Are you looking for the 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet? You’re at the right place. The .22 Hornet has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile small-caliber centerfire cartridges, favored by varmint hunters and target shooters for its flat trajectory, mild recoil, and reliable performance. To maximize its potential, pairing the rifle with a well-matched scope is essential.
The 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet strike a balance between magnification, clarity, and durability, offering hunters the precision needed for small game at medium ranges while keeping the setup lightweight and easy to handle. With options ranging from classic 3-9x scopes to modern optics with advanced reticles, the right scope ensures accuracy, confidence, and an enjoyable shooting experience.
6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Duplex reticle, defined by bold outer posts and slender inner lines, ensures rapid acquisition of targets even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for the often fast-paced shooting scenarios preferred with a .22 Hornet.
The scratch-resistant lenses meet stringent military standards, providing serious durability and safeguarding your optics from dings and debris in the field.
Proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, the VX-Freedom stands up to all elements being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Backed by Leupold’s renowned lifetime warranty and customer service, it’s built to last under rugged conditions.
With a 3:1 zoom ratio (3–9× magnification), this scope hits a sweet spot. Offering flexibility for both close-range stalking and moderate long-range shots. Though the parallax is fixed (often at around 150 yards), this setup is well-suited for the usual engagement distances of the .22 Hornet
Pros
- Built tough, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof,
- Advanced Optical System
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Duplex reticle
Cons
- Not premium-tier glass
2. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope
The 3-9×40 setup is a time-tested magnification range that works beautifully with the .22 Hornet’s effective distance. What makes this Bushnell unique is its extended 6 inches of eye relief—a feature that not only improves safety but also provides comfort during long hunting sessions. It gives shooters more flexibility in head positioning, especially useful when transitioning quickly between targets.
Bushnell has built this model to withstand rough use in the field. It features argon-purged fog-proofing, which stabilizes the optics across varying temperatures to ensure reliable performance in any environment. Add to that its IPX7 waterproof construction, which guarantees protection even when immersed in water for up to 30 minutes, and you’ve got a scope that can endure unpredictable hunting conditions.
Bushnell emphasizes dependability in the Banner series, and this scope lives up to that promise with solid construction and consistent accuracy. To make sure buyers receive their scope in perfect condition, it’s shipped in secure bulk packaging rather than standard retail packaging. While this may surprise some, it prioritizes protection during delivery, ensuring your optic arrives safe and ready for the hunt.
Pros
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) lenses
- Extended 6″ eye relief
- Classic 3-9×40 magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Argon-purged, fog-proof design
- IPX7 waterproof construction
- Budget-friendly without cutting corners
Cons
- Slightly bulky
3. BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40mm comes equipped with features that make it a great fit for the .22 Hornet, even though it is calibrated for .22LR rifles. Its versatile magnification range allows hunters to cover the typical shooting distances of the Hornet with confidence, whether for varmints or small game. The reliable 1/4 MOA click adjustments provide precise elevation and windage control, helping shooters zero in quickly and maintain accuracy.
This scope also includes multi-grain turrets with zero reset, giving shooters flexibility to adapt their optics to different loads and conditions. Being able to return to zero easily after adjustments is especially convenient when switching between target practice and field use.
The one-piece, 1-inch diameter aluminum tube ensures strength while keeping the scope lightweight and balanced on a .22 Hornet rifle. Like many of Bushnell’s hunting scopes, the Banner is built for the outdoors. Its waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction means it can handle changing weather, sudden impacts, and extended hunting sessions without losing performance.
Bushnell’s Banner line is known for offering hunters dependability at an affordable price point, and this model is no exception. It provides the durability and clarity needed for the .22 Hornet while remaining budget-friendly, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced shooters seeking a reliable everyday hunting scope.
Pros
- Calibrated for rimfire performance
- Multi-grain turrets with zero reset
- Precise 1/4 MOA click adjustments
- Strong 1-inch aluminum tube construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof for durability
Cons
- Glass quality is good, but not as refined as the premium model
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a standout feature of the Crossfire II 2-7×32. Designed for hunters who often shoot across varying distances, it simplifies holdover estimation, making it especially useful for the .22 Hornet’s flat-shooting but range-limited ballistics. This reticle ensures you can make accurate shots without guesswork, whether you’re targeting varmints or small game.
