The Ruger 10/22 is a renowned .22 caliber rifle cherished by shooters for its versatility, reliability, and affordability. To enhance its performance and maximize shooting potential, choosing the right scope is crucial.
In this article, I will provide you with a detailed guide to choosing the best scope for your Ruger 10/22 rifle. I will take into account important factors such as magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, durability, brand, quality, and budget.
Why Do You Need A Scope For Your Ruger 10/22
Ruger 10/22 scopes are valuable accessories that make the gun much more useful and improve its performance. Even though the Ruger 10/22 is a good gun on its own, having a scope gives it several important benefits that make it easier to shoot and increase its capabilities.
Here are some important reasons why you need a scope for your Ruger 10/22:
Improved Accuracy: A scope improves accuracy by magnifying distant targets, making it easier to align crosshairs precisely. This is especially useful for target shooting and small-game hunting.
Longer Range Shooting: It can increase the effective range of the Ruger 10/22 for precision shooting at longer distances beyond the limitations of the .22 LR cartridge.
Versatility: A scope makes the Ruger 10/22 versatile for plinking, competitive shooting, and small game hunting.
Improved target acquisition: Using a scope can make it easier to spot and follow a target by enlarging it. This is achieved through magnification, which enhances visibility and tracking capabilities.
Low-Light Shooting: Illuminated reticles and high-quality optics found in many scopes improve visibility in low-light conditions, extending shooting time.
Eye Relief and Comfort: Using a scope during shooting protects the eyes and helps maintain a steady shooting position, reducing strain during long sessions.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Scope
Selecting the right scope for your firearm is crucial for achieving accuracy, consistency, and an enjoyable shooting experience. When selecting a scope, it is important to take into account the following essential aspects:
Intended Use: Choose a scope based on what you’ll use your firearm for hunting, target shooting, long-range shooting, tactical use, or a mix of these. Each activity needs a scope with specific features.
Magnification Range: The scope zooms in according to its magnification range. Consider your regular shooting distances and scenarios. Long-range precision shooting requires 10-20x magnification, whereas close-range shooting requires 1-4x.
Objective Lens Size: The amount of light that passes through the lens affects how bright and clear the image appears. A larger lens lets in more light and is useful in dim conditions. However, it can make the scope heavier and taller.
Reticle Type: There are various reticle designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, BDC (bullet drop compensator), and illuminated reticles. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and requirements. Illuminated reticles are especially useful in low-light environments.
Reticle Focal Plane: Scopes have FFP or SFP reticles. FFP reticles grow with magnification, while SFP ones don’t. FFP reticles aid range assessment and holdover at any magnification.
Durability and Construction: Look for scopes to withstand the pressures of shooting and the weather. Consider factors such as waterproof, fog-proof, shock resistance, and quality of materials.
Weather resistance: A scope should be weather resistant so that it can be used in a variety of conditions. Look for a scope that is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
Mounting Compatibility: Ensure the scope is compatible with the mounting system on your Ruger 10/22. Mounting securely and holding zero should be easy after removal and reinstalling.
Best Ruger 10/22 Scope [Top 5]
When searching for a scope for your Ruger 10/22, it’s important to note that not all scopes are of the same quality. Here are some options to consider:
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm SFP Rifle Scope
It’s an upgraded version of the original Vortex Crossfire, so you know it’s got a proven track record. It’s designed to be simple and effective, precisely what you need for your Ruger 10/22.
The optics are fully multi-coated, meaning you’ll get crystal-clear and bright images, even when the lighting conditions aren’t the best. No need to worry about sunrise or sunset hunts – this scope can handle it like a champ.
Let’s put the specs into a table to make it easier to compare:
| Device | Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm |
| Intended Use | Hunting, Target Shooting, Medium Range |
| Magnification Range | 2x – 7x |
| Objective Lens Size | 32mm |
| Reticle Type | Second Focal Plane (SFP) |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Non-Illuminated |
| Durability | Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
| Weather Resistance | Yes |
| Mounting Compatibility | Fits Ruger 10/22 Mounting System |
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm scope weighs around 14.3 ounces, so it will only add a little weight to your setup. Its length is about 11.3 inches, and the adjustment click value is 1/4 MOA.
All in all, this scope is a beast and will serve you well on your shooting adventures. It’s got the ruggedness, clarity, and ease of use you want in a reasonable scope.
2. Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
This scope has a revolutionary TrueZero adjustment system, replacing the old gimbal design with a stable flex erector system. Its TrueZero dial design is impressive, with a ball bearing and spring detent system for accurate and repeatable adjustments.
It has a QTA(Quick Target Acquisition) fast-focus eyepiece that provides up to 4 inches of constant eye relief and a large eye box, ensuring comfortable usage at any magnification.
Here is a table with its specs for an easy comparison
| Device | Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32mm |
| Intended Use | Plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting |
| Objective Lens Size | 32 mm |
| Magnification Range | 3x-9x |
| Reticle Type | Triplex |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Second Focal Plane (SFP) |
| Durability | Shockproof |
| Weather Resistance | Waterproof and Fogp-roof |
| Mounting Compatibility | Comes with rings for easy mounting |
It’s effortless to make adjustments on the go with the power rings and eyepiece diopter’s SureGrip rubber surfaces. Even in challenging shooting conditions, you’ll have a firm grip.
The scope is built tough!
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
This Riflescope is an excellent choice for your Ruger 10/22. Leupold is known for producing quality optics and dependable scopes.
Leupold’s Custom Dial System® is a revolutionary tool that customizes the scope’s elevation dial to match your rifle’s performance. Simply input your ammo and environmental conditions, and they’ll laser-etch a new dial for you. It’s like having a perfectly tuned scope for your rifle!
The build quality is top-notch, made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, so you know it’s durable.
Let’s break down the specs in a table so it’s easy to compare
| Device | Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm |
| Intended Use | Ideal for small game hunting, target shooting, and plinking. It’s a versatile scope that suits 10/22 well. |
| Objective Lens Size | 40mm |
| Magnification Range | 3x-9x |
| Reticle Type | Duplex |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Second focal plane |
| Durability | Tough build quality. This scope can handle rough use and still hold zero. |
| Weather Resistance | Fog-proof and waterproof |
| Mounting Compatibility | designed with a standard 1-inch main tube diameter |
To mount the scope on your Ruger 10/22, choose a mount that fits the 1-inch tube size of the scope. There are one-piece and two-piece scope rings available in the market. If you need help selecting the right mount, feel free to ask for suggestions.
It comes with the Twilight Light Management System, which performs exceptionally well in low-light situations. Perfect for those early morning or late evening hunts!
With its 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments and 3:1 zoom ratio, you’ll have precise control over your shots. It’s also got seven brightness settings, though it’s non-illuminated.
4. Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14×44 FFP Riflescope
This scope is just the right balance of power, clarity, and durability for your Ruger 10/22. Whether you’re plinking at the range or hunting in the great outdoors, this scope will have your back.
The reticle is machined into the glass to make it more stable and long-lasting. Therefore, you need not fret about it getting damaged during recoil or rough handling.
Its tube is a single piece, which makes it stronger than those multi-piece ones. That’s important because it keeps moisture out, keeping your scope fog-proof for its whole life.
| Device | Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14×44mm |
| Intended Use | Hunting |
| Objective Lens Size | 44 mm |
| Magnification Range | 4x-14x |
| Reticle Type | Etched Glass |
| Reticle Focal Plane | First Focal Plane (Stays valid at all power settings) |
| Durability | Heat-treated one-piece tube (extra strength and shock resistance) |
| Weather Resistance | Nitrogen purging (Fog-proof and waterproof) |
| Mounting Compatibility | need a Weaver or Picatinny mounting base |
The Talos BTR 4-14×44 APLR2 FFP IR MIL has easy-to-use turrets for adjusting the scope quickly and accurately. This is helpful for shooters who need to make adjustments while shooting.
When hunting small game in low-light conditions, using the scope at 6x magnification can yield positive results.
5. Leapers UTG BugBuster 3-9x32mm Rifle Scope
The scope is suitable for shooting at close to medium range and is a great fit for the Ruger 10/22. Its 3x to 9x magnification range provides versatility for plinking at short distances or mid-range shots.
What sets this scope apart is its “True Strength” platform. It’s built on a single-piece tube, which gives it incredible durability and strength. That means it can handle the occasional bumps and bangs without losing zero or getting damaged.
| Device | Leapers UTG BugBuster 3-9x32mm |
| Intended Use | Target shooting, hunting, and even competitive shooting. |
| Objective Lens Size | 32 mm |
| Magnification Range | 3x-9x |
| Reticle Type | Standard Mil-dot |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Second Focal Plane |
| Durability | Single-piece tube construction for enhanced strength and durability. |
| Weather Resistance | Shockproof, Fog-proof, Rainproof |
| Mounting Compatibility | Picatinny |
With premium turrets, you can easily lock in your zero adjustments and reset to zero with just a few clicks. This ensures worry-free use.
