Scope for .22

[M.T. Pockets]

I got my son a Ruger 10/22 with the target barell. Now it needs a scope.

My budget is $200, I'm leaning towards a Nikon 3x9x30. Light gathering is not as big concern as clarity & durability. I've been pleased with another Nikon for many years on my .300 Win. and it is what my son wants anyway.

My question is, what would be the best scope for a .22 lr ? It will likely be sighted in around 60-75 yards.

Am I better off going with a scope manufactured for a .22 ? Are there any disadvantages to mounting a scope on a .22 that is designed for center fire rifles ?

I've got the 1" rings mounted on it already, just waiting to decide on which scope to order. I have $210 credit on my Cabela's Visa and it's earmarked for this scope.

Any suggestions or pointers ? Thank you.

[Jack]

One factor to consider is that most scopes intended for center fire rifles have the parallax set at 100 yards or 150 yards. Scopes intended to be put on .22's have parallax set for a shorter distance like 50 or 60 yards.
For that reason, you might want to look at some of the scopes intended for .22 rimfires- I believe Nikon makes one. Most of the major manufacturers do.
Another option (maybe more than 200$) is to look for a scope with an adjustable objective, allowing you to set the parallax distance at what you want.

[jon lynn]

For a target small caliber rifle, I would get a scope with an adjustable objective. That way he can shoot at short or long ranges. It has a target barell after all.

When I get back on my feet (finantally) I am going to put my Monarch 5.5-16.5x 40mmAO on my little German bolt action .22LR, to thin the crow population on his hunting area.

[270man]

M.T.

I recently bought a scope for my semi-custom 10/22. The rifle has the following: Ruger stainless action, Midway target sporter 20" barrel, Hogue OverMolded stock. I wanted a better than bottom-of-the-line scope and considered Weaver, Nikon and Leupold compact rimfire scopes. A mail order place had a sale on a Burris Fullfield II full-size 2X-7X variable for $160 with free shipping. The Weaver and Nikon rimfire scopes were only slightly less expensive but did have parallax for shorter rimfire distances (50-yards, I think). I already had a Weaver 2X-7X rimfire and it is okay, but the Burris is less than 1/2-inch longer and about the same weight. The Leupold 2X-7X is a fine glass but sells for around $200 at discount.

I bought the Burris and it looks great on my 10/22. So far, I've had no discernable problems with the longer parallax setting and probably won't send the scope to get it reset. This service used to be free from several makers but shouldn't be expensive even now. I agree that if you plan to do serious target shooting with your 10/22 heavy barrel, you should consider the adjustable objective feature.

270man

[Dan Morris]

I've always had excellent luck with a Leupold scope. My thoughts are toward a full size one. If you want to put it on a center fire as he progresses, you have it.JMT
Dan

[M.T. Pockets]

Thanks for the posts, I changed my mind back & forth between a full size scope and a rimfire scope, but Dan's post about putting it on a centerfire rifle someday made my decision.

I had just enough for afford a Nikon Buckmaster 3x9. It's silver and it looks great on that stainless 10/22.

I've had full sized scopes on .22's before and haven't had a problem with the parallax, if I do - I've got a scope for the .30-06 my boy is saving up for.

Can't wait to sight it in.

[Catfish]

You do have a problem with a scope made for high power rifles, you just didn`t know it. If you look thriugh the scope exactly the same way every time you shoot you`ll never be able to tell, but since no one does you will not be able to shoot extreemly tight groups, if the gun is capable, with the 100 to 150 yrd. parallex. What you have should be good enough for target practice and squirrel hunting, but don`t think you`ll be able to shoot compation with it.

[M.T. Pockets]

It got above zero yesterday, so I took my boy to my range and sighted it in. I was impressed with how responsive the Nikon was, point of impact moved just like it was supposed to when I adjusted the elevation & windage.

Once adjusted, we shot some 10 shot groups from the bench at 50 yards using bulk Remington ammunition. The groups were 7 or 8 shots in a cluster touching each other, with 2 or 3 shots within a 1/2". I think some trigger work would help a bit.

I know it's not a match gun, but for what we have in mind it's great. I'm thinking of moving the zero out to 75 yards if it doesn't impact the mid-range trajectory too much. Nice thing about .22's, you can shoot, shoot and shoot some more for a couple bucks.