Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes of 2020 – Complete Guide

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Ruger 10/22 is one of the most flexible rifles out there. With over a dozen different models, this beloved rifle is followed by literally thousands of aftermarket components. It can easily become any rifle you want. 

Regardless of the application, you have in mind; you will undoubtedly need a good-quality scope with your Ruger. It is a misconception that purchasing a scope is just an additional expense and a waste of money. But if you are a frequent shooter, you will know how important it is to have one. 

So what’s the best Ruger 10/22 scope? After carefully analyzing a number of offerings on the market, we have devised a list of quality performers. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a unit in this list that fits your needs.  

Comparison of the Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Versatile design comes with 11 brightness settings
  • Boasts O ring sealed optics that remains dry inside
  • Contains nitrogen, ensuring optical surfaces remain clear
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  • Ideal for when the estimating holdover is a concern
  • Features long-eye relief and a fast focus eyepiece
  • Capped reset turrets can be easily finger-adjusted
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  • Best for the Money
  • For all hunting applications using versatile V-Plex reticle
  • Aircraft grade aluminum for maximum durability
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  • Best Ruger 1022 Takedown Scope
  • Design is 8 inches long, can be installed on any accessory rail
  • Boasts superior lens with a one-tube construction
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  • Built to last with a beautiful finish
  • Crisp and clear images from magenta multi-layered lens coatings
  • Wide range of magnification, from 3x to 9x
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When Would I Need a Scope on a Ruger 10/22?

Have you ever gone hunting, tried your hand at target shooting, or rid your backyard of pesky rodents? If yes, then you will know how difficult it is to aim with a naked eye. All these shooting situations occur at noticeable distances, so aiming with your normal vision is just not possible. A Ruger 10/22 is a useful weapon in all these scenarios, but you need to equip it with a decent scope. Let’s discuss the situations in more detail. 

Hunting

While hunting, having a better vision is the biggest advantage. And a good scope guarantees that. It not only helps you aim better but also allows you to keep a watchful eye on your surroundings. You can observe your target for a better shot and also foresee any danger that can put you at risk. 

Target Shooting

When you use a scope during target shooting, you automatically start scoring better. With a high-performance unit mounted on your Ruger, you will aim better and easily hit all your targets. There will be little to no chances of missed shots once your rifle is zeroed properly. 

Keeping Critters Away 

Having some pesky critters roaming freely around your yard is a nuisance. What’s more frustrating is how quickly they manage to hide before you can take your aim. A scope-mounted Ruger greatly improves your chances of finally driving them away. No matter how efficiently they hide, you can easily target them. 

How Do I Choose a Ruger 10/22 Scope?

So what makes a scope great for a Ruger 10/22? High-quality performance, long-lasting durability, and better image quality certainly classify an optic as a good one. But these are not the only parameters that you need to look at. There are some more aspects you have to take into account. Here is a list of some of the main features that will help you choose the right scope for your Ruger. 

Magnification

The scopes available in the market nowadays are either fixed or variable magnification units. The fixed ones are restricted to one power only while variable ones can switch between a varying range. Both have their own advantages. Choose one according to the application you want to put your rifle at. 

Lens Coating 

After inspecting different units, you will notice that some deliver a clear and bright image while others fail to do so. This happens because the lenses on some units are treated with multiple coatings. This enables them to provide maximum light transfer and deliver a clearer image even in low light conditions. When choosing an optic for yourself, be sure to invest in a coated one. 

Image Quality 

It is always a good idea to invest in a scope that delivers excellent image quality. By image quality, we mean a bright and clear image with sharp contrast. It helps you see better. The magnification power, glass quality, and size of the objective lens all determine the quality of the image you see. 

Ruggedness

Ruger 10/22 is all about durability and ruggedness, so you need an equally tough scope for it. Using a light, a less tough optic with a light rifle does make sense. But we would still recommend that you get a tough one because it has to survive through harsh hunting conditions. Also, it has more chances of surviving falls or other accidents. 

