Rimfire scope suggestions?

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rbernie

rbernie

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I'm looking for recommendations for a rimfire scope to be used on a range gun. I currently have a handful of Nikon P-22 rimfire optics that seem to work OK for the kids, but I don't know what else might prove equally satisfying for casual non-critical range use.

I'm specifically looking at the Sightron S1 and the Weaver rimfire options, but I'm open to any other suggestion for similar quality optics.
 
For range work, assuming you're going to want to shoot your best groups out to 100 yards or so, you need 24X or more. Sure, you can shoot that distance with much less magnification, even open sights, but if you want to shoot your best groups you need magnification and clarity. Buy the best scope you're willing to afford, ideally at least $500 or so street price for a new scope. Once you have a decent higher-powered scope you'll thank yourself for "splurging" every time you look through a low-cost/lesser scope.
 
"for casual non-critical range use" the Nikon P-22 is a fine scope. Parallax is set at 50 yards, which is fine for a .22. As suggested by the previous person, you will have to start spending a lot more money for a significant improvement over what you already have.

If you do get a new scope, shoot me a pm is you want to sell the P-22.
 
I've had a Weaver V-series 2.5-7x32 on a stainless Marlin 60 for several years now, and I couldn't possibly be more impressed with that thing. And, everything I've ever read about them since has been stellar (steel-on-steel internals, FULLY muti-coated, Japanese made, lifetime warranty). If given the option of another scope of this type, I'd still stick with this Weaver.
http://swfa.com/Weaver-25-7x32-Classic-V-Rifle-Scope-P3050.aspx


Another decent option is a Burris Fullfield 2-7x35. It runs a few bucks cheaper than the Weaver, and it's a pretty sweet scope that also gets great reviews. I currently have one on an AR (I felt like tossing a scope on it, and the Burris was handy :D), and I'm very pleased with this one,too.
http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x35-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P5972.aspx
 
The Leupold Rimfire series carries a lifetime warranty and they are top quality to boot. Especially notice the quality difference in the shadows and low light conditions.
 
For 22 plinking about any old scope will due and it doesn't have to have some rim fire designation. Throw a lower cost 3-9 scope on any 22 and plink away. About the only thing you have to watch is getting a scope with to big of an objective size which will require higher scope rings and might make a smaller person have to raise the head up off the stock to see through the scope. Most scopes with a 40 mm objective and under will mount well on a 22.
 
I bought a Sightron SIH TAC 4-12X40 AO for my CZ452 back in August last year as I needed an adjustable objective so that I can parallax down to 25m. I find this scope to be very crisp and clear and I really like the exposed "tactical" turrets. I'm used to using exposed turrets on my fullbore rifles so it feels good having them on the .22 as well. This scope set me back $150, price obviously from Optics Planet.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/sightron-si-hunter-4-12x40-ao-riflescope-w-adjustable-objective.html
 
Nikko Sterling makes excellent smallbore scopes, typically with 1/8 MOA adjustment. I've also used several Tasco 2.5-10x Varmint scopes with great success, which cost about $70.
 
Thanks for all of the feedback. Rather than get a rimfire-specific optic (fixed 50yd parallax) or use a centerfire scope (100yd/150yd fixed parallax), I decided to get a lower-end AO scope. I decided that I didn't mind the extra size/weight of an adjustable-focus optic since the rifle that I'm building will be used solely for range work.

I wound up choosing the AO Nikon Prostaff Target 3-9x40. It's not an expensive optic by any means, but I think that it'll work out just fine for daylight use at the range by the kids.
 
I've had Weaver rimfire 4 X and 2.5-7 X on my .22s for more than 20 years with great service, but, recently, I just couldn't pass up the deal on a Nikon Prostaff .22 3-9/40 (150, I think). Discontinued? SO What? $107 by the Great Brown Van of Happiness! :D Your new scope? NIIICE!:)
Comparing mine, the Weavers don't give up a thing in clarity or brightness. The Weaver warranty? I dunno...I've never used it!:) Now, I have a neat little 4X and a Chicom red dot just sitting...Hmmm...two more guns?... Aaaah, yessss!;):):D ENJOY!
 
The Leupold Rimfire series carries a lifetime warranty and they are top quality to boot. Especially notice the quality difference in the shadows and low light conditions.

Ditto.
I own two of them and recommend them highly.
 
The Leupold rimfire series are good scopes. I had a 2-7 on a CZ 455...I used it 4 years, took it off, stuck in the box and sold it to another happy camper for exactly what I paid for it.
 
I shoot the little Burris 4x AO scope on my 10-22 for the CMP .22 sporter matches here and I can easily see bullet holes at 50 yds.

We usually shoot a 5" gong offhand at 100yds for a $1.00/shot after the match and I can maybe hit 50% when nobody is laughing/talking to me.
 
I'm too late to the party, but the op asked about sighton. I have the s1 4-12x with adjustable objective. It's not bad, but optically, I like the Mueller apv I have better, though the sighton has better feeling adjustments.

And to be perfectly honest, I don't feel like the leupold vx1s are optically or mechanically superior to either, and I like the weaver classic v's better. But your eyes may disagree. I know I wish I had bought the weaver rimfire 2-7x instead of the leupold.
 
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greyling22 said:
And to be perfectly honest, I don't feel like the leupold vx1s are any better, and I like the weaver classic v's better. But your eyes may disagree.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Leupolds are great and all, no argument, but I'm thinking you're getting better glass at this price-point with the Weaver.
 
MIL-DOT said:
I've had a Weaver V-series 2.5-7x32 on a stainless Marlin 60 for several years now, and I couldn't possibly be more impressed with that thing. And, everything I've ever read about them since has been stellar (steel-on-steel internals, FULLY muti-coated, Japanese made, lifetime warranty). If given the option of another scope of this type, I'd still stick with this Weaver.
http://swfa.com/Weaver-25-7x32-Classic-V-Rifle-Scope-P3050.aspx


Another decent option is a Burris Fullfield 2-7x35. It runs a few bucks cheaper than the Weaver, and it's a pretty sweet scope that also gets great reviews. I currently have one on an AR (I felt like tossing a scope on it, and the Burris was handy :D), and I'm very pleased with this one,too.
http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x35-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P5972.aspx
Click to expand...
I have one of those Weavers and I agree. I haven't really given it any rough treatment but optically it is very nice.
 
Another way is to buy scope off used rifle in gun store avoiding those on well used heavy recoiling rifles or ones in calibers that are shot a lot. I bought used Zeiss 3-9x40 with Z-plex reticle. It performs very well on my .22lr. To be frank I have never considered specially designed or marketed "rimfire model". I would not want to put rimfire scope on high power rifle but I see not harm doing it the other way around.
 
I fixed objective rimfire scope will have the parallax adjusted for 50-60 yards unlike a high power rifle scope.
 
The only problem with high power scopes is that many with not focus down to 25 yards or under for close range shooting. I have had problems with that hunting.
Mueller scopes are popular at Rimfire Central. I like the Weavers with AO. I have also used Winchester brand air rifle scopes. I do have a Simmons Rimfire on one .22 but not sure how far I trust it. The suggestions are pretty good for on here.
 
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Here's what I put on my Savage Mark II FV-SR.

Burris Timberline 4.5-14x32

This burris is more expensive than most pay for, for a rimfire scope but I liked the image quality as well as it's parallax/focus adjusts down to 7 yards. I searched rimfire central when looking for a scope and people liked this if one has the budget for it.
 
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