Thread: is a 3-9x40 scope an overkill for a .22?

Got this Bushnell scope here, looks decent quality, the 4x32 Tasco I've got is damaged and wouldn't mind something with higher magnification for shooting at 50 metres.
What's the highest you typically would use on a .22?

Not at all.maybe a bit bigger or heavier but if you have it why not use it.

Technically speaking 3x is less zoom the 4x...

why do people assume choosing a scope for a 22 is different than a centrefire? sure you might be shooting closer but generally you are shooting a smaller target and are more prone to environmental conditions

I prefer a 2-7 or 3-9 on a .22 as the low mag end is great for possums and the higher end is great for head shooting rabbits 50-65m out.

I have a 3-9x40 on mine and it never feels too big

Have a 3-9-x40 on my 22 and I use the 9X quite alot, then again my eyesight is a little subpar,
dont think I've shot past 50m either

I have a 3-9x40 on mine. Longest shot on a rabbit was 120m (but maybe that was a fluke).

4x12 on mine. No issues

Have a 3-9x scope on my .22 and want more. Rimfire targets are small!

funnily enough MB I've thought the same thing more than once,
cant justify to myself spending on a scope for my $50 22lr though.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Not at all.maybe a bit bigger or heavier but if you have it why not use it.

Yeah I may as well use it, just wasnt too sure whats typically used, most .22lr rifles ive used have only had fixed focus scopes on them, typically 4x.
My friend has a stupidly large scope on his 22 magnum and needed higher mounts so the scope didnt hit the barrel. One advantage with a larger lens is it lets more light in and can still give you a nice image at dusk.

Originally Posted by vulcannz

Technically speaking 3x is less zoom the 4x...

Yeah true, but thinking about it, thats probably not a bad thing if i want to hit a possum at close range.

Originally Posted by Howa1500

why do people assume choosing a scope for a 22 is different than a centrefire? sure you might be shooting closer but generally you are shooting a smaller target and are more prone to environmental conditions

Good point, I always considered higher magnification more necessary on a centrefire and never given it much thought but as you say smaller targets need higher magnification, especially if they are further away, whereas a deer is much larger. Im surprised how many centrefire rifles ive seen that only have a fixed 4x scope on them, so that says alot.

Originally Posted by Makros

I prefer a 2-7 or 3-9 on a .22 as the low mag end is great for possums and the higher end is great for head shooting rabbits 50-65m out.

Thats what I wonder, im not too sure what the typical kill range is on a .22lr with subsonics, but with rabbits ive found that they dont let you get too close.

Originally Posted by Bill999

I have a 3-9x40 on mine and it never feels too big

Looks like I will go with it then and see how it goes, doesnt seem much different in size/weight than other fixed magnification scopes ive got.

Originally Posted by NAKED_GOOSE

Have a 3-9-x40 on my 22 and I use the 9X quite alot, then again my eyesight is a little subpar,
dont think I've shot past 50m either

50m is the furtherest ive shot a possum from and that was just with a fixed 4x, just went for the eyes and hit it smack on. Wouldnt consider it an easy shot, especially when standing with nothing to rest on, however I find it harder to keep still with higher magnification as you notice the movement more looking through the scope.

Mines bigger! Well big is good isn't it?
Yeah OK...'horses for courses'. My CZ455 wears a Nikko Stirling 8-24x50 for varmints (and the Grandies to shoot off the benchrest).
The CZ457 wears a Sightron Slll 45x45 and that's about 'right'. Yeah, I'd take it out for a bunny. Certainly it is not a large, heavy scope...but could take a while to find the actual bunny in the scope picture.
I don't feel 'over scoped' with the 8-24 Nikko though, and they are not too dear.

Nope

4-16 on mine. It all depends what you are using it for, and how accurate it is. Some are better at being pointed than aimed at 100m or more, so a lower magnification scope would be more suitable.