Best .22 Pistol Scope – 2022 Review Guide

Handguns can be convenient to conceal and use safely for home security, varmint control, and hunting, among other uses. The .22 caliber handgun is particularly popular because it offers great performance for reasonable prices.

A scope is an excellent accessory to add to your .22 pistol to enhance your shooting experience. Keep reading to learn more about .22 pistol scopes, and for a review of our top picks for best .22 pistol scope on the market.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Crystal clear glass and quality light transmission
  • Duplex reticle
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  • Clear glass and duplex reticle
  • Easily adjustable turrets and knobs
  • Ultra-Lightweight Design
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  • Best value for the money
  • Blue coating on the lens
  • Objective lens is 30mm
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  • 2-7x magnification
  • Objective lens is 32mm
  • Heavy shock resistance
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  • Single transverse 123 battery to reduce sight length
  • Shortened base only requires at most 2 3/4 of rail space compared to the 4" N battery sights
  • Battery cap and latch are eliminated and replaced with a simple O-ring
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  • A bright aiming point in low light, no light or bright light
  • Quick target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy
  • Big sight picture and realistic color
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What is .22 Pistol Scope and What is it Used For?

A .22 pistol scope is a mountable optic lens used to magnify your target and make it much easier to aim and shoot accurately. You don’t need to get close to see through it like a rifle scope, making it an excellent accessory to add to your pistol. 

There are various pistol scopes for different activities, such as sport shooting or hunting, with different magnifications. However, the main reason why buyers add scopes to their handguns is to get a clearer image of the target and improve their accuracy. 

What to Look for When Buying a .22 Pistol Scope

There are a few things to look for when purchasing the best .22 pistol scope. A high-quality scope will be the right weight, have a clear glass that is waterproof, the right magnification type for your skill level and need, and adequate eye relief. 

Weight

The first factor to consider is the weight of the scope itself. It needs to be lightweight enough to sit comfortably on top of your handgun without throwing the pistol off balance. The handgun’s vibration design will also need a particular type of scope that isn’t too delicate or too robust. 

Clarity

Clarity is another essential factor to consider. The glass determines the scope’s lucidity and whether it has been pressure fixed and sealed to keep it from water damage. 

Magnification

Magnification is another crucial component of a good scope. There are two types: fixed and variable. Hunters often use fixed magnification scopes because it lasts longer and uses a fixed setting. Variable magnifications let you operate your scope in various conditions and positions, allowing beginners to adjust the magnification. 

Eye Relief

When you use a scope, you don’t want to use a scope with a degree that doesn’t work for various distances. Eye relief helps protect you from heavy recoiling. Getting a scope with an eye relief of between 20-35 inches is ideal for a .22 pistol. 

Review of the Best .22 Pistol Scopes

There are not as many .22 handgun scopes as rifle scopes, but a few can be used for both handguns and rifles. If you want to find a quality scope for your pistol, it may be challenging to know where to start. We’ve done the research for you and found some of the best .22 pistol scopes on the market.

Top Pick

Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Fixed Power Scout Riflescope

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers report that this model of the Leupold scope has the best quality and clarity of vision. Reviewers noted that compared to other scopes, the 2.5x28mm has the largest field of view and fewer problems with backlighting, which is common with most forward-mounted scopes. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Fixed Power Scout Riflescope is our top pick because of its high quality and long-lasting durability. This American-made model weighs 7.5 ounces and can withstand at least 5000 impacts, keeping you from needing a replacement for a more extended amount of time. 

With a Rear Focal Plane (RFP) reticle, a light management feature, and scratch-resistant lens, this riflescope eliminates glare and balances out light transmission while minimally covering your target for improved vision. This scope is the best deal in price and quality.

Bottom Line

Overall, the 2.5 x 28mm scope may be pricier than others, but it provides the necessary features of a high-quality scope. Its design, effectiveness, and positive user experiences make it an excellent choice for those with .22 pistols with little to no recoil.

Runner Up

Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm Handgun Scope

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers note that this product is worth the money mainly because of the superior viewing quality and durability of the scope. Users also find that the setup is simple, and they were able to focus the lens after dropping the scope, allowing for accurate shots with the perfect amount of eye relief.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm Handgun Scope is the best variable .22 pistol scope available. Useful in self-defense, tactical shooting, and large game hunting, this scope is pricier than others but comes with the Twilight Light Management System that balances light transmission, glare, and contrast to provide a clear view regardless of weather conditions. 

The scope’s design provides a 13-inch eye relief, making it ideal for pistols with powerful recoil. It weighs only 10.9 ounces and is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof. It also has a wide magnification range of 2.5x – 8x, allowing for accurate shooting up to 200 yards.

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with any Leupold product. Despite its price, the VX-3 is the highest quality versatile scope on the market. Investing in the finest optic lenses you can afford can offer the greatest viewing experience possible when shooting.

