Adrift in a sea of scope options...
- Thread starter dehughes
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What's your budget? What's your objective (no pun intended)? What magnification do you like or need? Forget about see-through rings unless you're absolutely set on them. Personally, I'd rather have a set of QD rings (e.g. Warne) so that I could switch between optics and irons if necessary or desired. That 60SS is a nice rifle by the way and one that I've being considering. I'd want to keep the scope as close to the bore as possible so I'd go with a small objective and the lowest rings that would work ... but that's just me.
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CoRoMo
Member
Choosing a manufacturer that offers a Lifetime Warranty will narrow down the options a bit. Also, do you have a budget in mind?
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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OK:
1. What are you going to do with it (hunting or target shooting or both?)
2. What's the actual max budget?
3. Are you willing to buy used, or new only?
Answer those and we can help.
But right off the bat, forget all about see-through rings - you want the line of sight low on a .22, for several reasons.
1. What are you going to do with it (hunting or target shooting or both?)
2. What's the actual max budget?
3. Are you willing to buy used, or new only?
Answer those and we can help.
But right off the bat, forget all about see-through rings - you want the line of sight low on a .22, for several reasons.
See....the wisdom of those who have been there is just what I need. No see-through rings for me, then.
Budget: Oh, I dunno...something under $200 would be wise (someone somewhere said spend as much on the scope as the rifle), but then, I don't want to "overspend" on a .22 rimfire scope. Again, I don't want the scope to outclass the rifle (may as well buy more ammo or a nice CZ...).
Used: I don't mind buying used, but I'm inclined to buy new for the sake of 1) warranty, and 2) because I know how some people treat their stuff (poorly), and I'm kind of a priss.
Usage: Target, fun, hunting....no competitions or 100yd squirrel-eye shots expected in my near future.
Many thanks...
Budget: Oh, I dunno...something under $200 would be wise (someone somewhere said spend as much on the scope as the rifle), but then, I don't want to "overspend" on a .22 rimfire scope. Again, I don't want the scope to outclass the rifle (may as well buy more ammo or a nice CZ...).
Used: I don't mind buying used, but I'm inclined to buy new for the sake of 1) warranty, and 2) because I know how some people treat their stuff (poorly), and I'm kind of a priss.
Usage: Target, fun, hunting....no competitions or 100yd squirrel-eye shots expected in my near future.
Many thanks...
So how about a Leupold FX-I 4x28mm Matte Rimfire (Fine Duplex) for $219.95 (Bear Basin)
Leupold FX-I 4X28mm rimfire
That could work ... or you could get an FX-I 2-7x28mm for the same price.
Leupold FX-I 4X28mm rimfire
That could work ... or you could get an FX-I 2-7x28mm for the same price.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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OK, so we've got:
1. New
2. Under $200
3. *Mostly* target shooting, but some hunting, and most if not all target shooting will be 50 yards or less, sounds like...
First off, in magnification, for those purposes, I'd go with a fixed 6 power, or one of these variables: 2-7, 3-9, or 4-12.
One scope in that price range is the Bushnell 'Banner' 4-12x40 with adjustable objective. These run $85 - $110 plus shipping.
For a little more however (right at $150), the Vortex 'Diamondback' 4-12x40 is supposed to be a pretty good scope.
You might also look at the Mueller 3.5-10x44 Sport Dot. Or a Swift Premier 4-12x40AO
I like 4-12 best for that use (mostly target shooting) - the 12x will really help at 50 and 75 yards, but you can still dial down to 4 for hunting (4x is about the 'maximum minimum' I'd want to have on a .22 hunting scope).
Get GOOD, low steel rings.
Oh that FX-1 Leupold 2-7x28mm sounds good at a little over $200. Also, for about $100, the Weaver K-series rimfire in the same config is pretty good (2-7x28mm).
To sum up:
--If it's mostly for hunting, then I'd get a 1-4, 1.5-4, 1.5-5, fixed 4, 1.75-6, or 2-7
--If it's mostly for target shooting, then I'd get a 2-7, 3-9, fixed 6, 4-12, 4.5-14, or even 6-18.
