Whether you’re shooting squirrels at 50 yards or honing your marksmanship skills at the range, investing in the best scope for Henry 22 is key. The right scope will improve your accuracy, target acquisition, and overall shooting experience.
From rimfire-specific optics with parallax adjustments to compact scopes that preserve your rifle’s balance, selecting the right model requires careful consideration. In this guide, we’ll explore the top scopes designed for the Henry .22, highlighting their key features, performance benefits to help you choose the right model for your needs.
Why a Scope Enhances Your Henry 22 Accuracy
A scope gives you a clear, magnified view of the target and a precise aiming point. That alone makes a huge difference versus open sights.
With a quality scope, you can place a tiny dot or reticle on a specific spot rather than trying to align front and rear sights. This reduces aiming error.
Furthermore, magnification makes it easier to see small target details and precisely judge holdover and wind effects at typical .22 ranges of 25 to 100 yards. The best scope for Henry 22 also delivers a brighter, sharper image in low light, enhancing accuracy during late-day hunting shots.
Best Scopes for Henry 22
1.Vortex Crossfire II 2–7×32 Rimfire
The Vortex Crossfire II 2–7×32 Rimfire rifle scope is the best scope for Henry 22. It is a well-crafted optic that strikes an excellent balance between clarity, performance, and value for small-game hunting and target shooting.
Designed specifically for rimfire rifles, this scope features a 2–7× magnification range, making it ideal for close to mid-range shooting where precision and quick target acquisition are essential.
Optically, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, crisp images even in low-light environments, while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures rapid reticle focusing.
Regarding construction, its one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube provides superior durability and shock resistance, standing up well to field use and recoil. The scope also boasts nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing for reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Above all, the Vortex Crossfire II 2–7×32 Rimfire excels in user-friendliness with its forgiving eye box and generous eye relief, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
Pros
- Holds zero well
- Generous eye relief
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to install
- Solid build quality that is fully waterproof and fog-proof
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2.Vortex Diamondback 4–12×40 Rimfire
The Vortex Diamondback 4–12×40 Rimfire is a high-quality optic designed to deliver premium optical clarity and reliable performance for small-game and varmint hunters.
It features fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright, crisp, and high-contrast images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is useful for shooters who need to estimate holdover or wind drift across varying ranges.
Construction-wise, its durable, one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures it can withstand recoil and rugged outdoor use. On top of that, the O-ring sealing and argon purging guarantee waterproof and fog-proof performance under any weather conditions.
Regarding magnification, it features an adjustable 4–12× magnification range that offers versatility, allowing shooters to engage targets both at close range and extended distances with consistent accuracy. The scope also features a parallax adjustment on the left that allows fine-tuning for pinpoint focus and accuracy at different distances.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Affordable price tag
- Durable, one-piece construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3.Leupold VX-Freedom 2–7×33 (Rimfire)
Carrying the renowned Leupold name, the VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is an exceptional optic designed to enhance precision and performance for small-game hunters and target shooters alike.
Built with Leupold’s renowned craftsmanship, this scope combines crystal-clear optics with a versatile 2–7x magnification range. The 33mm objective lens provides excellent light transmission, offering bright and crisp images even in low-light environments.
Furthermore, its 1-inch main tube ensures a lightweight yet durable build, while the scratch-resistant lenses and waterproof, fog-proof construction make it dependable across all weather conditions.
Performance-wise, the VX-Freedom Rimfire excels in providing a user-friendly experience with its forgiving eye relief and intuitive controls. The Rimfire MOA reticle is perfectly calibrated for typical rimfire trajectories, helping shooters make quick and accurate holdovers without guesswork. The scope also features precise finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness
- Durable, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
- Lightweight and well-balanced for rimfire rifles
- Precise and easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments
- Rimfire MOA reticle calibrated for .22 LR trajectories
- Consistent reticle size with second focal plane design
Cons
- No parallax adjustment for extended rimfire ranges
4.Burris Fullfield 3–9×40
The Burris Fullfield 3–9×40 is a dependable and affordable riflescope that blends solid craftsmanship with impressive optical performance.
As the best scope for Henry 22 for beginners, it is designed with user comfort and precision in mind. The Ballistic Plex reticle simplifies holdover and wind compensation, making it easier to achieve accurate shots at varying distances without overcomplicating the aiming process.
