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

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.