Last Updated on March 15, 2021
Benchrest shooting is a very competitive and exciting sport where every participant tries his best to win. Yet very few shooters reach their target with their experience and high precision equipment. Among all the equipment, the rifle and the scope are the most important. Therefore, you need to choose the scope for benchrest shooting wisely. In this article, we will only discuss the best scope for 22lr benchrest shooting.
Hopefully, you will find the buying process easy after going through the short-listed scopes for the 22lr benchrest and the buying facts.
Top Choices
Reviews of Best Scope for 22lr Benchrest Shooting
01. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact 22lr Scope for Benchrest
This highly precise UTG 3-12X44 red dot scope is custom built to provide 36 different colors. You can consider this as your personalized scope since you can choose any of those colors whenever you want by just pressing 1 button. Perhaps you will not find this cool feature with other scopes.
For benchrest shooting, you need the highest possible precision and this scope can perfectly take care of your desired precision with its premium zero lockings and zero resetting for the target turrets. With this Mil-dot scope, you will get the most consistent and the most precise adjustment features.
Its 30mm tube is built on a platform of true strength to house the top-class multi-emerald coated lenses. The lenses come with flip-open caps to provide great usability. The tube is sealed filled with nitrogen. Therefore, you will get shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof performance from this scope for a 22lr benchrest shooting.
The scope comes with a new enhancing system called the EZ-TAP illumination along with two color modes (red/green). The tube is designed to achieve the maximum light transmission for the best clarity. And you can always change the color and get the same precision all along.
Pros:
- High tech illumination memory feature
- Picatinny rings included
- Two-color mode
- 36 color options
- Best 22lr scope for benchrest
- Lenses are emerald coated
- Enhanced illumination system
- Withstands heavy recoil
- ¼ MOA per click adjustment
- 10 yards to infinity parallax
- Wide field of view
Cons:
- Not for the big caliber
02. Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC600
This Nikon P-tactical riflescope is loaded with every shooter’s desired feature to assure a unique shooting experience regardless of the mounting platform. This BDC riflescope comes with completely multi-coated lenses to provide the image with the best clarity. To protect the high-quality lenses, the scope comes with a rugged one-inch tube that is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Therefore, this scope can accompany you in the toughest weather.
While sitting for benchrest, you need to shoot fast while maintaining all the necessary adjustments. And this necessity is easily fulfilled with the scope since it has clear marking for the windage and elevation turrets. The windage and elevation knobs are spring-loaded so that zero resettings can be easily done whenever adjustments are needed.
The smooth turn aluminum ring that comes with the rubberized eye guard assures crisp reticle focus and fast target acquisition. The high-end tube is O-ring sealed to prevent moisture. The nitrogen purged system result in shockproof performance.
This BDC P-Tactical is designed with MK1-MOA and MK1-MRAD reticles. It can be further optimized with Nikon’s “Spot on Ballistic Technology.”
Pros:
- Instant zero-reset turrets
- 40 mm objective lens
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Quality scope for 22lr benchrest
- Withstands heavy recoil
- Great eye relief
- Open circle aiming points
- Elevated windage and elevation turrets
Cons:
- Pricey than other scopes
03. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Scope for Benchrest
Vortex Crossfire II rimfire riflescope is for budget people who love the best features at an affordable price. This Vortex scope comes with a V-Plex MOA reticle which is popular as an all-purpose hunting reticle designed for a range of applications. This scope has second focal plane reticles which remain in the same appearance even if you change the magnification.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II is designed to provide you the highest level of precision and target acquisition. With its longer eye relief, you can sight in comfortably. The fast-focus eyepiece enables fast adjustments whenever you need them.
The single-piece tube is built from aircraft-grade aluminum. The tube is hard anodized and nitrogen purged. It comes with an O-ring seal to provide waterproof and fog-proof performance. The tube is perfectly built to accommodate the completely multicoated lenses.
The scope comes with resettable MOA turrets so that you can have optimal performance while you are shooting. It has a finger adjustable feature that you can access to reset the zero. The reset turrets are perfectly capped.
