Rimfire Scope......Advise?

[bowers25]

Hi AlL....new to SH. I have been running around the site for approx two weeks and reading very thing I can find on Rimfire Scopes. Thanks to all who have posted and spend time gathering info to post, it has help a lot. I have (14 y/o) "Triplets" and one of them has recently been bitten with the "Shooting Bug". We both love spending time at the range and he is currently shooting on his ranks for the NRA "SmallBore Distinguished Expert". We entered a Rifle Match (prone) a few weeks ago at our local range (PSC Friendswood, Tx) and had a blast, he used an old 6mm and I borrowed a .308. Derrick would like to enter more matchs from 50 yds to 200 yds using his Savage MKII. So here lies my confusion with a rimfire scope. I have my eye on the Nikon Rimfire 3x9 BDC 150....problem?...at 9x it will on site to 154 yds.

(Questions)
1.Can I use a 10 MOA or 20 MOA base and increase the range on that scope?
2.If not any suggestions on a scope that he can use to shoot from 50 yds to 200 yds.

Sorry if this is a repetative question....just looking for a solution?

Be Safe!

 

[steve123]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I bought a BSA tactical 4-14 first focal plane mil/mil from Midway for $250. It's a good cheapy scope for a rimfire. Also good for learning holdovers and holdoffs because a mil is a mil no matter what magnification it's on.

 

[bowers25]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Hope I can explain the confusion in my head.....here goes.
I am using the "Spot On" website by Nikon....input the scope (Prostaff Rimfire 3x9x40 BDC 150)....input the ammo (Federal Champion Target 510 Solid...MV=1240)....the scope is zero at cross-hair, four circle reticles.....at the 9x power and a zero in distance of 50 yds the scope info is as follows from cross-hair to reticles to top of bottom post...in yds...(50, 84, 102, 119, 114 & 169).....if I move to 6x it's (50, 91, 117, 142, 177 & 211).....will we be able to see the center of target at 6x and/or will adding a base help? I'm looking for a scope he can use from 50 yds to 200 yds and see the POA easier........Thanks for any advise.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I agree, I don't like BDC reticles and knobs for most of the reasons that have been listed. I had a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14 on my Ruger 10/22 before I had to take it off to package up with another rifle to sell. I liked that little scope but I didn't like that the reticle subtends at 12X not at max power. I wish I still had it but if I was going to replace the scope I have on there tomorrow I'd look at the MidwayUSA Bushnell and Weaver scopes that are mil/mil set ups. I've also been eyeing the Super Sniper line up with one of their mil-quad reticles. These are pretty reliable scopes that are versatile enough to be used on rimfires, AR's, bolt guns so you aren't limited to just one rifle.

 

[bowers25]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

DFOOSKING...yes...it has the holes & I was woundering about that too (covering up some of the target). I look at some other higher power Nikons and found a ...Prostaff 4x12x40 Mildot that will work on several of the power settings for what he wants to do....looking forward to gettting it on his rifle...don't think I can wait until Christmas on this one.
steve123 & DFOOSKIN, thanks for the help.....Be Safe!

 

[shaman]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Go mil-dot. I will be buying a BSA MIL/MIL like steve123 mentioned for a rimfire or airgun for cheap shooting and learning.

 

[golden_311]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

one of the keys i have found is to find a scope that can focus down to 10 yards. I have a hawke varmint 6-24 on my kidd, a vortex crossfire 6-24 on my savage mark ii, and i think both are great. have had leupolds, nightforce, eotechs on at one point and i like the hawke the best. it has half mils and seems to work nicely for the cost. hope that helps.

