Scope advice for .22 LR
- Thread starter AStone
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Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Can't help you on #1. My bolt action .22 sports a Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20X EFR. It looks huge, but it does just what I want it to do, so no complaints.
On #2, it is my firm opinion that one needs an EFR (Extended Focus Range) scope scope on a .22. In addition to the Leupold mentioned above, I have a Burris 3-9X EFR on my 10/22. The advantage of the EFR (parallax adjustable) is that you can crank the focus down for indoor 50-foot ranges, and then back out to 50 or 75 yards (or longer) for outdoor use. So regardless of brand or model, I'd highly recommend an EFR scope.
Finally, while I like fixed power scopes just fine for some applications, I think .22s lend themselves to variables, since they are such flexible guns. The varaiable powered scopes enhance that flexibility. YMMV.
Terrierman
Member
I have the Nikon 4X Rimfire Classic on my 77/22 in .22LR. I'm very happy with it. On my 77/22 .22 WMR I have the Leupold Compact 2x7. For the .22 mag, the variable is maybe a little better. But a fixed 4X would in reality be just fine too. Especially for small game hunting inside 50 yards. If it's a favorite rifle that you will use a lot, bite the bullet and buy the Leupold you won't be hearing it say "wrong" or "what's that you are looking at through me?" or "my point of impact is getting ready to shift, even if you haven't touched my knobs lately" or "you're a cheap bastard, you should have put a better scope on this nice rifle" or anything mean like that.
BrainOnSigs
Member
Save your money and buy a Leupold VX-II 3-9x33mm Rimfire EFR scope.
My CZ452 Varmint and my son's CZ452 Scout are major tackdrivers with them.
They are set-up perfect using CZ rings. They take into account the very high bolt throw.
My CZ452 Varmint and my son's CZ452 Scout are major tackdrivers with them.
They are set-up perfect using CZ rings. They take into account the very high bolt throw.
High-mag scopes
are a pain when trying to find Mr. Bushytail in the trees. I've always used fixed 4X, but a variable is OK.
Adjustable parallax, though, is very desirable. For my squirrel rifles, I've gone to good air rifle scopes for that reason. When I'm looking for, at largest, 1/2" 5-shot groups at 50 yd, it's easy to spoil things with 100 yd parallax. My old Model 52 will give me 0.2" (really) 50 yd groups with the correct parallax and Win. Power Point ammo.
are a pain when trying to find Mr. Bushytail in the trees. I've always used fixed 4X, but a variable is OK.
Adjustable parallax, though, is very desirable. For my squirrel rifles, I've gone to good air rifle scopes for that reason. When I'm looking for, at largest, 1/2" 5-shot groups at 50 yd, it's easy to spoil things with 100 yd parallax. My old Model 52 will give me 0.2" (really) 50 yd groups with the correct parallax and Win. Power Point ammo.
I would consider the Burris Fullfield II in 2-7x35mm. The Fullfield II line has features and quality comparable to scopes twice, even three times as expensive. It's one of those best-bang-for-your-buck situations, in my humble opinion.
As stated in my original post of this thread, I find it much easier to follow small game (particularly squirrel) in the lower powered 2x zoom. Of course, if I want to reach out and love-tap a squirrel at farther distances, 7x zoom is ready and able.
I put a Fullfield II (3-9x40) on my step-sons Rem 700 in .270win, and it's held up to the abuse this 13yr old can dish out.
I liked his so much, I bought a 2-7x35mm to put on my small game .22 and it's worked out great.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
As stated in my original post of this thread, I find it much easier to follow small game (particularly squirrel) in the lower powered 2x zoom. Of course, if I want to reach out and love-tap a squirrel at farther distances, 7x zoom is ready and able.
I put a Fullfield II (3-9x40) on my step-sons Rem 700 in .270win, and it's held up to the abuse this 13yr old can dish out.
