recommended scope for .22lr.

I

idek

New member
Over the years, I bought a few different scopes for use on my .22s. They were all of the budget variety buschnell, simmons, tasco. I don't have major complaints about them. They do okay for my purposes, which are plinking and some small game hunting. But I'd like to try something of higher quality.

The following are certain criteria that matter to me.

- not too long or bulky. I like to mount scopes low and I don't want a lot of extra weight. Objective around 32mm or less preferably.
- magnification of 2-7x would be my top preference. I see a lot of 3-9x, but I like the wider FOV at 2x.
- I'm not really interested in adjustable objectives or bullet drop turrets or other knobs that stick out of a scope.
- a standard duplex reticle would be preferred.

Basically, I'm looking for a smallish, straight-forward scope with nice glass, accurate adjustments, good reliability, and the ability to hold zero well.

Browsing online, one option that might match all the criteria was the Leupold VX-1 2-7x28mm.

Another that looks decent is the Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire Riflescope, although it might be pushing my preferred size limit a bit.

Can anyone comment on either of these scopes or recommend others that I should consider?


*also, would a quality rimfire rifle be okay on a .357 carbine? I figure bullet velocities and trajectories are in the same ballpark, and the 50-yard parallax would be about right. Not sure if the slight recoil increase would be bad for rimfire scopes though.
 
Whatever you get, buy a good scope. Nikon used to make a 1.5-5X28 scope, I had one on a 77/22 and it was pretty nice. I don't see it in their current lineup, maybe some other scope maker offers a scope in that power range. Otherwise, 2-7 is pretty nice, I have 2 Leupolds and a Weaver in that power range.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Scorch, I was looking at some 2-7x28 Weavers. How does your Weaver compare to the more expensive Leupold?

EchoM70, I looked up the Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm, and it looks good, but it appears to be designed as a centerfire rifle, meaning 100 or 150 yard parallax maybe(?)

Since I probably shoot more in the 20-50 yard range, I'd prefer shorter parallax settings if possible.
 
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EchoM70, I looked up the Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm, and it looks good, but it appears to be designed as a centerfire rifle, meaning 100 or 150 yard parallax maybe(?)
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It's a 100 yard parallax. The distance isn't great enough for you to develop any noticeable parallax issues. It's the same as saying you can't use a 100 yard parallax scope at 150 yards or 180 yards because of parallax issues. It's generally when the distance starts getting greater than 100 yards than the setting that you start having issues. Like shooting 200+ yards with a set parallax of 100 yards for example.


But if you feel an absolute need for the 50 yard parallax scope, don't rule out shotgun scopes. Generally set at 50 yards and will withstand recoil from your .357 carbine as well.


Here's the Burris Droptine 2-7x35mm... It's the FF2 set up with a 50yd parallax made with the .22lr in mind.

http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x35-Droptine-22LR-Rifle-Scope-P68082.aspx
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When it comes to sub $300 scopes, I always have to recommend Burris. They make the absolute best scope in that price range. In my opinion of course. $300+ I start looking at Vortex, Zeiss, or Luepold... Just to give you an idea of my preferences and what generally works in my experience.
 
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The Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm would fit your needs nicely. It's somewhat of a cross-breed between the Leupold Rifleman and the VX-1. It's Leupold quality and carries an equivalent warranty, but is half the price. I have one on a .444 Marlin Handi-Rifle. It takes a serious beating from my heavy loads, but the scope is holding up great.

And... Leupold will reset the parallax to any distance within the scope's range, on any of their pre-set parallax scopes, including Redfields, if you ship it to them. (Last time I checked, anyway. It might be worth a call to "Redfield" customer service, to double check.)

I'm up to 4 or 5 of the Leupold Redfields, and I'm happy with all of the Revolutions. I recently picked up one of the scopes from their Revenge line. I'm still not sure about that one. It was built in the Philippines, and the quality and clarity just aren't as good as the Revolution line. It's working so far, but time will tell the whole story.



I like older Weaver scopes, but the current warranty situation keeps me from buying one.


For me, it's Leupold for good quality (but not a wallet buster), Redfield for mid-range quality, and if those don't fit the bill... Tasco. If still none of those fit the bill, I check local shops for used scopes, and see what kind of deal I can find.
 
Regarding the shotgun scope suggestion, I actually have a Simmons 1.5-5x32 shotgun scope that I bought several years ago for use on a .22, because I liked the lower magnification range. It's about the same size as basic .22 scopes and has a 50-yard parallax.
 
Scorch, I was looking at some 2-7x28 Weavers. How does your Weaver compare to the more expensive Leupold?
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No comparison, really. The Weaver is good, but the Leupold is brighter and looks better.
 
Try a Nikon P22. It is a 2-7 that is parallax set for 50 yards. One inch tube and about a 32mm bell.

I have one on a Ruger 77-22 and another on a CZ 452 Trainer. I think the scope is about $165 at Sportsman's Warehouse.
 
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I just bought a Leupold rimfire 2-7x28 scope . The glass is very clear and a perfect fit for my old Marlin 60 and squirrel hunting .

I also have a Weaver 3-9x32 ao rimfire scope on my Ruger 10/22 . The glass is not quite as bright as the Leupold , but still a very nice scope .

I would have a hard time picking one over the other .
 
idek said:
Browsing online, one option that might match all the criteria was the Leupold VX-1 2-7x28mm.
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That's a very nice scope. I have one mounted on my Henry lever action and I like it a lot. Expensive, though. I have a similar Weaver 2-7x28 on my Savage MkII bolt action that's quite a bit less costly, but not quite as good optically. But very good glass for the money.

If I weren't on a strict budget, I'd definitely go for the Leupold. But the Weaver wouldn't disappoint.
 
- not too long or bulky. I like to mount scopes low and I don't want a lot of extra weight.
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Me too-especially when putting a scope on a .22 sporter rifle. I don't think you'd go wrong with a Nikon "Prostaff" 4x, rimfire version, with a 50 yard parallax.
 
I have to agree with the Vortex Crossfire 2x7, great little scope for the price.
I'd put up against the leupold vx1 anytime.
 
geetarman said:
Try a Nikon P22. It is a 2-7 that is parallax set for 50 yards. One inch tube and about a 32mm bell.

I have one on a Ruger 77-22 and another on a CZ 452 Trainer. I think the scope is about $165 at Sportsman's Warehouse.
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Plus one on this. I have it on my 17th and it's a great scope.
 
I agree that buy quality glass when you can afford it.
I am a big fan of Leupold but there are less expensive scopes that are also will do the job.
I hate to even bring this up but a friend of mine has a few of the BSA scopes and they seem to work well.
They are very inexpensive and have a lifetime warranty but would not be my first choice.
 
I'm very satisfied with the Sightron 2.5x32 rimfire scopes I have mounted on a pair of 10-22 Rugers. Compact size, clear, bright, adjust properly, and hold zero--all the things I require from a 22 scope.
 
You forgot the most important consideration: What's your budget and new only, or used too?

On the 2nd question, yes, I think a "rimfire" marketed scope of any decent quality will be fine and in fact nearly perfect on a .357 mag rifle - still not much recoil there.
 
Ultra high quality scopes aren't as important on the rimfires

Most .22 lr will be inside 100 yards. I think you can easily get a cheaper scope and not suffer any performance related issues that you might at longer distances and centerfires.
 
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