Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

All types of competitive shooting including Bell Target, MR TR F/TR F Open, GR, Small Bore and BR

Moderator: dromia

Forum rules
This section is for people who shoot or want to shoot in competitions and includes future events, how to get started, choice of rifle and calibres including wildcats, how to prepare for your competition, and of course how you did!
Post Reply
Message
Author
nagantino

Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#1 Post by nagantino »

I shoot Lightweight Sporting Rifle, TP and Multi-Target competitions in .22 lr. I bought a Nikon 3-9 scope which is a quality item, but I feel more magnification is needed at 25 yards. The same rifle is used in TP and MT. Is there a perfect scope combo that does it all, like 4-16 or what?
User avatar
Alpha1
Site Supporter Since 2020
Posts: 8556
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:27 pm
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#2 Post by Alpha1 »

With scopes you get what you pay for my .22 Scopes for 25 yards indoor stuff have cost between £350 and £500. Longer distance stuff between £700 and well over a £1000.
User avatar
TattooedGun
Past Supporter
Posts: 2510
Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:55 am
Home club or Range: Dudley Rifle Club, WNSC, UKPSA, Bromsgrove
Location: West Midlands
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#3 Post by TattooedGun »

I shoot Lightweight Sporting Rifle at 25 yards with my Lantac LA-SF15.

I have an IOR Ghost 1-10x scope on it, but generally don't use more than 6x whilst shooting competition - too much magnification amplifies the movement of free-hand shooting and puts me off.

I also use the same rifle for Practical Minirifle shooting to decent success.

All I would say is look at what the top shooters in your disciplines are using and see if there's any crossover. it may be that you need something fitting for each discipline that you shoot - quick release scope mounts are available so you could have multiple options for the same rifle system. ultimately only you can decide what you need, or what you can live with. You can compromise, but where you decide to compromise is based on your ability or needs.
1066
Site Supporter Since 2015
Posts: 2164
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:05 pm
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#4 Post by 1066 »

Unfortunately no one scope suits all my .22's. I use a big 8-50x60 for indoor benchrest, it does the job very well but lacks the elevation needed for long range rimfire, I use my Sightron 8-32x56 for that. I can't use the Sightron for indoor benchrest because it won't quite focus down to 25yds.
I use little 2.5-5 x 20 Whitetail classic for 20 yd standing and 4-14x40 Hawke on my Finnfire sporting rifle.
TARGETMASTER
an altogether better trickler
www.targetmasteruk.com
paul mercer
Posts: 53
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:22 am
Home club or Range: Tavistock Miniature rifle club
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#5 Post by paul mercer »

I use a pretty standard 3x9x50 at around no4 or 5 setting for LSR at 25yds which seem to be quite adequate for my (not too brilliant shooting), any more and a wobble sets in. Some of our best shots use scopes at up to 24 setting, they must have very steady hands!
User avatar
Graham M
Posts: 958
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:14 pm
Location: Brum
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#6 Post by Graham M »

I have a 3-9 X40 on mine but never take it up above 6X for 25 yds indoors. Can't see the need.
Never argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
User avatar
Ballistol
Posts: 268
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:48 pm
Location: Tyne & Wear
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#7 Post by Ballistol »

Don’t know about perfect, but I find a 6-24x50 to be very capable at both short and long range.
I’d add the caveat that it needs to have parallax adjustment if you want to get the best out of it :good:
Jimminy234
Posts: 54
Joined: Tue May 18, 2021 3:15 pm
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#8 Post by Jimminy234 »

Nope, I bought a 6-24x50 elements optics helix for my 22 that I use mainly for lightweight sporter shooting and it works well but I can’t help feeling it’s too much scope for the rifle as it’s quite heavy.
A friend shoots a fixed 10 power optisan and swears by it, I’m now tempted to give that a go but must admit I prefer using 12 power but that’s probably because I have that option so I might chuck one on a air rifle and see how I get on.
User avatar
Mattnall
Site Supporter Since 2016
Posts: 2864
Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:32 pm
Home club or Range: Harlow TAC, NRA, BSRC
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#9 Post by Mattnall »

Ooo, a hard one this. In my case not one for all, I'm afraid.

I think it will depend upon the style of shooting it'll be doing.
Rested I have 3-9x (Hawke) and 6-24x (Vortex) available depending upon the range I want to shoot at, etc.
Then for the GR events at 25yds where I'm standing and might need to see multiple targets at once a 1.5-5x20 (the old Simmons WTC) seems to work for me. This one gets the most use. It would only be better if it went down to 1x like some of the newer low powered scopes and then it'd be a red-dot too.
Arming the Country, one gun at a time.

Good deals with Paul101, Charlotte the flyer, majordisorder, Charlie Muggins, among others. Thanks everybody.
User avatar
Graham M
Posts: 958
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:14 pm
Location: Brum
Contact:

Re: Is there a perfect .22 scope? Which magnification is the most versatile?

#10 Post by Graham M »

I have the old Simmons WTC 1.5-5 X 20 on my Marlin 39a. Ideal for playing with.
Never argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests