I am trying to find a < $300 scope for a .22LR rifle.  From my understanding, I cant go wrong with Leupold.  These 2 scopes are priced about the same and have about the same features.  What can you tell me about these 2?  I am looking for something in the 2-7x or 3-9x, roughly 3.5" eye relief, and as compact as possible.  An illuminated reticle would be cool, but I def dont need it.  Both are in the $200 range.

I will be using it primarily with CCI CB long rounds in my backyard.  90% of my shooting will be at 50 yards or less. I'd obviously be shooting normal/high velocity .22 rounds now and again as well.  Is it an obvious choice to go with the Rimfire series, or are these 2 scopes pretty much the same thing?

Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope 56150

The economically priced Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is a versatile, mid-range magnification scope useful for close cover as well as on more open terrain. It is a highly adaptable scope that fits well with a variety of shooting requirements. Easily mounted close to the rifle due to its 33mm objective bell, Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm is excellent for those seeking a low profile optical sight.

Actual Magnification: 2.5(2x) 6.5(7x)
Length (in): 10.8
Eyepiece Length (in): 3.2
Objective Length (in): 2.6
Objective Diameter (in): 1.6
Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.6
Tube Diameter: 1.0in
Weight: 11.1 oz. / 315 grams
Eye Relief (in): 4.2(2x) 3.7(7x)
Eye Relief (mm): 106(2x) 94(7x)
Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.3in / 33mm
Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 65
Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 165
FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 43.2(2x) 17.3(7x)
FOV @ 100 m (m): 14.4(2x) 5.8(7x)
 Ring Spacing
Max. Mount Ring Spacing (in): 5.2
Front Ring Space (in): 1.9
Rear Ring Space (in): 2.1


Leupold VX-I 2-7x28mm Rimfire Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-I 2-7x28mm Rimfire Riflescope is a mid-range magnification scope configured for use on .22 rimfire rifles. With its special 60 yard parallax correction distance setting, Leupold VX I Rimfire Riflescopes are perfectly suited to the needs of the rimfire shooter. Leupold VX-I  28 mm Riflescope is asily mounted on the smaller frame of the .22 rimfire rifle due to its 28mm objective bell. Leupold VX-I 2 - 7 x 28mm Rimfire Riflescopes feature superb choice for those seeking a quality riflescopes for the prized .22 rifle. Leupold VX 2 Rimfire Riflescopes feature fine duplex reticles and are available in two models: Leupold 58690 in Gloss Black Finish, Fine Duplex Reticle, and Leupold 58700 in Matte Black Finish, Fine Duplex Reticle.


Actual Magnification: 2.5(2x) 6.6(7x)
Length (in): 9.9
Eyepiece Length (in): 2.86
Objective Length (in): 2.15
Objective Diameter (in): 1.36
Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.36
Tube Diameter: 1.0in
Weight: 8.2 oz. / 231 grams
Eye Relief (in): 3.8(2x) 3.0(7x)
Eye Relief (mm): 97(2x) 76(7x)
Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.1in / 28mm
Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 80
Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 222
FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 41.7(2x) 16.5(7x)
FOV @ 100 m (m): 13.9(2x) 5.50(7x)
 Ring Spacing
Max. Mount Ring Spacing (in): 4.75
Front Ring Space (in): 1.47
Rear Ring Space (in): 2.15

