Scope-newbie questions

[bobmcd]

My family mainly shoots shotguns, but also have a 10/22, a Henry lever action .22, and a Mini-14, all currently with iron sights. Last time I shot a rifle with a scope on it was about 20 years ago (and I didn't own that one).

I'm thinking about getting a scope or two, and was wondering what the more experienced shooters think about our options.

If you were to get just one scope, which of the three rifles would you put it on?

If you were to put a scope on the Mini-14 and one of the .22's, which of the .22's would you put it on?

Or should we just go ahead and put scopes on all three?

Is it practical or desirable to get scope mounts that allow using the iron sights?

 

[skoro]

If you were to get just one scope, which of the three rifles would you put it on?

The Mini-14, since it has by far the greater range.

If you were to put a scope on the Mini-14 and one of the .22's, which of the .22's would you put it on?

The 10/22

Or should we just go ahead and put scopes on all three?

That's what I'd do. All of my rifles have scopes, but it's kind of a have-to case in my situation. I wear bifocals and can't use open iron sights worth a damn any more. YMMV

Is it practical or desirable to get scope mounts that allow using the iron sights?

Not for me. And the mounts required make the rifle look very strange.

For your Mini-14, I just mounted a Burris Timberline 2-7x26 on mine last week. It's a compact scope that matches up very well with a short rifle like the Mini. Works like a charm. A full size 3-9x40 scope just looks all out of proportion and negates that rifle's good handling. And I've learned the hard way that scrimping on optics doesn't pay off. Go with some quality glass. You'll never regret owning a good scope. Just a suggestion.