One of the scope’s biggest advantages is its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box, allowing you to quickly acquire a clear sight picture. This is particularly beneficial for fast target transitions and for shooters who value comfort during long hunting sessions. The fast-focus eyepiece further enhances usability, letting you adjust the reticle focus quickly to adapt to your eyesight.
Vortex has equipped the Crossfire II with anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses. These coatings maximize light transmission and deliver crisp, bright visuals even in less-than-ideal lighting. For hunters who often find themselves in dawn or dusk scenarios, this clarity can be the difference between a confident shot and a missed opportunity.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II combines lightweight handling with dependable strength. Its shockproof design ensures durability in the field, while the O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging make it fully waterproof and fogproof, ready for unpredictable weather conditions.
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover at varying ranges
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box for quick target acquisition
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustments
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear views
- Rugged aircraft-grade aluminum tube, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
- Fixed parallax
5. Hawke Hunting Precision H2 Optics Fast Focus Mil Dot Reticle Vantage 3-9×40 AO Riflescope
The Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO riflescope is designed for hunters and target shooters who demand dependable performance in the field. With 3-9× magnification and a 40mm objective lens, it strikes the ideal balance for the .22 Hornet’s effective ranges, offering clear target images whether you’re varmint hunting or shooting for accuracy. Built to be shockproof, watertight, and fogproof, it performs reliably in all weather conditions, making it a scope you can count on year-round.
The scope features capped low-profile turrets that protect against the elements while still allowing for easy 1/4 MOA adjustments when dialing in shots. These turrets are sturdy and simple, providing precise control without being bulky, perfect for hunting scenarios where quick adjustments are occasionally needed but protection is equally important.
Part of Hawke’s Vantage series, this model benefits from their H2 optics, which provide sharp, bright images across a wide variety of calibers and shooting disciplines. For the .22 Hornet, this means consistent optical performance that helps maximize the cartridge’s potential.
The adjustable objective (AO) adds another layer of precision, allowing parallax correction for crisp focus at different ranges, especially useful for rimfire and small-caliber rifles.
The high-torque zoom ring makes adjusting magnification smooth yet secure. It resists slipping under recoil, ensuring that once you’ve set your magnification, it stays put. This gives shooters the confidence that their chosen zoom level won’t shift in the middle of a hunt.
Equipped with a classic Mil Dot reticle, the Vantage provides multiple aim points for holdover and hold-under. With accurate mil spacing calibrated on 10x and four mil dots in each direction, this reticle is excellent for estimating range and compensating for bullet drop, a valuable tool for the varied distances at which the .22 Hornet excels.
Pros
- Adjustable Objective (AO) for parallax correction and sharp focus
- Mil Dot reticle with multiple aiming points for holdover/hold-under
- Rugged, weatherproof construction
- Smooth and secure high-torque zoom ring
- Capped, low-profile turrets with 1/4 MOA adjustments
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some other scopes in its class
6. Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope is a versatile and durable optic that pairs exceptionally well with the .22 Hornet for hunting and precision shooting. Designed with practicality and rugged performance in mind, this scope offers a balance of magnification, clarity, and ease of use that hunters and shooters demand in the field.
One of its standout features is the 3 MOA Dot Reticle, which provides precise aiming points for accurate shot placement. The reticle is enhanced by tool-less windage and elevation adjustments, making it simple to fine-tune your zero without hassle. This scope is well-suited for small to medium game hunting, where accuracy at varying ranges is essential.
Durability is a strong point for the Burris Fullfield E1. Its shockproof design withstands recoil, while the waterproof construction ensures consistent performance in adverse weather conditions. This rugged build gives shooters confidence that the scope will hold up in the toughest environments.
The scope also incorporates FastFire 3 red dot compatibility, available in both 3 MOA and 8 MOA dot options. This versatility allows shooters to pair the Fullfield E1 with Burris’s popular red dot for faster target acquisition.
