Hey I'm new to this forum and looking to start out small with a .22 build off a Sako Quad action. I've done a lot of research on the site and it seems like the rimfire guys are using a pretty wide range of scopes. I've seen everything from 3-9x all the way up to 36x fixed power. I don't mind spending some money for decent glass, I just don't want to buy more than I'm going to need. I plan on starting out at 50yds, but would like to work my way up to 200-250 if possible. What do you guys think would be a good starting point?
Scope power for .22 build?
- Thread starter carterjoe
- Start date
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
3-12x variable scope would be my suggestion. I have a 3-12x40 on my .17 HMR and I love it. My .22LR has a 3-9x and I was always wishing it had a bit higher magnification, but it's personal preference really. Anything in the 3-12x would be plenty, and try and get 40mm+ glass for a wide viewing area. Hope this helps.
P.S. Most people will say the practical effective range of a .22LR for target shooting is out to about 150 yards. I've heard of some going further, but that seems to be the generally accepted range. My 60SS can plink some clay pigeons from about 185 yards, but I miss a bit too. Just giving you a heads up on what might be pushing the limit.
3-12x variable scope would be my suggestion. I have a 3-12x40 on my .17 HMR and I love it. My .22LR has a 3-9x and I was always wishing it had a bit higher magnification, but it's personal preference really. Anything in the 3-12x would be plenty, and try and get 40mm+ glass for a wide viewing area. Hope this helps.
P.S. Most people will say the practical effective range of a .22LR for target shooting is out to about 150 yards. I've heard of some going further, but that seems to be the generally accepted range. My 60SS can plink some clay pigeons from about 185 yards, but I miss a bit too. Just giving you a heads up on what might be pushing the limit.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
Personally, I run a 4x14 Falcon Menace on mine. I think for the cash its a nice little "starter" scope, but thats my opinion. But the overall consensus of this forum is "Buy the best glass you can afford", so I guess it would mainly come down to how much do you really wanna put in it.
EDIT: PS - I think this may be a little more suited for the "Optics" section of the forum, probably get better results there
Personally, I run a 4x14 Falcon Menace on mine. I think for the cash its a nice little "starter" scope, but thats my opinion. But the overall consensus of this forum is "Buy the best glass you can afford", so I guess it would mainly come down to how much do you really wanna put in it.
EDIT: PS - I think this may be a little more suited for the "Optics" section of the forum, probably get better results there
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
I did not know one could buy more glass than was needed. If you will shoot at 200-250 with a 22LR find the max you can afford then fill out a loan application. I thought my Mark 4 was too much till I used it in a match. As far as power goes i am happy with a fixed 16x and I have seen guys using fixed 10x with great success. It appears to me magnification plays a minor role in hitting your target. If you like a variable then 6.5-20 is about right and probably way more than needed.
I did not know one could buy more glass than was needed. If you will shoot at 200-250 with a 22LR find the max you can afford then fill out a loan application. I thought my Mark 4 was too much till I used it in a match. As far as power goes i am happy with a fixed 16x and I have seen guys using fixed 10x with great success. It appears to me magnification plays a minor role in hitting your target. If you like a variable then 6.5-20 is about right and probably way more than needed.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
Thanks for the quick response guys. It sounds like somewhere in the 10-16 power range will work for .22. As far as fixed vs variable power, will the fixed put me at a disadvantage when I start out shooting at shorter ranges like say, 20-25 yds?
Thanks for the quick response guys. It sounds like somewhere in the 10-16 power range will work for .22. As far as fixed vs variable power, will the fixed put me at a disadvantage when I start out shooting at shorter ranges like say, 20-25 yds?
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
i put a Leupold mark 4 4.5-14 on mine and love it. You can pick up a used one at a great price if you do some looking. But just depends on how far you plan on shooting and what you plan on shooting. We shoot squirrels out to about 250 yards with our .22's so I like to have some nicer glass on top but still didn't want to spend too much.
i put a Leupold mark 4 4.5-14 on mine and love it. You can pick up a used one at a great price if you do some looking. But just depends on how far you plan on shooting and what you plan on shooting. We shoot squirrels out to about 250 yards with our .22's so I like to have some nicer glass on top but still didn't want to spend too much.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weaver 3-15 MIL/MIL. it would be perfect </div></div>
+1 ...forgot about this one.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weaver 3-15 MIL/MIL. it would be perfect </div></div>
+1 ...forgot about this one.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weaver 3-15 MIL/MIL. it would be perfect</div></div>
Sounds about perfect for a hunting scope! Price range? I've made a lot of quick shots at 10-15ft using my Mueller APT at 4.5 power, but a little lower on the low end of the magnification range would be greatly appreciated in these cases.
