I have always hear that there is a difference between rimfire and centerfire scopes...what exactly, I don't know. But I am in the market for a decent rimfire scope. What would be a good brand?

I like fixed power scopes on my .22lr's.

I have a Nikon ProStaff 4x32 Rimfire, and a Vortex Crossfire 4x32 Rimfire, and I'm well-pleased with both.

For $100-ish, you get multicoated (or fully multicoated, with the Vortex) glass, solid clicks, repeatable adjustments, great eye relief, and 50 yard parallax setting. Compared to the < $40 bubble pack scopes at [Richard's] Sporting Goods or WalMart... well, you really can't compare them. The improvement is exponential.

For variables... well, I'm sure others will have some good suggestions.

FC

Rimfire scopes have the parallax set for 50-60 yards, for close in shots. Centerfire scopes have the parallax set for 100+ yards. If you try using a centerfire scope on a 22, you may have problems with parallax if you don't have your eye centered in the ocular lens. Focus can be an issue too.
I find that Weaver's 22 rimfire scopes are excellent, and cost less that some other brands. I have a Weaver 2-7 Rimfire scope on a Rem 510 that is just perfect, and it cost about $120 new. It is VERY clear, and the reticle is just right for Squirrel hunting.

Don

You can send in any centerfire Leupold scope and have the paralax adjusted to wherever you want it for 15.00 bucks.

Another option would be to purchase a scope with an Ajustable Objective

I've had various scopes on 22LR and 22WMR for 40+ yrs. Early on it was almost impossible to find any scope designed specifically for the short range rimfires except for high-dollar target scopes. I read an article I think by Clair Reese or maybe Al Miller that if one took any scope and had the parallax readjusted to rimfire distances you would have created a Rimfire Scope. Over the years I've done just that several times. Initially I had a Leupold 1.5-5 readjusted to 50 yards . Worked super till I got my .375. Sent the Leupy back and got it adjusted back to 100 yards and went to something else for the short range guys. Can't remember what it was.
Some time in the mid 1990's I made my last choice, a Bausch & Lomb (formerly Bushnell's top-end) 2-8X32. Had one for the 22LR done to 50 yards and one for the 22WMR done for 75 yards and never regretted my choice. Only wish I had bought a couple more for light weight centerfires. But of course they're no longer made. Cost for having the parallax readjusted differed by company. Some were free, some were $15 - $20.

Wish you luck.

Don Boyd

+1

I've had two Leupold 3-9x VX-II scopes' parallax changed to 50 and 60 yards.

Couple years back I set up a Nikon Prostaff 4X Rimfire on a friend's 22. Was very impressed with quality for the bucks, an excellent choice.

http://www.nikonhunting.com/riflescopes-prostaff-prostaff-4x32-rimfire-classic.html

If you want a variable scope, to solve the parallax problem I'd suggest a Burris Timberline 4.5x14x32 with Adjustable Objective. Very compact, and I'd think all kinds of quality for a .22. Seem to price out around the $210 US range.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/timberline1.html#45x14x

I have found it to be very handy to have the adjustable objective on rimfire rifles. It's just nice to see what you are shooting at clearly and not suffer parralax error. There is nothing better than an afternoon of rimfire fun with some really nice glass on it.

Tell us more about the rifle, your budget and the intended usage.