Scopes 101?

[CmdrSlander]

I'm a fairly experienced pistol shooter, but haven't spent much time with rifles (quite familiar with ARs, but I usually use open sights). I recently came to own a great, competition grade, .22lr bolt action, super accurate really fun to shoot, but the scope attached to it was thrown in to "sweeten the deal" and sucks. I want a high magnification scope (8x or more) but when I visit optic manufacturer's websites I find myself overwhelmed with numbers that I don't understand. So, what should I look for (example 4x32) if I want a scope with:

-8x magnification or better.
-Fairly wide FOV.
-Basic adjustment (I don't want 20 different nobs on it, I just want it to work up 75 yards [the maximum distance on my range]).
-Under $150 (this might be hard to do, but it would be nice, given that the rifle was only $150 [estate sale]).

Thanks all.

PS: If possible, explain the meaning of the following string of numbers that seem to be common when identifying scopes: 4-16x50 etc.

 

[acmax95]

4-16 is the magnification range 4x to 16x. the 50 is diameter of the objective lens, usually bigger is better. It will probably be hard to find a fixed 8x power scope for $150. I have a Bushnell 10x that was a little over $200.

For $150 I would take a look at the Redfield line of scopes. They are made by Leupold and really nice for the money. I have one on my 22 magnum and love it.

 

[rcmodel]

8x magnification or better.

For 75 yards maximum?

75 yards divided by 8x is only 9 yards.

You can chuck a rock left-handed that far I betcha!

Many folks buy way too much scope power for what they want it for.
And then see all their little shakes & wobbles magnified to the point they can't hold the cross-hairs on the target.

rc

 

[CmdrSlander]

To above: the targets are super small. They only let you use their targets and the bullseye is about the size of a nickel. Try that with a 4x at 75 yards.

 

[R H Clark]

For exactly $150 you won't buy a better rimfire scope than the Mueller APV 4.5-14X40. I would buy it straight from the company because there have been some sold at auction sites that were factory defects not supposed to have been released.These factory defect scopes aren't covered under warranty because the sellers didn't get them by legitimate means.

Muellar has a lifetime warranty from any authorized dealer and is well respected in the rimfire community.

My first choice for a short range target rimfire would be a Weaver V16 which is 4X-16x in their classic line.It is however about $300

 

[Redlg155]

If you don't plan on using this scope for any other rifle I would suggest a scope specifically designed for a .22 or a parallax adjustable model. Many of the scopes for. 22s are parallax free at 50 yards vs 100 for most standard scopes.

 

[LoonWulf]

If your alright with a very large and heavy scope the simmons whitetail classic from midwayusa, is pretty much my first recomendation for any scope under 150. They should be around 100 after the rebate thats going on.

 

[TonyAngel]

What sort of "competition grade" rifle did you pick up?

If you're going to be shooting comps with the rifle, then more magnification will be better, especially when shooting at small targets. Greater magnification will allow you to be more precise in acquiring your point of aim, which will help greatly when you have to adjust for wind and other elements.

I own lots of scopes ranging for Vortex to Nightforce, but for rimfire competiton, two brands seem to dominiate. Weaver and Sightron. The Sightrons have better glass, but I think the Weavers are more user friendly. I like their turrets better.

T24 or T36, take your pick.

 

[BrocLuno]

Either a scope with Adjustable Objective (AO) lens, or a scope built for rim-fire ranges 50~75 yds will be almost certainly required. You need to eliminate parallax in the range you are shooting. If you are just squirrel hunting, a bit of parallax is not a big deal. If you are punching clover leafs in dime size targets, it is a big deal.

So that means a rim-fire scope scope or an AO? Your choice, but it's another knob or at least an adjustment. Then you need to pick a retical. A fine wire cross hair may be the most help in aligning on very small targets, but it will be the most affected by shadows, light and dark in a covered range, dawn and dusk if not at the range, etc.

Most rim-fires don't kick at all so eye relief is not an issue. But having a nice usable eye box is (the amount of exiting image that your eye can move around in). If you are shooting strictly from the bench, weight is not an issue. If shooting off hand, it is.

Do you wear prescription glasses? Some scopes are fussier about that than others. I agree with the Weaver T series. They've been the mainstay at the range for many decades and they still bring good money used on eBay.

 

[Cosmoline]

They only let you use their targets and the bullseye is about the size of a nickel. Try that with a 4x at 75 yards.

You absolutely can hit a nickle size bull at that range with a 4x, 2x, aperture or even quality tangents. You do not need to see the bull in detail in order to hit it precisely. And if you're shooting in the stances an 8x is going to give you lots of wobble and wiggle.

As noted, the bigger problem with the rimfire is going to be bullet drop. CZ's rimfires have tangent sights pre-calibrated for the round and they work great.

 

[jmr40]

With a limit of $150 it limits your options. The only one that comes to mind is the Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40. They sell right at $150 and are a decent scope. Up that to $200 or a little less and the Nikon Buckmark or Burris Fullfield II are pretty good. As is the Redfield 3-9 at around $160. I actually like the $160 Redfield the best of that bunch. There are others, but I cannot suggest anything less than the Prostaff.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Mueller APV
Adjustable objective down to 10 yds or so and 4.5-14x