In need of a GOOD .22 scope recommendation

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Geneseo1911

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I have a Marlin 25N (.22LR, bolt action) that I would like to use as a target rifle/"tacky-tickle rifle" trainer. My thought is to shoot it at 25-300 yds. to learn about dialing in bullet drop, compensating for wind, etc., as well as learning about accurizing a factory rifle. I think I'm at the stage where I need a better scope.

Here's what I THINK I want:
-variable power 3x9, maybe a bit more?
-adjustable parallax
-mil dot reticule (preferably), or some sort of BDC
-finger-adjustable turrets (preferably return to zero)
-quality

I'm looking for something pretty good, but I don't want to spend more than $750, and would prefer to stay under $500. If I can't make the Marlin perform, I would probably buy a better rifle, so the scope needs to be somewhat future proof. Basically, I'm looking for a scope that will remove any doubt from the sighting system so I can concentrate on the rifle's performance.

I'm not real familiar with good scopes. Most of my interest lies in iron-sighted, moderate speed, medium drag, military rifles, and all the scopes I own are cheap and old. Any suggestions are welcome, but I'm pretty certain I DON'T want a Barska, BSA, Simmons, NC Star, etc.

I'm leaning heavily towards the VX-2 3-9x33mm EFR. Any other suggestions? Can any VX-2 be fitted with the CDS dials, or must I buy the CDS version? I one buys the CDS version, does it come with a voucher for a free knob (I understand they did at one time)? The Mark AR Rimfire also looks good.

Leupold's website sucks.
 
Simmon Whitetail Classic with Mildot reticle $130

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...mm-adjustable-objective-mil-dot-reticle-matte

Get the sunshade too.

The problem is that at 300 yards, the bullet drop for 22lr is gonna be around 100 inches, and I that is something difficult to compensate for.

Oops, just reread that you don't want a Simmons. Pity. This scope has a variable objective for adjusting parallax. This is the scope I use on my Volquartsen 10/22. It is very versatile.
 
I'm not sure what the difference is on a standard scope and a "rimfire" line other than rimfire lines tend to be priced low.

Make sure you buy something with exposed "target knobs" in MOA or MIL if you're looking at using it as a trainer for a rifle system. I think hunting or rimfire lines tend to use capped turrets that require a coin to adjust.
 
Really liking my nikon pro staf 2-7x33 on my 357 lever. I bought a 4x from nikon for the ruger 10/22 i'll buy when I can find one but may just sell it if I don't like it and get another 2-7x. It is an amazing scope in versatility.
 
What are your target sizes gonna be?
Click to expand...

Great question. I dunno. I guess I'd like to be able to shoot at 1" squares @ 100yds. Moving out to 200 and up, I'd be satisfied hitting a torso sized target.

I actually have a 3-9X Simmons 8 point. It has been a decent scope, and is on my muzzeloader currently, but I'm wanting to go a little higher end for this rifle. I guess I've tried cheaper scopes, and would now like to try something [strike]nicer[/strike] more expensive to see if they're everything they're cracked up to be.

I took the 3-9x out the other day at 100 yds, and decided 9X was plenty, but now I'm starting to wonder if 9X is enough, especially as I try to get out further.

SWFA SS 10x
Click to expand...

I was looking at those, and I hear they're great, but the AO models are more than a similar Leupold. My understanding is that the AO feature is KEY for a rimfire since it will be used at sub 100yd ranges.

I'm probably overly stuck on Leupold based purely on name recognition and reputation.
 
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I've got a CZ 453 Varminter .22 with a Leupold 4.5x14x40 VX-3. The light gathering and clarity is amazing. Probably over kill for a .22, but I sure like it.

Took out some of the neighbor kids that had never shot a gun before (they are 13 and had their dads along). They were hitting a 2" steel at 100 yards nearly every shot. If it's not out of your price range, it's a really nice scope. Dunno about the target turrets. If you're set on Leupold, call them. They are fantastic to deal with. 1-800-LEUPOLD

SWFA has the Zeiss Conquest on sale for $399 with a $100 rebate thru the end of the year. I'd look pretty hard at that. Worst case, you could get your money back selling it used. I just bought a LX-7L or I'd buy the Zeiss
 
I'm not sure what the difference is on a standard scope and a "rimfire" line other than rimfire lines tend to be priced low.
Click to expand...

