Magnification for 22lr

[french_guy_2012]

Hello all

Why everybody seem to think 9x is plenty enough for a 22lr?
I've purchased (Amazon) a cheap 6-24 x 50 scope ...that works amazingly well for the price (installed on my Remington 597)
Looking for another scope for my second 22lr (bolt action) and want to understand why I would not want something higher than 9x.....?

Thanks

[Hot Bite Charter]

It depends on what you are doing. If you are trying to shoot tiny little groups off a bench at 50 or 100 yards high power is in order. For just shooting squirrels or shooting faster a low power is all you need.

[RifleGuy]

Hey Sir!

On most of my .22s I have scopes with top magnification between 12x and 24x... I like shooting small groups and for me it makes the task easier.

I have a bolt action (Remington 504) that wears a Nikon 2x-7x. This rifle is specifically used for killing rats, mice, chipmunks, etc., around the house and my longest shot is about 20 yards. The lower magnification makes it easier to track the rodents... little bugger just refuse to sit still.

My biggest dislike for larger magnification scopes is the fact that as the scope is adjusted to varying powers the point of impact can shift significantly. This seems particularly so for the .22s. Most scopes in America have the reticle in the second focal plane; as magnification changes, the reticle remains a constant size.
Most European scopes seem to have the reticle in the first focal plane; the reticle changes in size with magnification, but produces less 'POI drift'.

A few companies market first focal plane scopes in America, but they are not as common as I'd like, or they tend to be a bit cost prohibitive (with my budget). Mueller makes a decent first plane scope with higher magnification that would work well on a .22. I'm thinking of buying one to play with.

So, what bolt action did you pick up?

[Ol` Joe]

I almost never shoot under 100 yds unless that is all the range offers, but use my 22's @ 100 yds+, or on ARA targets when I do shoot @ 50. I've got Weaver V24's on 2 bolt 22LRs, and a Vortex 6x18 on another. You can't see the X dot on a ARA @ 50 with a 3x9. If the gun is accurate enough to shoot at very small targets or at longer ranges you cant have too many X's IMO. The Weaver is my preference. Just be sure the Parallax is adjustable down to 22 ranges. Most higher powered scopes start to focus at ~ 50yds and, you will likely at some point want to shoot at 25yd or less.

If you are hunting however or need quick target acquisition you might want to stay with a lower power scope. 3x9 is a good compromise as you can turn it down for hunting and still have enough power when turned up for short/mid range target work. The added field of view is a plus in these situations. :twocents:

[french_guy_2012]

It depends on what you are doing. If you are trying to shoot tiny little groups off a bench at 50 or 100 yards high power is in order. For just shooting squirrels or shooting faster a low power is all you need.

That's exactly what I do: shooting tiny groups at the range (25, 50 or 100 yards) - No hunting...
I have a Simmons "8 points" 3-9 x 40 on my bolt action right now (basic scope).....But once the eye relief is adjusted to have a super neat crosshairs, I can't have a super neat target (at least at 25 yards), it's out of focus- I need to set a lower magnification, then I can find some kind of compromise neat crosshairs/neat target !!!
I would like to find a better scope, at least 16x in magnification, with focus adjustment (3rd turret).....Which one should I get in the $150 price range (max)?
I think I saw a Bushnell AR 223 in that price range at Field&Stream, with the 3rd turret. Is it a good one for a 22LR?

[john.41]

You are looking for a Target style scope with an adjustable objective(AO). New scopes have the 3rd turret, older style are adjusted with a ring on the objective lens(front lens).
Many older used target scopes will do what you are looking for. Check Ebay with the magnification you want and AO. Don't be afraid of older Tasco scopes that were made in Japan. Made in China ones are junk.
Japanese Bushnell scopes made by Bausch/Lomb in Japan are great older optics also.

[Hot Bite Charter]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/mueller-optics-4-5-14x40mm-ao-apv-rifle-scope.html I like the 14 mueller apv. it has the objective adjustment on the front

[Mathias]

Check out this thread on rimfirecentral. The 6-24x42 Weaver V24 is a great scope; I just bought a second one.
The sale price went up $40 from last week, but free shipping is now included, which helps.
A link to the Natchez product page is in post #21

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1006633

If you're interested in 'tiny groups' with 22lr, that's what rimfirecentral is all about. Enjoy.

[french_guy_2012]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/mueller-optics-4-5-14x40mm-ao-apv-rifle-scope.html I like the 14 mueller apv. it has the objective adjustment on the front
How does Mueller compares with Bushnell Drop zone 223?
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Zone-223-Reticle-Riflescope-Parallax/dp/B00ABPAAPY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8#Ask

[Loganc]

I have a Leupold 4.5-14x40AO scope (https://lifeundersky.com/best-spotting-scope-for-the-money-reviews/)in my precision 10/22 and it seems a good compromise between up close parallax/focus, longer range visibility and overall bulk.

[JDG]

For target shooting, your definitely going to want either an AO or side focus to remove any parallax error.

[french_guy_2012]

Any recommendation in the $150 price range?
Black Friday may also bring good deals.....

[Ol` Joe]

Any recommendation in the $150 price range?
Black Friday may also bring good deals.....

https://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-40-44-6-5-20-x-44-ao-riflescope.html

[momo3641]

I have a 36x Weaver in the accessories for sale forum. It might be a little overkill, but it would be hard to beat for the price...

[JohnS624]

Without knowing what kind of gun it's going on, it's hard to make a suggestion. If the gun isn't capable of good accuracy, then you're wasting your money on too much scope

[lousypirate]

I'm good to 150yds with my red dot on my 10/22 after I identify object with binos. Usually squirrels are shot much closer though.

[duck9191]

I have a BSA sweet 22 3x9AO on my rem 597 and I wish i would have went with the 6x18 or something a bit stronger in general. The Bsa has served me well for about 5 years and at least 10k rounds but at 100 yards things are small, sometimes it's hard to see previous shots so i have to rely on a spotting scope more.