What's The Best .22 Rimfire Scope???

[seagiant]

Hi,
Ok whats the best .22 scope that will work 100+ yards!:mrgreen:

[Doc Highwall]

What type of shooting are you going to use it for and what kind of gun will it be mounted in?

[seagiant]

What type of shooting are you going to use it for and what kind of gun will it be mounted in?

Hi,
Not to be flippant,but for shooting paper or plinking or hunting. For a bolt action or auto!

I don't want to get tied up in a specialty scope but one for all around use!

[triggerhappy243]

if you shoot cheap 22 ammo, it does not matter how good a scope you buy. garbage in, garbage out. I stopped hunting with my 22 because they do not group as well as my 17HMR or any of my other rigs.

[Driver man]

I use a cheap Tasco 4x32 ,have done for years and shoot up to 100yards. Ammo type is critical at 100 yds . If sighted in with std velocity ammo at 15yds it will shoot pretty much on to 75yds,give or take an inch or so and about 2.5inchs low at 100. Good ammo makes a difference in consistancy. I have had good results with CCI std.

[M-Tecs]

These are considered to be the "best" scopes made. Kind of pricy though!!!!!!!

http://www.usoptics.com/optics.html

http://marchscopes.com/

http://www.schmidtundbender.de/en/

If you want to go down in price and still have close to the "best" http://nightforceoptics.com/

For my rimfires I use mid-priced Leupolds or old T-series Weavers. They do everything I asked of them but they are far from the "best" scopes made.

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well...BEST..is subjective and most expensive may not be "best" for everyone! I admit the scopes you listed are out of MY ball park! I'm trying to set up a CZ 452 American as we speak! I have a Weaver 3x10x40 Tacticle to try out on it. I'm now turning some pillars for it and opened up the barrel channel to free float the barrel. We will see!

As was stated ammo is a big factor http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/22lr-rimfire-ammo-comparison-test/

[fouronesix]

Hi,
Ok whats the best .22 scope that will work 100+ yards!:mrgreen:

Most any modern scope will give resolution greater than the inherent accuracy of 22 rimfire much past 100yds.

I use a Leupold FX-1, 4x Rimfire on my Win M52 sporter and it seems to be a
perfect match. The shop around price for those is usually in the 250.00 +/- range.

[snowwolfe]

The best scope I have found for the money is the rimfire Weaver 3x9 with adjustable objective. You can occasionally find them on ebay for just under $200. There are better scopes but this one is a good compromise.

[BruceB]

I've been having excellent results by using the various "Muzzle-loader and Shotgun" scopes from a couple manufacturers.

Reasons:

-more durable than .22-specific scopes

-better field of view than most .22 sights (1" tubes help here)

-parallax-free setting at 75 yards (perfect for .22 RF in my book)

-good pricing, often under $100 for some models

[Doc Highwall]

You could look at a target scope for air rifles that have parallax adjustment and target knobs in something like a 3x-9x power.

http://www.airgunwarehouseinc.com/air-rifle-scopes.html

They can focus down to 10 meters/33 ft. and still be able to shoot 200 yards plus.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

you may wish to look over here for help too http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php

[seagiant]

you may wish to look over here for help too http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php

Hi,
Thanks fellas,good info all around and more options than I knew of! Oh yea, I'm all over Rim Fire Central but was wondering what people here thought!

[Doc Highwall]

One cheap scope I have is a Simmons 22Mag that is 3X-9X 32mm PA scope that I have mounted on a Marlin 39A that does not over power the rifle. It is clear and capable of focusing down to 7 meters and has a bar under the scope caps to adjust it so you do not need a tool. It is the only Simmons scope that I would buy and can be had for about $65.

[cuzinbruce]

One I can recommend is a Leupold 3-9 Compact EFR. The EFR let's you focus for the distance you are shooting at. And it is an excellent scope but pricey. I do have one on my Ruger 77/22 and am quite happy with it. I did have to get the extended rings to be able to mount it where it needed to be for eye relief.

[seagiant]

Hi,
Thought I would show a pic of my CZ LH 452 "American" with the Weaver Grand Slam 3X10X40 TAC on. I am waiting on a set of Burris Zee Rings to replace the ARMS#22 ring set that is now on there!

