My 10/22 Needs a New Scope

[leadaddict]

I have 10/22 that needs a new scope. (See attached picture) It is a deluxe model with the 18" stainless barrel. I've had it for better than a decade and it's had the cheap silver 3-9X40 Bushnell on it the whole time. I have it mounted on some see through rings. The gun is used mostly for "plinking" with the occasional rabbit, squirrel, or rat (again, see picture) hunt. I've decided a scope upgrade is in order.

I've been looking at the Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 with the LR reticle (currently $199). Some of my plinking goes out to 200 yards, and beyond, and I thought the extra aiming points would be helpful over the standard duplex. I'm looking for reviews on this scope or other suggestions in this range. I'm not opposed to another 3-9, but I thought the 2x on the lower end might be nice for rabbits on the run. I know Redfield, Nikon, and others make some scopes in this range but I don't have any experience with them.

Thanks!

 

[OldBrownDog]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Leupold. I have their VX-2 rimfire scope on a CZ452 and I've been really happy with it. Good glass, holds zero well (I dial elevation beyond 75 yds) and it looks good too.

Because someone else will say it - ditch the see-thru rings. You're better off with QD rings if you want to be able to access the iron sights

 

[sappyg]

I just saw a Nikon 3x9 rim fire scope at academy sports on sale for $119. These are usually listed at ~ 149. For the money this would be my pick. Of coarse, it wouldn't match the finish on your gun though.
I'd replace those rings along with the scope.

 

[Matthew Temkin]

I have the Leupold 2x7 rim fire scope on my takedown 10-22 and I am very pleased with it.
I just installed a second one on my Marlin bolt action .22 magnum.
I agree about those see thru mounts, which I don't even like on a big game rifle.

 

[leadaddict]

Hum... Lose the rings huh? I bought them for this and a .308 when I was first learning about guns. I have plans to replace them on the .308, but I'm not sure I want to get rid of them on this. I realize putting the scope higher above the bore has its disadvantages. Anyone care to elaborate why they dislike them?

 

[MCgunner]

Getting the scope closer to the bore axis makes the trajectory a little flatter, especially for a .22 used at short ranges to longish. Less climb to the POA and less overshoot once it gets there, if that's understandable. I'm struggling to explain. Also, you can get a better cheek weld on the stock with a proper scope mount. But, if your eyes are still young enough for irons, you might prefer the irons at shorter ranges. Me, I'm not getting any better with age and put a 1.5x4.5x22 Bushnell on my 10/22 so I could actually see what I'm shooting at. Sux so many ways getting old.

I don't know anyone that badmouths the VX1s, but for VX2-3-4 whatever owners, Schmidt and Bender owners, etc. If you like the reticule, why not? I can guaranty you, you won't shoot it loose with a .22. ROFL! This level of scope doesn't have the maximum best optics, but heck, so long as I can see the target, I'm happy, and it'll likely beat that Bushnell you're using now.

 

[chicharrones]

Also, you can get a better cheek weld on the stock with a proper scope mount.

Yep. A more consistent cheek weld to the top of the stock.

I dislike shooting rifles with high mounted scopes where my cheek position inconsistency makes possible parallax issues more apparent. Moving my wobbly head while watching the crosshairs change position on the target is not good.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I had a Leupold 2-7 rimfire on one of my CZ's. I wish I hadn't sold it. It was a nice compact, clear scope.

 

[jmr40]

Nothing at all wrong with that option. I'd opt for a 3-9X40 over a 2-7X for your stated uses. 9X will help at the longer ranges and they don't cost any more than most 2-7X scopes. A comparable 4-12X will be more expensive.

I could live with the VX-1, but I actually like the Burris FF-II 3-9X40 a little better. Especially if you want dots. I like the Burris reticle better.

The mounts would have to go!!!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Unless the scope has a AO, I prefer a dedicated rimfire scope because parallax is set for a shorter distance...Of course, you can send a Leupold back and get parallax adjusted to your specified distance.

 

[leadaddict]

Update...

I ended up buying the Weaver Classic Rimfire RV9, which is a 3-9x 32mm adjustable objective scope. It has a standard duplex reticle.

In the end what I decided I disliked most about my current scope was the inability to focus properly at varying distances so I determined to get an AO. I like the size of the RV9, small eyepiece and low turrets. I mounted it with a new base and some low scope rings I had on hand.

I took it out at dusk in the back yard and did a quick stand-up sight-in at 25 yards (I did have a deck post to lean into). It's chilly and snowing right now. The left target was 5 shots leaning on the post, the right was my last 4 rounds offhand.

Thanks for the comments, advice, and snide remarks! I'm looking forward to a nice day when I can finish sighting it from a rest and then do some shooting!