Rimfire scope for CZ 457 Varmint

[bellger]

I'll be shooting at the ranges around here in SoCal (San Gabriel Valley-ish/ Inland Empire). I've never owned a .22 rifle before. Not sure on the magnification needed for the ranges around here. I'm looking for quality scope that matches or exceeds the quality of the 457. Any particular brand and model you like? This will be my first time using a scope. Price range 300-500 ideally but can go higher if it's something great. I see 1-6x, 2-7, and 3-9 magnification seem to be popular. I keep coming across good/ bad about both: Leupold VX Freedom Rimfire scope and Vortex Diamondback Rimfire. Do I need a rail or is direct mounting ok. I'll be shooting at paper targets and am thinking 50 yds, 100 yds, maybe more? What about buying used: good or bad idea? I'm not quite sure what distance is ideal for this rifle and the outdoor ranges around here, so any guidance and advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

[cz74]

Don't need fancy glass unless you plan to get into Rimfire PRS (custom builds, MDT chassis, etc.) My Tasco 4x32 works just fine on my CZ 457 Varmint

[foothillman]

I would start out with a cheap less than $100 with adjustable Objective.
The .22LR is slow and drop/wind will test your patience.
Unless you are very very dedicated to learning your rifle/scope ability or maximum accuracy your +100yds paper targets turn into metal plates.
I do not pretend to be a long range shooter but from my limited experience dispatching gophers beyond 50yds is
My target area is about 1.5" and pops up/down.
Varmint hunting gives you a much larger target area, +100yds will get you a hit but not always a clean kill.

If this is a start into long range shooting than do spend more $$ with the intentions of moving it to other rifles.
Take it out first time open sights.
Think you will be pleasantly surprised at 25yds.

M2C

Visual with no cross wind, zero 100yds.
150yds drop 14"
200yds drop 40"

[mrjay23]

I'll recommend the Vortex viper pst gen 1. 30mm, 6-24x, ffp in both mil and moa, has a zero stop ring I think. I have one in my 308 and in my opinion way better glass than the diamondback tactical.

[bellger]

Thanks for the replies and especially the charts foothillman. After doing some more internet and youtube research, I keep encountering the Arken EP-5 and the Vortex line. I'm thinking about going with the Arken. I'll be able to use this scope on my AR as well. Does anybody have experience with Arken scopes?

[Imageview]

[redbridge]

I have the Leupold 3-9 Freedom Rimfire and the Vortex Crossfire 2-7, and the eye box on the Leupold is much more forgiving, especially at max magnification. The image is clearer at all magnifications on the Leupold. Is it worth it? For me, yeah.

[1911-CV]

[Peahi2]

I used a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP EBR-2C MRAD for an appleseed 200 yard clinic and it was more than enough. I never used it past 10x.

BUT....during the covid pandemic, I was shooting 22 LR from the bench 2x a week at 100 yards and I needed (wanted really) good magnification so I could see my bullet holes on the target. It was nice not to come off the rifle to peek at the spotting scope.

I would think with your 457 you'll be shooting at 100 yards and hitting dime size groups regularly if the wind and ammo permit. My main scope for this purpose was my Burris XTR III 5.5-30x56 FFP. I also purchased an Arken Ep-5 5-25x56 that was ok (I'm not up to date on their current rep these days). Love Athlon scopes too.

Good optics cost money, but luckily the competition is fierce so you'll be able to get some good stuff. Back in the day (a couple of years ago), I was deep into the rimfire forum at snipers hide...and I learned SO much. You can learn a lot at rimfire central as well. Spend time at those places before you buy your scope. Don't just settle on a "rimfire" scope...your 457 deserves better and you deserve better. The money spent on a half *** scope is better used towards a real scope.

The area 419 scope rail is primo....get that. I do also like the CZ scope bases.

And don't scrimp on rings either. Lastly, feed your rifle good ammo...it will make a world of difference, and it's fun to try out different ammo to see what your rifle likes. You'll probably end up with Lapua Center X ammo or some nice Eley or SK ammo.

You'll probably end up trying a chassis for you 457 too. It's all fun.

You make me want to get back to my 22s.

[bellger]

I ended up going with Arken EP-5, the Arken low pic rings, the Area 419 30moa rail, Timney trigger, DIP extended metal mag release, and a harris bi-pod. The reason I went with Arken is that I'm not ready to spend more than $500 on a scope since this whole .22 rife shooting is new and not sure I'm in it for the long haul...yet. The goodies should be here next week. Can't wait to get out to the range and try it all out. I'm starting to see all the uber-cool looking chassis stuff. It's just like hot rods/ car-culture. Tons of aftermarket out there. Anyone know a place in SoCal/ SGV where to find that ELEY or SK ammo? The places around me only have CCI and Norma.

[1911-CV]

What tipped the balance between the Arkin EP-5 (assuming 5-25X56) at $472 (current Amazon price) and the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 at $328 (again, current Amazon price)? They seem pretty comparable. I'm looking at a July 4 purchase for another rifle...

Thanks.

[Ayu2046]

I get my SK from https://www.eurooptic.com and Eley from https://www.killoughshootingsports.com. My 457 MTR shoots great with SK Pistol Match. Join us for NRL22 matches in SoCal. https://socalnrl22.org

[akjunkie]

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-slx6-1-6x24mm-sfp-rifle-scope-gen-3-illuminated-acss-22lr-reticle

[Blackhawk556]

Thanks for the replies and especially the charts foothillman. After doing some more internet and youtube research, I keep encountering the Arken EP-5 and the Vortex line. I'm thinking about going with the Arken. I'll be able to use this scope on my AR as well. Does anybody have experience with Arken scopes?

The Arken EP5 is on sale for $450 on their site and the new EP5 Gen 2 was just announced for $600.

The vortex venom can be bought for $500 and is a very good option, I actually have one but I'm going to need another scope for a new rifle I just bought. I might get an EP5 unless I find another deal.

[1911-CV]

Sportsmans has the Vortex Viper PST-1 6-24x 50 in MIL on sale for $550 plus you get a $75 rebate card. It's the older model (PST-II is out and also on sale at $699) but highly rated. Hard to keep track of the Vortex models, but this is another bump up from the Venom and just below the Razor.

Many options...