Scopes and Optics

Best Scope for 22 LR Benchrest

Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Scope

Do you want the best scope for 22 LR benchrest? By the end of this post, we will share the pros and cons of the top options to help you make an informed purchase. 

Benchrest shooting is a well-liked shooting activity that rewards patience and accuracy. The idea behind benchrest is to hit the targets while firing a rifle rested on a bench. The typical benchrest distances are 500, 600, and 1000 yards, though targets can be at varying distances. The sport has matured to where it is today, and as a result, new gear has been developed to support higher levels of accuracy.

A scope that can deliver clear and accurate images is a must-have for a fruitful benchrest shooting expedition. It doesn’t necessarily need sophisticated technology because benchrest shooting minimizes most variables.

You are in the right place if you are searching for the best scope for 22lr Benchrest. This post has the scopes that are a perfect option for you.

A buying guide also follows to ensure you are on the right track.

First, let’s dive into the top-ranking models.

6 Best Scope for 22 LR Benchrest

1) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm is an admirable scope that makes an ideal companion for 22LR Benchrest shooters. The scope boasts many exciting features; no wonder it comes first on our list.

Firstly, Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm features a fully multi-coated lens that delivers a fantastic performance in low light conditions. It contains a 40mm objective lens, giving it a terrific field of view.

The Bushnell Banner has an O-ring design that maximizes lens protection. As a result, the lifespan of the lenses is increased. It will still work flawlessly if you accidentally submerge this scope in water. Its waterproofing capacity is useful on rainy days or if you accidentally get it too wet. Also, it will guarantee that rain won’t stop you from hunting. Not only that, but it has also been Argon-purged to ensure that any moisture won’t cause the lens to fog.

Numerous hunters love the six-inch eye relief present in the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm. This is a sure bet that your eye will not suffer any injury caused by recoil.

Better yet, Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm has a fast focus eyepiece for sharp reticle focusing for hassle-free target acquisition.

Features

  • One-piece tube
  • Dusk and dawn brightness multi-coated lenses
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
  • 40mm objective lens
  • Fast target acquisition

Pros

  • Price
  • Stylish look
  • Dependable build quality
  • Good low-light performance
  • All-weather use

Cons

  • None

 

2) UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Scope

UTG 3-12x44mm

If you want a scope that epitomizes accuracy, versatility, and durability, Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm will serve you right. The best part is that the scope comes at a price that doesn’t take a significant hit on your wallet.

The compactness of the Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm is one of its major advantages. This reduces the weight while making it simpler to carry, store, and pack when used for hunting.

The windage, elevation, and parallax adjustment turrets of the Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm are made with durability and ease of use. The scope zero is protected from ordinary bumps and knocks thanks to the quality zero locking and resetting, providing accurate and reliable 0.25 MOA adjustments.

The Emerald-coated Lenses have the highest transmittance in their class, which delivers exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, true-to-life color representation, and virtually no distortion or aberration.

With 36 color possibilities available, the illumination-enhancing reticle allows multiple colors that can be used continuously. The UTG 3-12x44mm excels in all lighting scenarios.

The versatility and ruggedness offered by the UTG 3-12x44mm solidify its name as an amazing scope for 22LR Benchrest.

Features

  • Mil-Dot reticle
  • Multi-coated Emerald lenses
  • 3 to 3.4 inches of eye relief
  • Zero locking and resettable turrets
  • 25 MOA adjustments

Pros

  • Compact yet rugged
  • Precision engineering
  • Holds zero well
  • Various illumination settings
  • Accurate and versatile reticle

Cons

  • Weight

 

3) Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope

Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope

Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm is constructed with an aluminum alloy one-piece tube to enhance strength and durability. A dry nitrogen gas filling delivers a waterproof and fog proof scope. Only your warm bed can stop you from indulging in your outdoor activity. Along with these two inclusions, the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm is shockproof.

The shooter can set the Bushnell Banner 4-12×40’s adjustable objective for parallax at any distance between 10 yards and infinity. Because of this, it can be a good option for close-range uses requiring high magnification.

The exclusive Dusk & Dawn Brightness coatings with multiple layers are used in the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm. This is handy in allowing ample light into the scope from morning to nightfall.

The magnification ranges from 4-12x. You can easily adjust the settings to suit your situation because a zoom ring with an easy grip is provided.

Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm has windage and elevation adjustments that are resettable to zero and are 1/4 MOA. A fast-focus eyepiece enables quick reticle focus for rapid target acquisition.

Features

  • Multi-X reticle
  • Easy-to-grasp power ring
  • Dusk & Dawn Brightness coatings
  • Parallax adjustable from 10 yards to infinity
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Accurate windage and elevation adjustments
  • A fast-focus eyepiece

Pros

  • Wide field of view
  • Notable optical clarity
  • Fair price

Cons

  • Some issues with the reticle

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Vortex is a reputable brand with a reputation for top-tier manufacturing scopes like the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm. Its excellent craftsmanship makes it a great option for the 22LR Benchrest. The illuminated V-Brite reticle in the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24mm riflescope is a top-notch SFP reticle. As a result, it remains the same size even with changes in magnification. Being illuminated also ensures that it performs effectively in a dimly lit environment.

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm offers overall quality and reliability. It provides fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses that ensure a bright, clear view when looked through.

Moreover, the MOA clicks on the capped reset turrets and makes adjustments seamless with the finger. When you have sighted in, you can reset them to zero.

