'Rimfire' 'scope or regular on .22lr?

[Bic]

I just bought a 10/22 TD and while I'd like a classy, neat & dainty 'scope on it I'm somehow loathe to buy one that's 'rimfire' branded..like a Leupold . what are the pros & cons?

[fightingquaker13]

Depends. Its just my experience, but here is what I look for in a scope. Clarity, click adjustment, light gathering ability, waterproof/fog proof and price. I don't care much about aesthetics or weight. I'd rather have a larger scope that will let me use it at dusk or on a dim range rather than your "dainty" thing that looks cool but makes me squint. If rimfire means I save a buck or two because it isn't built to take heavy recoil that's fine. If it means a smaller objective lens I'd pass. Also, I've not tried one, but they seem nice for the money and come recommended, are the Cabela's house brand Alaskan Guide series. Please keep us updated, as my eyes are getting to the point where I need an optic on my 10/22 and I'm dithering between a red dot and glass.

[Magoo541]

The benefit to buying a rimfire specific scope is that is can be designed for the recoil and your not paying extra for the extra strength required for centerfire.  There are some pretty nice rimifire scopes out there, I have a Simmons 22 specific I wouldn't recommend though.  You get what you pay for but there are a lot of choices under $200, still quite a few under $100.

[MikeBjerum]

On a .22lr there is no reason to purchase more than you need.  If you are shooting at a high level there is a place for a high end Weaver of Z or L on the little gun so you can make the precise elevation and windage adjustments with absolute certainty.  However, there is also a place for the $100 and sub $100 that are good enough for our plinking, hunting, and target shooting.

I have a Simmons 10/22 on my 10/22, and it has been a very good optic for 20 years of target, plinking, and hunting little critters.  I shoot sporting rifle with a group, and their favorite is the BSA.  The secret to a BSA they say is to purchase it at a brick and mortar store where you can actually check out the adjustment and clarity.

Like any optic and firearm, you get what you pay for.  But also keep in mind that you are not putting it on a .50 cal and ranging out to 1.5 miles.

[Bic]

  I knew I'd asked the right folks, thank you all for your considered opinions.

  Here's my current thinking...I like the idea of this: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/791324/leupold-vx-3-rifle-scope-15-5x-20mm-duplex-reticle-matte

  for 3 reasons.

The first being that at 9.3" in length it would not protrude beyond the receiver (much) in taken-down mode, the second that it has up to 5x Magnification for those more distant raccoons, and the third that I see a Ruger 1A in some sort of classic caliber (7x57, 6.5x55 ish) in my not too distant future for this or next years deer rifle and that 'scope might look pretty cool on it if it doesn't work out on the .22.

However, my research continues.

MP

[Sponsor]

[Bic]

Here's what I bought this morning from Natchez:



It's a Leupold FX1 4X fixed power Rimfire, a little over $200 with a pair of those fancy screw in 'scope caps thrown in.

I'll send pics of it mounted when it arrives.

[billt]

One of the main features with a rimfire scope, is the parallax is set for 50 yards. With most centerfire scopes it is set for 100 yards or beyond. Unless of course it has adjustable parallax, like many of the higher end Leupold's do.

[alfsauve]

I like my .22lrs and my air guns to have Adjustable Objectives because of the variable shooting distances usually involved, from very close to very far away.

However, that said, you can't go wrong with the Leupold FX-1.  One thing higher end scopes buy you is much better optic and specifically clarity and overall sight picture.

 

[mkm]

I can't speak about .22 specific scopes, but I have spoiled myself to Zeiss optics. Most scopes/binoculars are fine in bright sunlight, but low light is where high end scopes earn their price. They are also better when you need to determine colors or fine detail. I can't really tolerate poor optics now.

[fightingquaker13]

I can't speak about .22 specific scopes, but I have spoiled myself to Zeiss optics. Most scopes/binoculars are fine in bright sunlight, but low light is where high end scopes earn their price. They are also better when you need to determine colors or fine detail. I can't really tolerate poor optics now.

And if you pawned one of those you might be able to put a down payment on a brick of .22s.