Can You Put a Riflescope on a Rimfire Rifle?

Apparently, this question gets asked a lot. Enough that we felt obligated to answer it publicly. So here it is: yes, you can put a riflescope on a rimfire rifle. You can also put wheels on a bike. In both cases, if you do it right, things improve considerably.

Let’s break this down for anyone still unsure.

Rimfire Rifles: What We’re Working With

When we talk rimfire, we’re mostly talking .22LR. Sometimes .17HMR. At other times, .22 WMR. Generally, rimfires are lightweight, low-recoil, budget-friendly rifles that punch above their price tag when it comes to training, pest control, and backyard fun. They’re also small-game killers—squirrel, rabbit, possum, raccoon, or whatever's raiding your chicken coop at 3 a.m.

"You Don't Need a Scope for a Dinky .22!"

These are the same guys who say you don’t need power steering because their grandfather didn’t have it. Technically true. Also missing the point.

Sure, the .22LR isn’t breaking any distance records, but that doesn’t mean magnified optics are wasted. Try hitting a squirrel's eye at 50 yards with iron sights and tell us how it goes. If you can do it, cool. But hunting shouldn't be about showing off. When you point your weapon at something you intend to kill, you should think about putting that animal down humanely. AND. EFFECTIVELY. A scope makes that easier by helping you take tighter shots, make quicker follow-ups, and actually see the thing you’re aiming at up close.

Varmint Hunting and Small Game: Where Rimfire Shines

Small game isn't just small—it's fast, twitchy, and usually moving just enough to mess with your aim. Varmints aren't known for being considerate targets. A good riflescope lets you place your shots precisely and ethically. No one wants a wounded critter limping off because you guessed your holdover wrong.

Varmint hunters especially benefit from a lightweight rimfire rig with a crisp, clear optic. Tree shots, branch shots, weird angles—all of it gets easier when you can actually see.

What Kind of Scope Should You Use?

No need for a 6-24x50 monstrosity here. Think light, practical, and rimfire-friendly:

• Magnification: 2-7x or 3-9x is the sweet spot.
• Parallax Adjustment: Ideally focused for 50 yards or closer.
• Weight: Keep it balanced—this isn't a .308.
• Reticle: Simple duplex works fine. BDC reticles are a bonus if you're stretching your shots.
• Illumination: Not essential, but handy in low light.

Mounting Matters

Most rimfires don’t come with a full-length Picatinny rail. You’re likely looking at dovetail or Weaver rails. Grab the right rings and don’t go full gorilla on the torque. The scope isn’t going to fly off when you pull the trigger. It’s a .22, not an artillery piece.

Firefield Recommends

We make scopes that won’t break the bank or your rifle. Whether you're ringing steel at the range or putting down pests on the back 40, Firefield has options made for rimfire use. Lightweight, rugged, and priced for the working man.

RapidStrike 1-10x24 Riflescope

Compact and versatile scope with a 1-10x magnification range, perfect for rapid targeting across various distances.

Firefield Barrage 1.5-5x32 w/ Green Laser

Rugged scope with built-in green laser for enhanced close-to-mid range accuracy and visibility.

Agility II 3-9x40

Reliable 3-9x scope delivering precision and ease of use for hunting and tactical shooting scenarios.

Check out the RapidStrike 1-10x24 or 1-6x24 Riflescopes—both compact LPVOs with enough magnification to bring varmints into crisp focus without weighing down your rifle. And if you want to max out your flexibility, the RapidStrike 1-10x24 CR1 gives you serious range-finding capability in a lightweight package that won't dwarf your .22.

The Bottom Line

Can you put a riflescope on a rimfire rifle? Not only can you—you probably should. You’ll shoot better, faster, and with less eye strain. Ignore the naysayers. Throw a scope on that rimfire and join the future.