Parallax-adjustable scopes with low power

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nyrifleman

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Hey all,

I've not been able to find the answer on my own, so I turn to the collective wisdom of THR. I'm looking for a good variable low-power scope (meaning sub-10x, like 2-8x, 3-9x, etc.) The kicker is I need it to be parallax-adjustable, because I shoot rimfire competition at 50ft, and parallax becomes a serious issue. Even "rimfire scopes" with fixed parallax at 50 yards have problems at that range.

However, it looks like this beast might not exist! The closest I've been able to come are Leupold's from their custom shop, where they can put in parallax adjustment for an extra $10. I really like Leupolds, and I'm leaning towards this option, but I would still like input and options.

Why don't I just get a Simmons 22 Mag or similar $150 scope? I'd like a nicer scope that I can use for other rifles down the road.

My budget is around $300 with $350 shipped and delivered being the absolute cut-off.

Fire away!
 
And... just kidding. The Leupold Custom Shop scopes are NOT parallax adjustable. What they mean is they can adjust the parallax for you at the factory. Bloody useless, I think.
 
My first thought was Mueller, but it looks like the lowest power with an adjustable objective is 4.5-14. They are reasonably priced and are pretty highly regarded at rimfirecentral.com.
 
My .22 rimfire scope that I use for benchrest and silhouette is a 6-24x44 BSA Target Platinum with 1/8 MOA target dot, and 1/8 MOA adjustment turrets. I paid like $70 on sale. (check Midway USA and Natchez). It is clear and bright and holds a zero. The turrets are a bit chinsy though.

It's probably more magnification than you wanted, but I have discovered that I like magnification for target shooting. With benchrest I could go even higher (like 36x). As it is I can put the 1/8 MOA target dot inside the 10 ring (0.25" diameter) at 50 yards. At the 50ft you're shooting, the 6x is just fine, even brand new shooters have shot dime size groups at 50ft on 6x from a sandbag.

I'm shooting ~0.3" to 0.4" groups on average at 50 yards.
 
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Craig,
You've nailed it!

Now I'm trying to decide between the Weaver Rimfire scope you recommended and the Leupold EFR. Obviously, the Leupold is the better scope (at twice the price it would have to be :eek:). I'm just wondering if I would regret getting the Weaver later down the road...
 
The Weaver is a good scope but the Leupold will be much better. It would be my first choice if I were willing to pay the extra for it.

I fixed the link above.
 
Any airgun scope will fill this requirement. As noted, the Leupold rimfire/airgun line is perfect. Burris also offers several airgun/rimfire scopes. Both are adjustable down to under 10 yards. Most AO scopes bottom out at 50 yards.

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My .22 rimfire scope is a two decade old $50 Bushnell Banner with A/O. Cost a whopping $50 back in the day. As a fixed 4x with thicker than target style crosshairs it has it's drawbacks for your intended purpose but it has dotted plenty of eyes on plenty of squirrels over the years.

So long as it is adjustable, has the proper target reticle style you're looking for, enough magnification and is of reputable quality I wouldn't think spending twice as much will offer significant improvement. That said, my last scope was $500+ purchased for a specific hunt which may well be replaced with more expensive glass at the conclusion of that hunt.

Unless your brain won't allow the Weaver to be as good as the Leupold I would opt for the Weaver without hesitation. If you have your heart set on a specific set of features then have Leupold's Custom Shop build it for you with the reticle you want, the parallax you designate and in the color you like.

A few solid brands to consider: Weaver, Leupold, Swift, Sightron, Hawke, Mueller and Vortex. All have models within your price range and with some type of thin reticle. Of those I currently own Leupold, Sightron and Hawke scopes which work without issue.
 
leupold EFR or Sightron SII Big Sky 3-9x36

I would go with the EFR, super light weight.
 
Leupold has a VX-II 3-9x33 with an adjustable objective in their rimfire line. I would recommend looking in to what the adjustment range is. A lot of centerfire scopes have the low end of their adjustment range set to 50 yards.
 
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