Is a Simmons Whitetail Classic scope okay for a rimfire match?

Dave686 · Mar 14, 2025

I have a Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20x 50mm that I took in trade years ago and have never used it or put it on anything. It’s like new. I just always thought they were cheap scopes.

I’ve never really been into rimfire other than pistols, but I’m thinking about buying a .22 bolt action rimfire and shooting some local matches.

It’s not like I’m going to need fast target acquisition or be looking in low light. But I wonder if this scope will impact accuracy. Without buying a scope or taking one off something else the other option is a 3X9X40 Leupold VX1. I know the Leupold is a quality scope, but I just thought that 20X would give me a much better accuracy?? The other thing is it’s pretty darn big.

I haven’t bought my rimfire rifle yet so I don’t know what it will be going on.

What is your experience with these scopes?

Thanks

WR Moore · Mar 14, 2025

Depends upon the matches. 20X will show you have a lot more wobbles than you thought. It's worth a try and all you might be out is for the rings.

The sewer pipe objectives that are all the rage now are a pain so far as getting a proper cheek weld. Unless you've got an adjustable comb or use a pad.

Eric300 · Mar 14, 2025

How far will you be shooting. The Simmons most likely has Paralex set for 100 yds (maybe 75). Most designated rimfire scopes have Paralex set at 50 yds. Simmons aren't bad scopes but not all that good either. For rimfire I would opt for a scope wither an AO or SF. If you have an extra $200 - $300 laying around, A Mueller APV 4.5-14x40AO is a great scope for the money (under $200)-
https://muelleroptics.com/products/mueller-apv-4-5-14x40ao-black/

Or even better, a TRACT FIRE22 4-12x40AO - (under $300)
22 FIRE 4-12X40 AO Extended Focus Range T-PLEX

Both of those scopes have 1" tubes (30mm tubes and 50mm Obj seem to be the norm these days) and would be a better choice for rimfire rifles for targets from 25-150 yds.

LittleAugieMo · Mar 14, 2025

All the Simmons scopes I've used have had a wandering zero no matter what I've tried.You do you.Is scope legal for catagory you're planning on shooting?

Protocall_Design · Mar 15, 2025

I have never seen a Simmons scope I would take for free. They are not very good.

dave1918a2 · Mar 15, 2025

Your scope is fine as long as You buy a rifle of the same quality. Just don't expect any trophies.

Bald1 · Mar 15, 2025

Your scope is fine. You’re not shooting 300 plus yds. Try it out. You’re just getting started. You might not even like shooting matches. If you love the sport and want to continue, maybe then you upgrade. If it’s even necessary. I have some old and inexpensive scopes on my rim fires and they’ll shoot one hole groups if I do my part.

65Whelen · Mar 15, 2025

Where is the paralex focused? For 22 Rimfire you want a scope that can focus down to minimum 25 rds. If can't focus the scope to the yardage you're shooting at it's worthless.

Jebus35745 · Apr 11, 2025

The Whitetail Classic should have Parallax adjustment. It’s not a bad scope for the price range. Don’t think it would have wandering zero. I have a 4x Simmons and don’t have any problems. Try the scope out first and see if you like it. Make sure you buy a rifle capable of decent accuracy first, don’t buy a cheap rifle and blame the scope for inaccuracy. Larry

LAH · Apr 14, 2025

These have an AO. I have one on a 30-06 with many rounds. The scope has held up well & I have no "zero" problems. The adjustments repeat fine but in no uncertain terms, they are not a target scope. Also above 16X there is the dreaded black ring around the circumference. My rifle is a plinker at heart & the scope works fine for that. Would I purchase another?? No.

The view at 500 yards. The 2nd Mil-Dot is on a 12" plate. I believe this was on 12X.

gdogs · Apr 14, 2025

If it is one of the older Whitetail Classics that has a textured finish, then it is an alright scope. I've had a few over the years, and currently have one on a 18" AR 5.56. Biggest problem you're likely to run into is having to get rings high enough so that the 50mm objective can clear the barrel, and then of course a cheekpiece high enough that you can still see through it.

Eric300 · Apr 14, 2025

You're going down the ol' rabbit hole getting into .22 Rimfire....lol

I wouldn't bother even using any scope for target shooting that didn't have either an AO or SF on it.

