Finding the best scope for Savage A22 Magnum requires a balance between optical clarity and the specific ballistics of the .22 WMR cartridge, which bridges the gap between plinking and small-game hunting. The Savage A22 Magnum is a sophisticated semi-automatic rimfire rifle known for its reliability and accuracy, but to truly extract its potential at 100 or 150 yards, you need an optic that can handle its unique recoil impulse and provide a sharp enough image to spot small targets in the brush. In this guide, I will evaluate six top-tier options that cater to different shooting styles, from budget-friendly varmint hunters to precision rimfire competitors looking for the best scope for Savage A22 Magnum. Whether you are clearing pests on a farm or punching paper at the range, choosing the best scope for Savage A22 Magnum will ensure your shots land exactly where intended every single time.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Savage A22 Magnum
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 – Best Overall for Precision and Varmint Hunting.
- Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire – Best Budget-Friendly Dedicated Rimfire Option.
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 – Best for Long-Range Rimfire Competition.
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 – Best Lightweight and Durable Hunting Scope.
- UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO – Best Compact Scope for Close-Range Pest Control.
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn – Best Low-Light Performance for Early Morning Hunts.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a powerhouse that brings high-end features to the rimfire world, making it a top contender for the Savage A22 Magnum. It features a versatile magnification range that allows for quick target acquisition at close ranges while providing enough zoom to accurately engage small targets at the 125-yard mark where the .22 WMR excels.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 4-12x
* Objective Lens: 40mm
* Reticle: VMR-1 (MOA)
* Tube Size: 1 inch
* Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
* Weight: 16.2 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Crisp exposed tactical turrets, excellent edge-to-edge clarity, and a very forgiving eye box.
* Cons: No zero-stop feature, and the parallax is fixed at 100 yards.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle on this model are impressive for its price point. I noticed very little chromatic aberration, even when looking at high-contrast targets like white paper against a dark berm. The VMR-1 reticle is clean and doesn't clutter the field of view, which is vital when hunting small squirrels or rabbits.
Regarding Eye Relief & Eye Box, the 3.8 inches of relief felt very safe on the A22 Magnum. Even at 12x magnification, the eye box remains relatively "loose," meaning you don't have to have your head in a perfect, rigid position to get a full sight picture.
The Durability is backed by the Vortex VIP warranty, but the physical construction feels rugged. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing handled a few bumps against my truck door without losing zero. The Elevation & Windage Knobs are tactile and audible; I performed a "Box Test" and the tracking returned to zero perfectly.
Magnification & Parallax are smooth, though the lack of an adjustable objective means you need to be careful with head placement at very close ranges. For Mounting & Accessories, I used medium-height 1-inch rings which provided plenty of clearance for the 40mm objective.
My Personal Experience: I mounted this on my A22 Magnum using a 20 MOA rail. During a session in the Oregon high desert, I was able to consistently hit 4-inch steel plates at 150 yards. The turrets felt professional, and the 12x zoom was the "sweet spot" for seeing bullet holes in paper at 100 yards without the image getting shaky.
Online Reviews: Users on Reddit's r/longrange often praise this scope for being the best "entry-level tactical" glass. Many A22 owners mention that while it's a bit long, the clarity outperforms almost everything in the sub-$300 category.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
Simmons has been a staple in the rimfire community for decades, and this specific .22 Mag model is tailor-made for rifles like the Savage A22. It is lightweight, simple, and specifically calibrated for the shorter distances and smaller targets associated with magnum rimfire shooting.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 32mm
* Reticle: Truplex
* Tube Size: 1 inch
* Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
* Weight: 10.3 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Extremely affordable, includes mounting rings, and very lightweight.
* Cons: Glass clarity fades slightly at the edges, and the turrets are capped.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle are surprisingly functional. While it won't win awards against a Zeiss, the Truplex reticle is thin enough to not obscure a squirrel at 75 yards. It provides a bright enough image for midday shooting, though it struggles slightly in deep twilight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box are adequate at 3.75 inches. On the A22 Magnum, which has almost zero recoil, this distance is more than enough to prevent "scope eye." The eye box is tighter at 9x, requiring a more consistent cheek weld.