Best Budget Option

NcSTAR Pistolero Riflescope 2.5x30mm

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers report the optics of this product are clear and have a decent coating. However, they find that the crosshairs move a bit as the gun is used. Overall, buyers are happy with the lower price and believe that the scope’s quality and abilities make it a great budget option.

Why It Stands Out to Us

Besides the low price point, the NcSTAR Pistolero Riflescope 2.5x30mm is a great value. With a 30mm objective lens, blue coating to eliminate light glares, and a 10.45-inch eye relief, this scope provides a good view of the target without any chromatic aberration. 

The scope is also easy to mount and has precise turret adjustments. Along with the ease of use, it fits well into the Pistolero series and can be used along with the other products in this line. The scope is 11.4 ounces and provides a fair amount of clarity for those looking for cheaper alternatives.

Bottom Line

Although the NcSTAR Riflescope is heavier and less clear than other scopes, it’s the cheapest scope available that doesn’t compromise quality. This product is the right choice for buyers looking for a scope that will do the job without breaking the bank.

Burris 2-7x32mm Handgun Scopes

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers praise the Burris Handgun Scope for giving an excellent performance on large caliber handguns. The scope’s sturdiness and ability to stay zeroed in through multiple rounds have shown that these are great scopes for guns with more recoil. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Burris Handgun Scope is an excellent scope for the price, making it a great option for those on a budget. Included is a multi-coated 32mm objective lens that provides a clear shot in most lighting environments. 

The reticle is a Ballistic Plex set in the second focal plane, which allows for a consistent view of the target when zooming in and out. The turrets can lock into place and remain precisely how the user adjusts it. The 2-7x magnification may be low, but the scope has a fast target acquisition and a large field of view.

Bottom Line

With the Burris Handgun scope, you will benefit from the scope for a great value. This scope is a great option for anyone on a budget because of its lower price, high-quality design, and lifetime warranty.

Eotech XPS2 Transverse Red Dot Holo Sight

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers find the sight extremely reliable, easy to use, and accurate. Buyers also acknowledge the compact and lightweight design that is easy to attach to their .22 handguns. The main issue that buyers face is that the image can be slightly pixelated and not as clear as other scopes.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Eotech stands out because of its consistent sight. Along with the great reputation that this brand name holds, the sight’s compact design and high quality make it popular among police officers. This sight is also known for its longevity, durability, and robust construction, making it a product that will last a long time. 

It uses holographic technology, which enables better accuracy. The user can adjust the brightness while in standard mode. Known for its reliability and excellent performance, this pistol scope has user-friendly optics. However, its shorter battery life and lack of night vision may be a deterrent for some.

Bottom Line

Despite the high price, the Red Dot Holo Sight is an easy-to-use scope compatible with 1913 rails. For users who can afford this product, it is an excellent choice in durability and adjustability.

Trijicon RMRcc Sight Adjustable LED Red Dot

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love the polarizing filter for areas with a high glare. They find the small dot easy to spot on small targets up to 200 yards away. They also enjoy the reflex sight, and like that it is battery-free. However, some find it challenging to use in darkness since it is not as bright as a battery-powered unit.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Trijicon is a high-quality red dot scope. The scope is a top-mount sight used best for home defense or simple tactical shooting. The lens is clear both day and night and doesn’t require batteries for the 6.5 MOA amber reticle. The scope also has an eyebox, which requires the user to keep their face in line with the sight, or else focus is lost. It also comes with zeroing dials to adjust the reticle easily.

Bottom Line

This high-quality and durable scope is best for those who want a scope with an excellent reflex sight. It doesn’t require batteries, which allows this scope to be thinner and lightweight.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality .22 Pistol Scope

Though handgun scopes may seem like an unnecessary accessory, there are several reasons why investing in a quality .22 pistol scope can enhance your shooting experience. It can improve your accuracy, increase your vision in low-light settings, and magnify smaller targets. 

Better Accuracy

High-quality scopes can improve your shooting accuracy by using holographic and red dot technology. Scopes also allow you to see your target more clearly in most cases and let you pinpoint the exact spot you want to hit. 

Improved Low-Light Vision

Some quality scopes like the Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Fixed Power Scout Riflescope can enhance your vision in low-light settings. There are illuminated reticles that can also provide more light for your shooting practice. 

Magnified Targets

Like rifle scopes, pistol scopes magnify your target, allowing you to shoot with greater accuracy from farther away. Whether you are using your handgun for home security, sport, or hunting, a high-quality scope can be incredibly beneficial in making small targets much more comfortable to spot. Getting a scope with variable amplification can also allow you to use it in various conditions. 

Conclusion

The Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm is our top pick for both beginner and advanced gun users with low caliber handguns. For those with high caliber pistols, choose a scope with better eye relief. However, it is crucial to select the right pistol scope for your specific handgun to assure you comfort and reliability.

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.