 

[johnnyappleseed]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

i like bdc scopes

i've got a leupold vx1 4-12 with the lr reticle

last year i shot a prairie dog at 450 yards with it and my 25 06

i've got a swarovski and a nightforce on the side and haven't hit stuff that far out yet with them

i've never used stadia dots or lines on a rimfire but the principle is the same

find out where the dots hit and you're good to go

 

[TacT-MecH]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

What do you folks think about a millet 4-16 for a trainer/22? I put one on my 223 and it seems to work out well (only got to shoot it to sight it in the kid was ready to go home)

 

[landtoy80]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I have the Rapid Reticle RR-22-1 (3-9x32mm) http://www.rapidreticle.com/Main/ScopeItem.aspx?ID=5&grpID=5 and its calibrated 50 to 200 yrds and its works on my Sig 522. What I like is its has First focal plane reticle to allow for accurate shooting throughout power range without manual adjustment. I never understood why scope makers put in BDC and then not have it First Focal Plane, kinda defeats the BDC unless you never change the power setting.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Thoughts on picking a scope for a rimfire.

and some more reading:

22 scope+ mounts+rings threads

BDC may be good for getting in the general area of a large target (elk, bear, deer, large gongs, zombie centermass) but not the type of reticle to depend on if using for a serious precise shot with either a centerfire or rimfire. perhaps a shotgun with heavyshot turkey / coyote loads and a full choke.

the BDC circles just cover way too much ground to cause too much error to provide a consistant small POI.

mildots are great, some the P4 stuff is good, and other small solid POA reticles are usable whether they are dots or lines. but the mildots are so much more uncomplicated and not as busy as the other reticles out there.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fiveshotdot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What do you folks think about a millet 4-16 for a trainer/22? I put one on my 223 and it seems to work out well (only got to shoot it to sight it in the kid was ready to go home)</div></div>
if it's working well for you on the .223, there's no reason to think it wouldn't on the rimfire. i'd spend more time with it as you have it in hand to make sure you like it before getting another. actually the TRS is on the short list of optics for my next toy. if you like the TRS, checkout nikko stirling target master, 4-16 or 6-24.

 

[deadly_punk]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DFOOSKING</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnnyappleseed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i like bdc scopes

i've got a leupold vx1 4-12 with the lr reticle

last year i shot a prairie dog at 450 yards with it and my 25 06

i've got a swarovski and a nightforce on the side and haven't hit stuff that far out yet with them

i've never used stadia dots or lines on a rimfire but the principle is the same

<span style="font-weight: bold">find out where the dots hit and you're good to go</span> </div></div>

You do realize that with that statement your basically saying the bdc feature isn't working, right.

This is how you make mildot reticle work...but we can make measured and detailed corrections based off the reticle. The bdc tells you, "hold just a little more....now just a little more....".

Mildots give measured corrections for not just elevation but windage too. The mildot isn't calibrated for certain atmospheric conditions....and it doesn't care what cartridge your using meaning it can be mounted to any rifle. The system works because it requires you to know what adjustment is needed.

So if this is what you are doing....then that Bullet Drop Compensating reticle is not compensating for your drop. You are....that's why we say its a gimmick.

</div></div>

If he's like me, he will have to see it in action and learn by doing before he really "gets it". I've demonstrated the system to a lot of skeptics and when they see it, they naturally convert if they are actually interested in hitting stuff consistently.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Recommended: First Focal Plane in Mil/Mil (reticle/knobs)
If I had to settle: Second Focal Plane in Mil/Mil
The most important thing to me is my reticle and knobs match for fast, easy adjustments.

The recommendation of the Bushnell 10x, Weaver 3-10 and I'll add the SWFA SS line of scopes.. all have mil/mil setups. Always dial your dope, holdovers are for wind not distance (at least for me).

 

[RicosRevenge]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

^^^ no.

Dialing is great IF you have time. I've yet to have a rabbit, squirrel or hog wait for me to "dial my dope."

 

[deadly_punk]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RicosRevenge</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^ no.

Dialing is great IF you have time. I've yet to have a rabbit, squirrel or hog wait for me to "dial my dope."</div></div>

I've had extremely few times when I needed to dial and Didn't have time. But them I'm kind of an elite hunting machine. YMMV.

