Scope swap............

[area51guy]

I had a 6x24 scope on my 10/22 Target rifle but changed it out today for a 3x9. Why go backwards, you ask? Well, I'm trying to learn to shoot this thing competitively in .22 steel plate matches and found that even at 6x the other scopes field of view was a little too restricted and hindered fast target identification. Having never sighted in the 3x9, I put it on the 10/22 and took it to the range today. Good thing I planned ahead as I had to move the bullet strike about 7-8" right and up about 6" shooting at 25 yds! Fortunately, the scope had plenty of adjustment range in both windage and elevation. After adjusting the scope, I moved down to the dedicated .22 range and spent some time doing some speed drills with the steel plates. With the scope cranked down to the 3x setting, I was able to see not only the target plate, but also the next couple of plates to the right or left. I think this is going to work well! The next change will probably be a lighter barrel. The stock barrel on the rifle weighs about 3 lbs and I can get other barrels that weigh as little as just over 1 lb.! That should help make shooting this thing offhand a bit easier. Right now, total weight on the gun is just over 7 lbs. Bringing it down to about 5 1/2 lbs would help a lot! I have a Winchester bolt rifle that weighs in at about 5 1/2 that is much more pleasant to shoot offhand. The search goes on!

 

[22/45 Fan]

Ever tried a red dot, particularly one of the mini-types like a Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom? No magnification of course, but a huge field of view and very little to block the surroundings as well as no eye relief issues. All of the rifle length steel plate shooters (both rimfire and pistol caliber carbine) I know use them or a tube type red dot.

 

[area51guy]

I have used a red dot sight. I had one on a Smith Model 41 target pistol. Really did not like it all that much. I might have to go that way but meanwhile I'm trying to go a different route. The search goes on!

 

[JFB]

as for swapping scopes, I like to put the scopes in the center of adjustment (counting turns) and then check the rectile is centered using the mirror. I have also sanded the Ruger bases to give me a few minutes (Memory is going so don't recall value) so I expect POI to be POA about 35 yards without farther adjustments.

I don't shoot formal, but I have a preference for the 1-5X20 scopes for my plinker 1022s

 

[22/45 Fan]

I have used a red dot sight. I had one on a Smith Model 41 target pistol. Really did not like it all that much. I might have to go that way but meanwhile I'm trying to go a different route. The search goes on!

Another possibility is to try one of the several 1-4 or 1-6 scopes that have a true 1X setting so you have a huge field of view and non-critical eye relief.

 

[area51guy]

There is another 22 steel plate match coming up in a couple of weeks. I'll use the combo I have now and then decide if I need further mechanical changes or lots of practice doing speed shoots! Thanks all for the suggestions!