I liked his so much, I bought a 2-7x35mm to put on my small game .22 and it's worked out great.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
kir_kenix
Member
buy a fairly inexpensive 3x9 or 2x7. you can always dial her up a bit on the range, but you need something you can turn down when hunting. when i lived in west michigan i used to use a 2x7 because there are alot of dense forest and i took alot of shots within 25 yards. now that ive moved out to more wide open nebraska i hunt squirrels and rabitts w/ a 3x9, and i usually never have to turn it up higher then 5. it all depends on where you live, and how much of your time is going to be spent on the range. you can buy a pretty affordable 3x9 at walmart that will fulfill all of your hunting needs and be just fine on a 22 for range shooting.
Axman
Member
I have a simple 4x15 Tasco scope on my .22LR! It does what it's supposed to and it only cost me around $15.
rection47
Member
I myself have been looking at scopes, im looking at the Leupold rimfire line 2-7x28mm.
It says "With its special 60 yard parallax correction distance setting" , what does that mean? Im a huge newb to scopes.
It will most likely end up on a Bolt action Marlin 925R.
It says "With its special 60 yard parallax correction distance setting" , what does that mean? Im a huge newb to scopes.
It will most likely end up on a Bolt action Marlin 925R.
AStone
Member
Parallax basics
Rection47, I'm still working on understanding the basic idea of parallax, and my understanding is still incomplete, so I won't try to explain it.
I'm sure there are others in here who can explain it well, but in the mean time, here's a couple of pages that I've found somewhat helpful.
http://www.6mmbr.com/parallax.html
http://www.larrywillis.com/tip015.html
Rection47, I'm still working on understanding the basic idea of parallax, and my understanding is still incomplete, so I won't try to explain it.
I'm sure there are others in here who can explain it well, but in the mean time, here's a couple of pages that I've found somewhat helpful.
http://www.6mmbr.com/parallax.html
http://www.larrywillis.com/tip015.html
I know I am not really
answering the original question but I am going to make a suggestion outside answering the question directly. Considering your shooting needs and considering your small game hunting have you thought about the fun you might have reverting to history and tradition????? That is, think about putting an aperture sight, receiver sight or tang sight, on the rifle. You might have a great deal of fun without a scope on many shooting occasions. A .22 LR has about a 3" drop at 100 yards and you could sight it in for about 60-75 yards and be good to go for squirrels and rabbit for zero POA in lots of cases. I have hunted squirrel with a 22 rifle when I was a kid. I had a Winchester 67, bolt action single shot with a factory peep sight on the receiver area and it was a lot of fun.
answering the original question but I am going to make a suggestion outside answering the question directly. Considering your shooting needs and considering your small game hunting have you thought about the fun you might have reverting to history and tradition????? That is, think about putting an aperture sight, receiver sight or tang sight, on the rifle. You might have a great deal of fun without a scope on many shooting occasions. A .22 LR has about a 3" drop at 100 yards and you could sight it in for about 60-75 yards and be good to go for squirrels and rabbit for zero POA in lots of cases. I have hunted squirrel with a 22 rifle when I was a kid. I had a Winchester 67, bolt action single shot with a factory peep sight on the receiver area and it was a lot of fun.
AStone
Member
irons
As I was taking that Swift centerfire scope earlier today, getting ready to take some pics of it, put it in the box, and put up an ad or two for it, I thought, "Why not put a set of irons on this?"
That could meet my needs nicely, especially since I like the idea of irons on a rifle even with a scope.
Mine is a CZ452 Style (stainless, synthetic stock), and has none. Not even a front post.
OK, so let's expand the discussion a bit. We'll keep considering scopes, but who wants to suggest how I could put an aperture (especially) on this puppy with a nice tritium front sight?
Thanks for the ideas. This is fun. Life is good. Options are good.
Nem
Moewadle, you read my mind.
As I was taking that Swift centerfire scope earlier today, getting ready to take some pics of it, put it in the box, and put up an ad or two for it, I thought, "Why not put a set of irons on this?"
