Are you giving yourself the edge every time you go hunting, or could your equipment be letting you down? If you find yourself missing shots or struggling to sneak up on your prey effectively, a strong scope might be the answer, but you have to choose carefully. There are lot of scopes out there, and they’re not all made equal!
The best scope for .22 250 rifles needs to excel in a range of different aspects, such as having strong magnification potential to let you zoom in on prey from afar, as well as a wide field of view to make it easier to identify your targets. Eye relief is also a key feature in terms of how comfortable and easy the scope is to use. We’ve found some of the best scopes that cover all of these important categories, as well as other aspects like length, weight, and more.
More features: professional choice, waterproof, proprietary titanium beta erector spring, 100 MOA of internal adjustment
Starting off our list of the best scopes for .22 250 is the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56. There are some rifle scopes that compromise on quality, durability, magnification, or other key aspects, but this certainly isn’t one of them. It’s by far one of the very best rifle scopes you can buy right now, highly recommended to experienced, expert shooters and hunters.
It certainly doesn’t come cheap, but the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 packs a real punch. It has a larger than average objective lens, measuring up at 56mm in total. This can be very useful for seeing clearly and in detail when surveying the scene in front of you through the scope, but it can take a little getting used to if you’re more familiar with standard 40 or 44mm scopes.
The Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 also comes complete with 5.5 – 22x magnification levels, making it a great choice for hunting deer at relatively long distances. It has quite an impressive eye relief of 3.9′ too, so you can use it with reasonably high recoil rifles without running the risk of hitting your eye on each shot, and the design is fully waterproof for use in the rain. Plus, it features an illuminated MOAR reticle for perfect performance, even in low light conditions around dawn or dusk.
What we liked: This scope stands out as a top recommendation for those who want the pro-level experience in their hunting adventures. It has a large objective lens and eye relief for comfortable use and a great reticle for low-light hunts.
What could be better: Simply put, the price of this model will be a little too high for many people, and it’s by far one of the most expensive rifle scopes on the market.
More features: second focal plane reticle, aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, adjustable objective, fast focus eyepiece
Next, we move on to the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40, which wins our Best Value award for this list as it offers incredible value for money and stands out as one of the best buys in the rifle scope market today. Produced by Vortex, one of the top brands in the rifle scope and accessory business, this particular model features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is perfect for hunting and shooting at many different ranges, helping to make this scope highly versatile and adaptable too. It can work in a wide range of situations, from relatively up-close shooting to long distance sniping.
The fully adjustable objective of the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40 helps to provide the clearest and crispest of images of the scenes around you, letting you scan the landscape, find your targets, and line them up carefully and accurately each and every time without any issues whatsoever. The adjustable objective also assists with parallax removal, and the lenses are multi-coated and anti-reflective, so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted glare.
In short, when you make use of the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40, you get the brightest, clearest, and cleanest images every time, which can massively help to improve the efficiency of your hunting sessions and help you become a better shooter over a long period of regular use too.
What we liked: With a 40mm objective lens diameter, an extra large eye relief, and a very forgiving eye box too, this rifle scope is really comfortable to use and easy to get to grips with, even for total beginners.
What could be better: The lens system for this particular scopes means that it can struggle to provide very bright and clear images in low-light settings.
More features: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, easy-grip high turrets, multi-coated optics, twice the precision for varmint hunting or long-range tactical shooting
Next up, we have our Budget Pick winner for this list of the best rifle scopes, the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50. Many people feel that you have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get a good rifle scope, but this particular model shows that you can acquire a very high quality model without having to pay a super high price to match. The BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50 is priced very fairly, making it a good gift for a hunting friend or a good choice for beginners.
Many users have had really satisfying experiences with the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50 , and the fact that it can resist water, fog, and shocks is a clear bonus, helping it stand out from the crowd and deal with tough situations.
In terms of magnification, this rifle scope can go all the way up to 40x zoom, making it a terrific option for very long distance shooting. It’s great for whitetail hunting, for example, letting you pick a spot, eye up the landscape, bide your time, and wait for your prey to walk right into your sights, without the need to get up close and personal and put yourself at potential risk in the process.