Weatherproofing

Investing in a weatherproof unit is certainly worth it. It is important because you will be using it in all sorts of environments. In hot conditions, fog may form inside. And in rainy situations, the accuracy is severely affected. A scope that is purged in nitrogen or argon has better chances of surviving extreme weather. 

Review of the Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes  

Ruger 10/22 is a beautiful rifle to own. It is a versatile, functional, and heavy-duty piece of equipment. Regardless of what you plan to use it for, you will be able to do it more efficiently if you mount a scope on your trusty rifle. Here is a comprehensive rundown of some of the best Ruger 10/22 Scopes for you to choose from. 

Best Overall:
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

Pros

  • High quality yet very affordable
  • Comes with a long-lasting battery
  • Offers a number of brightness settings to choose from
  • Designed to be shock-proof, water-proof, and fog-proof
  • Lightweight design does not put added weight to the gun

Cons

  • Dot is difficult to spot in bright conditions
  • Does not have an automatic shutoff feature

What Recent Buyers Report

This optic has a great following backing it up. According to recent buyer reviews, it is one of the most satisfying devices. Combine that with an extremely affordable price, and you have a match, unlike any others. Users are actually all praises about this. They say that it zeroes very easily and does not lose it even after a few hundred shots. The knobs are all very tight. There is no chance of the recoil shifting its settings. Lasting long with a powerful battery, consumers are truly impressed.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Bushnell TRS-25 is one of the most accurate sights currently available on the market. It offers a better aim with faster target acquisition. Another noteworthy feature is the amber optics. They increase recognition and help differentiate between a brown critter and a brown tree.

The low-profile design is very pleasant to look at. With just under 2.5 inches in length and approximately 3.9 ounces in weight, it is one of the smallest red dot scopes. The dot is generated from a LED light fitted inside the tube. It is 3 MOA and offers 11 different intensities for varying lighting conditions.

The high-quality glass delivers clear and bright images. Its image quality is on par with more expensive red dots. The windage and elevation adjustments installed over it are firm. You will need a coin to turn them. Each turn produces an audible click. The battery is powerful and long-lasting. With regular usage, it can last for over a year without needing replacement.

Bottom Line

When you are purchasing optics, a low price tag is usually a warning sign to stay away. Bushnell has changed this with its TRS-25. This red dot sight does not cost much, yet it is high in both quality and performance. The compact design is light to carry and easy to use. For competitions, plinking, and even home defense, this is one of the best devices you can buy.

Runner-up:
Vortex Crossfire II 6-18x44

Pros

  • Turrets can be adjusted to zero
  • Finished with a hard-anodized coat
  • Reticle is quite clear and easy to read
  • Comes with a lifetime transferable warranty
  • Features a sophisticated and durable design

Cons

  • Light transmission is not great in low lighting
  • Images are not clear at higher magnifications

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are amazed at how good this optic is. They say that finding such quality at this price is hard, let alone from a reputable brand like Vortex. The lens is crystal clear, and the AO feature works flawlessly. It has allowed its consumers to elevate their game as a target shooter or a hunter. They are extremely satisfied with it, and why won’t they be? With the VIP warranty applicable, they really have nothing to lose.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Although this is actually a really good sight, the main selling point here is its lifetime warranty. You can purchase this scope and rest assured that your investment is secure. If it malfunctions at any point in time, you can have it repaired under the warranty terms. This certainly gives it an upper hand over its rivals as most units are backed up by a limited lifetime warranty.

So what does this lifetime warranty represent? It shows the trust Vortex has on its product. They would know that their unit is solid and reliable; that’s why they back it up with an equally solid warranty.

This optic is great for your Ruger 10/22 because it is treated with anti-reflective coatings on all the air-to-glass surfaces. This not only increases the light transmission but also delivers a clear and bright image. The reticle is quick and easy to focus while maintaining its ideal sized appearance. Even if you are a beginner, you won’t face any difficulty in using it.

