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Outdoor Life published a 2026 test and guide to 10 rimfire scopes, spanning hunting, general use and precision competition. The report names the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 its best overall pick and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 its competition choice; the supplied material does not include full test results or prices for every model.
Outdoor Life published a 2026 review of 10 rimfire rifle scopes on Nov. 5, naming the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 its best overall pick and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 its choice for competition. The report compares optics aimed at different budgets and shooting styles, as rimfire use increasingly extends beyond short-range plinking to longer-distance practice and matches.
The report’s listed selections also include the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32, Hawke Vantage HD 30 4-16×50 SF, GPO Centuri 4-16×44i FFP Compact, 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, named its best smart scope. The supplied report excerpt does not provide the complete reviews or comparative scores for all 10 models.
Outdoor Life says the NX6 earned the top overall spot for its combination of magnification, compact size and features. The 2-12x model has a first-focal-plane FC-MRx reticle, illumination, an exposed elevation turret with a resettable zero stop, and parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity. The publication lists it at 12.5 inches long and 23.1 ounces, with a price of $1,800.
For competition, the report favors the Razor HD Gen III, citing its focus down to 10 yards, 36 MRAD of elevation adjustment and 6-36x magnification. Outdoor Life describes it as an expensive option at about $4,000 and notes that its locking turrets can be hard to activate. Its account says a VMR-5 reticle is available for dialing, with an EBR-7 option for shooters who prefer holdovers.
Scopes for Hunting and Matches
The guide reflects how rimfire shooting can place different demands on an optic. A scope used for small-game hunting may need to stay relatively light and work at modest magnification, while a competition setup can call for close parallax adjustment, substantial elevation travel and detailed aiming references. Outdoor Life’s selections give readers use-specific options rather than treating every rimfire rifle as a short-range plinker.
The price spread also matters: the highlighted competition scope costs roughly twice as much as the overall pick, according to the report. Those prices and feature lists help frame trade-offs, but they do not establish that a more costly scope will suit every shooter or rifle. Buyers need to match an optic’s weight, adjustment range and intended use to their own needs.
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Rimfire Shooting Has Expanded
Outdoor Life says rimfire rifles are now used for more than casual range sessions and small-game hunting. The publication describes shooters expecting groups around one inch at 100 yards and sessions that can extend from 25 to 300 yards. Those are examples of the trend cited by the report, not a claim that all rimfire rifles or users meet those benchmarks.
The article says scope requirements vary with the rifle and activity: a basic 3-9x may suit a conventional setup, while a precision build may call for an adjustable-parallax scope and greater elevation range. The publication says its selections draw on its own testing and broader optics tests, including its 2026 optics test of the Nightforce NX6 line.
“The NX6 2-12×42 F1 can take on all of those uses, and do them well.”
— Outdoor Life
Full Test Comparisons Are Missing
The supplied report material gives detailed specifications and assessments for the Nightforce and Vortex models, but it does not include the full methodology, complete scorecards or detailed findings for the other eight selections. It is also unclear from the excerpt how the 10 models were compared across price, optical performance and intended uses. The report’s affiliate disclosure says Outdoor Life may earn revenue from products on the page and participate in affiliate programs; the excerpt does not detail how those arrangements relate to its testing.
Check Reviews Before Buying
The report is published, and no further testing or update is specified in the source material. Readers comparing scopes can consult the full Outdoor Life reviews for model-by-model details, then verify current prices and availability with retailers. The excerpt does not provide dates for future tests, additional recommendations or changes to the listed picks.
Key Questions
Which rimfire scope did Outdoor Life name best overall?
Outdoor Life selected the Nightforce NX6 2-12×42 F1 as its best overall rimfire scope for 2026.
Which scope did the report recommend for competition?
The report named the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 its competition pick, citing its magnification, close-focus capability and elevation adjustment.
What prices does the report give for those two scopes?
The supplied excerpt lists the Nightforce at $1,800 and describes the Vortex as costing about $4,000. Prices may change, and the excerpt does not provide prices for every selection.
Does the supplied material include test results for all 10 scopes?
No. It lists all 10 models but provides detailed specifications and commentary mainly for the Nightforce and Vortex scopes. Full comparative results for the remaining models are not included in the supplied excerpt.
Source: outdoorlife.com