In terms of Durability, the scope is waterproof and fog-proof. I’ve used this in light rain, and the internal seals held up fine. The Elevation & Windage Knobs are "SureGrip" rubber-coated, which makes them easy to adjust with gloves, though the clicks are a bit "mushy" compared to tactical scopes.
The Magnification & Parallax are fixed at 50 yards, which is ideal for the A22 Magnum if you are mostly hunting in wooded areas. For Mounting & Accessories, the fact that it comes with rings is a huge plus for those on a budget, though they are basic rimfire dovetail rings.
My Personal Experience: This was the first scope I put on my A22 when I was trying to keep the build under $600 total. For general plinking at 50 yards, it is flawless. I found that the 32mm objective keeps the profile of the rifle very slim, making it easy to carry through thick brush during a long day of hiking.
Online Reviews: Many reviewers on hunting forums suggest this is the "best bang for your buck" for any .22 platform. Critics note that the included rings are "okay," but most serious shooters eventually upgrade to higher-quality mounts.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50
If you want to push your Savage A22 Magnum to its absolute ballistic limits (200+ yards), the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is the tool for the job. This is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, which is rare at this price point and highly beneficial for holding over shots at varying distances.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 6-24x
* Objective Lens: 50mm
* Reticle: APMR FFP IR MIL
* Tube Size: 30mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Weight: 27.3 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: FFP reticle allows for accurate holdovers at any zoom, illuminated reticle, and excellent turrets.
* Cons: Very heavy for a rimfire rifle, and the image gets slightly dark at 24x.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle are exceptional. Because it is an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification. This means your MIL/MOA subtensions are always accurate, which is a lifesaver when the .22 WMR bullet starts to drop significantly past 125 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box are a bit more demanding here. With a 3.3-inch relief, you need to mount this carefully on the A22's rail to ensure you don't have to "crawl the stock." At 24x, the eye box is quite tight, common for high-magnification optics.
Durability is a strong suit; the 30mm tube is made from heat-treated aircraft-grade aluminum. The Elevation & Windage Knobs feature a true Zero Stop, which is incredible for a rimfire setup. If you dial up for a 200-yard shot, you can quickly spin back down and know exactly where your 50-yard zero is.
The Magnification & Parallax adjustment goes down to 10 yards, which is perfect for rimfire. For Mounting & Accessories, you will need 30mm rings. Given the 50mm objective, I recommend "high" rings to ensure the bell clears the A22's barrel.
My Personal Experience: I used this for a local "Precision Rimfire" match. The ability to dial windage for the light .22 WMR bullet was a game changer. While it made the A22 feel significantly heavier, the precision I gained was worth the weight penalty. The illumination is "daylight visible" on all but the brightest afternoons.
Online Reviews: On r/Rimfire, the Argos BTR is often cited as the king of "budget precision." Users love the mechanical reliability of the turrets, though some complain that the 50mm objective looks "oversized" on a slim rimfire rifle.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
Leupold is synonymous with American hunting, and the VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is arguably the most balanced scope for a Savage A22 Magnum user who primarily hunts. It offers the legendary Leupold "gold ring" quality in a package that is rugged, clear, and exceptionally light.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 40mm
* Reticle: Rimfire MOA
* Tube Size: 1 inch
* Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
* Weight: 12.2 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Incredible light transmission, extremely lightweight, and a lifetime warranty.
* Cons: Capped turrets aren't ideal for frequent "dialing," and it's pricier than basic rimfire scopes.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle are where Leupold shines. Their "Twilight Light Management System" actually works; it adds about 10-15 minutes of extra shooting time at dusk. The Rimfire MOA reticle is specifically calibrated for the smaller targets you'll face with an A22.
Eye Relief & Eye Box are world-class. Leupold is famous for having a "massive" eye box. You can throw the A22 to your shoulder and get a clear image almost instantly, which is critical when a rabbit is darting through the brush.
The Durability is unmatched. These scopes are tested to the same standards as their "big game" optics, meaning the A22's action won't ever vibrate this scope out of alignment. The Elevation & Windage Knobs are finger-adjustable and very repeatable, though they are designed to be "set and forgotten" under their protective caps.
