Budget rimfire scope: BSA, Barska, Mueller

[breeze010]

I'm looking for a scope to replace the cheap simmons currently on my 597 but want something relatively inexpensive since I just plink with this gun. Currently considering:

BSA Sweet 22 (3-9x40AO - $40) (6-18X40AO - $80)
Barska 6.5-20x50AO - $50
Mueller APV 4.5-14x40AO- $130

The BSA scopes are the older models with AO instead of side focus. Scope will be used for plinking mostly from 50-125yds. BSA scope has my interest because the bullet drop calibrated knobs seem like they would be great for plinking at various ranges. OTOH I would like a little more magnification at 100yds+ than the 9x I currently have so I'm considering the Barska. The BSA 6-18X40AO would be the best of both I guess but almost double the price of either.

-Does anyone have any experience with the Barska or BSA scopes? If I can get a fairly clear picture and a scope that holds a zero I will be happy...I'm generally plinking cans and clays not competitive target shooting. I see a lot of negative opinions regarding BSA and Barska. At their original $120+ MSRP I can see how they're not a good value but for under $50 I don't think I will find anything comparable.

-I see the APV recommended fairly often for 22's, how much difference will I see for almost 3x the price? The MSRP is in the same range as the others, is the glass/quality difference really that noticeable?

-Any other recommendations? I would like to spend under $75 or so on the scope but would be willing to spend more on something in the APV's price range if the difference is truly noticeable. Seems like all 3 I posted should be fairly close in quality and I'd be better off buying the dirt cheap options and upgrading later if I feel the need. But I haven't used any of the 3 manufacturers much less models I listed so what do I know.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I have BSA's on a lot of rimfires and a few centerfire's too. They all hold zero better than scopes of years gone by. They are an outstanding value as long as you are not hunting in low light.

 

[sniper5]

My wife put a BSA Sweet22 3-9 on her 10/22 for the range and loves it. Optics are sharp and it seems to hold zero. YMMV

 

[slowr1der]

For $75 my advice would be go to Walmart and pick up a Center Point 4-16x40. That's what I'd do anyway. Decent, not great, but decent glass, good turrets, and just an all around good scope for a .22 imo.

 

[Averageman]

I used to go to WalMart and ask the Clerk about their display model scopes.
Scopes change every year or so and the last time I checked they had a basket full of decent scopes for dimes on the dollar.
I got several this way.
Bushnell and Burris I believe.

 

[rjfunk]

I have a Tasco 6-24x42 AO on my marlin 25N and love it. The turrets are quite repeatable (I've shot out to 250 yards with the turrets with very good results.) The glass isn't great, but at this price range none of them will be. When the light gets dim, you have to dial down the power to see. Best advice is to go to the store and look through them. My brothers both have Barska 6-24's and I would take my Tasco over them any day.

 

[wingman]

Imo the best 22 scope going is the Mueller APV, I've used one about 4 years glass clarity
edge to edge is super good actually better then my Nikon Monarch.

 

[paulo]

Mueller

 

[rcmodel]

About 3 years ago, I went through three brand new BSA air rifle scopes from Cabala's (75 mile round trip each time) in two weeks.

Had I figured the gas costs, my wasted time, and shot several hundred rifle cartridges instead of air rifle pellets trying to get a scope that adjusted properly and held zero?

I could have bought a $400 dollar Leupold in the first place, and still been money & time way ahead!

rc

 

[godale]

the guys on rimfire central say alot of good things about the muellers. i think thats the route i would go.

 

[skinnymac]

wal mart center pioint 4-16X40. target turrents, rings, flip caps, mil dot, red/green crosshair..... the whole 9 yards.... got one on a 17hmr, spent last weekend shooting it out to 400yards. works like a champ.. wouldnt put it on anything high cal though.