What we liked: It’s by far one of the most affordable rifle scopes on the market, making it a good buy for beginners, and it more than delivers in terms of magnification and durability.
What could be better: The eye relief of 3″ isn’t particularly large, so you might suffer a little bit of knock back, and this scope also has a somewhat narrow field of view, so it won’t always let you see a huge patch of land.
More features: etched glass reticle, 6061 T6 aluminum, argon purged, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, illuminated reticle
Next up on the list of best scopes for .22 250 rifles is the Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50. This particular scope has a lot of good things going for it, starting off with its design. It has one of the sleekest designs of any rifle scope on the market, sure to add a touch of style and class to your rifle and able to stand up to tough conditions too.
The argon purging used in the construction of this rifle scope help it have a higher level of water resistance than similar models, and it can also resist extreme temperatures very efficiently. Thanks to all of this, you can use the Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 reliably in a range of conditions for all-season hunting without any real risks of breakages or other issues.
The 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube of this scope adds even more durability, and we can’t end the review without discussing the illuminated APMR MIL reticle, which is one of the finest around. It’s perfect for low light conditions at dusk or dawn, for example, and the advanced, multi-coated lenses offer super strong light transmission, providing you with the brightest images, packed with color and clarity.
What we liked: The illuminated reticle is amazing for low light hunting, and the multi-coated lenses draw in a lot of light for maximum clarity and comfortable performance.
What could be better: Weighing in at over 30 oz, this scope is over twice as heavy as some of the other scopes on this list and may need some time to get used to.
More features: multi-coated optics, BDC reticle, fogproof, shockproof, spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
The next entry on our list of best rifle scopes for .22 250 is the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40. Nikon is one of the most trusted brands in the world when it comes to scopes and lenses, so it’s only natural that this model is one of the most reliable and accurate around. If you’re looking for a scope that offers crystal clear images and maximum detail every time, you’ll really enjoy using this one.
Weighing in at just over 15 oz, the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40 won’t throw off the balance of your rifle in any serious way, so you can very quickly set it up and adjust to using it. It features an easy-turn dial for 1/4 MOA adjustments and an aircraft grade aluminum main tube that can withstand shocks, bumps, knocks, and bangs without any problems, whatsoever.
The quick focus eyepiece is also a big selling point of this particular rifle scope. It allows you to speedily identify and lock onto your targets, rather than having to waste any time and potential miss out on one of your shots because you couldn’t see clearly enough. The Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40 is fogproof and shockproof too.
What we liked: It’s a good pick for beginners looking to improve their shooting skills, as well as being nicely suited for more advanced and experienced hunters in the market for a more dependable and lightweight scope than whatever they currently happen to be using.
What could be better: It offers a magnification range of 4x to 12x, which isn’t quite as extensive as some of the other models on our list, so this scope might not be the best choice if you plan to do some very long range shooting.
More features: multi-coat 4 lens system, versatile 3:1 zoom ratio, waterproof, fogproof, power selector
Leupold is another highly trusted and respected brand in the rifle scope industry, serving hunters and rifle enthusiasts well for many years with a range of high quality scopes to improve their experiences. The Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40 is a perfect example of what this brand is capable of, and it also happens to be one of the best value rifle scopes you can buy right now, excelling in several key areas like size, weight, field of view, and lens system, even if it lacks a little in terms of magnification.
Let’s start off by taking a closer look at this rifle scope’s unique advantages and major selling points. Firstly, it’s one of the lightest scopes around, weighing in at just 13.1 oz, and it’s also very compact, measuring up at just 12.3”. This slim profile and lightweight design allow the Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40 to be comfortably attached to almost any rifle without having any significant effect on its weight or comfort.
The Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40 also stands out for its relatively impressive eye relief, ranging from 3.7” up to 4.9”. It’s fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof too, and the Twilight Management System built into the lens helps to absorb more light from the environment, helping you enjoy clear and bright images, even as the sun starts to set. What’s more, this rifle scope is fully designed and manufactured in the USA, guaranteeing the highest standards of construction quality every time.
What we liked: It’s lightweight, resistant, portable, super simple to use on the whole, and offers terrific field of view too.
What could be better: The magnification levels on this rifle scope are a little low, making it a weaker option for very long range shooting.