Optically, the high-grade optical glass delivers sharp, bright images with excellent color fidelity. Besides, the Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses ensure optimal light transmission even during low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Furthermore, the 3–9× magnification range offers flexibility for medium to long-range engagements, and the 40mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light-gathering capability and compactness.
This optic is compact but built for rugged use. Its durable one-piece outer tube is nitrogen-filled and waterproof, providing reliable performance in harsh weather or rugged terrain. Additionally, the matte black finish reduces glare, while its generous eye relief provides a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
Pros
- Generous and comfortable eye relief
- Ease of use
- Built to last
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5.Hawke Vantage IR 4–12×40 AO
When it comes to versatility and value for money, it is hard to go wrong with the Hawke Vantage IR 4–12×40 AO. This is a reliable and versatile riflescope that delivers impressive performance for hunters and target shooters alike.
Built with a durable, nitrogen-purged aluminum housing, it offers excellent resistance to water, fog, and shock, ensuring consistent clarity in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the adjustable objective allows precise parallax correction, making it ideal for shooting at varying distances. The scope also features fully multi-coated optics that provide bright, sharp images with excellent color contrast, while the 4–12× magnification range gives users the flexibility to engage both close and mid-range targets.
Another standout feature of the Hawke Vantage IR 4–12×40 AO is its illuminated reticle. It offers both red and green brightness settings to enhance visibility against different backgrounds. Moreover, the turrets are finger-adjustable and deliver crisp, audible clicks for easy zeroing.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses for clear and bright image quality
- Adjustable objective (AO) for precise parallax correction
- Illuminated reticle with red and green options for low-light use
- Durable, nitrogen-purged aluminum body
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some comparable models
6.Tract 22 FIRE 4–12×40
Whether you are fine-tuning your aim at the range or tracking game in low-light conditions, this scope delivers dependable accuracy and visual performance.
The Tract 22 FIRE 4–12×40 is a precision-engineered rifle scope designed specifically for rimfire enthusiasts who value clarity, reliability, and versatility. It is built around Tract’s high-quality optical system that offers fully multi-coated lenses. As such, it delivers bright, crisp, and high-contrast images even in challenging light conditions.
Its 4–12× magnification range provides excellent flexibility for both close and mid-range shooting, making it ideal for varmint hunting, target practice, or plinking. Furthermore, the adjustable parallax down to 50 yards ensures precision at shorter, while the fine reticle design allows for accurate shot placement without cluttering the sight picture.
In addition to everything else, the scope’s one-inch tube is crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum. This ensures dependable performance and consistent zero retention even under field stress.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed for ease of use
- Top-tier optical quality
- Dependable adjustment precision
- Available at a competitive price
Cons
- Small field of view at maximum zoom levels
7.Athlon Argos HMR 2–12×42
Next, we have the Athlon Optics Argos HMR 2–12×42mm Rifle Scope. This is a versatile and high-performing optic designed for hunters and precision shooters seeking quality without an inflated price tag.
Built around a 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube, it delivers exceptional strength and durability while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile. Additionally, the 2–12× magnification range makes it incredibly adaptable for both close-range shots in dense cover and long-range engagements across open terrain.
Optically, its advanced, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, crisp images even in low-light conditions, ensuring reliable target identification at dawn or dusk. The scope also boasts a second focal plane reticle that remains consistent throughout the zoom range, allowing for predictable holdovers and consistent performance under various magnifications.
Other features it is coupled with include a side parallax adjustment for enhanced accuracy and capped turrets that offer precise, repeatable adjustments.
Pros
- Affordable
- Manageable weight
- Ease of installation
- Illuminated glass-etched reticle
Cons
- Poor optical clarity at full magnification
8.Maven RS.2 2–10×38
Last but not least, we have the Maven RS.2 2–10×38. Its simple yet functional design eliminates unnecessary complexity, making it perfect for hunters who prefer reliability and ease of use over high-tech features.
The 2–10× magnification range provides excellent versatility, allowing for accurate short- to mid-range shots. Furthermore, the 38mm objective lens ensures bright, sharp images even in low light, while the high-quality glass elements offer crisp detail and vibrant color fidelity from edge to edge.
Featuring a second focal plane reticle, it maintains consistent aim points regardless of magnification changes. This makes it an ideal choice for straightforward hunting applications. The turrets are smooth and precise, and the forgiving eye relief allows for quick target acquisition.
