Looking for some help on a pistol scope...

[jebib3]

I just purchased a 22a with a 5 1/2" bull barrel. I want to put a scope on it now. I admit this is new to me(scopes on pistols that is), and I'm looking for advice on just what I need, and what those of you with 22A's with a scope consider as good products. I assume I need mounts but what fits, and what is good? Also I'm simply seeking advice on what kind of pistol scopes you would recommend for the package. Finally, I'm assuming that if I have even limited mechanical skills that this is something I should be able to successfully accomplish without a gunsmith. Your comments and recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. bib

 

[handgunner356]

You might want to check out a Red Dot scope for your gun. I like smaller dots for fixed or Bullseye type shooting around 2-3 minute dots. The 5-10 minute dots seem to work better for plinking and faster target acquisistion. They allow you to keep both eyes open and focus on your target, giving the view of the dot being projected like a laser on the target.

 

[Racer X]

TruGlo makes a 2x red dot that is a 3 or 4 MOA dot. You can remove the front element and make it a 1x red dot, and about 40% shorter too. I have one on my AK, and I like it a lot.

 

[DoubleH]

Truglo Red Dot Sight

I have a Truglo red dot on my 22A that I love. It comes with a base that will fit right on the 22A rail. If you can loosen and tighten two set screw, you can install it on your 22A. It runs about $70 at MidwayUSA. Product #179627.

 

[novalty]

A couple to look at are Millet SP's and Bushnell's Red Dot, and for more money UltraDot. The Millet and Bushnell's Red Dots are in about the same price range ($80), and UltraDots start around $140. The UltraDots have a great reputation and Lifetime Warranty. The Bushnell and Millet's seem to have a fairly good reputation, they only warranty their product for a couple years. As far as size goes, the Millet SP1 and UltraDot 25 are about the same size in length and weight, and the Bushnell is larger in both aspects.

 

[skeeterbait]

First decide what it is you want to use the gun for. If you are looking to make the gun a longer range target gun for mostly stationary targets, go with up to a 4x scope or red dot tube device. Over 4x on a pistol and it gets really shakey. I would not exceed that. If you are looking for quicker target acquision and improved/easier accuracy at normal distances go with a 1x red dot device. If you are looking for a fast sight you can use on moving targets or high speed acquisition of multiple targets, go with an open lens holographic red dot device.

Anything with an integral Weaver or Picatinny attachment will fit your 22A without seperate mounts. Any tube device without an integral mount you will need to purchase Weaver or Picatinny rings of the proper diameter for it.

1x devices have unlimited eye relief and make target acquisition easier because the magnification through the sight matches what you see outside the sight. 2x and higher magnification have a certain eye relief and if you have longer arms, you need to consider if it would fall within the device's eye relief range. Target acquisition is slower and takes practice the higher magnification you go.

Look for mounts with Torx or at least quality hex key (allen) head screws. Stay away from the old style Weaver knurled nuts with large flat slots. Look for devices with recessed screw heads as the installation will look cleaner. ONLY use quality drivers of the proper fit and don't over tighten. It wont take that much to keep it mounted securely. Always tighen screws evenly a little at a time in a cross pattern till secure.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Just bought this BSA 2X scope for $50 from Midway. Mounted it on a 22S and am very pleased. The below pic is at 50 yards and supported with my range bag. Aguila Match Rifle.