That could meet my needs nicely, especially since I like the idea of irons on a rifle even with a scope.
Mine is a CZ452 Style (stainless, synthetic stock), and has none. Not even a front post.
OK, so let's expand the discussion a bit. We'll keep considering scopes, but who wants to suggest how I could put an aperture (especially) on this puppy with a nice tritium front sight?
Thanks for the ideas. This is fun. Life is good. Options are good.
Nem
AStone
Member
Maybe I'd better clarify that a bit.me said:
The front sight seems easy enough, but does anyone make an aperture sight - maybe a ghost ring - that will clamp onto the scope rails on this CZ?
I'm going to search a bit after work tonight...
Mr Weebles
Member
I have a Simmons 22 Mag 3-9x32 on my 10/22 Carbine.
It was dirt cheap (~$40) and is surprisingly bright.
It was dirt cheap (~$40) and is surprisingly bright.
Go to
Brownells or Midway suppliers. They both have websites, of course. They carry all sorts of stuff like you are asking about. Although, I think a ghost ring is too large an aperture for what you are talking about. I have a ghost ring on a single-shot 22 because it was easy to put on a dovetail adapter and simply replace the open iron sight on it. However, the aperture is too big. Can't get a fine enough bead.
Brownells or Midway suppliers. They both have websites, of course. They carry all sorts of stuff like you are asking about. Although, I think a ghost ring is too large an aperture for what you are talking about. I have a ghost ring on a single-shot 22 because it was easy to put on a dovetail adapter and simply replace the open iron sight on it. However, the aperture is too big. Can't get a fine enough bead.
Aperature and other types of open/iron sights work fine. However I have a strict head-shot rule when small game hunting (especially with squirrel) so that just won't work with my eyes. Well, I shouldn't say it's my eyes fault - I have perfect vision. Lets just say I'm not capable of pulling off headshots on squirrel with open sights.
Nothing wrong with going back to basics, though.
Nothing wrong with going back to basics, though.
Nema;
I have a CZ452 that I do a lot of hunting with. The quarry is the Montana 'gopher' ie, ground squirrel. The ranges and angles vary wildly from shot to shot, and several shots a minute is not unknown. Burning a brick a day of .22 entirely possible.
I put a Nikon 3.3-10X A/O mil-dot in Talley rings on my CZ, and I'm extremely pleased with the results. I've found that because the angle of the shot can change relative to the wind so very quickly, the mil-dots are a very useful reticle. True, this is not an inexpensive piece of glass, but as far as I'm concerned, it's worth the money.
I have a Bushnell Legend 5-15X A/O mil-dot on another gun. The Bushie has half again the magnification of the Nikon, but the more useable image goes to the Nikon because of the quite superior resolution. The Nikon does cost about twice as much as the Bushnell, and delivers the goods for the dollar spent.
900F
I have a CZ452 that I do a lot of hunting with. The quarry is the Montana 'gopher' ie, ground squirrel. The ranges and angles vary wildly from shot to shot, and several shots a minute is not unknown. Burning a brick a day of .22 entirely possible.
I put a Nikon 3.3-10X A/O mil-dot in Talley rings on my CZ, and I'm extremely pleased with the results. I've found that because the angle of the shot can change relative to the wind so very quickly, the mil-dots are a very useful reticle. True, this is not an inexpensive piece of glass, but as far as I'm concerned, it's worth the money.
I have a Bushnell Legend 5-15X A/O mil-dot on another gun. The Bushie has half again the magnification of the Nikon, but the more useable image goes to the Nikon because of the quite superior resolution. The Nikon does cost about twice as much as the Bushnell, and delivers the goods for the dollar spent.
900F
AStone
Member
<Deleted double tap. See next entry.>
AStone
Member
CB900F, good points.
Ever since acting as (graduate student) slave labor in those (biology lab) slave camps looking for microscopic entities, I've come to respect Nikon.
Whether seeking microbes or ground squirrels, Nikon offers superior resolution, indeed.
