Thread: 'cheap' scope

After advice/opinions on a scope for cheap .22 around the $300 (or less) mark. Any recommendations? Thanks

I have one of these on my 10/22

Bushnell - 2-7x 32mm , very reasonably priced, and it works just fine for me.

@Pengy

Have a look at the Nikon Prostaff, they have rimfire specific models (50 yard parallax). I have a fixed 4X on my .22, really like it.

Nikko Airking is what I use. Priced about $200 new from most sports stores. They come in 3-9x42, 4-12x42 and 2-7x32. I have a 2-7x32 for sale here as well at $150.

I usually recommend a scope with Adjustable Objective for rim fire to avoid parallax issues when shooting at small targets up close. Rim fire scopes have a focus suitable for 22 but if it is not specifically for rim fire then it is worth considering AO.

For some reason people are happy to use scopes on their .22 that cost a fraction of what they have on their centerfires. $300 is quite realistic for a scope on a .22.

Despite the need for good accuracy, the other requirement are far less demanding for a scope on a .22. (ruggedness, waterproofness, recoil resistance, dialing, light transmission and gathering, big brand name). A higher power like 12x is good but not essential. If you use a 2-7x and small objective like 33mm you can more or less get away without parallax (focus) but as said above this is pretty helpful in .22 hunting so that's the only special "feature" I would pay money for if on a budget.

Try looking at mid range airgun scopes (eg Youngs Airgun); they are silly cheap for what they can do.

I started another thread recently that has some good postings with suggestions for cheaper .22 scopes on it.

I have a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire 3-9x40 which is quite nice, imported myself well under your budget.

Have never bothered with dearer scopes on my 100+ 22s over the years. Not necessary for accurate, reliable 0-100m shooting. Have found entry level bushnells and the Nikko Stirlings do the job very well off the bench and on range - check timattalon's comment on models. If shooting at very long range (150m or so) then a more expensive dialup scope makes sense.

Can't remember a single dud nikko of dozens that come and go through the closet on .22s, and only one defective bushnell. They do the 22 job well.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

I have a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire 3-9x40 which is quite nice, imported myself well under your budget.

I did this as well - I really like it

Thanks everyone for your input. Not yet made up my mind but was trying to find some more info/reviews on this scope Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9x40mm AO Riflescope - Hunting and Outdoor Supplies but can find nothing when searching the model number listed NSX3940AO. Not on the Nikko Stirling website or a google search? Can only guess they have the model number wrong? I'll give them a call Monday...

Weaver classics would be my pick. Mechanically good for the money.

Originally Posted by mudgripz

Have never bothered with dearer scopes on my 100+ 22s over the years. Not necessary for accurate, reliable 0-100m shooting. Have found entry level bushnells and the Nikko Stirlings do the job very well off the bench and on range - check timattalon's comment on models. If shooting at very long range (150m or so) then a more expensive dialup scope makes sense.

Can't remember a single dud nikko of dozens that come and go through the closet on .22s, and only one defective bushnell. They do the 22 job well.

Totally agree. I use a Simmons 22 mag 3-9x32 on my marlin model 60SS. Bright and clear.

Got one of these on my 10/22. Nice scope for a 22. Got a prostaff rimfire 3 - 9 × 40 on a bolt 22. These guys have 5% off if you join their mailing list.
https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/collecti...150-riflescope

Ive used nikko stirlings for years on my .22s and i had a bentley 4x40on my .303 for 30yrs before it simply gave up the ghost the 4x28bentley little sister was at times on my.22 as well after Richard Wilhems(wilhems arms&optics) of chch kindly renovated both with new duplex reticles etc.
all i can say is many a possums last moments involved a blowjob from those .22s and at least one mangy snarling bastard copped a ultimate blowjob when a 180gn roundnose lead dildo "made his day"

Get a second hand scope from someone who is upgrading. I use an Elite 3200 Bushnell 3-9x40 and it cost me $300 in very good condition.