Pros:
- 32mm objective lens
- V-plex reticle
- Great eye relief
- Budget 22lr scope for benchrest
- Sturdy construction
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane
- Best multipurpose scope for 22lr benchrest
Cons:
- Not for top-end performance
04. Barska AC10380 Plinker-22 Scope 3-9×32 30/30 Reticle with Rings
Barska Plinker-22 Scope is designed for .22 rifles and rimfires so that you can have a striking shooting experience just like the henry 44 big boy. It is built to withstand the rough outdoors. Therefore, you will get waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance from this scope.
It has an eye relief of 3.5 inches and uses a second focal plane. The scope is dedicated to plinking and hunting. The in-house optics are fully coated and assures bright performance all along. The 1-inch tube is perfectly built to protect the lens from all harmful elements.
The second focal reticle remains in the same appearance with all the magnification. And the crosshair reticle allows the shooter to easily aim the target.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight
- Dovetail ring included
- 32mm objective lens
- ¼ MOA click adjustments
- 30/30 crosshair reticle
- 50 yards parallax
- Windage and elevation turrets
- Rigid construction
- Best versatile scope for 22lr benchrest
Cons:
- The lens is fully coated, not multi-coated
- Not for high-end performance
05. Bushnell 614124 Banner 4-12X 40mm Dusk & Dawn Multi-X
Bushnell Banner adjustable riflescope is designed to excel in low light conditions. Therefore, you can confidently use this scope in the early morning or the evening. This Banner scope comes with DDB (Dusk & Dawn Brightness) lenses of multi-coating to provide you high-quality brightness and clarity in low light. Whether you are planning for hunting or benchrest shooting, this scope can be the best choice for you.
The tube is made from high-quality material and perfectly accommodates the lenses. It has an anti-reflective coating all along. The tube is waterproof and thus the O-ring sealed optics remain safe inside even it is immersed in water. And, the tube is argon purged so that you can have fog-proof performance in humid weather.
This low light Banner riflescope features a Multi-X reticle with fingertip ¼ MOA adjustment options. The fast-focus eyepiece makes your shooting experience great.
Pros:
- 40mm objective lenses
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- 3-inch eye relief
- Performs great in low light
- Multipurpose 22lr benchrest rifle scope
Cons:
- Not so high-quality performance
What is Benchrest Shooting?
Among all the competitive shooting sports benchrest shooting is distinctive. In this sport, shooters use high-precision rifles with appropriate equipment to shot paper targets. Shooters don’t hold the rifles rather the rifles are placed on a front and rear rest that are placed on a bench or table. The rests can be joined or detached depending on the competition rules.
And the shooters sit at a lower bench or similar things to shoot. Thus, the sport is called “Benchrest Shooting.”
Types of Benchrest Shooting Competition
There are two types of benchrest shooting competition. They are Group Shooting and Score Shooting.
Group Benchrest Shooting
In this format, 5-10 bullets are shot into the smallest group that is referred to as an all-in-one hole. The winner is determined depending on how closely the shots are grouped. That’s why it is called group benchrest shooting. This format is in practice since the origin of benchrest sport.
Score Benchrest Shooting
Unlike the previous one, this format is recently developed. Here, traditional bullseye targets are used with scoring rings and the winner is determined by the score. Therefore, it is called score shooting.
Necessary Equipment for Benchrest Shooting
Benchrest shooting is a game of the highest accuracy and precision. Therefore, you will high precision rifles, sights, ammunition, and appropriate rests.
Rifles
Benchrest shooting developed from varmint or coyote hunting where mostly .22 caliber cartridges were used like the ones in squirrel hunting. Though shooters can use any gun they like. And gradually gun classification took into place following the nature and difference of competition.
Sights
High precision sights are a must for this shooting sport. Iron sights with high-quality aperture will do. Since telescopic sights are allowed in most of the benchrest events shooters prefer scopes that are loaded with power, variable magnification, and adjustment features.
Ammunition for Benchrest Shooting
For greater precision and fine accuracy, you will need consistent and efficient cartridges. And cartridge selection varies depending on the competition type. For example, the short-range group is shot with 6mm PPC while the same range score is shoot with .30 BR most of the time.
Rests
All the rifle types have distinct blocks and need both front and rearrests. The rest may vary according to the shooter’s choice and competitive nature. Only unlimited class rail guns ride directly on a machine rest where no additional rest is required.
Wind Flags for Benchrest Scope
Wind flags are handy for shooters for their correction and necessary adjustments. Therefore, the flags are placed between the shooter and the target. Wind flags can be self-made or purchased. They consist of a wind vane to hint the shooter about wind direction and a cloth streamer to indicate wind speed.
How to Buy Best Scope for 22lr Benchrest Shooting
Before buying any scope for 22lr benchrest shooting you should know and check the following aspects. Otherwise, you will end up wasting your valuable money.
Power & Magnification of Benchrest Scope
You already know that precision is the key to benchrest shooting. Therefore, you must choose a scope that has enough magnification to cope up with the competitiveness. For a starting point, you should consider 10X-15X magnification.
But you should keep in mind that, with greater magnification, there will be some distortion in the view.
Lens Quality and Size
The lens is the main part of any optics. Therefore, you should choose the scope with a quality lens. Check the lens quality, coating system, etc. Also, pay attention to the objective lens size. With a larger objective lens, you will get a wider view.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is referred to as the distance of your eyes from the scope that is required for clear viewing. Generally, it 3-3.5 inches for a quality rifle scope. This eye relief decreases with the magnification of a scope. So check whether the scope is touching your forehead while you are trying to have a better view.
Reticle: BDC vs Mil-dot
Reticles of the scope help you find the object to shoot. They consist of series of fine lines in the eyepiece of the optics. You will find scopes with BDC and Mil-dot reticles. Therefore, you need to know which one is better for a 22lr benchrest shooting.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticle
Its marking helps to measure the shooting point. Though this reticle is the best friend for benchrest shooters, you will need time to be comfortable with this reticle. They are a little complicated and require lots of practice. Unlike other reticles, they are the best fit for 22lr scopes.
Mil-dot (bullet drop) Reticle
This is a duplex sign complete scope. It has dense bars that become thinner as the reticle reaches the center of the target. Therefore, you can easily shoot and acquire the target. But the irony is, they are rarely combined with 22lr scopes.
Mount System
There various types of mount systems that come with the scopes. You must choose one that will perfectly fit your rifles. Many scopes come with mount systems. You can avail of such scopes or feel free to buy your mount system.
Scope Weight
Perhaps scope weight is not a big deal since you will shoot from the bench. But it is better to get a lighter scope if possible. This way, the overall setup becomes very handy and easy to carry. It also contributes to the versatility of your weapon.
Rugged and Waterproof
Check if your scope is rugged or not. The rugged finish helps you easily hold and move the scope with a wet or sweaty hand. Most of the quality scopes are waterproof, therefore you shouldn’t worry about it. But it will better to go for a waterproof scope so that you can use them in humid weather.
FAQs About 22lr Scope for Benchrest Shooting
How to Take Care of the 22lr Scope for Benchrest Shooting?
You need to take proper care of the scope to have it for a longer period.
- When you are not using the scope, store it in a secure place
- Protect the scope from humid weather
- Put both caps on the scope so that any harmful object or temperature cannot harm the lenses
- Clean the scope on regular basis with proper steps
What are the Numbers on the Scope?
Most of the optics come with two numbers on them. Suppose, your scope says 3-9X40 which means it has a magnification from 3X times to 9X times and has an objective lens of 40mm.
What is Rimfire Scope vs Centerfire Scope?
Rimfire scopes are designed for short-range shooting. Therefore, you can’t use them for long-range shooting. Rimfire scopes perfectly fit with low recoil rifles and can’t withstand heavy recoil. These scopes have 50 yards of parallax which is perfect for short-range shooting. Additionally, you can get them at an affordable price.
Centerfire scopes come with more parallax adjust which is around 100 yards. And they are designed for easier parallax adjustment. They are MOA or Mil-dot scopes and costs more than rimfire scopes.
The main issue is you can’t use rimfire on centerfire rifles. Since centerfire is riflescope compliant, you can use it on it.
Conclusion
Since high precision is the key to success in benchrest shooting, you should always go for the best scope for 22lr benchrest shooting. Once you know the key features of perfect scopes for 22lr, the buying process becomes very easy. Hopefully, you will find our recommendation and guideline handy.
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