To fortify the quality, Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm is ruggedly built. Aircraft-grade aluminum is used to construct the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm single-piece tube. This promotes durability, sturdiness, and shock resistance. You will gain from the performance of the scope being waterproof and fog-proof when you combine this with the fact that it has been nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Single piece tube
  • O-rings and nitrogen purging
  • The v-Brite reticle on the second focal plane
  • Capped turrets
  • Hard anodized finish
  • 4 inches of eye relief

Pros

  • Turrets are zero-resettable
  • Respectable reticle
  • Pleasant eye relief
  • Sturdy construction
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Turrets could track better
  • Poor light transmission is low lighting

 

5) Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Scope

Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Scope

Every 22LR Benchrest shooter deserves a quality scope such as the Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm. Thanks to its fully multi-coated design, the optimum quality target images you desire to see through it are unquestionably visible. Barska 3-9x32mm thus performs well even when lighting conditions deteriorate.

Free mounting rings, lens covers, and a lens cloth are included with the Barska 3-9x32mm. Another attribute that makes the Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm worth every penny is the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Barska AC10380 3-9x32mm is what you need if you want to increase your field mobility. You will certainly enjoy the luxury of moving quickly while using it, as it weighs only 0.72 pounds.

Barska 3-9x32mm includes a magnification setting with a range that starts at 3x and extends for up to 9x, and the eye relief measures 3.5 inches. This is plentiful to prevent eye injury. The scope does well in all conditions as it is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Features

  • 32mm objective lens
  • 3-9x magnification range
  • 5 inches of eye relief
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • 30/30 reticle
  • One-piece tube construction
  • Windage and elevation turrets
  • Second focal plane

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Robust edifice
  • Easy zoom
  • Decent turrets

Cons

  • Pricey

 

6) NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm Scope

NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm Scope

The NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm offers impeccable performance, without a doubt. From resolution and light management to accuracy, the scope is in a class of its own.

A 56 mm multi-coated objective lens promises the best-in-class resolution. With an adjustable objective, parallax is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity with exceptionally precise focus.

NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm constitutes a highly sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum. It is fully waterproof and weather resistant, making it a perfect companion in any weather.

Moreover, NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm guarantees maximum tracking accuracy, owing to the coil plunger adjustment return system. The glass-etched reticle on the NightForce Precision Benchrest 12-42x56mm is illuminated for enhanced contrast and visibility even in low-light scenarios.

Features

  • Zero-resettable turrets
  • Weather resistant
  • 6061-T6 aluminum body
  • Adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity
  • Eye relief of 3 inches
  • Multi-coated lens
  • Titanium beta erector system

Pros

  • Unparalleled accuracy
  • Durable build
  • Tracks well
  • Great resolution

Cons

  • A bit hazy at high zoom levels

 

See Also

 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Scope for 22LR Benchrest

Lens coating

A decent rifle scope includes good lens coating and excellent glass. They are the cause of the differences between certain scopes’ crisp, bright views and others that appear to be pixelated. Ensure your scope has multiple layers of coating for high-quality views.

Field of view

When it comes to situational awareness, the field of view is crucial. Knowing what else is happening around you will be easier if you have a wider view. When competing, you can use whichever field of view feels most comfortable. However, grab something that provides a wider view in a tactical scenario.

Reticle

The reticle’s primary function is to serve as your main aiming point. It’s not a reticle worth considering if it comes with a fancy name but doesn’t give you that main aim point. A scope with a simple reticle is preferred due to the target’s distance. You don’t want visual distractions to keep you from your target.

Durability

Since a scope’s construction manifests its potential, the scope of your choice should be durably made. A scope made of top-grade materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum is a manifestation that it will serve you well for many years. The scope must also be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for outstanding performance in all weather conditions.

Magnification

Ensure your scope has a high magnification to see the targets clearly at the regular benchrest shooting ranges, typically between 600 and 1000 yards.

Regarding fixed vs. variable magnification, users favor the variable scope’s flexibility.

 

See Also

 

FAQs on the Best Scope for 22 LR Benchrest

1) What is the best distance to zero a 22LR?

A 22lr precision rifle’s ideal zero distance is 35 yards. As a result, you will only need to dial the turret or hold over in one direction, exactly like you would with a full-size centerfire rifle. This sets the zero at the peak of the ballistic arc.

2) What scope is ideal for 50-yard benchrest shooting?

A variable scope is unnecessary if you only require it for 50-yard benchrest shooting. But you should have one because it is more versatile.

A 6-24x should work for a 50-yard distance, especially if you are a beginner. A scope with a fixed 36 power is generally what you should purchase if you are or want to be a benchrest pro. But the cost of these scopes can be high.

3) What is eye relief in a scope?

Eye relief is the distance between the scope’s lens and the portion that touches the eye.

With the help of eye relief, you can easily see through your scope. It is essential that the scope has ample eye relief, as the last thing you want is to go home with an eye injury that is caused by recoil or impact.

4) How far back should I mount a scope?

The recommended distance for mounting the scope is 3 to 4 inches behind the eye box. The distance can be adjusted to suit your comfort level.

If a scope is not mounted correctly, it is of no use.

Conclusion

We hope the comprehensive guide above has been of help. The 22lr Benchrest requires q quality scope with unbeatable construction, versatility, and reliability. All the scopes are excellent picks. They allow you to maximize your benchrest shooting experience.

 

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