10 Best 22 Pistol Scope of 2026 For Extended Eye Relief

1

Hunting Handgun Pistol Scope 2x20 w/Mount for for Ruger Mark

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.4
• Brand
  Hammers

Key specs2

Handgun Platform Fit

Ruger Mark I, II, III, IV and 22/45

Optical Configuration

A fixed 2x magnification paired with a 20mm objective maintains light weight on a handgun receiver while avoiding offhand reticle shake.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Dedicated pistol optical configuration built for extended eye relief shooting at arm's length
• Bundled custom mount engineered specifically for Ruger Mark I, II, III, IV, and 22/45 receivers
• Fixed 2x magnification minimizes visible reticle wobble during offhand handgun shooting
• Compact 20mm objective profile maintains proper pistol handling balance

Cons

• Mounting hardware is tailored to Ruger Mark series and may require separate adapters for standard rails
• Fixed 2x magnification lacks zoom versatility for precision benchrest grouping at longer yardages

2

BSA Optics 22-39X40AOWRTB Sweet 22 AO 3X-9X 40mm Rifle Scope,

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.9
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Parallax Adjustment

Adjustable objective AO focus

Shooting Application

The Sweet 22 optical system is engineered for rimfire rifles, requiring shooters to confirm cheek weld and eye relief clearance before handgun use.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Adjustable objective AO allows precise focus and parallax correction across variable distances
• Flexible 3-9x magnification range provides extra reach for target identification
• Generous 40mm objective lens gathers ambient light for clear target sighting

Cons

• Engineered as a rifle scope, requiring verification of eye relief before handgun mounting
• Larger 40mm objective and AO bell add forward weight to lightweight handguns

3

BSA 2x20 Pistol Scope, Duplex Reticle

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.3
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Reticle Pattern

Non-illuminated duplex reticle

Eye Relief Profile

Engineered specifically for handguns, delivering a full sight picture when shooting with arms fully extended.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Dedicated pistol scope design provides the extended eye relief needed for outstretched arms
• Traditional duplex reticle offers an uncluttered sight picture for rapid rimfire plinking
• Fixed 2x magnification keeps reticle movement steady during offhand target aiming
• Streamlined 20mm objective body prevents front-heavy imbalance on handgun frames

Cons

• Mounting rings are not listed in the product title and must be sourced separately
• Fixed 2x power offers limited target detail for long-range precision rimfire shooting

4

Barska AC10380 Plinker-22 Scope 3-9x32 30/30 Reticle with Rings ,

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.7
• Brand
  Barska

Key specs2

Included Hardware

Scope mounting rings included

Magnification Range

A 3-9x variable zoom lets shooters dial in magnification, though short rifle eye relief limits its utility at arm's length.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes dedicated mounting rings in the package for immediate setup
• Versatile 3-9x zoom allows flexible magnification adjustment for varied target distances
• Classic 30/30 crosshair reticle keeps the target view clear and simple
• Compact 32mm objective keeps overall weight lower than 40mm scopes

Cons

• Classified as a rimfire rifle scope with standard short eye relief rather than extended pistol relief
• Included ring rail specification is not listed and must be confirmed prior to mounting

5

TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12X40 Rimfire Scope w/T-Plex Reticle - Rimfire

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.3
• Brand
  TRACT

Key specs2

Aiming Reticle

T-Plex reticle pattern

Long Range Focus

Built for extended rimfire rifle yardages, meaning mounting rings and receiver rail height must be matched carefully.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Higher 4-12x magnification range provides crisp target resolution at extended rimfire yardages
• Proprietary T-Plex reticle provides a clean, unobstructed central aiming point
• Substantial 40mm objective provides bright sight picture transmission

Cons

• Standard rimfire rifle eye relief requires close cheek positioning, unsuitable for extended pistol hold
• Scope rings are not bundled and must be purchased separately

6

CVLIFE 3-9x40 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Reticle with Free Mounts

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Mounting Package

Includes free mounting rings

Chassis Design

Compact rifle body keeps length manageable, though eye relief requires checking if considered for bench-rested handgun setups.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes complimentary mounting hardware in the box for rapid assembly
• Compact tube configuration helps reduce profile compared to traditional full-size rifle optics
• Flexible 3-9x zoom handles close plinking and medium-range rimfire targets
• Standard crosshair reticle aids quick target alignment

Cons

• Rifle-oriented design delivers standard eye relief, causing black ring vignetting if held at arm's length
• Rail clamp interface width of the free mounts is unstated and requires verification

7

BARSKA 4x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope w/ 3/8-Inch Dovetail Rings , Black

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.8
• Brand
  Barska

Key specs2

Clamp Dimension

3/8-inch dovetail mounting rings

Optic Magnification

Fixed 4x magnification simplifies plinking on rimfire receivers featuring standard 3/8-inch grooved receiver dovetails.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Ships with 3/8-inch dovetail rings to fit standard rimfire grooved receivers directly
• Fixed 4x magnification eliminates zoom adjustments for straightforward point-and-shoot plinking
• Compact 32mm objective lens delivers a low-profile footprint on small receivers

Cons

• 3/8-inch dovetail clamps will not attach to 20mm Weaver or Picatinny handgun rails without adapters
• Short rifle eye relief prevents clear sight picture acquisition at full arm extension

