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Outdoor Life published a 2026 review of 10 rimfire scopes, spanning budget-friendly hunting optics and high-magnification precision models. The report names the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 best overall and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 best for competition; these are the publication’s test-based recommendations, not a single standardized ranking of every product detail.
Outdoor Life published a 2026 review of 10 rimfire scopes, recommending the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 as its best overall choice and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 for competition. The guide compares optics intended for different budgets and shooting styles, as rimfire rifles are increasingly used for longer-range practice and precision matches as well as hunting and casual shooting.
The publication’s selections range from traditional lower-magnification scopes to high-magnification precision models. Other products named in the guide include the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32, Hawke Vantage HD 30 4-16×50 SF, GPO Centuri 4-16x44i FFP, Bushnell R7 4-20×50 FFP, Burris Veracity, Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33, Tract 22 FIRE 4-12×40 and Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52, which the report labels its best smart scope.
Outdoor Life describes the Nightforce NX6 as a versatile option for hunting, recreational shooting and targets beyond 100 yards. Its listed features include a first-focal-plane reticle, illumination, parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity and 115 MOA of elevation travel. The report gives its price as $1,800 and its weight as 23.1 ounces.
For competition, the guide favors the Vortex Razor HD Gen III, citing its 6-36x magnification, parallax adjustment starting at 10 yards and 36.1 MRAD of elevation adjustment. Outdoor Life lists the scope at about $4,000 and notes drawbacks, including locking turrets that are hard to activate and a high price. The article says the Razor is available with different reticle options.
Scopes for Hunting and Match Stages
The recommendations show how widely rimfire optics now vary by intended use. A light, lower-magnification scope may suit a small-game rifle, while a precision match setup can call for close parallax adjustment, substantial elevation travel and magnification for small targets. Those features affect both handling and cost, so the guide’s category-based choices may help readers compare optics against their actual needs rather than treating one model as suitable for every rimfire rifle.
The price gap between the two highlighted picks is also substantial: Outdoor Life lists the Nightforce at $1,800 and the Vortex Razor at about $4,000. That difference reflects distinct product classes and uses, not evidence that one scope is a direct substitute for the other.
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Rimfire Shooting Has Broadened
Outdoor Life frames the review around changes in rimfire shooting. The publication says it is now common for shooters to expect one-inch groups at 100 yards and to use ranges stretching from 25 to 300 yards. It contrasts a basic 3-9x scope often found on a standard rifle with the more specialized optics sought for precision builds.
The guide says its choices draw on the author’s testing and the publication’s optics tests. It also reports that the Nightforce NX6 line was evaluated during Outdoor Life’s 2026 optics test; its discussion of the larger NX6 5-30×56 describes shooting steel at 300 yards and focusing down to 11 yards. Those observations provide test context, but do not mean every listed scope was tested in identical conditions or directly against every other model.
“The 2-12x is my pick for the ultimate rimfire scope because it’s ideally suited for small-game hunting, plinking and shooting steel beyond 100 yards.”
— Outdoor Life
How the Picks Compare Directly
The supplied review material does not provide a complete, uniform set of scores, prices and test results for all 10 scopes. It is therefore not possible to establish a like-for-like performance ranking across the full list from the available information. The Nightforce and Vortex picks address different uses, and the article’s recommendations reflect Outdoor Life’s assessments rather than a claim that either is best for every shooter.
The guide also does not establish how prices may vary among sellers or change over time. Outdoor Life says it may earn revenue from products available through its page and participate in affiliate programs, a disclosure readers should keep in mind when reviewing product recommendations.
Check Fit Before Buying
The published guide serves as a set of recommendations rather than a report on a coming product launch or regulatory decision. Readers comparing its picks can next check current prices and specifications with manufacturers and retailers, then match magnification, weight, parallax range and adjustment travel to their rifle and intended use. Outdoor Life has not announced a follow-up test in the supplied material, so further rankings or revisions are not confirmed.
Key Questions
Which rimfire scope did Outdoor Life name best overall?
The review named the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 its best overall pick, citing its versatility for hunting, plinking and shooting beyond 100 yards.
Which model did the guide recommend for competition?
Outdoor Life selected the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 for competition, pointing to its high magnification, close parallax adjustment and elevation range.
What prices does the review list for those two scopes?
The article lists the Nightforce at $1,800 and the Vortex Razor at about $4,000. Prices may differ by seller or change after publication.
Does the guide establish one scope as best for every rimfire shooter?
No. Its picks cover different purposes, including small-game hunting, general shooting and precision competition. The review does not present a single model as the best choice for every rifle or use.
Source: outdoorlife.com