1. New
2. Under $200
3. *Mostly* target shooting, but some hunting, and most if not all target shooting will be 50 yards or less, sounds like...
First off, in magnification, for those purposes, I'd go with a fixed 6 power, or one of these variables: 2-7, 3-9, or 4-12.
One scope in that price range is the Bushnell 'Banner' 4-12x40 with adjustable objective. These run $85 - $110 plus shipping.
For a little more however (right at $150), the Vortex 'Diamondback' 4-12x40 is supposed to be a pretty good scope.
You might also look at the Mueller 3.5-10x44 Sport Dot. Or a Swift Premier 4-12x40AO
I like 4-12 best for that use (mostly target shooting) - the 12x will really help at 50 and 75 yards, but you can still dial down to 4 for hunting (4x is about the 'maximum minimum' I'd want to have on a .22 hunting scope).
Get GOOD, low steel rings.
Oh that FX-1 Leupold 2-7x28mm sounds good at a little over $200. Also, for about $100, the Weaver K-series rimfire in the same config is pretty good (2-7x28mm).
To sum up:
--If it's mostly for hunting, then I'd get a 1-4, 1.5-4, 1.5-5, fixed 4, 1.75-6, or 2-7
--If it's mostly for target shooting, then I'd get a 2-7, 3-9, fixed 6, 4-12, 4.5-14, or even 6-18.
Wow. Thanks all! I'll look over those recommendations for sure. I was kinda stuck between a set of Tech Sights and a scope for my 60SS, but I'm leaning towards scope...mostly at the prodding of a good friend of mine, who has owned a scoped Marlin 60 for some time now.
1858 makes an excellent point - Quick Detatchable ring.
Rimfire Tecnologies makes a Picatinny rail for the 60. Then you can use Weaver/Picatinny rings.
Reason:
Some 60's slip the rings. (there are other fixes)
You can remove / reinstall without losing zero. Nice when cleaning.
You can use the 60 to test other scopes easily. I took a scope off of a Rem700 and put it on my 60 then put it back on the 700. Or I can try a scope on the .22 first. Ammo & travel cost make that option nice.
Parallex on many scopes is set too far for a .22lr. Adjustable is the ultimate.
Rimfire Tecnologies makes a Picatinny rail for the 60. Then you can use Weaver/Picatinny rings.
Reason:
Some 60's slip the rings. (there are other fixes)
You can remove / reinstall without losing zero. Nice when cleaning.
You can use the 60 to test other scopes easily. I took a scope off of a Rem700 and put it on my 60 then put it back on the 700. Or I can try a scope on the .22 first. Ammo & travel cost make that option nice.
Parallex on many scopes is set too far for a .22lr. Adjustable is the ultimate.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
One check on a used scope: Look through "wrong end to". That way, you can see any chips or nicks on the edges of a lens.
For just plinking or hunting, a fixed 4X is plenty good. Higher power can help you see the holes in paper, but that's about all the benefit. For target shooting with a plinker/hunter, add some sort of spotting scope to the gear. Even El Cheapo telescopes work at 100 yards.
Not saying Weaver mounts are the "best" but they work just fine on everything from .22s to '06s, for sure. They're certainly cost effective.
For just plinking or hunting, a fixed 4X is plenty good. Higher power can help you see the holes in paper, but that's about all the benefit. For target shooting with a plinker/hunter, add some sort of spotting scope to the gear. Even El Cheapo telescopes work at 100 yards.
Not saying Weaver mounts are the "best" but they work just fine on everything from .22s to '06s, for sure. They're certainly cost effective.
Uncle Mike
Member
Go to your nearest local gunshop, ask the dealer to order you an Intensity brand scope from Bill Hicks...he'll know who it is.
Bill Hicks will not sell retail, or to anyone without a FFL, so your going to have to go through a dealer.
These scopes are just plain excellent for what they cost, they are the same as the Weaver 40/44 line, Intensity is discontinued but there are still some floating around.