Quoted: I am trying to find a < $300 scope for a .22LR rifle.  From my understanding, I cant go wrong with Leupold.  These 2 scopes are priced about the same and have about the same features.  What can you tell me about these 2?  I am looking for something in the 2-7x or 3-9x, roughly 3.5" eye relief, and as compact as possible.  An illuminated reticle would be cool, but I def dont need it.  Both are in the $200 range. I will be using it primarily with CCI CB long rounds in my backyard.  90% of my shooting will be at 50 yards or less. I'd obviously be shooting normal/high velocity .22 rounds now and again as well.  Is it an obvious choice to go with the Rimfire series, or are these 2 scopes pretty much the same thing? Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope 56150 The economically priced Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is a versatile, mid-range magnification scope useful for close cover as well as on more open terrain. It is a highly adaptable scope that fits well with a variety of shooting requirements. Easily mounted close to the rifle due to its 33mm objective bell, Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33mm is excellent for those seeking a low profile optical sight. Actual Magnification: 2.5(2x) 6.5(7x) Length (in): 10.8 Eyepiece Length (in): 3.2 Objective Length (in): 2.6 Objective Diameter (in): 1.6 Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.6 Tube Diameter: 1.0in Weight: 11.1 oz. / 315 grams Eye Relief (in): 4.2(2x) 3.7(7x) Eye Relief (mm): 106(2x) 94(7x) Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.3in / 33mm Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 65 Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 165 FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 43.2(2x) 17.3(7x) FOV @ 100 m (m): 14.4(2x) 5.8(7x)  Ring Spacing Max. Mount Ring Spacing (in): 5.2 Front Ring Space (in): 1.9 Rear Ring Space (in): 2.1 Leupold VX-I 2-7x28mm Rimfire Rifle Scope Leupold VX-I 2-7x28mm Rimfire Riflescope is a mid-range magnification scope configured for use on .22 rimfire rifles. With its special 60 yard parallax correction distance setting, Leupold VX I Rimfire Riflescopes are perfectly suited to the needs of the rimfire shooter. Leupold VX-I  28 mm Riflescope is easily mounted on the smaller frame of the .22 rimfire rifle due to its 28mm objective bell. Leupold VX-I 2 - 7 x 28mm Rimfire Riflescopes feature superb choice for those seeking a quality riflescopes for the prized .22 rifle. Leupold VX 2 Rimfire Riflescopes feature fine duplex reticles and are available in two models: Leupold 58690 in Gloss Black Finish, Fine Duplex Reticle, and Leupold 58700 in Matte Black Finish, Fine Duplex Reticle. Actual Magnification: 2.5(2x) 6.6(7x) Length (in): 9.9 Eyepiece Length (in): 2.86 Objective Length (in): 2.15 Objective Diameter (in): 1.36 Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.36 Tube Diameter: 1.0in Weight: 8.2 oz. / 231 grams Eye Relief (in): 3.8(2x) 3.0(7x) Eye Relief (mm): 97(2x) 76(7x) Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.1in / 28mm Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 80 Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 222 FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 41.7(2x) 16.5(7x) FOV @ 100 m (m): 13.9(2x) 5.50(7x)  Ring Spacing Max. Mount Ring Spacing (in): 4.75 Front Ring Space (in): 1.47 Rear Ring Space (in): 2.15

Highlighted the important stuff in red. The most important part of a rimfire scope for me is the thickness of the reticle. I like rimfires to punch small holes, in small groups, at small targets. A big fat duplex reticle that covers the whole 10 shot group ruins the experience, and the accuracy, for me.

Leupold is one of the only two companies making a fine duplex rimfire scope currently. The other is Weaver. I'd go with Leupold if my wallet didn't demand otherwise.

Highlighted the important stuff in red. The most important part of a rimfire scope for me is the thickness of the reticle. I like rimfires to punch small holes, in small groups, at small targets. A big fat duplex reticle that covers the whole 10 shot group ruins the experience, and the accuracy, for me. Leupold is one of the only two companies making a fine duplex rimfire scope currently. The other is Weaver. I'd go with Leupold if my wallet didn't demand otherwise.

Thanks, that helps.  Rimfire it is.

One more question.  Would you go with an adjustable magnification, or fixed 4x?  Like anyone, I do like zooming into my targets as close as possible, but I find that I shoot just as accurate at 4x (vs. 9x) at 50 yards.

I assume this is preference, but does a fixed mag scope offer more reliability?  I do know that the size is a bit more compact, which is nice.

Forget the fixed 4 and get the 2-7. Eye relief, the fine duplex, 2-7 mag. range, its really very nice.

I agree with ALAN308. The adjustable magnification will be useful.

I'm going to be mounting my Leupy VXII 3x9 on my 10/22 to see how I like it.  That's a good scope.  I have a VXI in 2 x 7 and I have no complaints with that one either.  The VXII is definitely brighter, but I don't know if it's because it's got larger glass on the end or because it's a VXII compared to the VXI.  Either way, they both are nice and they both work well and are under $ 300.

I have a 3X9 Rifleman on my Kimber .22 Hunter. The small (about 3") steel spinner targets are not too much of a problem at 100 yards, and I am not that great a shot.