Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II's on sale. Which to get?

[TTv2]

The 3-9x are on sale for $100, the 4-12's for $120. I've had these on the backburner for a while, I think they're a better ACSS optic than the Primary Arms as these are variable power and not a fixed 6x. Also, not sure I really need a rangefinder on my reticle with .22 LR.

So, I'm not sure which one to get. The current idea is to mount it to a Ruger Charger pistol, which currently has a Mueller APV 4-14x AO scope on it. That scope is a bit heavy for the Charger IMO, so 4 oz less weight and a better reticle is the goal here. Also, I plan to move the Mueller onto a different rifle.

What do you guys think is better for my proven sub-MOA Charger? 3-9 or 4-12?

Max range I would be shooting out to is 150 yards, but generally it would be anywhere from 5 to 100 yards.

 

[BigBL87]

Personally, the deciding factor for me would be whether more shooting will happen closer the the 5 yards or 100 yards. If it'll be more 50 yards and in 3-9, if it'll be 50-150 more often then 4-12. That being said I'm not a fan of the open circles in Nikon's BDC reticle, I prefer Bushnell's and Vortex's BDC reticles.

 

[BigBL87]

And just to toss a wrench in, found this smokin' deal while looking around, in case you weren't dead set on the Nikons.

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-40...-3-10x44mm-ballistic-x-33-5-10-3-3-matte.html

 

[TTv2]

Pretty much dead set on the Nikons, but the one thing I wonder is with the shorter barrel of the Charger how that will affect bullet drop compared to the BDC. I had the same reservations with the Primary Arms .22 ACSS scope and when Nikon has pics that say MV=1600 fps, I'm sitting there thinking, "What .22 LR can go 1600 fps?"

My alternative is the Simmons .22 Mag. Have that on a Marlin and it works very well. Glass is clear too, but it's a standard reticle.

As to your question, shooting will be more at 50 yards and over, not under, but with 4x I think out to 25 yards the 4-12 is quite capable.

 

[BigBL87]

Looking around, difficult to get good hard numbers on the muzzle velocity from the Charger. The best I found was a guy on a forum who chrono'd 40gr Mini Mags from his Charger, and he averaged around 1000 fps or so. I used that and plugged it into my ballistics app just to get a rough idea, and here's what it gave me. The drops are the same for both scopes since they calibrate the reticle for max magnification. I used a 50 yard zero and just left the height above bore at whatever the app had by default.

 

[TTv2]

Looking around, difficult to get good hard numbers on the muzzle velocity from the Charger. The best I found was a guy on a forum who chrono'd 40gr Mini Mags from his Charger, and he averaged around 1000 fps or so. I used that and plugged it into my ballistics app just to get a rough idea, and here's what it gave me. The drops are the same for both scopes since they calibrate the reticle for max magnification. I used a 50 yard zero and just left the height above bore at whatever the app had by default.

View attachment 834267

Most of what I'd be using is CCI Standard and I believe that's around 1000 fps from the Charger as well.

Compared to what the BDC is set for, it looks like it would be fine, would just have to hold a bit low.

 

[mdThanatos]

I have two of the 4-12s and like them a lot on a Savage and Ruger. I do most of my shooting at 100 yards, but have shot at 25, 50 and 200 yards with them without issue.

 

[TTv2]

I bought the 4-12x. It's time to get that heavy Mueller off and replace it with some made for the caliber and lighter in weight.

 

[troy fairweather]

i like my 3-9x40 nikon rimfire, worth the money. i never really messed with the bdc. the 1600 fps ammo is probably the cci copper load. the poa should be fine with the charger.