This scope is capable of focus at short ranges and may even be a little over kill for a .22,but it is what I have now and will use it just to see how the rifle shoots,

The guys over at RFC say you should have a decent scope with this rifle to get all it's got to get!:mrgreen:

[Ithaca Gunner]

I use a new Weaver K-4 Classic and am very happy with it. I think it was around $150.00 and compliments the rifle well.

[Doc Highwall]

I have Leupold 3.5x10x EFR, 6.5x-20xEFR, Leupold MK4 8.5x25x, and Weaver T36 all with target knobs and a Shepherd 3.5x10x P-22 , Unertl and Lyman Super Target Spot for my better 22's. I also have scopes like the Simmons and Redfield on other 22's that are more for plinking.

The sights are an important part of the gun whether it is for plinking or serious target shooting.

It is not what you have, but how you use it, and most important that you have fun doing it!

[lbaize3]

Try the Hawke IR 3X9 Rimfire scope. Sight it in for 50 yards and it has presets for 100, 150, 175 and 200 yards.

Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkIIO1QtAtA

[Plastikosmd]

I prefer Swarovski on my 22's for modern glass. No doubt over scoped but I watch the rounds go downrange at 50 and 100. 3-18x50, 30mm
40x sporter
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/plastikosmd/40x/17932d9dc643aff5f27696fb55548743_zps72c90230.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/plastikosmd/media/40x/17932d9dc643aff5f27696fb55548743_zps72c90230.jpg.h tml)

10/22

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/plastikosmd/shooting%20at%20cabin%20and%20facilities/d58ef0a7ea31e4e509f101ea0fb581a6_zps7c844b31.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/plastikosmd/media/shooting%20at%20cabin%20and%20facilities/d58ef0a7ea31e4e509f101ea0fb581a6_zps7c844b31.jpg.h tml)

[Doc Highwall]

Nice set up you have there with the 40X Plastikosmd. I have both the Winchester and Browning 52B's set up with the Leupold 3.5X-10X50mmEFR and 6.5X-20X40mmEFR scopes and on my Cooper I have a Shepherd 3.5X10X40mm. I love shooting my 22's out to 300 yards.

[Plastikosmd]

Thx!
I have a couple setups w unertls on them. That is what I prefer but I don't let others shoot them much, hence the setup above for friends and family

[seagiant]

Hi,
Wow! I thought I was over scoped with the Weaver Grand Slam! Now I feel like the poor cousin come to dinner!!!

Thanks for sharing!:mrgreen:

[Stonecrusher]

Not a Swarovski, but I have a Simmons 22Mag 2-7 AO on my CZ452. Other than the eye relief seeming to be a bit sensitive it has been good for the money. Been using it for about five years and the adjustments always repeat. Sighted for 50 yds then 11-12 clicks up for 75yds and 25-26 up for 100 yds. I shoot it out to 200 meters and don't have quite enough elevation for that range, but with it adjusted all the way up(190 clicks I believe) it is only about 5" low.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Back in the 1990's when I was in a rimfire Rifle league, I had a Leupold Vari-X II with Mil Dot reticle on my League gun (ruger 77/22). I used a couple other cheaper scopes, but Let me tell ya, the that leupold made all the difference for my particular situation...which was:

We shot at 25 yds, 50 yds, 75 yds, and 100 yds...each event.

I loved the clear glass of the Leupold, especially since we shot in the evenings toward the west, so the setting sun was always a concern, cheap scopes give a gray hazy image in that condition whereas a Leupold will remain crystal clear.

The Mil Dot reticle made for "NO mechanical adjustments" for our constant change of distance as well as for wind doping.

I'd say for plinking, the scope is really a personal thing,,,buy the best you can afford.

If you get yourself into a League or some other application where a special or "Best" scope would help greatly, it'd be best to pay attention to other shooters who are also in that league or application.
Good Luck,
Jon

[Bigslug]

Hi,
Not to be flippant,but for shooting paper or plinking or hunting. For a bolt action or auto!

I don't want to get tied up in a specialty scope but one for all around use!

Pick one of the Leupold EFR's in a power range that gives you the warm fuzzies. The ability to dial out parallax is HUGE when you decide to get serious about paper punching.

