"Rimfire" scopes vs. general purpose scopes

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gunsrfun1

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I'm going to be putting a scope on my CZ-452 Trainer, which is a .22, to turn it into a 100-yard shooter. I'm thinking of getting a 4-12 power scope. My question is whether I really need a "rimfire" scope in general. My understanding is that from an optics point of view, the main difference between a "rimfire" scope and a regular scope (everything else being equial) is the parallax setting. That is, rimfire scopes usually have a parallax setting of 50 yards, vs. 100 yards (generally speaking) for other scopes.
Reason I ask is that there are more general-purpose scopes out there than "rimfire" scopes, so I would have greater choices. Plus, I could also use a general purpose scope on a center-fire gun if I chose to.
And since I am setting it up for 100 yards, nothing would be lose in getting a general purpose scope.
Am I correct on all counts?
Thanks
 
Yup. :D

That's my understanding as well, at least as far as good quality Rimfire scopes are concerned.
 
My understanding is that from an optics point of view, the main difference between a "rimfire" scope and a regular scope (everything else being equial) is the parallax setting. That is, rimfire scopes usually have a parallax setting of 50 yards, vs. 100 yards (generally speaking) for other scopes.

Durability as well; even quality rimfire scopes aren't designed to take the recoil of centerfire rifles. They usually have smaller tubes, too, and obviously any kind of trajectory calibrated reticle is not the same.

But no, there's nothing wrong with using other scopes. I have standard rifle scopes on half of my rimfire rifles.
 
Durability as well; even quality rimfire scopes aren't designed to take the recoil of centerfire rifles.

I'm not saying you are wrong but I was told by our Leupold rep when I sold optics that their Rimfire scopes are made to the same standard as their centerfire scopes, that the only difference between them was parallax setting on non AO/Side Focus scopes.
 
I'm not saying you are wrong but I was told by our Leupold rep when I sold optics that their Rimfire scopes are made to the same standard as their centerfire scopes, that the only difference between them was parallax setting on non AO/Side Focus scopes.

A Dakota is built to the same standards as a Ram 3500. Doesn't mean it can handle what the larger truck does.

I doubt Leupold would give any of us anything from the TDP on their optics, but it's highly unlikely they are using tube material or glass as thick as the centerfire scopes. And remember, they have different grades of centerfire scopes as well.

That doesn't mean some rimfire scopes wouldn't hold up on some centerfire rifles. But use the right tool for the right job anyway. Spring powered air rifles can wreck good quality centerfire rifle scopes; doesn't mean it was a crap scope, just that it wasn't designed to deal with forward recoil impulses.
 
And remember, they have different grades of centerfire scopes as well.
Leupolds "different grades" ISN'T in the strength of their scopes...

It IS in the number of and quality of the "coatings" on their lens and also the quality of the glass itself... It's also in the features offered in different models...

Even their cheaper models will take heavy recoil ect...

AND, NO the Dakota will NOT haul the same heavy load that a Ram will....

DM
 
Leupolds "different grades" ISN'T in the strength of their scopes...

It IS in the number of and quality of the "coatings" on their lens and also the quality of the glass itself... It's also in the features offered in different models...

Not true. That's the difference between the offerings in the VX series. Their cheap scopes are made in China, and certainly aren't the same quality as the gold ring models.
 
IMHO, a big variable like a 4-12x is a mistake on a .22LR. I have seen serious parallax issues at 50yds with centerfire variables on higher magnifications. I'd recommend an adjustable objective for that type of optic on a rimfire.
 
DM~ said:
Leupolds "different grades" ISN'T in the strength of their scopes...

It IS in the number of and quality of the "coatings" on their lens and also the quality of the glass itself... It's also in the features offered in different models...


Not true. That's the difference between the offerings in the VX series. Their cheap scopes are made in China, and certainly aren't the same quality as the gold ring models.

DM~ is correct about the strength of Leupold scopes. Also all Gold Ring scopes ARE made in the US.
 
DM~ is correct about the strength of Leupold scopes. Also all Gold Ring scopes ARE made in the US.

Have you something comparing the entry level Rifleman to the VX or CQ-T series to substantiate this claim? Because when I hear about problems with Leupold products, it's usually regarding the Chinese Rifleman or Wind River stuff, which is empirical evidence that those lower end imported products are not made to the same quality and durability standards as the VX and others.

Yes, I'm well aware that the gold ring models are made in Oregon, although they are using more and more imported components, possibly why they no longer state country of origin on many models. "Made in USA" vs. "Assembled in USA" requirements set forth by the FTC have gotten a number of manufacturers in hot water as they outsourced bits over time that used to be done here.
 
I'm strictly talking Gold Ring scopes. Leupold's whole reputation and marketing strategy pretty much revolves around "Made in the U.S.A. for their Gold Ring scopes. If you want to focus on the Rifleman and other non Gold Ring series go ahead.
 
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I'm strictly talking Gold Ring scopes.

You did not specify that.

If you want to focus on the Rifleman and other non Gold Ring series go ahead.

I'm not focusing on anything, simply refuting the assertion that all Leupolds are made to the same standard. All of my Lupys are gold ring VX II & III, would sooner buy a Nikon, Weaver or Vortex at the Rifleman pricepoint.
 
Actually, "I" thought we were talking about their "rimfire" scopes, and all of mine are gold ring... so...

DM

I don't believe they even offer a cheapy rimfire model.

Overall, Leupold's quality is certainly less variable than Bushnell, Burris, Nikon, Vortex and many other makers. You couldn't give me the bottom end Bushnell stuff, but their Elite 6500 series are wicked optics. Likewise, Nikon Prostaffs are OK entry level glass, then you have the Buckmasters, on up to the Black series and Monarchs. I really like my 6.5-20x Monarch.
 
I have an Elite 4200, it is an excellent scope. I've owned a few Fullfield's, they are good scopes. Don't own any Nikon because I don't see as well through them but they make some good scopes. I like Leupold and Meopta best in scopes I can afford.

When it comes to Rimfire scopes I like Clearidge.
 
The difference between rimfire scopes and centerfire scopes, quality aside, is that rimfire scopes are built to focus at close range. Unless you have an adjustable focus like side focus or objective lens focus you will not be able to see close targets or they will be out of focus. On some scopes you can adjust the objective to refocus. Centerfire scopes focus at longer range. I have used 4x scopes on 22lr rifles. Some cheap scopes like Gamo are so bad you can barely see thru them at all. Simmons and other cheap American brands are better but not very durable due to plastic adjustment parts inside. They are ok for range use on a .22 In my opinion but not centerfire and hunting is iffy. Some guys like Weaver or Mueller scopes for rimfires. You will thank yourself if you get a decent scope.
 
I may have a minority opinion here, but I view the .22 LR as a 50 yard cartridge. I have a 50-50 mix of rimfire specific scopes and "regular" scopes on my .22 rifles, but all the "regular" scopes have adjustable objectives. For me, 12X at 50 yards is too little magnification for serious target work. I prefer 18X as a minimum, and have 24X or 25X scopes on my more serious rimfire rifles.
 
20170213_161951-3.jpg A couple of my serious 50 yard rimfire target guns have 36x scopes. I have friends that use 45x and 46x.
 
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