More features: hi-lume multi-coated, 5-times zoom system, FFP, Zero Click Stop technology
Last but not least, we come to the Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42, which is yet another of the finest rifle scopes for .22 250 you can buy today, standing out for its overall quality, design, and zoom system. The magnification levels on this scope go from 2.5x to 10x, so it’s not the highest range in the world, but moving from one level to the next is really smooth and easy, helping you line up your shots.
Thanks to the 5x zoom system of the Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42, it’s a fine choice for a wide range of hunting situations, from relatively up close and personal shooting to more longer range firing. It’s a great accessory to have in your hunting kit and it can massively help to make your shots more accurate and improve your shooting skills in the long run too.
The eye relief levels of the Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42 range from 3.5” to 4.25”, which is pretty impressive for a scope of this level, and it’s quite compact at just 13.5” in length too. It also features hi-lume, multi-coated lenses that can stand up well, even in low light conditions, allowing you to carry on hunting in the early evening or set off bright and early, lining up your shots in the early morning glow. The field of view range is quite impressive on this model too, and it’s a really great all rounder in general.
What we liked: It has one of the finest zoom systems around, letting you easily increase or decrease magnification levels for crisp and clear shots each time, with impressive levels of brightness.
What could be better: Some users have complained that the reticle can appear a little washed out and unclear at times.
Every seasoned hunter knows the importance of having the right gear. Of course, you need tracking skills, patience, good instincts, and solid survival skills too, but having the best equipment by your side can make a huge difference, and if you’re working with .22 – 250 rounds, it’s absolutely essential to have the best scope for .22 250 too. There are a lot of different scopes to choose from, varying in terms of several key aspects like size, magnification, field of view, and features. This buying guide will help you find the best scope for .22 250, and much of this information can be applied when looking for the best pistol scope or best rifle scope in general.
Back in the day, scopes were only reserved for sniper rifles and used in very specific situations, but these days, you can get scopes for guns and rifles of all shapes and sizes, and they’re more and more commonly used by hunters around the world. Why? Well, here are just a few key advantages of adding a scope to your .22 250 rifle:
There’s a lot that goes into choosing a rifle scope, and you shouldn’t simply dive right in and buy the first model you find, as one scope can vary quite a lot from the next in terms of size, weight, features, magnification, field of view, and many more features, not to mention that prices can vary enormously between scope models too.
One of the first things to do when shopping for the best scope for .22 250 rifle is to set yourself a maximum budget and try to stick to it. You can find some great value models in the scope market, such as the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40 and BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50, so don’t worry about having to necessarily set a high budget in order to afford a quality model.
The next step to help narrow down your search of scopes is to think about what you’re going to be using it for. It’s absolutely vital to choose the right tools for every job, especially in hunting; you need to use a specific type of rifle and ammo for hunting specific animals, for example, and the same logic applies to scopes.
If you’re going to be aiming at whitetail deer from super long distances, for instance, you’ll want to find a scope with high magnification capabilities, such as the Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50. If you plan on doing your hunting at shorter distances or in terrain that simply doesn’t offer those excessively long lines of sight, something with less magnification but perhaps a more comfortable build with better eye relief, like the Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40.
In short, you need to think about what exactly you plan on doing with the scope and then try to find one that meets your needs, rather than simply focusing on the most expensive model or the one with all the fanciest bells and whistles. Often, hunters can be dazzled by a particular powerful-looking scope and overspend on it, when a simpler model would be much better-suited for their needs.
One of the first things you’ll look at when shopping for rifle scopes is the objective lens size. In general, 40 to 44mm is regarded as the standard for objective lenses on typical .22 250 rifle scopes, such as the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40 or or Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40.
However, in recent times, larger objective lenses, going up to 50-56mm, or perhaps even larger at 70mm+, are becoming more popular. The largest models tend to be a little overkill in most cases, but the 50-56mm models, such as the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56, can be useful in certain situations and are often used by professional shooters and hunters.
The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be transmitted, giving you a crisper, clearer, and brighter view of the scenes around you, in theory. This doesn’t always work out as expected however, so many beginner and intermediate hunters should be happy enough with a 40-44mm objective lens.
