Finding the Best Scope For Remington 552 can dramatically improve your accuracy, especially when you're focused on target shooting with a classic .22 rimfire platform. The Remington 552 Speedmaster is known for its smooth cycling and versatility, but to truly unlock its potential, you need an optic that complements its lightweight handling and moderate recoil.
In my experience running .22 LR rifles at distances from 25 to 100 yards, a good budget scope can make all the difference. You don’t need to overspend—what matters is clarity, consistent tracking, and forgiving eye relief. In this guide, I’ll break down six affordable scopes that I’ve personally tested or closely evaluated for target shooting, focusing on real-world usability rather than marketing hype.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Remington 552
- Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire – Best overall budget rimfire scope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn – Best for low-light target shooting
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC) – Best durability and warranty
- CVLIFE 3-9x40 Illuminated Scope – Best ultra-budget option
- UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO – Best compact scope for tight setups
- Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40 – Best for extended range rimfire shooting
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
This is one of the most purpose-built rimfire scopes I’ve used. Designed specifically for .22 rifles, it pairs naturally with the Remington 552 for target shooting between 25 and 75 yards.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Tube: 1-inch
- Reticle: Truplex
- Parallax: Fixed at 50 yards
Pros:
- Lightweight and balanced
- Excellent value for money
- Clear center image
Cons:
- Limited edge clarity
- No adjustable parallax
The glass clarity is surprisingly good for the price. While edge sharpness softens slightly, the center remains crisp, which is what matters most for target shooting. I noticed minimal chromatic aberration even under bright sunlight.
Eye relief is generous, making it very forgiving when shooting offhand. The eye box is wide enough that quick target acquisition feels natural, especially at lower magnification.
Durability is solid for a rimfire scope. I mounted it using standard 1-inch rings and ran about 300 rounds of .22 LR without any zero shift.
The turrets are simple but functional. Clicks are not super tactile, but they track consistently for small adjustments.
Magnification is ideal for rimfire distances. The fixed parallax at 50 yards works well for most target scenarios.
Mounting is straightforward, and the included rings are a nice bonus for beginners.
From my personal use, this scope zeroed in about 10 rounds and held steady afterward. It feels like it was made for rifles like the 552.
Online discussions often highlight its reliability and affordability, especially for beginners.
Verdict: A near-perfect match for budget rimfire target shooting.
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Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn
This scope stands out for its brightness, especially in early morning or late evening shooting sessions.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective: 40mm
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Coating: Dusk & Dawn
Pros:
- Bright image
- Good low-light performance
- Affordable
Cons:
- Slightly bulky
- Basic turrets
The glass clarity is impressive for its price range. The Dusk & Dawn coating genuinely improves brightness, especially in shaded shooting lanes.
Eye relief is comfortable, and the eye box remains forgiving even at higher magnification. I found it easy to maintain a full sight picture.
Durability is decent. I tested it on a semi-auto rimfire platform with no issues over multiple sessions.
Turrets are basic but reliable. While not designed for constant dialing, they hold adjustments well.
Magnification works perfectly for 50–100 yard targets. Lack of adjustable parallax is noticeable at longer distances but manageable.
Mounting is simple with standard rings.
From my experience, this scope shines in variable lighting conditions, making it ideal for outdoor ranges.
Online users often praise its brightness and reliability.
Verdict: Great for shooters who prioritize visibility.
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Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40
This is one of the most trusted budget scopes, backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube: 1-inch
Pros:
- Excellent warranty
- Clear optics
- Durable
Cons:
- Slightly heavier
- Basic illumination (none)
The glass clarity is excellent, with minimal distortion. Edge-to-edge sharpness is better than most competitors.
Eye relief is generous and consistent across magnification levels. The eye box is forgiving, which helps with quick shots.
Durability is outstanding. I’ve run this scope through hundreds of rounds without any shift in zero.
Turrets are precise with audible clicks. While not tactical-grade, they are reliable.
Magnification is versatile for rimfire use. The BDC reticle helps with holdovers.
Mounting is straightforward.
My experience shows this scope is incredibly dependable, especially for frequent range use.
Users online consistently highlight its durability and warranty.
Verdict: Best long-term investment in this price range.