But if the guy is only target shooting from the bench, a fixed 16x wouldn't be a bad deal...except Maybe @ 25 and in.
-The Kid.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weaver 3-15 MIL/MIL. it would be perfect</div></div>
Sounds about perfect for a hunting scope! Price range? I've made a lot of quick shots at 10-15ft using my Mueller APT at 4.5 power, but a little lower on the low end of the magnification range would be greatly appreciated in these cases.
But if the guy is only target shooting from the bench, a fixed 16x wouldn't be a bad deal...except Maybe @ 25 and in.
-The Kid.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
You said you were starting at 50 yards... for that 16X fixed, specifically the Super Sniper. I can see holes at 100 and plenty of FOV even at 25 yards. 10-15' you will have a problem.
Bought it as an affordable trainer for my Nightforce and love it.
You said you were starting at 50 yards... for that 16X fixed, specifically the Super Sniper. I can see holes at 100 and plenty of FOV even at 25 yards. 10-15' you will have a problem.
Bought it as an affordable trainer for my Nightforce and love it.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
it depends what do you want to do with your rifle ,for target shooting a 36x will be ok but as i use my 22lr for varminting at short range my next rimfire built will have a 1-4x pst scope by vortex
it depends what do you want to do with your rifle ,for target shooting a 36x will be ok but as i use my 22lr for varminting at short range my next rimfire built will have a 1-4x pst scope by vortex
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carterjoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> It sounds like somewhere in the 10-16 power range will work for .22. As far as fixed vs variable power, will the fixed put me at a disadvantage when I start out shooting at shorter ranges like say, 20-25 yds?</div></div>
your field of vision would definately be super narrow, and will take a long time just to "find" it down at short range. at shorter distances with the fixed higher power, if it doesn't have an adjustable objective, chances are all you'll see is a blur.
if you plan on shooting multiple distances from 25 to 200+ yards, i'd definately look for a variable and an adjustable objective or side focus. that combo will allow you the adaptability / options to function at many different ranges, and convienantly.
i like an adjustable at least 3-9X for 25 to 100 yards, at least a 4-16x or 6-18x preferred for 25 to 200 yards (can still spot hits at 200 ish on paper), 6-24X or 8-32X ish for a dedicated 50 to 200+ yard rifle.
Thoughts on picking a scope for a rimfire.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carterjoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> It sounds like somewhere in the 10-16 power range will work for .22. As far as fixed vs variable power, will the fixed put me at a disadvantage when I start out shooting at shorter ranges like say, 20-25 yds?</div></div>
your field of vision would definately be super narrow, and will take a long time just to "find" it down at short range. at shorter distances with the fixed higher power, if it doesn't have an adjustable objective, chances are all you'll see is a blur.
if you plan on shooting multiple distances from 25 to 200+ yards, i'd definately look for a variable and an adjustable objective or side focus. that combo will allow you the adaptability / options to function at many different ranges, and convienantly.
i like an adjustable at least 3-9X for 25 to 100 yards, at least a 4-16x or 6-18x preferred for 25 to 200 yards (can still spot hits at 200 ish on paper), 6-24X or 8-32X ish for a dedicated 50 to 200+ yard rifle.
Thoughts on picking a scope for a rimfire.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
50-100yds a good 10x like the Bushnell works well. I use one on a few of my trainers with good results. Never taken it out farther than 100yds but once you do that you are going to need either a LOT of elevation or a slated base. You won't be able to see .22 holes out very far past 100yds so just like any rifle, a 10x should work well. If shooting targets on square ranges only then a thin reticle SFP optic would be best. Look at the Vortex Viper line if you want more power in a variable.
50-100yds a good 10x like the Bushnell works well. I use one on a few of my trainers with good results. Never taken it out farther than 100yds but once you do that you are going to need either a LOT of elevation or a slated base. You won't be able to see .22 holes out very far past 100yds so just like any rifle, a 10x should work well. If shooting targets on square ranges only then a thin reticle SFP optic would be best. Look at the Vortex Viper line if you want more power in a variable.
Re: Scope power for .22 build?
Top Predator, thanks for the link to your write up. Sorry I didn't find that myself. I didn't know about the Google search, much easier to use than the built in one. Lots of great info here from everyone. Just need to make up my mind now.
Top Predator, thanks for the link to your write up. Sorry I didn't find that myself. I didn't know about the Google search, much easier to use than the built in one. Lots of great info here from everyone. Just need to make up my mind now.