When it comes to picking a rifle scope, magnification levels are often the most talked about feature. You can find a huge range of magnification options on rifle scopes, from the 2.5x – 10x magnification seen on the Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42 to the 10x – 40x magnification options fitted out with the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50.
While it might be tempting to simply opt for the scope with the highest magnification range, this isn’t always recommended, as you might not necessarily need such high-powered magnification. It all depends on the type of hunting you’re doing, so it’s important to stop and ask yourself how you plan on using the rifle in the future in order to pick a scope with a magnification range that works for your style of hunting.
If you plan on tracking down whitetail deer from afar, for example, high magnification options will certainly prove to be useful, but if you’re going to be doing most of your hunting at shorter distances, like 200-300 yards, for instance, then very high magnifications simply aren’t necessary.
Like with most aspects of choosing a rifle scope, it’s all about thinking about how you’re going to actually use the scope in order to choose one that fits your needs, rather than necessarily buying the most powerful or highest rated option in every category.
Field of view, often abbreviated to FOV by hunting experts and rifle enthusiasts, basically tells you how much of the world you see in your scope when looking down it. A scope with a higher field of view will let you look at a wider patch of land, and FOV is always measured in feet at 100 yards, with higher ratings resulting in wider, larger images.
It’s important to note that bigger objective lens diameters won’t necessarily result in higher FOV numbers, so you shouldn’t simply buy a scope with a big lens and expect it to offer a wider field of view. Instead, take a look at the FOV measurements listed by the manufacturer in order to find a scope that suits your needs.
It’s also important to note that FOV will change depending on how far you’re zooming in or what levels of magnification are offered by your chosen scope. As you zoom in further, the FOV will become more narrow, and the difference can sometimes be quite drastic, so this is something that you may need to get used to when using high magnification scopes.
FOV is quite a subjective aspect of rifle scopes. Some hunters and marksmen prefer the widest field of view possible in order to see the most land without needing to move the rifle around, as seen on models like the Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50. Others prefer the tighter control offered by a rifle scope with a narrower FOV, such as the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50.
Eye relief is one of the most important aspects of any rifle scope, and it’s a key term that every hunter eventually becomes familiar with after feeling their scope bash into their head at one point or another. It’s quite common for rifles to accidentally knock into your forehead or face while using them, and the likelihood of this happening is all down to eye relief.
Eye relief measures how far you need to hold your eye from the back of the scope in order to see a clear, crisp image. If you lean too close, the details can start to blur, and if you’re too far away, you simply won’t see the scene with any proper detail. Eye relief can vary greatly from one model and brand to the next, and it can even vary on a single scope, depending on what zoom level you’re using.
If the relief is too low and you’re using a rifle or ammo with high recoil, the weapon may bounce back and bash you in the face quite painfully. So, if you’re working with a hard-kicking rifle and often find that it bounces back and touches your head, you’ll probably want to find a scope that offers the largest possible eye relief for better performance and more comfort, like the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40.
The reticle of any rifle scope is the pattern of lines or markings that are built into the eyepiece, helping you to line up your targets. Reticles can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and the most common form for rifle scopes is the classic set of crosshairs – two intersecting lines in the shape of a cross, sometimes with dotted sections or perhaps a circle in the center.
As with other elements of rifle scopes, the reticle can be quite a subjective issue. Some people like minimalistic reticles with dotted central lines that let them see as much of the scene as possible without any interference, whereas others prefer more detailed and intricate crosshair designs that help to adjust for wind and elevation.
Therefore, when choosing a rifle scope, the reticle will mostly come down to personal preference. However, some models offer enhanced reticle options that help them stand out as better buys and more useful scopes overall. The Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50, for instance, features quick-changing reticles that adjust as you zoom further in, as well as an illuminated reticle feature for dusk or dawn hunting sessions and low light conditions.
When trying to find the best scope for .22 250 rifles, you also need to consider the size of each scope, along with its weight, and choose a model that matches with your firearm and your needs. Some people find that they prefer larger, heavier scopes that add some weight to their rifles and feel stronger to the touch, whereas many hunters opt for lighter, leaner scopes that don’t add to their gun’s profile or weight too much.