Here's a couple examples of 50 yd targets. (Still 'seasoning the new barrel on the KIDD).

One with my bone stock circa 1963 Glenfield Model 20. 11# trigger that feels like rubbing 2 bricks together! Little el-cheapo Bushnell Prime 3.5-10x40AO scope. Using some older SK sub-sonic HP ammo I have laying around.

Really not too shabby considering the rifle/scope....

And from a complete KIDD rifle I built on a Victor Titan 22 stock with an 18" fluted barrel. Weaver V16 Classic 4-16x42AO scope on Burris Zee Rings. Using SK Rifle Match ammo.

25 yard target (Kidd)

Good Luck!

6string · Apr 15, 2025

What type of matches are you talking about?
That’s THE important question.
From there, you can base the selection of rifle, and only then, sights.

I say “sights” for a reason.

I’ve never heard of anybody getting started in rimfire rifle match shooting who didn’t start out with a single shot rifle and iron sights.

In any case, that looks like a huge scope. So, that means it will need to be mounted fairly high over the bore line. That, in turn, affects the choice of rifle because the stock will need to be of the appropriate “drop” in order to give you a good cheek weld and comfortable neck.
Just bolting on the biggest magnification scope won’t ensure anything regarding your shooting or match performance.

I hope Jebus35745, who has already posted here, will show a picture of one of his scoped target rifles!

In any case, equipment unsuited to the type of match shooting you’re pursuing will ruin the experience, and you likely won’t continue.

hardluk1 · Apr 15, 2025

I have used a 6-24x44 tmd with parallax adjustable to 10 yards on my savage mkii bv with a tuned 13oz trigger and the same scope on my 10/22 customs with 1lb triggers . My wife custom 10/22 prefers a mueller apv 4.5-14x40mm scope that has a parallax set for 10 yards on her 10/22 custom . This was a hot selling scope that filled most needs some years ago and still works well today

Getting comfortable with a higher power scope can have a learning curve over say a fixed power scope like a 4 power or a variable power scope in the 2-7 power range made for 22lrs at least to start with . My wife and I both have many years shooting with scopes . I started back in about 66 using the old school 3/4" 3-9 power scope for every need but in '73 I bought a 308 bolt action for hunting with a 2.5-10x40mm scope and that has feel most of my needs over the years .

Just understand a 22lr is ammo picky . Its all about finding the ammo that shots well for you in a price range you can live with . Best grouping 22lr ammo can cost you well over 20 dollars a box but some ammo in the 5 dollar a box my fill your general 22lr needs . I shot a mostly mid level standard velocity match ammo and shooting bug hole groups with ammo like sk rifle match down to federal 711B ammo at 50 yards can be easy to manage .

You might find a vortex cross fire 1 , 2-7x32mm scope fills your needs better than what you have now Or try what you have but notice how yardages under say 50 yards give you bullet impact problems do to parallax !

Just buy a rifle with a cheek height that high enough for scope use not open sights . The can help with scope height . Personally I would not use a scope with a 50mm bell on it .

Jebus35745 · Apr 17, 2025

No picture of the Simmons scope mentioned but a picture of a Martini 12-15 rifle with a BSA 8-32 with the sun shade mounted. I put the BSA in the same class as the Simmons, I shot some nice groups with this combo at 50 yards.

Another picture of a serious shooting combo of scope and rifle, capable of sub 1/4” groups at 50 yds. A 12x Lyman Super Target Spot scope with a Pre Martini International made by Al Freeland with a 7 star Eric Johnson barrel. Larry

6string · Apr 17, 2025

Jebus35745 said:
No picture of the Simmons scope mentioned but a picture of a Martini 12-15 rifle with a BSA 8-32 with the sun shade mounted. I put the BSA in the same class as the Simmons, I shot some nice groups with this combo at 50 yards.

Another picture of a serious shooting combo of scope and rifle, capable of sub 1/4” groups at 50 yds. A 12x Lyman Super Target Spot scope with a Pre Martini International made by Al Freeland with a 7 star Eric Johnson barrel. Larry

That second set-up Freeland-BSA and Lyman Super Target is fantastic!
Beautiful to look at and, I am betting, a pleasure to shoot.
When you get to shoot classics like that, it’s like driving around town in a Rolls-Royce!

Is a Simmons Whitetail Classic scope okay for a rimfire match?

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