These scopes with the Weaver green oval on them are in the $200 to $300 range retail, depending on options, the exact same scope, made by the same folks, but with the Intensity badge on it will be in the $100 range retail. No mater what the options.
Also, there are a few Simmons Aetecs that use this same unit.
Excellent scopes. 4-12X44AO
3-10X44, 6.5-20X44AO, 2.8-10X44 Aspherical, 3.8-12X44 AO, Aspherical.
Very limited quantities, they do still have some, spoke with them this AM.
Now, if you don't want to fuss with all that...Weaver 40/44 Series, check them out, great scopes, good prices.
Bill Hicks will not sell retail, or to anyone without a FFL, so your going to have to go through a dealer.
These scopes are just plain excellent for what they cost, they are the same as the Weaver 40/44 line, Intensity is discontinued but there are still some floating around.
These scopes with the Weaver green oval on them are in the $200 to $300 range retail, depending on options, the exact same scope, made by the same folks, but with the Intensity badge on it will be in the $100 range retail. No mater what the options.
Also, there are a few Simmons Aetecs that use this same unit.
Excellent scopes. 4-12X44AO
3-10X44, 6.5-20X44AO, 2.8-10X44 Aspherical, 3.8-12X44 AO, Aspherical.
Very limited quantities, they do still have some, spoke with them this AM.
Now, if you don't want to fuss with all that...Weaver 40/44 Series, check them out, great scopes, good prices.
I'd look to spend a hundred or less. I know that you pay for the glass you get, but for informal plinking and occasional hunting on a low-recoil .22LR, I'd just get a less expensive fixed 4x or 6x with a warranty.
Nicer glass is always good. It just depends on the application and range, I guess.
Nicer glass is always good. It just depends on the application and range, I guess.
Maverick223
Member
That is the way I would lean, that or a Sightron S-I. If you want to spend less...much less (and there is nothing wrong with that on that particular rifle), the Bushnell fixed 4x from WW will fix you up on the super-cheap.
You know, this does get me thinking again....even with the killer options listed here, what are your honest thoughts regarding scoping my 60 vs. putting on some very nice iron sights (Tech Sights)? I really do like iron sights (especially the ones on my 1903A3), and part of me thinks this would be the smart thing to do, but then I get so many recommendations for scoping my Marlin 60. What would you guys do? I'm a relatively new shooter (less than 1 year), so I'm relying on the collective wisdom of those with far more experience than I.
Maverick223
Member
Several thoughts: For me optics are important for target work, particularly the wee rimfires, as my eyes aren't terribly great. ...but, it is always good to become proficient with irons before transitioning to optics, for back-up purposes and familiarity with adjusting and utilizing irons. If you are already proficient with basic irons, i'd say get a low-magnification scope for more versatility.
ol' scratch
Member
Check out Redfield scopes. The name was purchased by Leupold. If you have more of a budget, check out Leupold. They have what I call the Idiot warranty. It doesn't seem to matter what happens to the scope, they fix it. Also a great product. I have a VX III and really like the scope.
http://www.redfield.com/
http://www.leupold.com/
http://www.redfield.com/
http://www.leupold.com/
rangerruck
Member
first off, drop the see thru sites; they will make the 22lr , which allready has an arcing trajectory, now will turn it into a football throw type trajectory!!!!
If you can get bkl, or kwik site mounts, they are both very good; mod 60's are infamous for incredible amount of scope walk.
Next off, what is cheap and good, and has good magnification, is the tasco varmint series scopes, I have 3. and you can never go wrong with weaver, mueller, or nikon, with a higher power than 12x. vortex is an interesting option as well. But remember this; if you like clarity, Weaver scopes use Japanese glass, and have about 95% light transmission. Nice.
If you can get bkl, or kwik site mounts, they are both very good; mod 60's are infamous for incredible amount of scope walk.
Next off, what is cheap and good, and has good magnification, is the tasco varmint series scopes, I have 3. and you can never go wrong with weaver, mueller, or nikon, with a higher power than 12x. vortex is an interesting option as well. But remember this; if you like clarity, Weaver scopes use Japanese glass, and have about 95% light transmission. Nice.
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