Regarding craftsmanship, the scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a durable matte anodized finish. It is rigid enough to withstand the elements while remaining lightweight and balanced. Additionally, it’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring consistent performance in rugged field conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional glass clarity and color accuracy
- Lightweight and compact design ideal for mountain or field use
- Smooth, precise turret adjustments
- Durable, weatherproof construction
- Generous eye relief for comfortable shooting
- Simple, user-friendly reticle and controls
Cons
- Lacks illumination for low-light reticle visibility
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for Henry 22
When choosing the best scope for your Henry .22 rifle, consider these key features:
Magnification
This should be your first consideration. The .22 LR cartridge is known for its accuracy and versatility, making it suitable for target practice, plinking, and small-game hunting. A scope with 2–7× or 3–9× magnification is ideal, offering clear visibility without compromising your field of view. Excessive magnification isn’t necessary since most .22 shooting takes place at short to medium ranges, typically under 100 yards.
Optical Clarity
Next, optical clarity and lens quality are crucial. High-quality glass ensures crisp and bright images, even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission and reduce glare. This feature makes it easier to spot small targets like rabbits or tin cans at a distance, improving your overall accuracy and shooting experience.
Reticle Type
The reticle type also matters. A simple duplex reticle is excellent for fast target acquisition, providing a clean and intuitive aiming point. For shooters who enjoy precision shooting at different ranges, a BDC reticle is beneficial as it helps account for bullet drop without adjusting the scope’s elevation settings.
Build Quality
Furthermore, durability and build quality play a vital role in maintaining consistent performance. While the .22 LR produces minimal recoil, a sturdy, weatherproof scope is still essential. The best scope for Henry 22 should also be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof.
Eye Relief
Another critical consideration is eye relief. Even though the Henry .22 rifle has low recoil, proper eye relief, typically between 3.5 and 4 inches, provides comfortable shooting and prevents accidental contact with the scope. This is particularly useful when shooting from different positions or when sharing the rifle with others.
Size and Weight
Weight and size are also worth noting. The Henry .22 is a lightweight, well-balanced rifle, and pairing it with a heavy or oversized scope can throw off that balance. The best scope for Henry 22 should be compact and lightweight to complement the rifle’s handling and make it easier to carry during long shooting sessions.
Mounting Compatibility
Lastly, pay attention to mounting compatibility and design. The Henry .22 typically uses a 3/8-inch dovetail or Weaver-style rail, so ensure your scope mounts match the rifle’s setup. Aesthetically, choose a scope that complements the rifle’s classic, lever-action design to maintain its traditional appearance while enhancing performance.
Mounting and Zeroing Tips for Henry 22 Rifles
Mounting
- Match mounts to your Henry (3/8″ dovetail or Weaver/Picatinny) and use the correct ring diameter (1″ or 30mm).
- Clean rail, base, and ring contact surfaces to remove grease/debris before fitting.
- Loosely install the scope, set proper eye relief by shouldering the rifle in your normal position.
- Level the reticle before snugging rings
- Tighten rings in small, alternating steps to the recommended torque and avoid overtightening
- Re-check eye relief and reticle level after final torque
Zeroing
With zeroing:
- Use a stable rest; begin at 25 yd to get rounds on paper, then confirm at 50 yd for practical zero
- Bore-sight or laser-sight first to minimize adjustments
- Fire a 3-shot group, note the group center, then adjust windage/elevation by scope clicks
- Fire a 5-shot group to confirm
- After finalizing zero, re-torque mounts and re-check zero
- Re-zero whenever you change ammo type, clean the barrel heavily, or swap mounts
Best Scope for Henry 22 FAQs
- What magnification is best for a Henry .22 rifle?
A 2–7× or 3–9× scope works best for most .22 applications. It provides a balance between close-range clarity and moderate-distance precision.
- Do I need an expensive scope for a Henry .22?
Not necessarily. The .22 LR doesn’t require high-end optics. Most mid-range scopes with clear glass and solid construction often perform excellently for casual shooting and hunting.
- What’s the ideal objective lens size for a .22 rifle scope?
32-40mm. An objective lens between 32mm and 40mm provides sufficient light-gathering ability without making the scope bulky or heavy.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide insightful and comprehensive. Whether you are using the rifle scope for small game hunting or recreational shooting, the key is finding a scope that complements Henry’s accuracy and maintains its classic handling feel. Look at the attributes of each scope and settle for a precision tool that delivers consistent performance and a more enjoyable shooting experience.