You can find some really compact, lightweight rifle scopes for .22 250, such as the Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40, which weighs in at barely 13 oz, so it won’t really affect the overall weight of your rifle too heavily and won’t require much of an adjustment period. On the other hand, those looking for a heavier scope might want to opt for something like the Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50, which tips the scales at over 30 oz.
In general, as with other elements of rifle scopes, the length and weight are relatively subjective factors, and the right choice for you will also depend on what sort of rifle you’re already using. Naturally, if you’re working with a larger, longer, heavier rifle, a heavy and long scope will fit on it just fine, but if you’re using a relatively lightweight and compact weapon, the smaller and lighter rifles will be just fine for you.
Both durability and weather resistance are very important features to think about when buying a new rifle scope too. Scopes, just like rifles and other hunting equipment, can be exposed to all kinds of elements and risks throughout their regular usage, and a weak scope will be useless in the long run, scratching and cracking at the slightest sign of duress. Ideally, you’ll want to find a scope that is able to stand up to anything and go the distance, serving you well for years to come.
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the overall durability of your chosen rifle scope. Ideally, you want to find a scope that is made from high quality materials to the finest possible standards, and this is where it can pay off to focus on proven, trusted brands and models, such as the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40 and Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56. These kinds of scopes are made with strong and sturdy materials that won’t bend or break under pressure.
You also need to think about weather resistance, especially if you do a lot of your hunting through the fall and into the winter, when rains start to fall, temperatures get a little lower, and the risk of snow and frost begins to grow. Some scopes stand up to tough weather conditions much more consistently than others, so it’s vital to take one that can deal with extreme temperatures and difficult situations, but the importance of this factor will depend on your hunting habits and the climate conditions in your chosen hunting areas.
As well as all of the key factors mentioned above, it’s also worth taking a look at any extra features or additional extras your chosen scope has to offer. While many scopes can seem pretty similar on the outside and all do more or less the same job, some models can stand out from the crowd by offering unique features and surprising functions you might not have been expecting at first.
The Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40, for example, is both fogproof and waterproof, so it can be used in wet and rainy conditions very effectively. It also comes with a Twilight Light Management System that adds up to 10 additional minutes of glassing light, as well as a highly versatile 3:1 zoom ratio for clear views of the scenes around you.
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40, meanwhile, also boasts waterproof and fog resistant capacities, as well as being able to resist shocks with ease, minimizing the risk of any accidental damage. It comes with an adjustable objective for your comfort and convenience, as well as a fast focus eyepiece that lets you quickly and easily identify and lock onto your prey.
If you find yourself hesitating between two or more models when looking for the best scope for .22 250, be sure to take a closer look at any extra features or unique qualities they might have to offer. You might be surprised to see that one model turns out to be much more fully-featured than the rest on closer inspection, and this can often be the difference maker when trying to pick which scope you should buy.
Last but not least, you shouldn’t fail to think about the price before buying a scope for .22 250. It’s interesting to note that even though many people worry about the prices of scopes, it’s perfectly possible to find some terrific, high-grade models at very low, fair, competitive prices, as long as you take the time to shop around. In fact, there are many cases when the more affordable rifle scopes on the market can outmatch their more expensive counterparts, which is why it’s so important to read reviews and compare options.
There are certainly plenty of high priced scopes out there, and some of them, like the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56, are more than good enough to justify such high prices. However, there are also a lot of great value options out there too, like the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50 and Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 4-12X40, for example, that are able to compete with the high-end models without costing huge sums of money.
Overall, the top rated scope for .22 250 on our list is the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56. The professional’s choice, this rifle scope is one of the finest you can hope to find. It offers immense quality and peerless performance, perfect for hunting in almost any conditions and guaranteed to improve your shooting skills.
The next best scope for .22 250 is the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40. It’s one of the best value options on the market right now, offering terrific specifications in all the key fields like eye relief, magnification, durability, and overall comfort, making it a real joy to use in any situation.
Our third favorite scope for .22 250 is the BARSKA Varmint 10-40X50. This model shows that you don’t need to spend too much in order to get a great rifle scope, making it a perfect pick for budget-conscious shoppers or beginners looking for a dependable, accurate scope for long distance shooting.
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