.22 scope for semi-quick acquisition?

[dirtykoala]

Im starting a build on an off hand 10/22 and need some input on scopes.

Im a scope noob, so im wondering what to be looking for for a scope that will get me out to 100 yrds, (9x is probably fine) but i also need to quickly acquire a sight picture at 25yds for apple seed and eventually some light competition.

ive noticed that even at 25yds, i like having my scope zoomed in to 9x, but thats rested and i think in the standing this would be annoying and harder to steady on the target, not sure though???

ive noticed that a lot of .22 scopes are 2-7ish, why is that?

for my current 10/22 that i plan to use bench rested ive ordered a Sweet 22 6-18x40.

any input would be great!

[mixicus]

Higher the magnification, the harder it will be for you to 'hold steady'. Your not moving any more, you just notice the smaller movements more at higher magnification.

Higher the magnification generally means, smaller field of view. This becomes limiting for field work/courses. Variable power scopes will compensate by running the lower power to find a target then cranking up the power for better shot placement.

As for 2-7x being common, well for off-hand work there's a practical limit to how much mag is beneficial (reasons above). Also a .22lr range is fairly short so the need for higher powers is more limited. As for specific power ranges the physics of the optics dictate the power range multiples.

For truely quick sight pictures look at red dot sights such as Aimpoint, EOTech or Trijicon. Lit reticles are easier to pick up and stand out more against your target, usually.

I have a fixed 4x and a 3-9x on my .22lr's that I primarliy use off hand. Even for my .223, I run a EOTech or a 2-7x traditional scope for off hand work. Testing loads, I'll switch out scopes to a higher power to enhance my precision.

[Merc1138]

2-7x allows for a decent range of magnification without necessarily needing to increase the size/weight of the scope itself. As mixicus pointed out, with the limited range of .22lr there isn't a need for really high magnification.

Another thing to keep in mind is clarity. You can see better using a 4x scope with ultra clear glass, than you will with a $30 piece of junk at 8x. Since you don't need the magnification, you might as well go for clarity instead.

[ejhc11]

With the suggested power from the posts above try one of these - Japanese made and priced like Chinese products

http://www.weaveroptics.com/optics/riflescopes/classic_rimfire/

Good reviews

http://www.opticsplanet.net/weaver-rimfire-scopes.html

[Hunt]

I wonder how a pistol scope would work because of the greater eye relief aiding fast acquisition. Just sayin'.

[dirtykoala]

Is there any advantage to getting the weaver over a leupold? Aside from cost.

[Coyotegunner]

I have used the Weavers on several guns due to cost,I have 2 Grand Slams on hunting guns.Leupold can not despair,I own 9 of their spendy ones.I get along the best with Burris these days.They have repaired a couple I jacked up in about 3 weeks turn around-no questions asked.They can get spendy also.The Fullfield line is pretty darn good,even though it is not made here.Still has Burris no BS warranty.Keep in mind,22 designated scopes have a different parallax going on due to using it at close range.On a 17HMR and a 17HM2 I run Leupold VX2 4-12 with a Fineplex reticle.I have several Mildot reticle scopes and have grown to dislike them.The bullet drop type,Nikon,Burris,Leupold-those are wonderful for 22 drop.Another reasonable scope lately are the Simmons.They are extremely good for the money and backed pretty well,by Bushnell.The BSA you are getting is not bad either.If you want to go a little crazy do as the 3 gunners.Load up the scope with a red dot on top of it.

[OpticsPlanet]

I have run the Nikon Rimfire 3-9x40mm on a 10/22 and a CMMG .22:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-prostaff-rimfire-3-9x40mm-riflescope-matte-w-bdc-150-reticle.html

The BDC 150 reticle works great! I can drop prairie dog zombies out to 100 yards easily with that scope on a 10/22.

Chase B.