8

TRACT 22 FIRE 4-12x40 Rimfire Scope w/BDC Reticle - Rimfire

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.7
• Brand
  TRACT

Key specs2

Holdover Reticle

BDC trajectory compensation

Target Application

Designed for long-range rimfire rifle shooting, where high magnification and bullet drop markings support precision placement.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Integrated bullet drop compensating BDC reticle aids holdover accuracy across varied distances
• Broad 4-12x optical zoom provides strong visual magnification for precision rimfire target work
• Large 40mm objective provides ample light intake for crisp target viewing

Cons

• Engineered specifically for rifles, creating an unusable sight picture when held at handgun distances
• Requires purchasing separate scope rings compatible with your firearm receiver

9

CVLIFE JackalHowl 4X32 Compact Rifle Scope for .22 Caliber Rifles

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.9
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Rail Fitment

11mm dovetail rail interface

Elevation Markings

Equipped with a BDC reticle scaled for rimfire trajectories, paired with an 11mm clamp base for grooved receivers.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Comes with 11mm dovetail mounting hardware to fit rimfire receiver grooves
• Dedicated BDC reticle provides visual holdover points for varied rimfire yardages
• Compact body and 32mm objective keep overall mass light and manageable
• Fixed 4x magnification ensures steady framing without moving zoom rings

Cons

• 11mm dovetail base is incompatible with standard Picatinny or Weaver handgun rails without an adapter
• Rifle-oriented eye relief creates heavy tunneling when viewed from arm's length on a pistol

10

BARSKA 4x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope Black Matte, 4x32mm

View on Amazon

• ARS Mark

  ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  Barska

Key specs2

Finish Quality

Matte black non-reflective finish

Plinking Profile

A fixed 4x optical setup suited for rimfire rifles, requiring verification of ring inclusion and eye relief specifications.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Lightweight 32mm objective design avoids adding excessive bulk to rimfire firearms
• Fixed 4x power provides simple operation for general backyard plinking and target practice
• Matte black finish reduces glare on the firing line

Cons

• Listing does not state whether mounting rings are included in the package
• Rifle-length eye relief renders the sight picture difficult to acquire when held at arm's length

Last update on 2026-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can you mount a standard .22 rifle scope on a handgun?

No. Standard .22 rimfire rifle scopes, such as 4x32, 3-9x40, or 4-12x40 models, require short eye relief intended for a shooter resting their cheek against a rifle stock. When held at arm's length on a pistol, a rifle scope leaves an unusable dark border with a tiny pinhole image. Handgun shooting requires dedicated extended eye relief optics, such as a 2x20 pistol scope, engineered to deliver a full sight picture when your arms are outstretched. Traditional shoulder-fired optics, including a fast low-power variable optic, will not provide the necessary distance between your eye and the ocular lens.

How do you verify proper eye relief for a .22 pistol scope?

Check the manufacturer specifications for designated extended eye relief or pistol compatibility before purchasing. Handgun optics must feature extended eye relief so the sight picture remains clear at arm's length, unlike standard rimfire scopes that only focus close to your eye. Because exact eye relief varies by model, measure your natural shooting stance from your eye to the pistol receiver to confirm the optic matches your reach. If a listing does not explicitly state handgun or extended eye relief, verify the technical details directly with the maker to avoid buying a rifle scope by mistake.

Will the included rings fit your .22 pistol mounting rail?

It depends on your pistol receiver and the ring base style supplied with the optic. Many general rimfire scopes ship with 3/8-inch or 11mm dovetail rings, which only clamp onto narrow grooved receivers. Dedicated packages, such as a handgun pistol scope 2x20 with mount, are designed for specific platforms like the Ruger Mark 22 I, II, III, IV, or 22/45. If your handgun features a standard cross-slot top rail instead of an 11mm dovetail, verify the ring clamp profile in the product listing or source compatible aftermarket rings.

Why is a 2x20 fixed optic preferred over high-magnification variable scopes on a handgun?

Low magnification minimizes visible reticle movement caused by natural hand wobble during offhand shooting. Higher zoom levels found on long-range rifle optics, such as 3-9x40 or 4-12x40 models, amplify every pulse and tremor, making it difficult to keep the reticle settled on target without a bench rest. While shoulder-mounted setups like a compact air rifle scope provide the stability needed for higher power, a lightweight 2x20 pistol scope preserves handgun balance, reduces front-heavy fatigue, and keeps target acquisition fast.

What reticle style works best for rimfire handgun shooting?

Clean configurations like a duplex reticle or a standard crosshair work best for handgun shooting because they provide quick alignment without cluttering the sight picture. Some rimfire rifle optics feature specialized patterns, such as a BDC reticle or a 30/30 reticle, but those are generally tailored for rifle trajectory holdovers. On a handgun shooting rimfire ammunition at practical plinking distances, an uncluttered duplex reticle keeps your focus sharp on the target without unnecessary markings.

Can you install a dedicated 2x20 pistol scope directly onto a Ruger Mark series handgun?

Yes, provided you match the mounting hardware to your specific model. Dedicated 2x20 pistol scope packages with mounts are built to fit the Ruger Mark 22 series, including Mark I, II, III, IV, and 22/45 frames. Some Ruger models come factory-drilled or include an integrated receiver rail, while older versions may require a dedicated mounting plate. Check your handgun receiver configuration and verify the mounting screws and rail pattern listed in the product description before installation.