.22 Remington 514--add scope?

[Hunter401]

New member here. Hope someone can advise. I have a single shot Remington 514, my first rifle purchased about 1950 when I was 10 years old, that is in good condition. However, my tri-focal eyes make it difficult to see front and rear sights, plus target (nuisance squirrels) such that the inaccuracy resulting is unacceptable. Question is, should I have it drilled for scope mounts, or preserve it in it's original condition, and simply buy a new .22 with scope (or at least scope mounts)? I value it as my "first rifle", recognizing that it has more sentimental than market value, but know it will be accurate with a decent scope. So, I am torn which direction to go.

Anyone have recommendations for a scope for the 514, or a replacement new/used rifle with scope at a reasonable price? I will not be using it much, so am reluctant to put much money into it.

 

[oldgold]

500 Series Remingtons are climbing in price all the time. Would cost you [in valus] about the same whether you drill and tap or buy a nice used or cheap new rifle.

Of course if you bought another rifle you would have a net gain in value. If you drill and tap, your out the loss in value of your rifle and the cost of buying a mount, scope and having it properly drilled and tapped.

It's really your choice. Have fun.

 

[woof]

My first is also a 514. I would not drill it. First, keep it as you once used it. Second, the sights are great and someday you will pass it to some youngster with the eyes for it. Buy something like a Savage Mark IIF if you want a bolt or a Marlin 60 for a semi and slap a scope on that.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

514 doesn't have a grooved receiver? I have a 511 that does is why I ask.

Anyway, not going to tell you to drill and tap or not. It's your rifle you should do what you want with it. Seeing that it has sentimental value to you I doubt that you'd want to sell it so the monetary portion of the equation doesn't matter.

What you have to decide is, do you want to drill holes in the gun that you've had for years to be able to still shoot it effectively and proficiently or do you want to keep it as is and just shoot it once in awhile at a paper target, not really caring about the result?

As far as Scopes go, I built a Remington 511 up from a barreled reciever, stock and all that. But for the life of me I couldn't find a decent front sight that fit in the dovetail. So I scoped it. BSA Sweets .22 series. 3 x 9. The 511 I use mainly for target shooting and it groups very well. I even did the see through scope mounts just in case I finally do find the front sight to fit lol.

Best of luck

 

[woof]

"Anyway, not going to tell you to drill and tap or not. It's your rifle you should do what you want with it."

Yes, but he did ask for opinions.

 

[M'bogo]

Save that older Remington. I'd look around and get a used newer .22LR that is ready for a scope to be mounted from the factory.

If you like bolt rifles look at the Savage MKII .22LR or the same rifle without the Accutrigger the Stevens Model 300 in .22LR. Both of the above rifles can be purchased as a combo with a scope already mounted.

M'bogo