10/22 Scope Options?

[soldernut]

I've never before had a scoped .22, but now that I have a brand new 10/22, I'm thinking about it, and would appreciate some tips.

I don't know much about the topic, but I understand that, with the 10/22, I have the option of installing either a "conventional" .22 scope, or the "big guy" Weaver style rings & scopes. Depends on which rail you mount.

I'd love to hear suggestions, so I should tell you about my parameters:

I know that great optics can cost great money. I also know that every once in a while you can get great optics for a steal That's what I'm looking for - a steal.

I also know that optics alone, aren't the whole story. They have to be mounted in good mechanics. Gotta have that, too.

Should I care which rail style I use? Is one really better for .22 than the other?

Is there such a thing as a setup that would let me use the factory iron sights even with a scope mounted? Should I care?

Any suggestions on specific make/model scopes - and sellers that offer great prices?

Thanks.

 

[BlkHawk73]

For a inexpensive scope, I'll often go with a Simmons. Very good for informal range work. Some will come with .22 style rings. I do prefer the weaver mounting system however so even those that might come with rings get used with different ones, usually Burris. More often than not, I'll use Nikon or Burris scopes though. Much better optics and for not a lot of money.
There are rings that mount the scope up high so the sights can be used. Personally, I think they're horrendously ugly but some use 'em. IMO, use one or the other. Never used them but I'd think having the scope that high wouldn't allow a real good cheek weld on the stock.
Check Midway or Natchez for sales and clearances as they very often have some good deals.

 

[wwb]

First, forget the .22 scopes with the small diameter tubes.... go with a 1" tube.

Next, your intended use will determine the type of scope. Strictly paper punching will warrant more magnification and an adjustable objective. Something like a 4-12X40 AO or thereabouts. Plinking and small game would be better with less magnification... a 1.5-4.5X32 is just about ideal. For a little more power, a 2-7X32 is a good choice.

The recoil on a rimfire is not a problem, so a top-shelf scope is not necessary. With a midrange price Simmons or a Bushnell, you will get decent optics for something in the $100 - $150 range.

 

[Rumrunner]

Natchez has a 4x Simmons Blazer on sale for $15.00, w/ rings. Nikon makes a really nice 4x rimfire scope (one inch tube). I have one on a 77/22 and like it a bunch.

They make "iron-sighter" rings that allow use of sights and scope. These place your head really high on the stock though.

 

[Chief 101]

I like a decent scope or sights no matter what. I scoped a 22 for the first time this year and my 10/22 got an old Weaver 4x riflescope that really did the job well. I have since traded the Weaver for another lesser scope in 4x but of similar quality. This rifle has been used hard, so without the decent quality scope I am sure I would have gotten frustrated had I used a 10dollascope. Now your use may be much gentler than mine, so you may be able to get away with inexpensive optics, your call. I have 2 varmint rifles that I got with less than stellar quality optics and there are times I just shake my head and wonder. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[RJ556]

I have Simmons 22 MAG scopes on my 10/22 and a couple of other 22 rifles. I have had the best service out of those scopes. I think the value is way out of proportion (on the good side) for what you pay for them.

 

[blume357]

I'd go with something like a cheap Simmons as mentioned above... a 10/22 is made for cheap scopes. If you can afford a better scope that's a good thing... but I think the deal is cheaper scopes can't really take serious recoil... no problem with a 10/22. One of my favorites was a Simmons 3-9 power scope even though it was more accurate at the 3 power.. you could see where you hit the target at 50 yards with the 9 power setting.

 

[Snake45]

I have Simmons 22 MAG scopes on my 10/22 and a couple of other 22 rifles. I have had the best service out of those scopes. I think the value is way out of proportion (on the good side) for what you pay for them.

Agree completely on the Simmons 22MAG scope. I have the 3x-9x 40AO and love it. The ONLY bad thing I've ever heard of about them is that the power ring is very stiff to adjust (mine has this). An outstanding value.

 

[contender]

The advice above is all good. One thing to consider is parallax. Most general use scopes are factory set to be parallax free at 100 yds.
Simmons makes a good scope for the $$ and it would be one of my first choices to add to a 10/22. The models that are designed for a 22 cal, with 1" tubes would be the best all around as the parallax should be preset at about 50 yds. The best alternative is to get an adjustable objective to be able to use it at any range & adjust the objective to remove most of the parallax effects.

 

[Quattroclick]

If you plan to punch holes in paper a lot, get a 3-9 or 4-12 at least. That way you can see the holes in the target easily. Make sure you find a scope with an adjustable objective, or a rimfire scope with a 50 yard or so parallax. If you are not going to shoot paper much, a 4x or 6x fixed is well suited to a 10/22. I found a pretty nice old steel tube weaver 4x in a pawn shop for $10, which would be a good 22 scope. Bushnell makes a couple of AO scopes that are inexpensive and seem to work good. Although the optics are not great, you don't really need great optics to shoot a rabbit or tin can inside of 100 yards.

