Thread: Scoping a .22

Calling all you.22 caliber rimfire aficionado's out there,

I guess like most I've always just chucked whatever lower powered, cheaper eg 2-7,3-9 , or fixed 4x power center fire scope I've go lying about on my rimfires
Currently have a standard VX1 3-9 on my .22 CZ that came off a rifle I bought.
However, I've been reading about such things [a silly and more often than not a somewhat expensive pastime], and now am wondering whether I wouldn't be better off with a dedicated rimfire scope such as a Nikkon Prostaff or similar

I don't intend to shoot the Cz out past normal 22 range may 100=110 max no intention of doing like some and stretching it's legs so top x9, x7 or x8 would do with normal set and forget turrets.

What do you think, would it make any difference, any at all?

I got pretty obsessive about all this stuff a few years back. I started out with a VX1, then changed up to a more expensive scope with a regular reticle. Has it made any difference? Not really.

The rainbow arc of 22LR would make a BDC reticle useful. My rifles is zeroed at 50 m, the drop at 75 m is significant. And then, there's the parallax issue - probably not a big deal, but I would think about if if buying a new scope for a rimfire.

As an aside, rimfire targets are small, and often shot in low light, so I want quality scope.

Thanks MB, the trajectory doesn't do much for me and I don't shoot targets with the 22 just rabbits hence the distance comment
The Nikkon mentioned above can come with or without the BDC reticle and the 3x9 would suit, just, I have to decide whether there would be any advantage to me by spending a couple of Hundred for whats possibly effectively no reason.
Might as well spend it on diesel.

The main difference between a rimfire scope and a centrefire scope with most decent brands, is simply the focal length (Objective focus.) With scopes up to about 6 power (so you 4x is included) it wont make a great deal of difference. The issue of parallax really only causes issues as you get higher magnifications at closer ranges.EG 9x at something 40 metres away. Rimfire I would suggest either a AO scope or a rimfire dedicated scope but for rabbits out to 100m as you stated, I would suggest a mil dot or graduated reticle of some sort would be a bigger assistance. My bunny rifle has a Nikko Stirling Air King 4-12. These are usually around the $200 mark and they work very well. I could spend much more on a scope, but with the accuracy I am getting, it would not make a noticeable difference.

And for reference, in case anyone is wondering, Air guns are far more savage on scopes than a rifle. Those springs rattle and shake / vibrate the hell out of scopes.

I just run a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 on my cz452 running subs. I dial it and it goes very well, have nailed plouthers out to 140 odd yards.

I need 23 moa for 200 yards and the cheap diamondback does it sweet.

I have several of these scopes and have run them on 223, 260 and 708. I've never paid more than $300 for one and they have performed outstanding for small or big game.

People poo poo the Vortex but I've found this model diamondback to be a bloody gem.

I had a Burris Full Field 2 on my 22 for a few years, it was sighted in at 60yards amd using the ballistic plex reticle killed a few bunnies out to 125yards.
The parallax was sometimes an issue when trying to shoot tiny targets/groups at 40-80yards but was great when out hunting.

If your predominantly hunting then I wouldn't get hung up on rimfire vs centre fire scope.

I have a Burris Droptine .22 3-9x40 on my 10/22. Works great. My friend has a Leupold Freedom rim fire scope on his Kriss Defiance .22 (the best AR 22 on the market IMHO) I haven't used the Leupold yet but he reckons it is great.

I agree with @Beetroot if it is just hunting or targets up to 80 - 100 yards ~ just get a known brand scope, something around 3-9x40. I prefer one with a simple bdc so you always have that there of you want it.

Originally Posted by timattalon

The main difference between a rimfire scope and a centrefire scope with most decent brands, is simply the focal length (Objective focus.) With scopes up to about 6 power (so you 4x is included) it wont make a great deal of difference. The issue of parallax really only causes issues as you get higher magnifications at closer ranges.EG 9x at something 40 metres away. Rimfire I would suggest either a AO scope or a rimfire dedicated scope but for rabbits out to 100m as you stated, I would suggest a mil dot or graduated reticle of some sort would be a bigger assistance. My bunny rifle has a Nikko Stirling Air King 4-12. These are usually around the $200 mark and they work very well. I could spend much more on a scope, but with the accuracy I am getting, it would not make a noticeable difference.

And for reference, in case anyone is wondering, Air guns are far more savage on scopes than a rifle. Those springs rattle and shake / vibrate the hell out of scopes.

This! The Air King is a very good scope and great value.

If you are wanting to leave some money for gas this isn't a bad option either.

https://www.gunsafield.com/bushnell-...-optics-scope/

https://www.seriousshooters.co.nz/bu...ulti-x-1381264

Just had a very good offer from a member on a scope that would have been perfect , unfortunately with it raining and all here I've spent too much time on Brownells this arvo and spent too much.
Looks like I will have to stick with the VX1 for awhile
cheers.

Originally Posted by Square22

I have a Burris Droptine .22 3-9x40 on my 10/22. Works great.

+1. Actually.... +2.

I never used to worry about it and always used a standard scope on my .22's but one day, in a moment of weakness, I purchased a Burris Droptine 3-9x40 with a .22 focal length (50m). For what I do, it's fantastic. The BDC reticle is set up for the calibre and the Burris website gives you all the dope info for multitudes of factory ammo. It's spot on. I liked it so much I went and got another one for the other rifle.

I coughed a bit at the price but I figured that in reality I use my .22''s more frequently than any other rifle and yet they had the cheapest POS scopes fitted. Why not put something better on them? I joked about a Swaro Z6i but left it at that - a joke. Until I win LOTTO.

Originally Posted by planenutz

I coughed a bit at the price but I figured that in reality I use my .22''s more frequently than any other rifle and yet they had the cheapest POS scopes fitted. Why not put something better on them? I joked about a Swaro Z6i but left it at that - a joke. Until I win LOTTO.

I had exactly the same thought, my 22 goes out 10x as much as my other rifles so why not put a nice scope on it, hence it wears a VX5hd.
I was only going to keep it on whilst doing ammo testing, but now I can't bear to put a lesser scope on and want to buy another VX5hd for my 17hmr.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

I had exactly the same thought, my 22 goes out 10x as much as my other rifles so why not put a nice scope on it, hence it wears a VX5hd.
I was only going to keep it on whilst doing ammo testing, but now I can't bear to put a lesser scope on and want to buy another VX5hd for my 17hmr.

What???... next you'll tell me yours is a bog standard 10/22.

Gimps got a nice one for sale
Just what you need

Originally Posted by jakewire

What???... next you'll tell me yours is a bog standard 10/22.

Lol no, tis a CZ 452.