The illuminated reticle is a game-changer, my friend. It comes with both red and green illumination options, giving you better visibility and target acquisition in different lighting conditions. This feature is fantastic for low-light shooting or even when you’re hunting in dense woods.
The BugBuster even comes with flip-open lens caps, which is a nice little bonus. They’ll keep your lenses protected when you’re not using the scope, so you won’t have to worry about scratches or dust getting in there.
6. Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm 34mm Tube FFP Rifle Scope
With a 56mm objective lens, this scope sucks in tons of light, making it perfect for those early morning or late evening squirrel hunting sessions. You’ll have a clear and bright sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
With its fast-focus eyepiece, tactical-style turrets, and streamlined RevStop Zero System, the Venom is packed with shooter-friendly features that make it a breeze to use.
Construction-wise, this scope is a beast. It’s made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it strength and waterproofness. And those O-ring seals? They keep moisture, dust, and debris out, making it perfect for all kinds of environments.
Let’s break down the features of this scope and put them into a table for easy comparison
| Device | Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm 34mm |
| Intended Use | Long-range shooting |
| Objective Lens Size | 56mm |
| Magnification Range | 5x – 25x |
| Reticle Type | EBR-7C |
| Reticle Focal Plane | First Focal Plane |
| Durability | Rugged and strong |
| Weather Resistance | Waterproof, fog-proof, shock-proof |
| Mounting Compatibility | Ring attachment |
The EBR-7C reticle is featured, offering accurate holds at any magnification, making it easier for you to estimate holdovers and range.
So, with its impressive features, excellent optics, and shooter-friendly design, the Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm 34mm Tube First Focal Plane Rifle Scope is the perfect companion for taking your Ruger 10/22 to new distances and beyond!
7. Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x SPR-300 Prism Scope
This scope is seriously awesome. It has a high-definition optical system that delivers clear target images and sharpness all the way to the edges. Plus, it’s designed to be smaller and lighter, which is great for mounting on your Ruger without weighing you down.
It comes with 12 illumination settings, so you can easily adjust the reticle for any lighting condition. And get this, it even has 2 night vision compatible settings! So, if you’re using night vision devices, this scope will work seamlessly with them.
In terms of construction, this scope is extremely sturdy. It is crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, which provides it with both toughness and waterproof capabilities. Additionally, the O-ring seals effectively block out moisture, dust, and other debris, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of settings.
Here is a table with the features of this scope for easy comparison
| Device | Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x |
| Intended Use | Versatile – target shooting, plinking, hunting |
| Objective Lens Size | 21 mm |
| Magnification Range | 3x |
| Reticle Type | AR-BDC4 (Holdover reticle for 5.56 calibers) |
| Reticle Focal Plane | EBR-7C (First Focal Plane) |
| Durability | Rugged and strong |
| Weather Resistance | Waterproof, Fog-proof |
| Mounting Compatibility | will need a Weaver or Picatinny mounting base |
Speaking of environments, the Venom is fog-proof too, thanks to nitrogen gas purging. So, no need to worry about your scope getting all fogged up in those early morning hunts.
It’s a Very Important Promise to you, my friend. If anything happens to your scope, whether it’s damaged or defective, Vortex will repair or replace it at no charge to you. It’s fully transferable too, so no worries about warranty cards or receipts.
8. Burris Droptine 3x40mm SFP Rifle Scope
This scope is designed with hunters in mind, and it offers top-tier performance without breaking the bank. It’s got a simple and rugged reticle with holdovers for those snap shots at extended ranges. The low-profile turrets are finger-adjustable, and the separate eyepiece and power ring allow you to use flip-up lens caps, making it super convenient.
It delivers long-range accuracy with a simple design and Ballistic Plex reticle to compensate for bullet drop. Its high-grade optical glass offers excellent brightness, clarity, and durability.
The lenses are made from high-grade optical glass, providing excellent brightness, clarity, and durability. You’ll get better light collection, and the Hi-Lume multi-coating helps in low-light situations, reducing glare and increasing your success rate.