 

[45flattop]

Though they are on the pricey side, I like the Leupold RF special
models, either the 2-7x28 or the 3-9x33 EFR model that has adjustable
parallax controls. The Leupold RF special line is preset at 60 yards
for parallax i believe and also has the slimmer profile plex reticle
that subtends a lot less of the target making shot placement
easier to see and place.

On a sturdy mounting scheme for one inch tubes, some years back
Dave Talley made a 2 piece base for several rifles, the 10-22 among them
that fit the existing mounting holes but instead of the Weaver pattern
base, they took the standard Ruger rings or any that other makers
made that fit a Ruger base, lots cleaner looking to my eye and for
sure sturdy.

Brownells used to carry those bases but in the last year or two no
longer carry them, listing them as no longer available from the maker.

Having said that, here is the link to Talley's website if anyone wants
to inquire directly if they have any stock still in their parts bins.

http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, forget the small tube scopes and the cheap 1" scopes. Buy a decent scope and buy it once. I've got a pile of busted cheap scopes to remind me that quality pays for itself. For a general purpose rimfire, I prefer a fixed 4x or 2-7x variable. Weaver, Nikon and Leupold have it covered with dedicated rimfire scopes set parallax free at 50-60yds.

 

[RADAR]

I have a Simmons 22mag 3-9x32AO on my Marlin 60 and love it.
I also have a CenterPoint 3-9x32 on my 39A, and love that as well.
I know they aren't Rugers, but we're talking about scopes.

 

[happy1]

Center Point has as 4X16X40 AO with target turrets lighted green and red reticle Wally world carries them Simmions also has a 3X9X40 AO scope both go for about 60.00-65.00 at wally world I've got them both and for 22's and the price they can't be beat IMHO.

Paul

 

[Snake45]

Simmions also has a 3X9X40 AO scope both go for about 60.00-65.00 at wally world

Paul

Are you sure you're not talking about the Simmons 3-9x 32AO? Here they have it listed at $65.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-22-Mag-3-9X32-Rifle-Scope-with-Adjustable-Objective/6340063

This is the same scope I talked about in my post above. I paid @ $75 for mine from an online seller and thought it was a great deal. $65 is even better!

BTW, IMHO, a 40mmAO scope is a HUGE scope for a stock 10/22. Okay for a bench gun or something with a heavy barrel but way large for a handy-carrying carbine.

 

[happy1]

Simmions also has a 3X9X40 AO scope both go for about 60.00-65.00 at wally world

Paul

Are you sure you're not talking about the Simmons 3-9x 32AO? Here they have it listed at $65.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-22-Mag-3-9X32-Rifle-Scope-with-Adjustable-Objective/6340063

This is the same scope I talked about in my post above. I paid @ $75 for mine from an online seller and thought it was a great deal. $65 is even better!

BTW, IMHO, a 40mmAO scope is a HUGE scope for a stock 10/22. Okay for a bench gun or something with a heavy barrel but way large for a handy-carrying carbine.

OOPs my bad 3X9X32

SWFA has them for 59.95 plus 25% off :arrow:

http://swfa.com/Simmons-3-9x32-22-Mag-Rifle-Scope-P3437.aspx

 

[Snake45]

SWFA has them for 59.95 plus 25% off :arrow:

http://swfa.com/Simmons-3-9x32-22-Mag-Rifle-Scope-P3437.aspx

I wonder if the 25% off has already been discounted off the quoted price. $60 is a damn good price for this scope and at $45 it would be the Deal of the Century!

I might have to buy myself a couple more of them if they're really $45! :shock:

 

[FergusonTO35]

The Simmons .22 Mag is an outstanding rimfire scope, you can get it in fixed power, variable power, black finish, or silver finish flavors. My fiance' has one on her 10/22 and its outstanding. The 32mm objective provides a generous view but allows you to leave the rear sight mounted. Simmons does sell alot of cheap Chicom produced scopes but this one is made in Korea, the same as your better Bushnells. I really think you would have to get a rimfire Nikon or Leupold to improve on the .22 Mag.

 

[Snake45]

I really think you would have to get a rimfire Nikon or Leupold to improve on the .22 Mag.

Another one that's really highly spoken of at Rimfirecentral is the Mueller APV. I think it runs about $125 and is also thought of as a good value.

But the Simmons 22MAG 3-9x 32AO is just an outstanding value at anything unde $75, IMHO.