Scopes 101

T

topspin43

New member
Handgun guy here that is new to rifles... just bought a 10/22 "donor gun" to customize into my new "tack driver". My 10/22 came to me with a Tasco 4x32scope on it. (I'm sure it is problably worthless)

My questions...

1. What does 4x32 mean?
2. What are the fundamentals of a good scope?
3. How much should I spend for one? (2 kids in college)
4. What should I buy?

I plan on range shooting at 100 yds max. I am not a hunter.

Thanks in advance for your enlightenment!:cool:
 
Your Tasco scope is likely worth ~$30 new.
The "4" refers to x4 in power (magnification).
The "32" refers to the 32mm lens size.
I'm not good at recommending scopes. Instead, I'll suggest looking at Nikon, Swift, or Weaver scopes for a step up in price and, probably, quality. Do some shooting with your Tasco 4 power. I think you'll find the x4 power fine, if not ideal.
Fundamentals? Is it water/fog-proof? Does it fit on your rifle without interference? Are there mounting rings available to mount the scope without interference (scope touching rifle anywhere)?. Does the scope mount in such a manner/height where your cheek and stock comfortably fit (i.e. scope not too high above the receiver)?
There may be other things you might consider like, "eye relief" or even whether the scope is black or silver-colored.
 
Parallax: You will also run into the term "parallax" in reference to rimfire scopes. Positive parallax results in the target appearing to move as the eye is shifted behind the scope. Most centerfire rifle scopes are adjusted to be parallax free at 100 to 150 yards. Hence, when you mount one of these on a rimfire, you will experience positive parallax when shooting at typical rimfire ranges, say 50 yards. Rimfire scopes are usually adjusted to be parallax free at 50-75 yards. I'm told that the manufacturers will adjust a traditional centerfire rifle scope to be parallax free at rimfire ranges.

Power: For traditional rimfire ranges, a 4x is just about perfect as the magnification provides a practical view of the target within the traditional limitations of a 22lr rifle in terms of effective range. A variable 2-7x would be a nice power range especially if you envision shooting much at the longer ranges. It is a handy variable and the one I'd probably place on a high qualtity 22 rifle intended for general use. This of course increases the weight of the gun.

Diameter: Larger the scope tube or barrel diameter, the brighter the magnified image (target). The brighter the magnified image, the easier it is to shoot well. You want what many refer to as an "1-inch tube" or better diameter. Traditional rimfire scopes had a smaller tube diameter.

Increase in price buys you finer click adjustments for windage and elevation, increased brightness of the scope, and overall quality.
 
I have a 10/22 with an integrated pistol grip in my stock which is a real tack driver. It came with a Weaver Classic scope. 2-7X variable power by 28mm. I highly recommend it, it's a nice scope. MSRP is $160, but I'm sure it can be had for less than that.
 
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