10/22 optics

[planoracer1937]

I would appreciate suggestions on a set of optics for my ne 10-22.It came with a top rail already drilled and tapped.I will be teaching my Grandson's how to use a rifle at the local indoor range.
Thank you.

 

[vwfreak]

IMO I would start by teaching him how to use the existing open sights. No substitute for them in glass. Start him close and work on basic accuracy and firearm function.

Now, when it's time for glass (my son likes a scoped 10/22: so much "cooler"!) I'd get something reasonably priced especially if this will be primarily used by him. BSA makes very affordable rimfire scopes. I put a used one on my son's 10/22 for less than $20 and it works fine.

Actually I am also looking for a scope for my own new 10/22. For my own personal gun I am considering the Weaver 2-7x and the Nikon Prostaff 3-9 (I think...), both of which are in the $150 range. My son will not be banging this rifle about on a bench or in the desert. I'll be banging that one up all by myself!

 

[Richbaker]

I've gotta agree with vwfreak.... No scopes 'til I could hit accurately with irons was my Dad's rule. I never did go to a scope, never felt the need, at least until a few years ago, when I hit 50...
Dad's logic was, if I could use the irons, I could use the gun no matter what. If the scope broke, I'd still be able to hunt, etc.

 

[pjinak]

BSA makes a 2-7X Air Rifle scope with A/O (adjusts from 5 yards to infinity) that are a great buy for the money...

I have a couple of them and have had good results on Air Guns & rimfires.

 

[contender]

I have to agree with the teaching proper iron sight use until he is proficient with them. Then, a scope & even then, maybe a "red dot" type if you want him to have a "cool" factor gun.
In teaching a new shooter, it is important they learn the basics before moving on to the next step. The eyes can not focus upon 3 things at once, (Rear sight, front sight, target.) So, teach him to focus on the front sight as the rear sight will be a little fuzzy & the target will be the fuzziest. Next, use larger, close in targets. Also to make it fun, add in some reactive targets, (If the local range allows them.)
Once he learns the basics properly, he won't grow up & learn he needs to break a bad habit & re-learn how to shoot. (Like I did.)

 

[dougader]

I could never get my fat face down low enough on the stock of a 10/22 (or an AK47) to line up the sights. I'd have to place my face behind the butt stock to line up the sights.

A nice scope takes care of this problem. I've used a basic Simmons 4x and 3x9 variables on my 10/22's.

 

[justbill2013]

planoracer,

I recommend an electronic red dot sight. While I respect the opinions of previous respondents, it will be easier and faster for your grandson to get good groups using a red dot than with open sights. Better accuracy means more fun for him and you. Not only that, but .22 ammo is hard to come by these days. You may have trouble finding enough to bring your grandson to a good level of accuracy when using open sights. Not so with the red dot. A few rounds to sight it in and then it's a "death dot" out to any reasonable distance.

I have a Vortex SPARC on my own 10/22 but would be just as happy with a less expensive red dot like Bushnell's TRS-25 or Trophy Dot, Millett's Compact Red Dot Sight, or Burris' XTS-135.