8 Best Vortex Rimfire Scope of 2026 For 50-Yard Accuracy

1

Vortex Venom 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope & Sport Cantilever

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  9.2
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Included Mount Interface

The bundled sport cantilever mount attaches directly to standard Picatinny bases, meaning traditional 3/8-inch rimfire dovetail rails require a separate adapter rail.

Optical Configuration

1-6x magnification with 24mm objective

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Includes a dedicated sport cantilever mount for rapid installation right out of the box
• 1-6x low-power variable magnification offers fast target acquisition at close distances
• Second focal plane reticle maintains consistent visual sizing across the entire zoom range

Cons

• Cantilever mount is built for Picatinny rails and requires adapters for grooved rimfire receivers
• 24mm objective lens gathers less light than larger 32mm or 40mm hunting optics
• Listing does not specify factory parallax setting, requiring verification for close 25-yard rimfire use

2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch

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  8.6
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Reticle Design

The simple V-Plex crosshairs offer a clean sight picture without distracting sub-tension hash marks, making target tracking straightforward against dark foliage.

Tube Diameter

1-inch main tube

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Dedicated rimfire edition built specifically for small game and plinking at shorter distances
• Standard 1-inch main tube pairs easily with common low and medium rimfire scope rings
• Uncluttered V-Plex reticle keeps the field of view clear when targeting small pests in brush
• Second focal plane design keeps crosshair thickness constant throughout the 2-7x zoom range

Cons

• V-Plex crosshair lacks elevation holdover marks for compensating bullet drop at varying distances
• Listing does not include mounting rings, so buyers must match 1-inch rings to their receiver rail

3

Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 Rimfire Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube

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  7.7
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Glass Specification

The Crossfire HD optical platform is designed to improve target resolution on rimfire targets while keeping the overall profile light and well-balanced.

Main Tube Spec

1-inch tube diameter

Pros & cons42

Pros

• HD optical system upgrade provides improved target clarity on small targets at rimfire distances
• Dedicated rimfire design helps eliminate close-range focus issues common to centerfire scopes
• Compact 2-7x magnification range maintains a lightweight balance on small-bore rifles
• Standard 1-inch main tube fits standard rimfire dovetail or Weaver mounting rings

Cons

• Requires purchasing 1-inch scope rings separately to match your rifle receiver interface
• 32mm objective lens provides a narrower exit pupil at 7x than larger 40mm scopes

4

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40,

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  7.6
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Reticle Holdover Utility

Dead-Hold BDC hash marks help shooters compensate for steep .22 caliber trajectory drop without dialing elevation turrets back and forth in the field.

Objective Size

40mm objective lens

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides visual holdover marks to compensate for rimfire bullet trajectory drop
• Versatile 3-9x magnification range adapts well to both bench plinking and pest control
• 40mm objective lens gathers ample ambient light for clear viewing during dawn and dusk outings

Cons

• Standard centerfire configuration typically features 100-yard parallax, requiring user focus verification under 50 yards
• Larger 40mm bell may require medium or high rings to clear rifle barrel sights
• Does not include mounting hardware in the package

5

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA ,

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  8.4
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Reticle Design

The classic V-Plex MOA layout centers your eye quickly without extra hash marks, suiting paper target shooters who zero for a single fixed distance.

Magnification Span

3-9x variable zoom

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Clean V-Plex MOA reticle provides an unobstructed view of small targets without clutter
• Second focal plane design preserves crosshair visibility at 3x minimum magnification
• 40mm objective lens improves light transmission over smaller 24mm and 32mm scopes

Cons

• Lacks elevation sub-tensions for quick bullet drop compensation across varying yardages
• Centerfire configuration warrants verifying close-range parallax focus at 25 and 50 yards
• Requires purchasing compatible mounting rings separately

6

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold

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  7.9
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Extended Distance Utility

The 4-12x magnification range provides extra reach for precision paper punching and varmint spotting beyond standard 50-yard rimfire distances.