[Pakprotector]

The Leapers/UTG compact side wheel in 3-12x44 with the etched glass reticle is pretty fine at $150 from Pyramyd Air. I have now got three of them, and use them for target use out to 170 yards. The lit reticle works quite well, and at the price point the clarity and brightness are exceptional. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 AO with a DH reticle is slightly better in the clarity and brightness, but comes in at 2x the price. Its reticle is nowhere nearly as useful as the UTG too...:)

The sidewheel AO is not something I feel like doing without now that I have experienced it.
cheers,
Douglas

[Iowa Fox]

seagiant, I hope you will keep us posted on your project. I'm working on one myself and will be faced with picking a scope for it in the near future so I'm looking hard. I attached three links you might want to check out. I was with these guys this summer and plan to shoot with them in 2015.

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4246004005/m/6290051276

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4246004005/m/6810097276

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6196014935/m/6100064376

[seagiant]

Hi Fox,
Thanks for the links! Those guys (and gals) look like they know what they are doing!

I so far have relieved the barrel channel,installed pillars, backed off the factory spring to it's lightest setting and have installed a DIP base. I then installed my Weaver 3x10x40 TAC with Burris Zee rings!

I also installed a Graco stock extender as I am tall and this rifle had a short stock for me!

I'm now ready to go try it out but all the ammo I have is bulk Winchester. Need to see if I can pick up at least a box of Wolf Match just to give it a chance. I will probably end up bedding the stock and will probably stone a hair off the trigger engagement as this trigger is like a Win. model 70!

I'm going to shoot it like it is for now and see what I think. I put up a notice on the Equipment section about the Weaver scope. It is now on sale at Midway for $269! That is a steal for this scope. I paid $300 on sale and thought that was a hec of a bargain! Nice Japanese glass and construction!

[Doc Highwall]

seagiant, I looked at the Weaver scope that you mentioned and I like it except for one thing, no parallax adjustment making it no good for shooting at less then 100 yards for a 22. I really like to have zero parallax when shooting at close distances making for a clear view through the scope.

This is why I like the Leupold EFR scopes or air gun scopes that focus down to 10 meters or less on my 22's but if it will focus down to 25 yards I will be happy too.

[seagiant]

seagiant, I looked at the Weaver scope that you mentioned and I like it except for one thing, no parallax adjustment making it no good for shooting at less then 100 yards for a 22. I really like to have zero parallax when shooting at close distances making for a clear view through the scope.

This is why I like the Leupold EFR scopes or air gun scopes that focus down to 10 meters or less on my 22's but if it will focus down to 25 yards I will be happy too.
Hi,
As you can see I own this scope and have no problems with parralax or focus below 25/10 yds! The highest power it will focus at is 7 power at 10 yds but if you need that power at 10 yds to hit a target you probably have the wrong hobby! Just sayin a very nice scope to me! I would hardly reccomend a scope for a .22RF that wouldn't work! This scope is now on sale at Midway for $268 and is a excellent value!

It is also my opinion that AO is over rated,YMMV!

[Doc Highwall]

Seagiant, I have lens implants that do not allow the eye to focus any more so the view through the scope has to be sharp.

I remember when I was young and was able to have my eyes focus on the front sight now I need a lens to do that.

[olafhardt]

I take a different view. I set up rimfires to be squirrel rifles. I feel that a squirrel rifle should hit within one inch of the line of sight anywhere inside 35 yards. After making many measurements I just don't see squirrels further than 35 yards away in the woods. Of course the receiver sight is the king of squirrel sights. I even put them on my shotguns. Thus I can decapitate them at 10 feet. However as I approach 70 scopes have there appeal. I still need to have impact as close as possible to line of sight. This pretty well precludes the great big scopes and the AO's. I am currently working on a 17 HMR CZ 452 Lux with an old Bushnell 7/8 tube Custom 22 3×7. I have also had success with 20mm hand gun scopes mounted out on the barrels. The CZ Scout rifle and a 2X BSA or Bushnell handgun scope makes a great little gun to shoot out of a truck window which can be a useful to us country folks. I was amazed at how poorly the Leopold scope worked. It was some older 2× handgun scope. Of course at 35 yards there is little need for a lot of magnification. BTW the see through sights people like to use on rimfires may cause one of those embarrassing 10 foot misses.

[GhostHawk]

Why does everyone think every scope needs parallax adjustment? Do you have a cheek weld? Then it isn't moving is it?

I'm not saying there isn't a place for it. I just totally disagree that you can't have a scope without it or be totally handicapped.

[nagantguy]

Had smashing success with the BSA sweet .22 series. Your milage may very but been very fond of them in recent years and in sportsman's guide ect often find them for less than half msr.