Seriously though, if it's far enough to need to dial then it's not close enough to spook randomly. I dial on squirrels 75 and beyond. Same with rabbits. Rabbits? Not enough time? are you kidding? Groundhogs? Same deal...even if it was close quarters. Can't speak to the hog scenario. Never had the privilege. Maybe you have more spooky game than we do in PA where there aren't many hunters. (Laughing)

That being said, I know my mil holdovers for 100 yards so I can shoot fast if I need to out to that range. Beyond that...I don't take fast shots very often since I want a more methodical approach when pushing the limits of rimfire killing range.

Just another perspective.

-Deadly Punk.

 

[SirDrinksAlot]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

.22 scope question, would it be too mch if I put a vortex pst 4-16x on a .22?

 

[SirDrinksAlot]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

.22 scope question, would it be too mch if I put a vortex pst 4-16x on a .22?

 

[deadly_punk]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

SDA: No; in any way you mean that, No. Unless the .22 deserves a bigger and better scope, or you need the scope elsewhere, it's a good idea.

 

[SirDrinksAlot]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I was toying with the idea of putting it on my savage mkii. It's currently on a 700 pss but I do not have anywhere to shoot more than 200 yards.

 

[Win308]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I just picked up a Bushnell Elite 10x Tactical mil/mil scope from Midway. They are still on sale for $199, but you just missed the $75 Bushy rebate offer. They overcharged me at first and then refunded me an extra $20, so my delivered price after rebate was $105...a great deal for that scope. I have a SS 10x42M on my Rem 5R, and I really like it. For shooting my Mark II FV-SR out to 300 yds, the Bushy was the best deal going.

 

[projectpat0]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

BDC will get you in the ball park if you are looking to shoot minute of man or minute of deer. I'd agree with most on here and advise getting a mil dot scope. I have a tasco 6x24x40 and its been a great scope for its role and its price point (less than 100 bucks). A lot of folks like the Mueller APT line on rimfires as well.

 

[Callidus98]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Anybody have any thougths on Weaver scopes? I am thinking about puting one on my .22. For the money it seems like a good deal as long as it isn't complete trash. I know that it isn't going to have a mil reticle or easy adjust turrets. What do you guys think?

 

[Callidus98]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Thanks for the input.

I am looking at a Weaver Classic Rimfire Rifle Scope, 2.5-7x28mm for $150. I need to put something on my Remmy 597 so that I can take it to the 50yrd range and practice driving a rifle without going broke.

Would you have other scope recommendations for that purpose?

 

[CCCCanuck]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I say go with a SWFA 10X SS if you're punching paper:

SWFA SS 10x42

I have a Vortex PST 4-16 scope on a 22 right now, and it seems like I can barely get it focused at 50 yds, let alone anything under. Great scope, just not made for shooting at 22lr ranges. The fixed super sniper scopes focus down to 10 yds, and now that the turrets/reticle match, you cant beat it for the price.

Now if you're looking for a hunting scope, the Weaver 2.5-7 is a great choice. Good optics (I was amazed at the light gathering of such a small objective scope), parallax set for 50 yards, and perfect for popping tree rats.

 

[bunsen27]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I have Vortex Viper's 6.5-20x44 V-Plex Wide on all my competition .22's (Anz, CZ, Win). It may not be optimal for hunting, but with the 20x available work well for precision stuff 50-250yds. The V-Plex reticule lacks reference marks (BDC, Mil Dots), but in my experience the scope tracks extremely well dialing. They are exclusive to Camera Land NY and sell for an excellent price (60% of the Mil or BDC models):

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44

 

[jbell]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I think too many people try and go the least expensive route when scoping a rimfire, because hell ist only a rimfire. But I treat it no different than any rifle. Optics are as important or in some cases more important than the quality of the weapon you are putting them on. If you buy the BEST you can then you will not be dissapointed & the system will work at its potential:
S&B PMII 5-25X56

&
Zeiss Diavari 6-24X56

=

My point is dont settle because its just a rimfire.

