.22-250 varmint scope

[41magsnub]

I need a scope for my .22-250, it is a M70 with a bull barrel. Currently it has a Nikon 12x scope on it that is not worthy of the gun, but my deer rifle also needs a new scope and the Nikon would be perfect for it.

I would like something that is at least 20x both for longer shots and to help compensate for my crappy vision. Use of the rifle is varmints, prairie dogs and coyotes only.

I have $600 to spend on it, can go a little over but not much. Any recommendations?

 

[rcmodel]

In my opinion a 12x scope is just about perfect for a 22-250, and way too much for a deer rifle.

I have killed coyotes with one out past 500 yards, and prairie dogs past 400 with a 3-9 variable.

What more do you need?

rcmodel

 

[41magsnub]

I agree the 12x is a little much for the deer rifle, but the Tasco 3x9 that is on it finally picked up some moisture inside and is about done. Just because it goes to 12x doesn't mean I have to turn it up that high. The rifle is sort of a 100-200 yard rifle so I can really get away with any scope on it.

On the 22-250 I have a hard time even at 200 yards making out varmint sized objects. A Buddy has a Bushnell 20x scope on another rifle that I can see much better with at 300 yards.

Am I too focused on magnification and maybe should be thinking about eye relief and sizes? I am a total scope noob.

 

[Shawnee]

Sounds like you're in the same boat I am - possibly needing to invest in a pair of glasses before going shopping for a scope. Blur through a 20x scope is just as bad as blur through a 12x scope. Like RC - I am inclined toward scopes of 12x or less.

But with that said - my neighbor is trying to figure out the same dilemma you are. He's a big fan of 20x - 24x scopes but is finding out that scopes that powerful are costly IF they are any good.
This passed weekend he got his eyes opened by comparing a less-expensive scope to a Leupold. What he discovered was that - at low power - the two both looked good. But when he cranked the power up to the highest powers the difference between them (clarity & brightness) was absolutely night & day.
He was thoroughly shocked.

So he's "back to the drawing board again" because he doesn't want to spend the money for a high-power Leupold but still feels deprived if he has to settle for something like 12x or 14x. He's been down in the dumps about it and must have spent half the time this week on the I-net trying to come up with something.

If he comes up with a high-quality, high magnification scope for a medium price I'll pass the results along to this thread.

FWIW - I'll take brightness and clarity over magnification any day of the year.

Good Luck !

 

[skinewmexico]

I really like my Bushnell 4200. Great glass for the money.

 

[TIMC]

Shop around, I picked up this 6.5-20x40mm VXIII Leupold LR scope with varmint reticle for $620 on Ebay. Nice set up on my Remington 700 VLS in 22-250.

 

[Win75]

I have a Winchester M70 Coyote 22-250 with a MilDot reticle Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 mounted on it. It works fine for me.

 

[Bendutro]

Just bought the Nikon Monarch 5-20 X 44. Seems a best buy along with the Bushnell Elites.

 

[dakotasin]

a leupold 6-18x won't break the bank and will be serviceable.

a leupold 4.5-14 is about perfect for this application, but not inexpensive. a zeiss of the same size would also fit right in there.

i think the leupold fine duplex is the better reticle for varminting, but i think the zeiss z-plex is the best reticle for all-around use.

i have both leupolds and zeiss' and i think the leupold vx-3 is really tough to beat for this purpose at this price.

 

[32winspl]

I bought a Leupold VXlll long range 6X20X50 with the target turrets and Varmint reticle and paid ~$800 for use on a Rem 26" 22-250 synthetic hvy bbl. Works great even at 20x but only if I'm shooting off sandbags, otherwise, my heartbeat makes the reticle dance like crazy. I wish I'd bought the same scope in 4.5X-14. I think I could have saved $150 in doing so as well.

 

[Hokkmike]

I have experience with two "varmint" scopes.

The first was a Tasco Mag IV 6X24X40 variable and it was great. I made my longest ever groundhogs shots with it. I would buy another in an instant. Now, I have a Burris Signature Select 8X32X44 and I will never use all the power. I find myself hanging around 15X. Burris makes this model in a 4X16X40 which would sell around the $300 mark and be great for your gun. I consider Burris in a league with Leupold.

 

[41magsnub]

Thanks guys! I have some research to do now with all of these ideas.