Nem
rocketfish
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2006
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- 111
Info you need right here
From the ones you listed you have the right idea as far magnification (2-7 or 3-9) and objective size (32-33 mm). Now, at the shorter ranges you mentioned you will want an adjustable objective (AO) scope so you can dial in the parallax correction for your intended range (25 yards or so). They make "rimfire" scopes without the AO that are set for "no parallax error at 50 yards". I would avoid those and definitely go for one with the AO so you can set it at your desired range. Whatever you do avoid standard rifle (not "rimfire") scopes without AO, as they are set foir no parallax at 100 yards, which will give you a ton of error at short ranges. You are looking for 2-7x32AO or 3-9x32AO. I have a CZ-452 and I got the Leuplod 3-9x33EFR Rimfire scope which has the adjustable objective (EFR=Extended Focal Range). Many airgun suppliers carry AO scopes because the short ranges involved require it. A good cheap scope that is the darling of the rimfirecentral forums is the Simmons 22MAG with AO. Good Luck.
From the ones you listed you have the right idea as far magnification (2-7 or 3-9) and objective size (32-33 mm). Now, at the shorter ranges you mentioned you will want an adjustable objective (AO) scope so you can dial in the parallax correction for your intended range (25 yards or so). They make "rimfire" scopes without the AO that are set for "no parallax error at 50 yards". I would avoid those and definitely go for one with the AO so you can set it at your desired range. Whatever you do avoid standard rifle (not "rimfire") scopes without AO, as they are set foir no parallax at 100 yards, which will give you a ton of error at short ranges. You are looking for 2-7x32AO or 3-9x32AO. I have a CZ-452 and I got the Leuplod 3-9x33EFR Rimfire scope which has the adjustable objective (EFR=Extended Focal Range). Many airgun suppliers carry AO scopes because the short ranges involved require it. A good cheap scope that is the darling of the rimfirecentral forums is the Simmons 22MAG with AO. Good Luck.
kir_kenix
Member
i really enjoy shooting w/ a red-dot scope as well. 1x magnification is pretty nice when shooting in close, esp. w/ squirrels. i have a ruger 10/22 and i love the cheap ($30) bsa red-dot on it. it makes it really easy to identify your target and take those quick shots when you need em. i spose this wont help you too much on the range, but if you are just looking to do some fun shooting at cans and some small game hunting you really should look at red-dots.
farscott
Member
There are several choices here. Lyman makes an assortment of mounts for front sights, and there are lots of choices for sight inserts, including apertures. Some of the Lyman mounts need to be brazed or welded to the barrel. I believe New England Custom Gun also offers a barrel band with an integral front sight base compatible with Lyman and/or Anschultz sights. Since these sights are designed to allow one to swap the front sight insert, I am sure one could have Trijicon build a front sight insert with a tritium insert.
I have seen aperture rears for the CZ rifles, but I cannot remember who made them. I would start with Lyman and Williams.
AStone
Member
Question about rings for a Nikon prostaff
Sorry to revive an older thread from the dead on New Years eve ...
As some of you know, my .22 LR considerations are evolving. I'm still interested in a scope, but my rifle of focus (so to speak) seems to be changing. (That's a topic for another thread.)
But I've pretty much decided to go with a Nikon Prostaff 4x 32mm for what ever rifle I wind up with.
My question here is this: will a set of 1" scope rings (which I have now) work with that scope, or will I need 3/4" rings?
Thanks
Nem
Sorry to revive an older thread from the dead on New Years eve ...
As some of you know, my .22 LR considerations are evolving. I'm still interested in a scope, but my rifle of focus (so to speak) seems to be changing. (That's a topic for another thread.)
But I've pretty much decided to go with a Nikon Prostaff 4x 32mm for what ever rifle I wind up with.
My question here is this: will a set of 1" scope rings (which I have now) work with that scope, or will I need 3/4" rings?
Thanks
Nem
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