner Target – Rated for .22 Rimfire Rifles and .22 Handguns – No Assembly Required
Rating: 8.5/10
The Highwild Triple Gong Spinner Target is a fun and easy way to practice your .22 shooting skills. It’s built tough and ready to go right out of the box. You can take it anywhere and set it up in seconds. This target is made for .22 rimfire rifles and .22 handguns, so it’s perfect for plinking or honing your accuracy.
What We Like:
- It’s ready to use right away – no assembly needed!
- It’s built for .22 rimfire rifles and .22 handguns.
- The three different sized gongs (3.65″, 2.25″, and 1.65″ diameter) offer varied challenges.
- It’s made of strong steel, so it can take a beating.
- Setting it up is super simple; just push the legs into the ground.
- The target automatically resets after each shot, keeping the fun going.
- It’s highly visible with included bright target stickers.
- The size (10.6″ x 12.5″) is great for a variety of shooting distances.
What Could Be Improved:
- The target thickness is 5mm, which might show wear over time with heavy use.
- While portable, it’s still a steel target and has some weight to it.
This Highwild Triple Gong Spinner Target is a fantastic addition to any .22 shooter’s gear. It offers instant fun and effective practice without any hassle.
5. Caldwell AR500 Rimfire KYL Challenge Target with 1/4 Inch Thickness
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to really test your rimfire shooting skills? The Caldwell AR500 Rimfire KYL Challenge Target is here to help you do just that. This target system is built for fun, competition, and serious practice, letting you see just how precise you can be with your .22LR and other rimfire rounds.
What We Like:
- It’s super durable. The AR500 steel targets can handle thousands of shots from rimfire calibers up to .22 WMR.
- Setting it up is a breeze. The collapsible steel frame with strong polyurethane joints makes it easy to carry and put together quickly.
- You get a great range of target sizes. With eight targets from 1/4 inch to 2 inches, you can challenge yourself as you get better.
- The bright yellow powder coat makes the targets easy to see against any background.
- The frame is built tough with ballistic-impact resistant connectors, so it’s made to last through lots of shooting sessions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it handles rimfire well, it’s not designed for larger rifle calibers.
- The frame itself, while durable, might eventually show wear from repeated impacts, though the targets are the main focus.
This target is a fantastic way to improve your marksmanship and have a blast doing it. Get ready to challenge yourself and your friends with the Caldwell AR500 Rimfire KYL Challenge Target.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next Target Shooting Scope
Finding the right rifle scope for target shooting makes a big difference. It helps you see your target clearly and aim accurately. This guide will help you choose the best scope for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a scope, check these important things:
- Magnification: This is how much the scope zooms in. For target shooting, you often want higher magnification to see small targets far away. Look for scopes with a range, like 4-16x. This means it can zoom from 4 times to 16 times.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the big lens at the front of the scope. A larger diameter (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. More light means a brighter picture, especially in dim conditions.
- Reticle: This is the crosshair or pattern you see inside the scope. Simple crosshairs are good. Some scopes have special reticles with dots or lines to help you aim at different distances.
- Turrets: These are the knobs on top and side of the scope. They let you adjust your aim. You want turrets that are easy to turn and lock in place. “Click” adjustments tell you exactly how much you’re moving your aim.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the scope and still see a clear picture. Good eye relief is important so you don’t hit your forehead with the scope when you shoot.
Important Materials
The materials used in a scope affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Lens Coatings: Good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings help light pass through better and reduce glare. This gives you a clearer, brighter image.
- Scope Body: Most scope bodies are made of aluminum. High-quality aluminum is strong and light. It protects the inside parts of the scope.
- Seals: Scopes need to be sealed to keep out water and fog. Look for scopes that are nitrogen-purged or argon-purged. This helps prevent the lenses from fogging up inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a scope better, and others can make it worse.
- Optical Clarity: This means how clear the image is. Good lenses and coatings make the image sharp and true to color. Cheap lenses can make the image blurry or have colored edges.
- Durability: A tough scope can handle bumps and recoil from shooting. A well-made scope will last a long time. A flimsy scope can break easily.
- Light Transmission: This is how much light actually gets through the scope to your eye. Better scopes have higher light transmission, giving you a brighter view.
- Waterproofing and Fog Proofing: A scope that is sealed well will work in different weather. If a scope fogs up, you can’t see your target.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the scope matters.
- Target Shooting: For shooting at paper targets or small game, a scope with high magnification is best. You need to see exactly where your bullet hits.
- Hunting: If you hunt, you might need a scope that works well in low light, like at dawn or dusk. A wider field of view can also be helpful to spot moving animals.
- Plinking: For casual shooting at cans or targets for fun, a simpler, less expensive scope might be all you need.
A good scope helps you enjoy shooting more. It makes hitting your target easier and more rewarding. Take your time, look at the features, and choose a scope that fits your shooting style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “magnification” mean for a rifle scope?
A: Magnification tells you how much bigger the target will look through the scope. A 10x scope makes a target appear 10 times closer.
Q: Is a bigger objective lens always better?
A: A bigger objective lens lets in more light, which makes the picture brighter. But it also makes the scope heavier and bigger.
Q: What is the best type of reticle for target shooting?
A: Many target shooters like reticles with fine lines or dots. Some prefer reticles with markings that help estimate distance.
Q: How do I adjust the turrets on my scope?
A: You turn the turrets to move the point of impact. One turret usually adjusts up/down, and the other adjusts left/right.
Q: What is “eye relief” and why is it important?
A: Eye relief is the safe distance between your eye and the scope. Good eye relief prevents the scope from hitting your face when the rifle recoils.
Q: Does lens coating really make a difference?
A: Yes, lens coatings improve how much light passes through and reduce glare. This gives you a clearer, brighter image.
Q: What does it mean if a scope is “nitrogen-purged”?
A: Nitrogen-purged means the air inside the scope has been replaced with nitrogen gas. This stops the inside lenses from fogging up.
Q: Can I use a target shooting scope for hunting?
A: You can, but scopes designed for hunting often have wider fields of view and better low-light performance, which are helpful for spotting game.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good target shooting scope?
A: Prices vary a lot. You can find decent scopes for under $100, but for serious target shooting, expect to spend $200 or more for better quality.
Q: How do I clean my rifle scope?
A: Use a soft lens brush to remove dust. Then, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses gently.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!