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CVLIFE 3-9x40 Illuminated Scope
An ultra-budget option that still delivers usable performance.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle: Illuminated (red/green)
- Objective: 40mm
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lower optical clarity
- Inconsistent turrets
Glass clarity is acceptable but not exceptional. There is noticeable edge blur and slight color fringing.
Eye relief is decent, though the eye box tightens at higher magnification.
Durability is average. It holds zero for light use but may not handle heavy abuse.
Turrets lack precision but are usable for basic adjustments.
Magnification works well for short-range shooting.
Mounting is easy and often includes accessories.
In my testing, it performed best at 50 yards or less.
Online feedback often highlights its value but warns about consistency.
Verdict: Best for beginners on a strict budget.
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UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
A compact scope with adjustable objective, ideal for precision rimfire shooting.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective: 32mm
- Parallax: Adjustable
Pros:
- Adjustable parallax
- Compact design
- Good value
Cons:
- Slightly tight eye box
- Heavier than expected
Clarity is good, especially with parallax adjustment. It allows fine-tuning for different distances.
Eye relief is moderate, but the eye box requires careful positioning.
Durability is solid. It held zero after extended shooting sessions.
Turrets are tactile and reliable.
Magnification combined with adjustable parallax makes it versatile.
Mounting is simple, often including rings.
My experience shows this scope excels in precision shooting at varied distances.
Online users appreciate its features at this price point.
Verdict: Best compact precision scope.
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Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40
A step up in magnification for those pushing rimfire distances.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Reticle: BDC
- Tube: 1-inch
Pros:
- Higher magnification
- Good clarity
- Reliable tracking
Cons:
- Narrower eye box at high zoom
- Slightly heavier
Glass clarity is strong, especially in the mid-range. Some edge softness appears at 16x.
Eye relief is comfortable, though eye box tightens at max zoom.
Durability is excellent for its class.
Turrets are precise with consistent clicks.
Magnification allows shooting out to 100+ yards with ease.
Mounting is straightforward.
In my testing, this scope performed well for extended-range rimfire shooting.
Online users often praise its value and performance.
Verdict: Best for longer-range target shooting.
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
How to Choose the Right Scope for This Pistol
Choosing the right scope for a rimfire rifle like the Remington 552 requires a slightly different mindset compared to centerfire rifles. The first factor I always consider is magnification range. For target shooting, a 3-9x scope is typically ideal because it provides enough zoom for precision while maintaining a wide field of view for closer targets. If you plan to shoot beyond 75 yards, stepping up to 4-16x can be beneficial.
Parallax adjustment is another critical factor. Many budget scopes come with fixed parallax at 50 yards, which works fine for general use. However, if you want tighter groupings at varying distances, an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus is a major advantage.
Weight and balance also matter more than most people think. The Remington 552 is lightweight, so adding a heavy scope can throw off handling. I prefer compact scopes under 15 ounces to maintain balance.
Reticle choice should be simple for target shooting. A duplex or BDC reticle works best. Complex reticles can clutter your sight picture and slow down target acquisition.
Durability is less about recoil resistance (since .22 LR is mild) and more about consistent tracking. A scope that holds zero and tracks reliably is essential for accuracy.
Finally, budget plays a big role. The good news is that rimfire shooting doesn’t require expensive optics. Many scopes under $150 perform exceptionally well for target shooting.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a Remington 552?
A 3-9x scope is ideal for most target shooting scenarios between 25 and 75 yards.
2. Do I need adjustable parallax?
Not necessarily, but it helps improve accuracy at different distances.
3. Can I use a centerfire scope on a .22 rifle?
Yes, but rimfire-specific scopes often provide better parallax settings.
4. Are budget scopes reliable?
Yes, many budget scopes offer excellent performance for rimfire use.
5. What mounting system should I use?
Standard 1-inch rings work for most scopes listed here.
Conclusion
Selecting the right optic for your Remington 552 doesn’t require a huge investment. The key is understanding your shooting style and choosing a scope that complements it. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Simmons .22 Mag or the versatility of the Athlon Talos, each option here delivers solid performance for target shooting.
By focusing on clarity, reliability, and practical features, you can confidently choose a scope that enhances your accuracy without breaking the bank.