[wallenba]

If you're a plinker and an occasional hunter like me, and don't want to break the bank, this one http://www.midwayusa.com/product/694106/nikon-p-rimfire-rifle-scope-2-7x-32mm-1-2-moa-adjustments-bdc-150-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding
I have one on a Ruger 10/22. Later I installed a DNZ one piece scope base, tightened things up even more. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/990994/dnz-products-game-reaper-1-piece-scope-base-with-1-integral-rings-ruger-10-22-matte-medium?cm_vc=ProductFinding

P.S. They come in several heights, check dimensions first if you order. Might have to remove rear iron sight and use slot blank. I use a .920 Shilen barrel and has no rear sight.

[Doc Highwall]

Why does everyone think every scope needs parallax adjustment? Do you have a cheek weld? Then it isn't moving is it?

I'm not saying there isn't a place for it. I just totally disagree that you can't have a scope without it or be totally handicapped.

The trouble is most scopes are focused for 100 yards meaning that anything that is at 100 yards is sharp and in focus, and farther objects are still pretty clear. Now when you take that same scope and try to look at something at 25 yards or less like in squirrel hunting and it will be blurry with higher magnification making it even worse.

About the lowest fixed power scope that can use parallax is 6X, anything lower does not need it, but a variable power such as a 3X-9X or more can use it.

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm with JonB in Glencoe, optics is one of the fields where it is almost impossible to cut cost without cutting quality. However, if you can tolerate some reduction in quality, you can sacrifice some quality in exchange for money spent.
100 yards is a long shot for a .22 rimfire, not impossible mind you, just very long.
I have a Leopold fixed 4 power, rimfire special scope on my .22 target rifle but I don't shoot at 100 yards. 4 power might be a be a bit of a handicap for fine target work at that range. A fixed 4 power with good glass is perfect for shorter ranges but if you're trying to make little groups at 100 yards you're going to need a bit more precision [magnification].
Now with that being said, .22 rimfires are strange animals and you have to find the right ammo to get the most out of them or the type of scope just becomes another academic detail.

[Petrol & Powder]

That's a great rifle Seagiant but somebody put the bolt handle on the wrong side :bigsmyl2:

[GhostHawk]

The trouble is most scopes are focused for 100 yards meaning that anything that is at 100 yards is sharp and in focus, and farther objects are still pretty clear. Now when you take that same scope and try to look at something at 25 yards or less like in squirrel hunting and it will be blurry with higher magnification making it even worse.

About the lowest fixed power scope that can use parallax is 6X, anything lower does not need it, but a variable power such as a 3X-9X or more can use it.

Ok so it can use it, OR you can just lower the power level and not need it right?

If your shooting air rifles or .22 at 25 yard targets in competition that is one thing.
Needing an expensive addition to a scope to shoot a squirrel when you can just crank the power level down is entirely another.

And thank you very much sir for making my point for me.

[Doc Highwall]

GhostHawk, I admit I am a competitor, I shoot a Anschutz 2002CA at 10 meters with a scope that is 14.5X-35X and a Anschutz 2013 with the same scope at 50' I also have a Anschutz Silhouette rifle with a Leupold 6.5X20X EFR scope for 25,50,75, and 100 yard shooting . I made up years ago when Winchester and Browning both came out with reproduction 52B's (have one of each), the Winchester has a 6.5X20X EFR with target knobs mounted on it that has been shot a lot at 200 yards and some 300 yards, The Browning has a Leupold 3.5x10x50mm EFR with target knobs mounted on it. To say I like my 22's would be an understatement.

[Plastikosmd]

^
for the love of god, pics please

[GhostHawk]

Doc, no hard feelings here.

I'm just a farm boy, but I didn't fall off the beet wagon last week.

Parallax adjustment is indeed very handy for those target shooters who desire high power at close range.
No argument there at all.

However thinking you need that same feature on a hunting scope is a mistake.
Lower power gives you a wider field of view, MUCH wider in some cases.

It doesn't matter if you can count the eyelashes on a squirrels eye if you miss the 2 squirrels one branch over offering you a great double tap shot because your zoomed in too far to see them.

In my experience the only people who consistently want parallax correction at high power at close range are competitors as yourself.

