Which Scope for .22 Bolt Rifle?

Clean Break

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I've been using a fixed 2.5X Bushnell scope on a simple/inexpensive Fillipino bolt .22 rifle I bought years ago and shortened the stock and barrel on to fit my son when he was 7 years old. Well, he's grown now and I'm still shooting that scaled down thing! So I've bought a "big boy rifle" for myself and want a nice scope to sit on top.

I just bought (put on layaway) a brand new Ruger 77/22 bolt action .22 lr rifle. It has a walnut stock and polished, blued metalwork. See: Ruger 77/22® Rotary Magazine Bolt-Action Rifle Model 7002 This gun will primarily be a deck gun, not toted afield in the rainy Pacific Northwest woods (where I prefer stainless steel). I'll use it for plinking and varmints where most ranges are from 10 - 70 yds. away. Occasionally, I'll shoot longer. I am more of a one shot/one kill kind of guy, not blast away with volume. For larger varmints I use larger calibers or gauges.

I am not looking for a huge, heavy piece of glass to put on what is a fairly modest sized, traditionally designed rifle. I am not eager to spend over $275.

I like Leupolds. I have a Vari X II 2 x 7 on my .338 that has served me well for 22 years. And they are made locally (Oregon).

I am 75% settled on getting the fixed 4X Leupold FX-1 which weighs 7.5 oz. and is 9.2" long with a 28 mm objective. FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm - Leupold | Leupold

but am also thinking about the Leupold VX-1 2 x 7 which weighs 8.5 oz. and is 10" long. Also 28 mm objective. VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm - Leupold | Leupold

Do any of you have experience with either of these scopes? Are there any other suggestions or input you have to sway me? Thanks, Clean Break
 
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I am a big fan of the VX-2 3-9x33mm Ultralight EFR (includes Rimfire EFR)



VX-2_UltLght_3-9x33_EFR_Gloss_web-530x460.jpg


The non EFR doesn't focus close enough for use on the indoor 50 foot range. This one does. Typical Leupold otherwise, bright, crisp, and precise. More than $275, though.
 
I had the VX I 2x7 on a Kimber 82-c Varmit for several years but my eyes got old and I started shooting out to 200 yards with it and went to a used VX III 4.5x14 40 mm AO. (Leupold's parallax on rimfire scopes is set to 50 yards and centerfire scopes are 100 yards or get an Adjustable Objective and be set for everything.)That's more than you think you want to spend. If you put and Leupold scope on it now, you can sell it later and upgrade. All of my good 22's have Leupold scopes on them except one older target rifle with a Bushnell 3200 20x (Nobody will ever make scopes like that again). I like my 6.5x20 VX III's (I have around 15 of them) better than the fixed 20 and 24 power Leupold's (I am down to 3 or 4 of these) I buy every Target Leupold scope under $400 I find (they are all under warranty) Then I sell off some when I need cash! I have good used scopes stacked on a shelf, that's like money in the bank. I sold all my pistol scopes and ended up needing more...oops! Hope this gives you some ideas. Ivan
 
I am a big fan of the VX-2 3-9x33mm Ultralight EFR (includes Rimfire EFR)



VX-2_UltLght_3-9x33_EFR_Gloss_web-530x460.jpg


The non EFR doesn't focus close enough for use on the indoor 50 foot range. This one does. Typical Leupold otherwise, bright, crisp, and precise. More than $275, though.

I recently purchased this exact scope (in black GLOSS) and mounted it on my CZ 453 American 22LR. I used to have a fixed 4X Burris which was also a high quality scope, but I feel this one is far superior and the EFR makes close-up shooting a pleasure. I paid $369 from Optics Planet (they had a $30 off Coupon that I used against their price of $399) and free shipping too. The Matte finish model would cost you $319 out the door with he coupon. IMHO it is well worth getting! Look on their website for the $30 discount coupon code, I believe they are still doing it. I looked it up and the COUPON CODE IS: SAVE3TY AND GOOD FOR ANOTHER 8 DAYS.

The Leupold model # 110822 is Gloss black and comes with a Duplex Reticle:

Leupold VX-2 3-9x33mm Ultralight Rifle Scope FREE S&H 114416, 110820, 110827, 110819, 110821, 114414, 110822. Leupold Rifle Scopes.
 
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I put a big scope on my Marlin 980s bolt, but the quality is really nice for the price. The company makes smaller models.

I put a Muller APV 4.5-14x40AO. I can't remember what I paid, but for $114 right now on amazon its a really nice scope for the money.