The lightweight design of the FastFire 3 ensures that gun balance and handling are not compromised, making it a practical upgrade for those who value speed and accuracy.
Other notable features include an automatic brightness sensor that adapts to changing lighting conditions, as well as three manual brightness settings for personalized control. With its long battery life of up to 5 years and top-access battery compartment, users benefit from convenience and reliability. Combined with the Burris Forever Warranty, the Fullfield E1 is an investment that provides long-term peace of mind.
Pros
- 3 MOA dot reticle for precise accuracy
- Lightweight yet rugged design, shockproof and waterproof
- Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments
- Optional FastFire 3 red dot compatibility with 3 MOA or 8 MOA options
- Long battery life with easy top battery access
Cons
-
Pricey
Read Also:
Best Hunting Scopes for Beginners
Factors to consider when choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet
Magnification
The .22 Hornet is a versatile cartridge, effective for small game hunting, varmint control, and target shooting at moderate ranges. A scope with a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification is ideal, offering a good balance between a wide field of view at low power for quick target acquisition and enough zoom for precision shots at longer distances. Too much magnification can limit usability, while too little reduces accuracy at extended ranges.
Reticle Type
Reticles play a significant role in accuracy and usability. For the .22 Hornet, simple duplex or BDC reticles are excellent choices because they allow quick aiming while providing holdover points for varying distances. A 3 MOA dot reticle or illuminated option can further enhance visibility in low-light conditions. The right reticle helps ensure clean, ethical shots on small targets or varmints.
Turret Adjustments
Accurate shooting with the .22 Hornet requires reliable turret adjustments. Look for scopes with precise ¼ MOA click values and tool-less or resettable turrets, which make sighting in straightforward and repeatable. Scopes with zero-reset capabilities allow hunters to return quickly to their base zero after dialing for longer-range shots, which is particularly useful when shooting across varied distances.
Durability and Construction
Since many .22 Hornet users hunt in the field, a scope must be rugged enough to handle rough conditions. One-piece aluminum tube construction offers durability without adding excessive weight.
Additionally, scopes should be shockproof to withstand recoil, waterproof for rainy hunts, and fog-proof for use in cold or humid environments. A strong build ensures the scope remains reliable in challenging outdoor scenarios.
Optical Clarity and Light Transmission
Clarity is crucial when hunting varmints or small game at dawn, dusk, or in shaded environments. Scopes with multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and provide crisp images in low-light conditions. This is especially important for the .22 Hornet, often used during early morning or evening hunts when pests and small game are most active.
Weight and Balance
The 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet is typically used in lightweight, handy rifles. A scope that is lightweight yet sturdy ensures that the rifle remains well-balanced and easy to maneuver. Overly bulky optics can upset handling, making it harder to track fast-moving game. Scopes in the 11–16 oz range generally pair well with the Hornet’s compact profile.
FAQs of the 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet
- Which reticle type works best with a .22 Hornet?
The best reticle options for a .22 Hornet are duplex, BDC (bullet drop compensator), or Mil-Dot reticles. These provide easy-to-use aiming points for holdover and windage adjustments, which is especially useful when targeting varmints or small game at varying distances.
- Do I need a heavy-duty scope for a .22 Hornet?
The .22 Hornet has low to moderate recoil, so you don’t need an extremely heavy-duty scope like those built for magnum calibers. However, it’s still important to choose a shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof scope for durability in field conditions.
- Are lightweight scopes better for the .22 Hornet?
Yes. Since rifles chambered in .22 Hornet are typically lightweight and handy, pairing them with a lightweight scope keeps the rifle well-balanced and easy to maneuver. This is particularly helpful when tracking quick-moving varmints or hunting in tight cover.
Conclusion
Choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 22 Hornet depends on how you plan to use it, whether for varmint control, target shooting, or light hunting. By selecting a scope designed for clarity, precision, and rugged use, you’ll unlock the full potential of the .22 Hornet and elevate your shooting experience.