Bottom Line

This is a quality scope that offers flexibility in a variety of shooting applications. It comes from a reputable brand that is known for prioritizing its customers. It is very durable and robust and perfectly capable of withstanding the inevitable knocks and bumps it is subjected to.

Best for the Money:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire

Pros

  • Features a high-level craftsmanship
  • Delivers excellent quality for an affordable price
  • Available in different sizes, power, and reticle options
  • Comes with a VIP warranty for easy fixing or replacement
  • Capped tactical turrets offer precise control over windage and elevation

Cons

  • Reticle focus is not very great
  • Not suitable for precision shooting

What Recent Buyers Report

From what we have read so far, buyers who purchased it are absolutely loving it. From looking good to performing exceptionally well, this unit has nailed it in every department. The image is very bright, the glass is clear, and it holds a dead zero no matter what. One more thing buyers like is its responsible customer care service. They address the slightest issue and work hard to resolve it.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This is a great unit to buy because Vortex has put a lot of thought into its design. They have packed it with a ton of amazing features without sacrificing on the quality or jacking up the price. You may find units costing hundreds more than this, but rest assured the performance will be quite similar.

It features an aircraft-grade aluminum body with an anodized exterior finish. This coat protects it from scratches, dirt, bumps, and oil. It is also a one-piece model that is both nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed, making it waterproof, shock-resistant, and fog-proof.

The lenses on this unit are coated with multiple layers of anti-reflection coats. These not only improve light transmission but also prevent glare. The eye relief is quite comfortable at 3.9 inches, and the parallax is pre-set at 50 yards. The field of view is also quite impressive. It can go from 12.6 feet to 42 feet at 100 yards.

Bottom Line

With its V-Plex reticle, Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire is a newer addition to the Vortex lineup. It is an ideal choice for shooters who plan to put their scope to rough use. Compared to any other scope in this range, its construction is sturdy enough to handle even high caliber rounds.

Best Scope For Ruger 10/22 Takedown:
 SNIPER Compact Scope

Sniper RD35L Compact Scope Red Dot, Precision Lens,11 Level Brightness, 35mm Scope Tube, Ring Mount Included

Pros

  • One-tube buildup is very sturdy
  • Compact unit is very light in weight
  • Equipped with a superior quality lens
  • Black anodized exterior protects it from scratches
  • Features a fog-proof and waterproof construction

Cons

What Recent Buyers Report 

Recent buyers report that this red dot sight is rugged and sturdy. It mounts within minutes and is very easy to use. Consumers like that it zeroes quickly and holds it for hundreds of shots. Multiple colors and intensities also allow them to choose according to their shooting requirements.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We like this scope for Ruger 10/22 Takedown because it comes with its ring mount. If you decide to purchase this, you won’t be pressurized into spending more for a suitable ring mount. Coming from a known brand, you can trust it to deliver a solid performance.

It features a one-tube design that is built on a strong Cardan joint platform. This is highly suitable for use in demanding situations. It offers a great field of view with lots of eye relief. The tube also contains a built-in integral sunshade for improved strength and longer life. The choice of dot color and intensity are also very interesting. All of these come together to make this a great choice.

Bottom Line

When it comes to durability, the Sniper compact scope is second to none. It features a solid aluminum body, which is light on weight but heavy on performance. It is designed to withstand both shock and recoil from the rifle. The matte black finish not only makes it look good but also protects it from external elements.

Editor’s Pick:
TASCO MAG39X32D Rimfire Series

Pros

  • Mounting is a very simple procedure
  • Quality optics offer stunning HD clarity
  • Body is completely weather-sealed and shock-resistant
  • Image quality is great over the entire magnification range
  • Offers 3x to 9x magnification, which is perfect for short to long-range shooting

Cons

  • Does not offer any parallax adjustments
  • Accompanying rings are sub-par in quality

What Recent Buyers Report 

This Tasco scope has won over its buyers with its amazing image quality over any magnification. It is easy to install, sights within minutes, and looks great. One user reports that once zeroed, it held it over one thousand rounds. Considering Tasco is an economical name brand, consumers were blown away with its quality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

TASCO MAG39X32D Rimfire Series Riflescope will bring out your rifle’s best performance like never before. Regardless of whether you are hunting, plinking, or punching paper targets, it surely helps bring out accuracy.

