Nikon Rimfire Scopes

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Since Nikon entered the rifle scope industry, they have just about always offered a scope model or models that were geared towards the ever-popular .22LR caliber. The first dedicated .22 model they sold was a fixed 4×32 scope as the 4×32 configuration was the most popular 22 based scope at that time.

Nikon Rimfire Scopes

Over the years, as Nikon evolved, they also developed the rimfire scope models within the Nikon scope family. Rather than try to discuss the 22 scope models that Nikon ever produced, I’m going to primarily focus on two Nikon scope series that were made specifically for the .22 caliber: the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire and Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II series of scopes.

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire Scopes

Nikon introduced the original Prostaff Rimfire series of scopes in 2012.  This scope series consisted of the following scope configurations:

Prostaff 4×32 – This scope was a fixed four-power scope offered in a black model and a silver model and was only available with a Nikoplex reticle. Both the black and silver models of this series featured a fixed 50-yard parallax.

Here are the best deals I located for the Prostaff 4×32:

Prostaff 3-9×40 Rimfire BDC 150 – This model featured a 3-9 power range and Nikon’s BDC reticle that was calibrated to the .22LR caliber and offered bullet drop compensation out to 150 yards and beyond. Like the fixed four power model, the 3-9 model also featured a fixed 50-yard parallax.

Here are the best deals I came across for the 1st generation Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Rimfire scopes:

Prostaff Target EFR  – The Prostaff Target EFR model was a clone of the Prostaff 3-9×40, except that, instead of a fixed parallax of 50 yards, the EFR model featured an adjustable parallax that would focus down to 10 yards. The EFR designation stood for Extended Focus Range. This scope also featured Nikon’s Precision reticle as well.

Here are all the new and used deals that I could locate for a Nikon Prostaff EFR scope:

Between the three models, the 3-9×40 EFR was the top seller, as it was very popular for small game hunting. The non-EFR 3-9 model was not quite as popular as the EFR model, but was still a good seller, as the BDC functionality proved to be very popular with target shooters and plinkers.

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire 3-9x40 BDC 150

This series was considered the 1st generation of the Prostaff Rimfire scope models and was phased out at the end of 2014.

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II Scopes

At the 2015 SHOT show, Nikon debuted the 2nd generation of the Prostaff Rimfire series, calling it the Prostaff Rimfire II series.

Compared to the 1st generation models, the Rimfire II scopes featured the following upgrades:

  • Featured slightly better glass
  • Had better eye relief (in my opinion)
  • Were a bit more compact
  • Weighed less
  • Were designed to integrate with a Nikon Custom Spot-On turret

The Prostaff Rimfire II scopes consisted of the following models:

Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 – This scope was built like the 1st generation rimfire model, using the same BDC functionality out to 150 yards. This scope also had a fixed parallax setting of 50 yards.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the BDC 150 reticle:

Nikon Prostaff BDC 150 Reticle

Here are some of the best deals I could find for the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II in 3-9. If you don’t see anything listed below, then it means that the deals either expired or ran out of stock.

Prostaff Rimfire II 4-12×40 BDC 150 – This scope model featured a more powerful 4-12 magnification range, also used Nikon’s BDC 150 reticle, and had a fixed parallax that was set at 75 yards.

Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 4-12x40 BDC 150 Reticle

Unfortunately, I was not able to locate any deals for the Prostaff Rimfire II scope in a 4-12 configuration.

For some reason, Nikon did not introduce a 2nd generation scope in the EFR configuration, which was disappointing to all the fans of the 1st generation EFR scope.

FAQS

Here are some of the frequently asked questions that I either am asked or see being asked online regarding the Nikon Rimfire scope models:

What’s a good Nikon .22 scope?

There are/were several Nikon scope models or series that work well on a .22, or most any rimfire scope, for that matter.

The most obvious option would be the scope models that Nikon made specifically for the .22, which were called the Nikon rimfire II scope series.

