Barska, Tasco, Simmons - 4x32 Rimfire

[VaTom]

Was looking for a low cost ($50 or under) 4X32 rimfire scope for plinking and target shooting for a recent purchase Marlin 39A. (I have Nikon and Vortex optics for my S&W 15-22). Several years ago I bought a Bushnell 4X32 Rimfire for my Marlin Model 60 at Walmart for around $30 (with rings) and have been pleased with it. Bushnell no longer makes this model however there were several on Amazon for $50. I thought I would share what I found in my search and research and what I ended up getting.

*We all know cheaper optics are Made in China. Don't like to buy Chinese but no other choices at the low price point.
*Lower cost fixed magnification scopes seem to be better rated than lower cost variable magnification.
*Both Tasco and Simmons are owned by parent company of Bushnell.
*"Field and Stream" brand scopes sold by Dick's are Tasco products.
*The rings that many of the low end scopes come with are consistently rated low by consumers.(However the ones that came with my Bushnell work fine for my purpose).

Based on my search and reviewing consumer ratings on numerous different website, I ended up buying a Simmons 4X32 22 Mag scope. It has the highest ratings of the three brands.

So far very pleased. Clear optics, appears well made, adjustable eye piece, appropriate size for a lever action .22 and is very similar to my Bushnell. Haven't taken it to the range yet so time will tell.

Hope this information helps if you are looking for an economical rimfire scope.

 

[chief38]

I love Leupold's but yes... they ARE a bit pricy. A GREAT "bang for the buck" is Nikon Pro-staff. Sometimes you can get them for under $100 bucks when on sale. I have shot a Ruger 10/22 with a recent Simmons Scope and it got the job done just fine. Where you really notice the difference between economy and higher end scopes is during Dusk and Dawn and when shooting into the woods against shadows. Todays economy scopes are far better than the low end ones from 30 - 40 years ago. I have a "junker" scope that came with a Marlin Glenfield M25 in the 1960's and it's awful! If memory serves it's only a 1/2" or 5/8" tube - worthless!!

ENJOY YOUR 39A - they are the BEST!

 

[H Richard]

The computer designed scopes of today are far better than some of the higher quality scopes of 40 years ago. The danger of the under $50 scope is the ruggedness of it. Repeat-ability of settings, maintaining setting if dropped etc. Evan on a $100 rifle I would put a $100 scope.

 

[Faulkner]

I am a Barska fan and highly recommend 'em for .22 LR. I did a makeover on a 30 year old Ruger 10/22 last year and put a Barska 3-9x42 with illuminated reticle on it. I liked it so well that when I bought a new Ruger 10/22 Takedown LITE not long ago I put another scope just like it on the new rifle.

They run under a $100 from Sportsmansguide.

Barska 3-9x42mm Illuminated Reticle AR-15/M16 Scope - 113752, Rifle Scopes and Accessories at Sportsman's Guide

 

[Skeet 028]

I don't put cheap scopes on my 22s..Well they might not cost much but I use older Leupold and Redfields. In fact I am replacing a Redfield tracker now that has been on my Marlin 39 also. I bought an older Leupold Vari X II 2 X 7 for 50 bucks and it is going on it. If you really look and make offers you can often find older Leupolds at gun shows cheap. At the same show I got a same vintage VXII 3 x 9 for 70 dollars... I sold it for 115 bucks so the 2 x 7 ended up costing 5 dollars...and I have a nice scope for the ole 39. The average 22 only needs a scope for approx 70 yard shooting anyway. I have an old Mossberg Military 22 target gun that I cut down for skwerl shooting many years ago. Works great with an older Bushnell 4 x 12. Grandson uses it for skwerls back on the Eastern Shore

 

[mtgianni]

Hit the pawn shops and stores that sell on gunbrooker in your area. most will pull scopes before they sell and you can get a good scope reasonably.