At 19 I would have been fine with a K2.5 and a simple crosswire. At 69 most rimfires in the frequently used category have a mil reticle, 4 or 6x base magnification if variable, 6x or 10x if fixed, repeatable and accurate adjustments, 30-34mm tubes. Heavy, all of them, like I care.
My favorites have lit reticles, too. Better late than never to realize how that feature helps in relatively low light.
Been messing with a LH4 4-16 lately, and like it lots. More than decent value at $200-ish. Checks every box for my purposes. That would be my choice, if had to pick one.
Exceptions are on .22s rarely used now: my 1966 Ans 141 with 3-9x EFR Leup, a 10/22 with Aimpoint R1 Micro that kids gravitate towards at youth events, 9422 and Gr2 ATD Browning with factory open sights. A 52C Heavy has a 20x Super Targetspot, and a 1712 has the 6.5-20x EFR air rifle scope that came with it.