Magnification & Parallax are fixed at 60 yards, which is a much more practical distance for the .22 WMR than the standard 100-yard centerfire fix. For Mounting & Accessories, any standard 1-inch rings will work perfectly.
My Personal Experience: I took this setup into the thick woods of the Pacific Northwest. The light weight of the VX-Freedom made the A22 a joy to carry all day. When a coyote appeared at 80 yards in the shadows, the glass clarity allowed me to see through the "glare" and make a clean shot.
Online Reviews: Professional reviewers often point to the VX-Freedom as the standard by which all other $300 scopes are measured. Most users appreciate that it is designed and assembled in the USA, providing a sense of reliability that cheaper imports lack.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is a cult classic for a reason. It is a "short" scope that packs a surprising amount of features, specifically designed for platforms like the Savage A22 where rail space or weight might be a concern, or for shooters who need to engage targets at very close ranges.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 32mm
* Reticle: Mil-Dot (RGB Illuminated)
* Tube Size: 1 inch
* Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
* Weight: 13.9 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Adjustable Objective (AO) down to 3 yards, dual illumination, and includes quick-detach rings.
* Cons: The reticle is a bit thick, and the short tube limits mounting positions.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle are good, though the Mil-Dot reticle can feel a bit "busy" at 9x. However, the red/green illumination is a fantastic feature for shooting in dark timber or against dark targets where a black reticle might get lost.
Eye Relief & Eye Box are the main trade-offs for its compact size. The eye relief is about 3.2 to 4.2 inches, but the eye box is tighter than the Leupold. You need a very consistent cheek weld on the A22 to avoid "tunneling" at higher magnifications.
For Durability, it is built on a "True Strength" platform, making it shockproof and nitrogen-filled. The Elevation & Windage Knobs are locking target turrets. You pull them out to adjust and push them in to lock, which prevents accidental changes while moving through the woods.
The Magnification & Parallax is the "killer feature." The Adjustable Objective allows you to focus as close as 3 yards. For an A22 Magnum used for "barnyard" pest control, this is invaluable. For Mounting & Accessories, it comes with high-quality QD rings and a sunshade, adding immense value.
My Personal Experience: I love this scope for "truck gun" applications. The A22 Magnum fits better in a padded case with this compact optic. I found the AO adjustment to be very smooth, allowing me to switch from a 10-yard rat to a 100-yard steel plate in seconds.
Online Reviews: Amazon reviewers frequently mention that for the price, you can't find a more feature-rich optic. Some "glass snobs" on forums complain about the clarity compared to Vortex, but for pure utility, the BugBuster is hard to beat.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn
The Bushnell Banner is designed with one goal: visibility in the "grey" hours. For many Savage A22 Magnum owners, hunting takes place at the crack of dawn or right before sunset, and this scope’s "Dusk & Dawn Brightness" (DDB) coatings are specifically engineered for those moments.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 40mm
* Reticle: Multi-X
* Tube Size: 1 inch
* Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
* Weight: 13 oz
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Optimized for low light, very affordable, and classic aesthetics.
* Cons: Not as "sharp" in bright midday sun as others, and simple reticle lacks holdover points.
Detailed Evaluation
The Glass Clarity & Reticle are tailored for contrast. In low light, the Multi-X reticle stands out sharply against dark backgrounds. While it lacks the high-definition resolution of a $500 scope, it effectively reduces glare and "milkiness" in difficult lighting conditions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box are comfortable at 3.3 inches. The A22 Magnum doesn't jump around, so you can stay "glued" to the optic during follow-up shots. The 40mm objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easy to track moving varmints.
Durability is solid, featuring 100% waterproof and fog-proof construction. The Elevation & Windage Knobs have 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustments. They are protected by caps, which I prefer for a "working" rifle that gets tossed in the back of a UTV.
The Magnification & Parallax is fixed at 100 yards. While a bit far for some rimfires, it works well for the A22 Magnum which stays flat out to that distance. For Mounting & Accessories, it requires standard 1-inch rings and has a sleek profile that doesn't interfere with the A22's bolt handle.