 

[Hunter24]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Many people on rim fire central swear by mueller scopes. I had a couple and great budget glass.

 

[isaaccarlson]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I have adopted this mindset:

I finally got the perfect scope, now what do I put under it?

The scope on my rimfire right now cost me $500. The next one will be $1500.

 

[Hunter24]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

I don't shoot competition rimfire but if I did, I would want the best glass.

 

[biglakesrule]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Here's what I did, for what it's worth: savage mark ii, 20 moa base, good rings (gotta trust every part of the system, right?), mil/mil SWFA SS 12x (with their mil-quad reticle; I'm really liking it). It works well. Easy to line up on 1/2" dots at 100 yds without obscuring most of the dot.

I thought about 16x, but that's a lot for up-close and SWFA was indefinitely out of stock when I ordered two weeks ago

I also thought about (and tried two) a variable power scope. IMHO, 12x is not too much for down to 25 yds, and good for out to 150 pretty easily AND I never forget to dial back to where the mil-markings in the reticle are accurate.

 

[BigJimFish]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Some thoughts.

First, I agree with jbell, isaccarlson, and Hunter 24, I consider quality glass as important for rimfire as centerfire. I am not less concerned with seeing and hitting the target so I am not less demanding of the glass.

All that being said, if you are only invested in a MKII perhaps $250 or $300 is not too cheap. My MKII did not do better than 3" at 100yds no matter what I fed it so my opinion of them is rather negative. To put it mildly, I think the extra hundred or two spent to get a CZ is a marvelous investment. Certainly at $300 you can get glass that is not going to fall apart on you immediately.

So, here are some thoughts on .22lr glass for target shooting and competitions...

1) Light weight is important, many .22lr competitions have low weight limits such as 7.5lbs. Heavy scopes can push many guns over.

2) Adjustable parallax that will focus close enough to be usable at least at 25 yards and preferably at 50ft. The adjustable parallax is vital both for making it possible to see both the image and target clear at the distance you are shooting and also for minimalizing parallax error if your head is a little off center behind the optic. Many .22lr competitions are held at close range whether you or I like it or not and close focus is a must.

3) A fine reticle is important for all target shooting as it simply allows for a more precise aiming point.

4) A high top end magnification is preferred by most every competition shooter. This is not just because it provides a more precise aiming point, though it does. Frankly, holding .5moa with a simple 9x is probably not a challenge for anybody. I, and I expect many other shooters opt for higher powers so we can see the holes at the distance we are shooting. It is just much easier to practice and compete without constantly having to look at a spotting scope.

5) A scale reticle for wind holds will be found useful. Most folks dial for drop and hold for wind, you need a reticle with markings to do this well. A mil or MOA hash reticle is best though I use a mil-dot. Even if you know distance and don't need a scale reticle for ranging if you are shooting long distances outside in the wind with a .22lr you may find the scale vital for wind hold.

6) Finger click adjustments are pretty much standard now but I figured I would mention them because I have recently had a scope that did not have them on a .22lr target rifle and it drove me up the wall always having to dig out a tool. As everyone has said, adjustments matching the reticle are best, my .22lr scope has mismatched adjustments and some day I will find a scope that satisfies my other requirements as well as the one I am using and sell it.

7) If you want to go to 200 I expect that you will need a lot of internal adjustment. I'm not going to do your homework for you and look up exactly how much but you need to make sure that you have enough travel with the scopes internal adjustment and base to make the drop at 200.

Sooo, I'm using a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x mildot at the moment. If its reticle and adjustments matched and it focused just a bit closer, to 50ft I would never leave it. As is, it does most of what I need it to.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Rimfire Scope......Advise?

Busnell Elite 6500 Tacticsl 2.5-16 x 42 with mildot reticle