A Rifle stock question, and an easy .22lr scope question

[GregGry]

Hello again, I would like to thank everyone for the help in my previous .22lr rifle thread. I am getting closer to deciding on a .22lr rifle, however I have 2 final (and hopefully easy questions) left right now. They are as follows:

I see that there are scopes labeled as a rimfire scope (Such as one from BSA and leupold) and then of course just plain rifle scopes. I know the BSA scope has some sort of device that can correct for bullet weights, and the other rimfire labeled scopes do not. In the case of the leupold which doesn't have any fancy calibration for bullet weights, why should I pay the money when I can get a quality leupold scope for a normal rifle for 160$ (40$ less then the rimfire version)? Is the reticle on the .22lr scope smaller? Is the body of the scope smaller? I can't seem to figure this out.


The other thing I was wondering is that I have found numerous .22lr rifles I like that have laminated thumbhole stocks. I found that my thumb does not fit well in 90% of them, my big thumb joint doesn't have as much movement as I would like (or is this how they are supposed to be). Does anyone have experiance with making the thumbhole a bit larger on laminated stocks? I have all the wood working tools and experiance to tackle such a job. My issue is that I have no idea if a laminated stock would be able to have the hole enlarged without any issues. That and if I were to enlarge it I would probably have to strip the clearcoat/varnish on the entire stock and redo it so it all matches. Of course thats not a 5 minute job either. If anyone has any ideas I am open. Thanks -Greg

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

Im using a normal rifle scope with my 10/22 and its just fine. Im not sure what difference rimfire and normal rifle scopes have but I think it may have something to do with elevation adjustments and focusing to shorter distances....(just a guess) Maybe someone smarter could explain....

 

[rangerruck]

skip rimfire scopes, unless you just want small. they are typically 3/8 inch tubes, made for 3/8 inch rings, mounts, stuff like that. just get a small rifle scope, say a fixed 4 or 6 power with a 30 or 32 mm objective, or a 3x9 with a 32 mm objective, that is what i typically get, unless I put on a giant varmint scope.

 

[rangerruck]

oh yeah, one more thing... if it says BSA, then run away!...

 

[11c2v]

Dodge the BSA, Simmons, and Tasco!
Better off with iron sights than a cheap scope.
If you want a thumb hole, and think you can handle reworking it, then do it.
Blue skies

 

[Tarvis]

I say get a stock that fits you, as opposed to modifying one. Also, as far as I know, rim fire scopes are not made to handle recoil of larger cartridges like regular scopes, along with different dimensions and what-not. The BSA scopes may seem cool because they are "calibrated" for different 22lr bullets, but that doesn't make up for low quality glass, adjustments and coatings. I don't know anything about their warranty, but Leupold's is hard to beat.

 

[22-rimfire]

Don't even consider a scope that is less than 1" in diamter on a rimfire. The days of 7/8" dia scopes on rimfires is over. You see these small diameter scopes on air rifles still.

The reason some scopes are labeled "rimfire" is that normal rifle scopes are adjusted to be clear and sharp at about 100 yds. At shorter ranges you will get parallax which can effect your point of aim relative to the scope crosshairs. It is a real phenomena.

Rimfire scopes are adjusted to 50 or 60 yds which are typical rimfire ranges. Unless you are shooting long ranges, buy a rimfire scope. If you are shooting long range anyway with a rimfire, buy something like the Mueller mentioned below.

There are also AO (Adjustable Objective) scopes that are used for rimfires, especially by the benchrest and target crowd. An example is the Mueller 4.5-14x ($120) which can be focused down to 15 yds (I believe). I never shoot at that range with such a scope, but it is possible to adjust the focus to that close of a range.

Many scope companies make AO scopes now. I like the Weaver 3-9x AO rimfire scope a lot. I've got two and yes they cost a tad more than some at about $220 each. Weaver rimfire scopes are EXCELLENT!

 

[Clipper]

I have several BSA scopes, including a few 'Sweet' series...Includind a sweet .22. They are excellent scopes, and work as advertised. My wife loves her sweet .22 2X7 A/O...

rangerruck must really like that little jingle of his, as he relentlessly scours the forums for the chance to spout it...Hey, why not just include it in your sig...