Now, let’s take a look at some specifications:
| Device | Burris Droptine 3-9x40mm |
| Intended Use | Hunting |
| Objective Lens Size | 40 mm |
| Magnification Range | 3x – 9x |
| Reticle Type | Ballistic Plex (Trajectory-compensating) |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Second Focal Plane (SFP) |
| Durability | Rugged and strong |
| Weather Resistance | Waterproof, Fog-proof and Shockproof |
| Mounting Compatibility | 1-inch tube with Ring attachment |
It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, which is the most simple, effective, and elegant trajectory-compensating reticle for hunting.
And to top it off, there’s the Burris Forever Warranty. They cover you for life, meaning that if there are any issues with your scope – whether it’s damaged or defective – they’ll repair or replace it at no cost.
How To Remove The Front Sight On A Ruger 10/22
Removing the front sight on a Ruger 10/22 requires some basic tools and careful handling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
Tools you’ll need
- Screwdriver (specific size may vary depending on the model)
- Brass punch or plastic/rubber mallet (to avoid damaging the sight)
- Bench vise or padded clamps (optional but can be helpful)
Step 1: Unload the firearm
Ensure the Ruger 10/22 is unloaded and there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine.
Step 2: Remove the barrel
Separate the barrel from the receiver. For a standard Ruger 10/22, this is usually done by loosening the takedown screw located just in front of the trigger guard, then twisting the barrel and pulling it out of the receiver.
Step 3: Examine the front sight
Inspect the front sight to determine how it is secured. Some Ruger 10/22 models have a dovetail front sight that can be drifted out, while others have a front sight secured by a screw.
Step 4: Drift out the sight (for dovetail front sight)
If your Ruger 10/22 has a dovetail front sight, you can use a brass punch or plastic/rubber mallet to gently tap the sight sideways to drift it out of its slot. Be careful not to force it, and make sure to support the barrel properly to avoid any damage.
Step 5: Remove the screw (for front sight with a screw)
If your Ruger 10/22 has a front sight secured with a screw, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove it. The screw is usually located on the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle.
Step 6: Remove the front sight
Once the sight is loosened (in the case of a screw) or drifted out (in the case of a dovetail sight), you can remove it completely from the barrel.
Step 7: Reassemble the rifle
If you were using a bench vise or padded clamps to support the barrel, remove them, and then reassemble the barrel back into the receiver. Tighten the takedown screw to secure the barrel in place.
You have successfully removed the front sight from your Ruger 10/22. Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any damage to your firearm.
Which One Is The Best Scope For 10/22 Squirrel Hunting?
Let me tell you about squirrel hunting! It’s one of the most fun and challenging activities you can do in the great outdoors. Those little critters are quick, agile, and super sneaky, making it a real test of your hunting skills.
Do you know why it’s important to use a scope when hunting squirrels? Let me explain. Scopes can be extremely helpful when out in the woods, almost like a secret weapon.
A scope can be a valuable asset for squirrel hunting. This tool enables you to observe squirrels from afar, monitor their actions, and take precise shots. A good scope will also help you to see in low-light conditions, which is important for early morning and late evening hunts.
I’ve been hunting squirrels for years, and I’ve used a lot of different scopes. In my opinion, the best scope for squirrel hunting with a Ruger 10/22 is the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope.
Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
Perfect Magnification Range: The 2-7x magnification is spot-on for squirrel hunting. You can easily zoom in for those precise shots at longer distances, but still, have a wide field of view for quick action in close quarters. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
Ideal Objective Lens Size: With its 32mm objective lens, you’ll have no problem hunting squirrels in different lighting conditions. Whether it’s dawn, dusk, or anywhere in between, this scope will deliver bright and clear images, making it easier to spot those little critters.
Easy Target Acquisition: The scope’s reticle is designed for simplicity and ease of use. This allows you to quickly line up your shot and focus on your target without distractions, particularly useful when dealing with small and quick-moving targets like squirrels.
Final Words
The optimal scope for a Ruger 10/22 is determined by the shooter’s specific needs and preferences. A well-chosen scope can significantly enhance accuracy, versatility, and overall shooting performance.
Remember to conduct thorough research, read reviews, and consider the advice of experienced shooters to make an informed decision. With the right scope mounted on your Ruger 10/22, you’ll be well-equipped for a more enjoyable and successful shooting experience.
Happy Shooting!
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
