At what magnification is a scope superior to iron sights?

[22-rimfire]

For me, 4x rimfire scope is what I like to start with on a 22 rifle. Of late, I am leaning toward 3-9x rimfire scopes, but honestly I do pretty well with the 4x out to 50 yds, but prefer the higher powered scope at longer ranges.

You Savage Mark II has some of the best peep sights on it for a factory rifle.

A lot depends on what you're used to. My Dad always preferred iron sights and I always preferred scopes. There is no question I shoot scoped rifles better.

 

[mshootnit]

4X is where the significant advantage begins. It has been proven but I would be at a loss to find the old test results online. Also 4-6 X is all you need for stellar groups at 100yds. Higher mag is only good for extended ranges.

 

[Smokey in PHX]

The rifle you have is very accurate. Shooting at 50 yards at easy to see targets with the peep sights can easily result in the same group size as when you use you scope. Also with a scope your movement of the rifle is emphasized due to the magnification. More concentration and trigger control is required. At fifty or 100 yards 4 power is all you should need to obtain good groups.