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I've got a Vari x III 1.5x5 on my Ruger-a bit of overkill I admit but I only paid $100 for the scope.
If I were getting a new one today, I'd buy the 1x4 shotgun scope. Parallex set for 50 yards and I like low powered scopes.
 
Hard to argue against Leupold scopes, but I put a Nikon scope on my Savage and I am extremely happy with it. The Savage had a Picatinny rail and I used steel rings. IMHO the Nikon wins the bang for the buck award.
 
I own the Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm scope, it is on my Henry Golden Boy .22mag and can tell you it is great. The only thing I wish it had was thicker reticles because my 60+ year-old eyes sometimes have problems picking them up in low light conditions.
I have sent other Leupold scopes back to have the reticles changed to heavy duplex but the scope has to be VX II or better.
 
JMO of course, but I recommend the 2X7 Variable of the two you mentioned......I have both a fixed 4X Leupold and a 3x9 Leopold Variable mounted on similar .22 LR's I use for squirrel hunting. I've found the 3X9 the most useful.

I really enjoy squirrel hunting and when you've got only the head showing (about the size of a walnut) 40 yds out or farther, that extra magnification really comes in handy. So much so, that I hardly use the fixed 4X anymore.

Don
 
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Nothing wrong with the Nikon Scopes, especially for the price. Probably the best bang for the buck (dollar for dollar) but the Leupold's are markedly better IMHO. All you need to to is compare first hand and you'll see why! That said, if you want a descent scope and don't want to splurge for the Leupold then the Nikon is the way to go.

Might also want to explore the REDFIELD line - owned by Leupold now. I have no first hand experience with the new line-up, but have heard good things about them and I know they are reasonably priced.
 
I like Nikon, especially the Monarch line, but most of them will be beyond your price range. Leupold are also great, and close to the Nikon pricing. Any way you go, treat yourself to a 2X7 or 3X9 variable. I can just picture you on your deck when a very small critter invades your yard about 80-90 yards away. For me a 3 or 4 power fixed scope doesn't get it.
 
if you want a descent scope and don't want to splurge for the Leupold then the Nikon is the way to go.

Natchez sells a lot of factory refurbished Nikon scopes for an even better price. They go out of stock pretty fast, so you may have to check back for a while to get one. The website lists the in-stock/out-of-stock status.

I have a refurbished 4x rim fire Nikon on my 10-22. It works well and was virtually indistinguishable from the regular scopes. It was less than $100 a few years ago.
 
Great ideas so far. Keep them coming! I like the idea of putting the heat on a depredating crow or starling at 120 yards. Clean Break
 
Another vote for the Leupold VX1 2-7x28. I have one on my Remington model 34 and absolutely love it. Great optics, crystal clear, and great warranty. Definitely worth the money.
 
JMO of course, but I recommend the 2X7 Variable of the two you mentioned......I have both a fixed 4X Leupold and a 3x9 Leopold Variable mounted on similar .22 LR's I use for squirrel hunting. I've found the 3X9 the most useful.

I really enjoy squirrel hunting and when you've got only the head showing (about the size of a walnut) 40 yds out or farther, that extra magnification really comes in handy. So much so, that I hardly use the fixed 4X anymore.

Don

Another argument for the 2-7x vs. the fixed 4x is the little bit wider field of view which, I think, the variable offers at 2x, which is nice when shooting at moving or bouncing targets such as tin cans, and the higher magnification helps at longer ranges --- best of both worlds for not much difference in price. I've got the 2-7 on a 10/22, and find it's entirely satisfactory.
 
Sorry if I mislead anyone. It seems that the excellent Weaver scope I talked about has been discontinued. I don't know much about the new line so can't comment. Most likely production has been moved from Japan to China.
 
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I own the Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm scope, it is on my Henry Golden Boy .22mag and can tell you it is great. The only thing I wish it had was thicker reticles because my 60+ year-old eyes sometimes have problems picking them up in low light conditions.
I have sent other Leupold scopes back to have the reticles changed to heavy duplex but the scope has to be VX II or better.
The shotgun scope has the thicker reticle
 
There is no reason to buy the 4x rf Leupold,when the 2-7 rf Leupold is the same price,or very close.I think the 2-7 rimfire special is the way to go(and I own one) unless you're willing to spend the 400 for the 3-9 ao compact.(and I own a bunch of those)
 
I have 3-9X leupolds on both of my scoped .22s. That is the compact scope with adjustable objective and EFL. They work very well.
 
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