A scope is a vital piece of equipment for any marksman. Rimfire rifles, which fire small rounds, are a popular choice for hunting and target shooting. But can you put a rimfire scope on a rifle? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
The rimfire scopes are designed specifically for use with rimfire rifles. They may not be compatible with other types of firearms.
Moreover, rimfire scopes tend to be lower powered than other types of scopes. This means that they may not be able to magnify targets as much as some other scopes.
Besides that, rimfire scopes may not be able to withstand the recoil of a rifle as well as some other types of scopes.
What Is A Rimfire Scope Used For?
A rimfire scope is a type of optical sight that is specifically designed for use with small-calibre firearms, such as .22 caliber rifles.
Unlike other types of scopes, rimfire scopes typically have a slightly lower magnification to provide a wider field of view. This makes them ideal for close-range shooting, such as target shooting or plinking.
In addition, rimfire scopes often have a smaller objective lens to reduce weight and minimize the risk of damage to the delicate optics. Although they are not as popular as centerfire scopes, rimfire scopes can be a valuable asset for shooters who need a versatile optic for close-range shooting.
Such scopes often have a shallower depth of field, which can be an advantage when shooting at close range. Most rimfire scopes are also designed for use with airguns, which have similar ballistics to rimfire guns.
While there are many different types of rimfire scopes like Vortex Crossfire II on the market, they all share one common feature. They have a built-in stop that prevents the crosshairs from moving beyond the edge of the tube, making them ideal for use with small caliber rifles.
List of Rimfire Scopes
Here is a list of the best rimfire scopes available on the market.
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Rimfire, SFP Riflescope
- Tract 22 FIRE 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope
- Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Illuminated Waterproof Riflescope
- BARSKA 4X20 Rimfire Riflescope
Can You Use Rimfire In A Centerfire Gun?
Rimfire ammunition is a type of cartridge that uses a small metal disk to ignite the primer compound. The term “rimfire” refers to the fact that the firing pin strikes the base of the cartridge at the rim, rather than in the centre as with centerfire cartridges.
Rimfire cartridges are typically less powerful than centerfire cartridges, but they are also less expensive to manufacture. While rimfire cartridges can be used in a centerfire gun, it is not recommended.
Rimfire ammunition is less reliable than centerfire ammunition and is more likely to misfire. Besides that, the lower power of rimfire cartridges can result in damage to the gun.
Can You Use A Centerfire Scope On A Rimfire Rifle?
Centerfire rifles are typically more powerful than rimfire rifles. As a result, they require a more robust scope. However, it is possible to use a centerfire scope on a rimfire rifle.
The main difference is that centerfire scopes are designed to handle the recoil of a larger caliber round, while rimfire scopes are not. As long as you’re careful to not overload the scope with too much magnification, you should be able to get by just fine. Just keep in mind that you might need to make some adjustments to the eyepiece if you’re using a longer zoom lens.
Can You Put A Rimfire Scope On A Muzzleloader?
It’s a common question among shooters: can you put a rimfire scope on a muzzleloader? The answer is yes, you can.
While a muzzleloader and a rimfire rifle may operate differently, they share enough similarities that a scope designed for one can be used on the other. There are a few points to consider before setting your rimfire scope on a muzzleloader.
The eye relief on a rimfire scope is typically shorter than that of a muzzleloader scope. This means that you’ll need to mount the scope closer to your eye when using it on a muzzleloader. Since most rimfire scopes are calibrated for slightly different bullet weights than those used in muzzleloaders, make sure that your scope is properly zeroed for your particular rifle.
Can A Rimfire Scope Go On Any Gun?
Any gunsmith or avid hunter will tell you that the answer to this question is a resounding NO. Although a rimfire scope can be used on any type of gun, it is not recommended.
The main reason is that a rimfire scope is designed for smaller caliber guns, such as 22s. The optics on a rimfire scope are not as powerful as those on a centerfire scope, so they will not work as well on larger caliber guns.
Moreover, the reticle on a rimfire scope is typically finer, which makes it more difficult to use on larger caliber guns.
For these reasons, it is best to stick with the appropriate type of scope for your gun.
What’s The Difference Between A Rimfire Scope And a Centerfire?
The main difference between a rimfire and a centerfire scope is the size of the objective lens. A rimfire scope has a smaller objective lens, which is ideal for smaller caliber guns. Centerfire scopes have a larger objective lens, necessary for the larger caliber guns. Both types of scopes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Rimfire scopes are also lighter in weight, making them less likely to cause gun recoil. However, rimfire scopes have shorter eye relief, which can be a problem for some shooters.
Besides that, the small size of the objective lens limits the amount of light that can enter the scope, making it more difficult to see in low light conditions.
Centerfire scopes tend to be more durable than rimfire scopes, thanks to their larger size and sturdier construction. These scopes typically have better light gathering capabilities than their smaller counterparts, making them ideal for use in low light conditions. Whether you’re looking to take down a big game or just improve your shooting accuracy, a centerfire scope is an excellent choice.
However, the extra weight of a centerfire scope can make gun recoil more noticeable. The larger size of the objective lens makes it more difficult to mount on some guns.
Binos enthusiast since I was 12 – A real expert in all things optics including rifle scopes and red dots. Live in Dubai & love writing, beaches and eating!