However, I’ve also used a Nikon Buckmaster 4-14×44 and a Nikon Monarch 5.5-20X44 on a 22LR as well.

If you need or want a power magnification range above 4-12, then you’ll need to look at a Nikon scope line above their dedicated Rimfire II series (Or as it’s also commonly listed, the Rimfire 2 series).

Where can I find a Nikon rimfire scope EFR model?

As far as the Nikon rimfire EFR models, those were only manufactured with the 1st generation Prostaff series, and they are very hard to find now. Your best bet will probably be to keep your eyes open on eBay to see if one pops up. I did locate a few of the Nikon EFR scope models for sale above.

The Nikon Rimfire EFR model seems to have gained some popularity since it was discontinued, as I get more inquiries about it now than I did when Nikon was making it.

Is there a Nikon rimfire scope for 17 HMR?

Although Nikon did not offer a rifle scope that was made explicitly for the 17 HMR, any of Nikon’s more recent scope models with a BDC reticle, used in conjunction with Nikon’s Spot-On BDC program, can be configured for a 17 HMR.

A customer at my day job uses the Prostaff Rimfire II scope in 4-12 on his CZ 452 in 17 HMR, and, using the data pulled from the Nikon Spot-On application, has consistently hit prairie dogs at distances of 250 to 300 yards, using the integrated BDC reticle.

What’s the difference between a Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 rifle scope and a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire BDC 150? They seem to have the exact same specifications?

Nothing really as they are the same scope. When the Prostaff Rimfire models were first introduced, Nikon had them branded as P-Rimfire scopes, but that was a bit confusing as Nikon also offered a P-22 scope series that was part of the Nikon P-Tactical scope family.

So, Nikon ended up changing the branding over to a less confusing “Nikon Prostaff” brand. It’s the same scope with slightly different branding.

I came across a great deal on a discontinued Nikon scope, so would you consider doing a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 review?

I had planned on doing an in-depth review of several Nikon scopes, including that specific model. However, as I look around online, I can see that there are close to 30 existing reviews of that scope already online.

While I’d like to put my thoughts and opinions of that scope into a review, there are already several excellent reviews of it out there. Just Google “Nikon Prostaff rimfire ii 3-9×40 review,” and you’ll see hours of material to read and videos to view on the topic.

Are the Nikon P rimfire scopes any good?

As I mentioned before, the P Rimfire and Prostaff Rimfire are the same scopes, so don’t let the slightly different model name confuse you.

Looking at the price point, especially now that they are being discounted, I think the Prostaff Rimfire series is/was a better than average scope. Except for the EFR model, I prefer the Rimfire 2 scopes over the 1st generation models as the glass and eye relief seems better.

I thought the P Rimfire scope models were an excellent mid-range scope option for a 22LR or most any other rimfire caliber. I think the optical quality, especially on the Rimfire II scopes, was much better than I expected for a dedicated rimfire scope.

The BDC functionality worked well, especially if you took the time to test different 22 loads and bullet weights.

Can you help me find a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire 4-12×40 scope for sale?

I’d be glad to help, but first, it’s important to understand that the 4-12 Nikon Prostaff Rimfire scopes were only offered in the Rimfire II scope series. I say that as you may have trouble locating what you’re looking for if you search on “Nikon Prostaff rimfire 4-12×40,” but leave the “II” designation off your search. Consider changing your search phrase to this instead: Nikon Prostaff rimfire ii 4-12×40.

I did list some links above showing where you can still find some of that specific Nikon scope model for sale.

Is there a Nikon rimfire scope for a 22 magnum?

Any of the Nikon rimfire scope models that are equipped with the Nikon BDC 150 reticle can be configured to work with a 22 magnum or 22WMR.

You would need to get all the necessary data like bullet weight, ammunition brand, speed from the muzzle, etc., and used that data in the Nikon BDC application to determine bullet drop for the 22 magnum round of your choice.

As I come across other information or deals for any of the Nikon Rimfire scopes, I’ll do my best to update this page.