We like it for its sturdy build and high-quality optics. The crystal clear glass has a multi-colored lens coating along with fully-coated optics that deliver bright and clear images. Even over a wide range of powerful magnification, the image does not lose its brightness and clarity.

It is designed to be shock-resistant with its rugged construction. It also ensures that your hunt is never rained out with its water and fog-proofing. The materials used in its construction are high in quality. The design itself is very attractive to look at.

Although it is an entry-level scope, it delivers performance that is worthy of any high-end unit. It is designed to be very easy to use. Even a beginner will not have any problem sighting it in. Add ease of installation to the mix, and you have a convenient yet powerful optic at your disposal.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is an impressive product for both casual and serious hunters. The versatile unit makes use of its 3x to 9x magnification over both short and long-range shooting. If you want high quality and performance at an affordable price, this excellent performer is just the right one for you.

Ruger 10/22 Red Dot vs. Scope – Comparison Overview

While combing the market for a suitable optic for your Ruger 10/22, you will be presented with two choices: an unmagnified red dot style aiming aid or a magnified scope. Both offer significant advantages with their design parameters, but the purposes they serve are actually quite different. Here are some similarities and differences between the two. 

Similarity

The only similarity we found between the two devices is that they are both optics. They help their users aim and effectively acquire targets. Furthermore, they are a must-have in any shooting situation. 

Differences

Although both are optics for firearms, their purposes are not very similar. Here are some major differences between the two. 

Appearance: Red dots are generally more simple, compact, lightweight, and less bulky. Scopes, on the other hand, are bulky and heavier. 

Magnification: Red dots are fixed power and offer little to no magnification. Scopes come with both fixed and variable magnifications, giving the user the freedom to choose. 

Power: Red dots operate on batteries while scopes don’t need them. 

Accuracy: Red dots are more accurate in the short shooting range. Since they do not support bullet drop compensation, they are not as effective at long-distance shooting. Scopes are accurate and effective over both short and long-distance shooting. 

How to Mount a Scope on a Ruger 10/22 Takedown

The method of mounting a scope on a Ruger 10/22 Takedown is quite similar to that of the original Ruger 10/22. The tactical version features a Picatinny rail system on top of the receiver, making it very easy to mount your rings. If you like the rail mount that comes with the rifle, you can go ahead and use it. But if you want something better, you can purchase the model you like. Below we have recounted a detailed method of mounting a scope. 

  1. Start by removing the four screws protecting the holes on top of the receiver.

  2. Take a thread-locker and apply a little amount over the screw. Be sure to spread it evenly. This ensures that they don’t back out during normal operation. 

  3. Place the rail on top of the receiver, making sure that all the holes align with each other. 

  4. Put the screws back on and tighten them into position. Do not overtighten them as it risks damaging the threads in the receiver. 

  5. Now take your rings and mount them on the rail. Install them at a suitable distance from each other so that the scope can fit in properly. You can conduct a quick check to make sure there is adequate space in between. 

  6. If you have a lapping kit, now is the time to install it. A lapping kit increases the surface contact and improves stability. 

  7. Next, take off the upper part of the rings and place your scope in the rings. 

  8. Don’t lock it in yet. Get behind the rifle and adjust the scope until you have proper eye relief even at the highest magnification. Also, make sure that it is level.

  9. Now put the top portion of the rings back on and finally lock down the scope. Apply some thread locker on these screws too.

Although the basic procedure remains the same, the variations in the configuration of different scopes can cause some differences in your installation. If you are still not sure about how to do it, feel free to check out the video below.