That takes a special kind of skill. You won't hear me running it down.
I'm of a slightly different persuasion. If I want to shoot .22 I prefer to burn gunpowder behind it. :)

That is not to say I don't see the advantage of some airguns. I have a mid 70's Sheridan that has thousands of pellets through it.
Your truck might quit, dog might die, lady's come and lady's go, but my Sheridan has never failed me.

But I am just a farm boy, I don't need that starling to fall dead from a pellet perfectly centered in its eye.
Anywhere in the head will do, as long as it falls. For what I need the Sheridan is a perfect match.

If I need more power and accuracy than that I move up to my Ruger 10/22 and a Bushnell 3-9 variable. (Came off my dad's .270 deer rifle)

You want to play with shotgun hulls at 100m, laying on their side, ok.

You may return to your regularly scheduled programing. This ol farm boy needs to drink some coffee.

[Doc Highwall]

GhostHawk, I know where you are coming from. I have on my 1895 Marlin a Leupold LPS 1.5X-6X 42mm scope and for my shotgun and muzzle loader have Nikon Monarch Gold 1.5X-6X 42mm scopes, unfortunately none of these scopes are made any more. My thinking about using a scope on a 22rf for hunting would be for shooting squirrels where you might only be able to see part of the head peering over a branch and a 9X-10X scope at 35-40 feet might come in handy. Some of the places I hunt it comes in handy.

[rosst]

EFR 6.5-20X40 TMR on my quad which is mostly used for shooting targets with the .22lr heavy varmint barrel .. but some of the time its used with the .17hmr barrel for sniping rabbits when theyre in plague numbers out to 200yds.
for sniping/target work the Leupold is a very fine scope indeed, with the burris rings plus inserts its capable of longrange work . . . but not my first choice if i wanted a plinker/walkabout rifle combo, adjusting the parralex is just to slow.

[22-250ohio]

I use a nightforce compitition br scope for my rimfire br guns. Cant be beat. Also the weaver t36 is a very good value

[fatnhappy]

Both of my scoped .22s wear Leupold glass. One wears a 2-7X .22 scope. The other a 3-9X AO with target turrets installed.

The boys over at rimfire central seem to think the Meuller APV is the cats meow. Having said that I stuck Leupold glass on my rifles. Take it for what you will.

Whatever glass you choose, if my opinion matters, please choose good glass. If I had the scratch I wouldn't be adverse to sticking a swarovski on a .22 I believe a good .22 deserves quality glass and ammunition.
YMMV.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/023.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/IMG_0101.jpg

FWIW the stupid 597 likes remington thunderduds. Go figure.

[Plastikosmd]

Amen, another of my rimfire w Swarovski , nice leupolds! Had to go shorter/ smaller on this one due to rear sight. 2.5-15x44 z6i

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/plastikosmd/brno%20611/20141019_091036_zpsrjvd3ps5.jpg

[Doc Highwall]

I put a Leupold 8.5-25x scope in my Anschutz and I was not able to focus it at 25 yards so I then mounted a Leupold 6.5-20EFR scope so now I am happy.

The high end glass is great but if it does not allow you to focus close enough for your purpose then what good is it. This is why I like scopes with parallax adjustment on my 22Lr guns that I shoot as close as 10-15 feet to 300 yards which is as long as my range goes.

[Hooker53]

IV been wondering for awhile how the BSA Sweet scopes are? I know you can get better and pay more but for just plinking, they are getting good reviews.

[gnoahhh]

At the risk of sounding humorous, if you are in need of a darn good but darn cheap 3/4" scope, check out the GAMO 2-7x they sell for use on air rifles. For the princely sum of $15 I think it is hard to beat for certain installations. I needed a small 3/4" scope to mount on my dainty little German single shot stalking rifle in 5.6x35R (.22 Hornet) which I feed cast bullets at rimfire velocities. A bigger "full size" scope simply dwarfed the rifle, and the older American 3/4" scopes were pretty crummy compared to this GAMO. It works beautifully, with nice clear optics. My only complaint was in regards to the el-cheapo rings that came with it, which was quickly remedied.

[roysha]

]One I can recommend is a Leupold 3-9 Compact EFR.[/B] The EFR let's you focus for the distance you are shooting at. And it is an excellent scope but pricey. I do have one on my Ruger 77/22 and am quite happy with it. I did have to get the extended rings to be able to mount it where it needed to be for eye relief.

YUP! I have 5 of them on various rifles, mostly CZ 452s and 527s and they are great.