Reticle Selection

Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Higher 4-12x magnification range allows precise aiming at distant 100-yard rimfire targets
• Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle offers reliable holdover references for extended bullet drop
• Solid Diamondback optical platform built with durable black anodized finish
• Second focal plane crosshairs remain thin and fine across the entire magnification range

Cons

• High-magnification design requires confirming minimum parallax focus distance for close 25-yard shots
• 40mm objective bell and 12x magnification can be bulky for ultralight rimfire rifles
• Mounting rings are not included and must be sourced separately

7

Simmons PRO RIMFIRE 3-9X32MM RIFLESCOPE

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  8.0
• Brand
  Simmons

Key specs2

Rimfire Platform Match

Engineered specifically for rimfire platforms, the 3-9x32mm setup avoids the excessive weight of centerfire scopes while preserving flexible magnification.

Objective Size

32mm objective lens

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated Pro Rimfire design is specifically configured for short-range small-bore shooting
• 3-9x variable magnification provides versatile zooming for plinking and target identification
• 32mm objective lens keeps weight low to maintain natural balance on light rimfire barrels

Cons

• Listing does not include mounting ring specifications or bundled hardware
• Optical glass coatings and specific reticle subtensions are not detailed in the product data

8

Simmons PRO RIMFIRE 4X32MM RIFLESCOPE

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  7.9
• Brand
  Simmons

Key specs2

Fixed Power Advantage

A fixed 4x optical layout simplifies target acquisition by removing magnification rings, making it easy to shoulder and shoot without adjustments.

Magnification Span

Fixed 4x magnification

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Fixed 4x magnification eliminates moving optical parts for straightforward simplicity
• Dedicated Pro Rimfire configuration engineered for short-distance shooting scenarios
• Compact 32mm bell creates a streamlined profile that will not unbalance lightweight rifles

Cons

• Fixed 4x power lacks the flexibility to dial down for close brush or zoom in for precision groups
• Listing leaves mounting ring inclusions and rail interface unstated, requiring user verification

Last update on 2026-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Why choose a dedicated rimfire scope over a standard rifle scope?

Dedicated rimfire scopes are engineered specifically for short-range target focus. A standard rifle optic is often calibrated for extended hunting distances, which can create reticle drift and a blurred sight picture when aiming close to the muzzle. Models designated specifically for rimfire rifles, such as the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire and Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 Rimfire, maintain crisp target focus at closer distances. Check the manufacturer specifications for your preferred scope model to confirm the exact factory parallax setting before mounting.

Is a 2-7x32 or 3-9x40 configuration better for hunting small game?

A 2-7x32 configuration is generally better for stalking small game in dense brush where fast maneuvering is critical. Optic models like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire keep bulk low on light rimfire receivers. A 3-9x40 setup, such as the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope, offers higher magnification for stationary plinking and small targets across open clearings. When carrying a light rifle for extended field walks, pairing your setup with compact scopes for better rifle balance helps keep offhand shooting stable.

Can a Dead-Hold BDC reticle work on rimfire rifles?

Yes, a Dead-Hold BDC reticle works on rimfire rifles as long as you correlate your ammunition drop with the reticle hash marks. On second focal plane optics like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope (CF2-31007) and the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope, the subtension marks correspond to MOA values at maximum magnification. Because rimfire ammunition has significant trajectory drop, check your specific muzzle velocity against ballistics data to identify where each mark intersects your trajectory.

What mounting rings are required for Vortex rimfire scopes?

Ring selection depends on the main tube diameter and the height needed for objective lens clearance. Models like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire and Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 Rimfire feature a 1-inch tube, meaning they require 1-inch rings rather than other tube sizes. You must also check whether your rifle receiver uses a grooved rimfire rail or a cross-slot base so the ring clamps mount securely. Measure your barrel clearance and receiver height to verify you select the proper ring profile.

When should you choose a V-Plex reticle over a Dead-Hold BDC reticle?

A V-Plex reticle is best when you want a simple, uncluttered view for quick shots at consistent distances. Scopes like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA provide heavy outer posts that taper into fine crosshairs, directing your eye instantly to the center point. A Dead-Hold BDC reticle is preferable if you frequently switch between near and far targets and prefer using holdover lines rather than adjusting turrets. For dense cover and fast target acquisition, selecting dedicated optics for close-range pesting keeps your field of view free from confusing marks.

How does a second focal plane reticle behave across magnification adjustments?

A second focal plane reticle maintains a fixed size in your field of view regardless of the magnification level you select. On models like the Vortex Venom 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope or the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, the crosshairs appear equally fine at minimum power and maximum power. When using reticle hash marks for elevation holdovers on second focal plane optics, verify the manufacturer manual to confirm which magnification setting delivers accurate MOA spacing.