How to Sight in a 10/22 Scope

Sighting in or zeroing a firearm means adjusting the sights so that the shot is achieved at a predictable impact position within the sight image. It involves shifting the line of aim to intersect with the bullet's trajectory at a point known as zero. Once zeroed, the gun will repeatedly hit where it aims, given the distance remains the same. 

For a .22 rifle, the customary zero distance is fairly short at 25 to 50 yards. At this range, the trajectory is quite flat. At 100 yards, the bullet drops about five to six inches, making it difficult even for experienced shooters. 

The sighting-in procedure involves shooting a group of shots at a target located at the distance the shooter wants to sight in his/her rifle. So to sight in your 10/22 scope, you will need a target and some rounds of your preferred ammo. Here is how to do it. 

  1. Secure your target at the desired zero distance. 

  2. Use a bench rest or shooting bags to stabilize your rifle. 

  3. Aim the scope crosshairs on the bulls-eye of the target and shoot. Since this is your first shot from a cold barrel, it will not count. 

  4. Now readjust the scope crosshairs and shoot. Continue aiming and shooting until you have a group of bullet shots on the target. 

  5. Study the group's position on the target and adjust the sights accordingly so that the aim is fixed on bull’s-eye. 

  6. Keep repeating steps 3 and 4 until your aim is dead-on, i.e., you have a group of shots centered around the point of aim. 

  7. Now every bullet you shoot at this distance will hit where you aim it at. 

  8. In between the shots, you will notice that a bullet or two completely miss their aim or the group. They are called fliers. You can ignore them as they do not have any effect on the sighting-in procedure.

We understand that the procedure is a tad bit difficult, especially for first-timers. Here is a video account of the method to help you understand better. 

Conclusion

Whether you want to rid your yard of some pesky creatures, or want an upper hand over your buddies at the shooting range, using a scope with your Ruger 10/22 will certainly be advantageous. The market is flooded with numerous options that deliver high performance. We have listed the best Ruger 10/22 scopes for you above. Choose a suitable one for yourself and unleash the full potential of your trusty rifle. 

People Also Ask

Ruger 10/22 is one of America’s most popular .22 rifles. As Ruger claims, it has been a favorite for over fifty years. It is an excellent firearm to own. If you already own one, you will know what it is capable of. But if you are interested in purchasing one, you’d like to learn some more about the accessories and the gun itself. Here are some commonly asked questions about it. 

How Accurate is the Ruger 10/22 Takedown?

A Ruger 10/22 Takedown is a pretty accurate rifle. Its accuracy is quite similar to the other rifles in this category. But the ammo you use with it makes the actual difference. After using different brand ammos with it, the results range anywhere from one to 5.8 inches grouping. 

What Height of Scope Rings For a 10/22?

The height of scope rings for 10/22 varies from user to user. This difference arises because we all have different face shapes. You can use some modeling clay to find out the right height of scope rings for yourself. 

Place the clay on the spot where the rings usually go on the receiver. Now push the scope into the clay, keeping it straight and parallel to the bore. Shoulder your rifle and see if you are looking through the scope. If not, adjust the clay height until you can see. 

Once set, measure the bottom of the scope tube and the top of the receiver. Once you have the measurement in hand, purchase the rings that are closest to the measurement. 

What Kind of Scope Rail on a Ruger 10/22?

A rail is a metal or polymer bracket system that is mounted on a gun’s receiver. The scope rail on a Ruger 10/22 is a Weaver-style rail. It utilizes parallel rails and round slots that are useful for attaching different accessories. Usually, Weaver rails come in two pieces. But on a Ruger 10/22, it is supplied as a one-piece mount. 

How Far Can a 10/22 Shoot Accurately?

This question does not have a clear, definite answer. You can shoot it as far as you like. The accuracy of the shot is mostly dependent on your own skill. Some hunters have reported that they struggled in shooting accurately at a distance of 75 yards, even with a fresh-out-of-the-box 10/22. Meanwhile, others say that the maximum accuracy range for them is about 100 yards.