Parallax.

I have the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x-40 Rimfire. I enjoy it. It doesn't have parallax adjustment, but is parallax free at 50 yards. I can't shoot past 100 yards so I can't comment on anything past that.

I have the non-rimfire prostaff and it's parallax free at 100 yards so that's the difference.
 
www.rapidreticle.com OOhrraahh--SWEET reticle, and very low profile target turret in a compact package. I'd get some Burris Pos-Align rings with offset inserts too while you're at it.
 
I am in the same boat as the OP and have been considering http://clearidgeoptics.com/category/36336/1/ultra_rm.htm based on recommendations on rimfire central (hope referencing other sites isn't a violation of THR policy). I think the consensus is they are manufactured in the same facility as the Weaver RV9 using the same main tube and the same glass as the Bushnell Elite 3200's. They aren't the most appealing to the eye, but my main concern is being a relatively unknown company and future warranty support.

Another consideration for more magnification is http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-4-12x40-ao-dead-hold-bdc-reticle/reticle. It is larger overall, especially the front objective.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/timberline1.html#45x14x has a lot of positive comments as well on RC. The main drawbacks to it is limited FOV and internal adjustment (30 inches).

I have a hard time with the idea of coughing up around $500 for a rimfire scope, but if I didn't, I think it would be an easy choice for the Leupold EFR with CDS or the VX2 4-12x40mm AO with either CDS or LR Duplex-depending magnification needs.
 
Check out the Mueller 4.5 to 14 X 40 APV for around $130............have it on a Savage MK2 and like it a lot.
 
More Xes.
If I am shooting at an inch spot at 100 yards and at about anything at 200 yards from a steady position, I want more power than the usual deer rifle scope.
I like 20-24X off a bipod or sandbags.

The SWFA SS family used to claim a very wide range of elevation adjustment, although they do not now show it, AND mil-dots.
 
Simmons. Enough said. It's more than enough glass for what you're wanting. Why would you pay a lot of money for a .22 scope? You really don't need that much glass.
 
I've been doing a little research on this, and I think I want the VX-2, and am trying to choose between the 3-9x ultralight, 4-12x, and 6-18x. The prices are close enough to not be a factor.

The ONLY reason I'm still considering the 3-9, is that it will fit on the built-in dovetail with standard rings, and still have a workable eye relief. The rifle currently has a BSA tactical 6-24x44 on it, which is...well, a BSA. However, it did teach me that if you don't pay attention to eye relief, you will wind up with your head in an uncomfortable position as you try to see through the scope.

I'm inclined to go with the 6-18x if I can resolve the mounting issue. Is there such a thing as offset 3/8 dovetail rings? Or will I need to use a dovetail to weaver adapter? At that point, I'm going to have a lot of height.

I'm also tempted to go with the Mueller, and it would probably work with the rings I already have. I'm really wanting to get a great scope, not just a decent one, as I've never had a really good one, and want to see what it's all about. Where does the Mueller fall on this scale? I always see it mentioned as a great budget scope (getting more than what you paid for), rather than a best of the best scope. I may go ahead and get one as well for comparison sake...I have a Glenfield 60 that deserves a better scope.

Craig-That little Savage is the exact rifle I'm going to buy if I can't get the performance I want out of this Marlin. Gunsmithing is kind of a hobby of mine, and I'm looking at this as a learning experience. That is why I want to eliminate the scope as a possible problem & concentrate on how much I can improve the rifle.
 
I'm very happy with my Leupold Rimfire scope. The reason you want a .22 specific scope is parallax on them are specific for the .22 cartridge.

p874618032-5.jpg
 
The review of .22 scopes below pretty much mirrors my own experiences.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_rimfire_riflescopes.htm

I have one 10/22 with a Sightron SII 4x-16x Big Sky AO, another one with a Leupold VX2 4x-12x AO, and another one with a Bushnell Sportview 4x-12x AO. Doesn't matter which scope is on them, they'll all easily shoot within 1/4" at 25 yards and 1/2" at 50 yards.

The Sightron and Leupold are dramatically brighter and "crisper" than the Bushnell. Should be no surprise there, they cost 5 or 6 times as much and the difference is in the optical coatings.
 
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