My Personal Experience: I used the Banner during a late-autumn squirrel hunt. As the sun dipped below the treeline, my friends with "cheaper" scopes were struggling to see. The Banner kept the target clear enough for me to stay out an extra 20 minutes and fill my limit.
Online Reviews: The "Dusk & Dawn" series has a very loyal following among budget hunters. Reviewers often mention that it "punches way above its weight class" in the woods, though it's less popular for target shooters who want a more technical reticle.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
How to Choose the Right Scope for This Pistol
Choosing the best scope for Savage A22 Magnum involves understanding the balance between the rifle's capabilities and your intended use. Unlike a standard .22 LR, the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) has a significantly flatter trajectory and much more energy at 100 yards. Therefore, you shouldn't settle for a "cheap" rimfire scope that is only designed for 25-yard plinking.
First, consider the Parallax. A standard centerfire scope is often fixed at 100 yards, which can cause accuracy issues if you're shooting a squirrel at 25 yards. Look for a scope with an Adjustable Objective (AO) or a side-focus knob, or one specifically marked "Rimfire," which is usually fixed at 50 or 60 yards. This ensures your point of aim remains consistent regardless of where your head is positioned behind the stock.
Second, think about Magnification. For the Savage A22 Magnum, a 3-9x power range is the "Goldilocks" zone—it’s enough for almost any hunting scenario. However, if you plan on doing a lot of target shooting or long-range varminting, moving up to a 4-12x or even 6-24x can be beneficial. Just remember that higher magnification usually comes with a weight penalty and a tighter eye box.
Finally, evaluate the Reticle type. If you are hunting in thick brush, a simple "Duplex" or "Multi-X" reticle is best because it's fast to acquire. If you are shooting at varying distances, a reticle with "Holdover" points (like MIL-Dot or BDC) will help you compensate for the .22 WMR's drop at 125 and 150 yards without having to turn your turrets. Always prioritize glass quality over "extra" features; a clear 3-9x will always serve you better than a blurry 24x.
FAQs
1. Does the Savage A22 Magnum require special rimfire rings?
No, the Savage A22 Magnum typically comes with a standard Picatinny/Weaver rail or is drilled and tapped for one. You can use standard 1-inch or 30mm rings depending on your scope's tube size. Just ensure the "height" of the rings allows the objective lens to clear the barrel.
2. Is a 3-9x40 scope enough for 150-yard shots with an A22?
Yes, a 3-9x magnification is perfectly adequate for hitting targets the size of a groundhog at 150 yards. While higher magnification can help you see smaller details, 9x is the traditional choice for most small-game hunters using the .22 WMR.
3. Should I choose FFP or SFP for my Savage A22 Magnum?
For most hunters, SFP (Second Focal Plane) is better because the reticle stays the same size and is easy to see at low power. If you are a precision shooter who likes to use the "hashes" on your reticle to measure wind or distance at any magnification, FFP (First Focal Plane) is the way to go.
4. Can I use a high-powered centerfire scope on my A22?
Absolutely! The A22 Magnum has very low recoil, so it won't damage a centerfire scope. The only thing to watch for is the parallax setting. If the scope is fixed at 100 or 150 yards, you might have some "blur" when shooting at closer rimfire distances.
5. How much should I spend on a scope for the A22?
A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 50% of the rifle's cost on the optic. For a Savage A22 Magnum, spending between $150 and $400 will get you a high-quality scope that matches the rifle's inherent accuracy.
Conclusion
The Savage A22 Magnum is an exceptional rifle that deserves an optic capable of keeping up with its speed and precision. Whether you choose the rugged simplicity of the Leupold VX-Freedom or the tactical versatility of the Athlon Argos, the key is to select a scope that matches your specific environment. By focusing on glass clarity, appropriate parallax, and a reticle that suits your hunting or target style, you can transform your A22 from a simple rimfire into a highly capable precision tool. Invest in the best scope for Savage A22 Magnum today, and you’ll see the difference in every group you shoot and every hunt you undertake.