High-Power Scope for 22LR

[Mike in Oregon]

I'm entertaining the thought of doing a fixed high-power scope on my Kimber Model 34 SVT. First off, I'm trying to wrap my head around why a fixed power and why not a variable and have the best of both worlds? Then what power do I choose, 24x or 36x? If I were to do this, my thoughts are to do something in the same vintage of the rifle (97 thru 07). So that leaves me with buying a used Weaver, B&L or Leupold. What is the purpose of the fixed power and what power do I look for strictly to shoot paper?

 

[lawman29]

I have a 40x HB, got rid of the old wood stock and put it in a HS precision stock, added a jewel trigger and a Leupold 36x BR (1989). Sent the scope into Leupold just for cleaning etc, good turnaround. The 36x BR or BR-D are good. Don't get one with a conversion or premier reticle etc, voids warranty....
You just missed a nice one

SELLING Thread 'LEUPOLD BR 36-D'

Aug 11, 2025

This is a beautiful Leupold 36 power scope. Fine crosshair, no dot. Matte finish. 1” tube. Looks nearly new, the photos show that. No ring marks. Will focus down to 50 feet.

Postal money order is preferred but I will accept a personal check from members in good standing. I will however wait for the check to clear. Please PM me with any questions or for additional photos. $575 shipped to the lower 48.

First “I’ll take it” to this listing, gets it.

Thanks,
Dave

• Dave Way
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Scopes, Optics, Sights, Rings, Bases

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I have a 40x HB, got rid of the old wood stock and put it in a HS precision stock, added a jewel trigger and a Leupold 36x BR (1989). Sent the scope into Leupold just for cleaning etc, good turnaround. The 36x BR or BR-D are good. Don't get one with a conversion or premier reticle etc, voids warranty....
You just missed a nice one.

So, explain the fixed power vs variable? And is a 36x preferred over a 24x?

 

[1813benny]

What is the discipline it will be used for?

 

[kyotekiller25]

Just get a 7-35x variable...Than you can have both 24x and 36x lol

 

[Mike in Oregon]

What is the discipline it will be used for?

As mentioned, "strictly to shoot paper". So...., 50 to 100-yards. I'm assuming that these fixed high-power scopes are for competing. Might consider that at some point.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Just get a 7-35x variable...Than you can have both 24x and 36x lol

Well, yeah....

 

[VLNBYR]

Get the 36X. Most 22lr benchrest shooters have moved up to at least 45X.

 

[chester999]

36x min. more bang for the buck with fixed power.

 

[1813benny]

After having a Leupold go toes up on my daughter in the middle of a 4 day match, I will never recommend or use another Leupold.

As for variable vs fixed, since you are planning to punch paper either is fine. If you go with the variable, you would most likely find that you will crank it up to the highest magnification and rarely if ever change it.

As for magnification, 24x minimum and the sky is the limit.

 

[Hoser]

I dont mind higher power scopes on 22s.

 

[foxguy]

If Mirage is going to be a Problem, 36X can be a Problem. Personally I like a variable power, then I can dial down the power level to reduce the effects of Mirage. To each their own.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

If Mirage is going to be a Problem, 36X can be a Problem. Personally I like a variable power, then I can dial down the power level to reduce the effects of Mirage. To each their own.

Theres what I've been waiting for. Exactly, how do you deal with mirage with a fixed high-power scope?

 

[Mike in Oregon]

After having a Leupold go toes up on my daughter in the middle of a 4 day match, I will never recommend or use another Leupold.

As for variable vs fixed, since you are planning to punch paper either is fine. If you go with the variable, you would most likely find that you will crank it up to the highest magnification and rarely if ever change it.

As for magnification, 24x minimum and the sky is the limit.

IMHO, I have to disagree on your discussion. Leopold is right up the street from me and they have always been good to me. Even though I have never experienced what you did, I wouldn't shut the door on them. There's a reason you chose Leopold in the first place. Just my .02 cents.

 

[pdog2225]

I'm entertaining the thought of doing a fixed high-power scope on my Kimber Model 34 SVT. First off, I'm trying to wrap my head around why a fixed power and why not a variable and have the best of both worlds? Then what power do I choose, 24x or 36x? If I were to do this, my thoughts are to do something in the same vintage of the rifle (97 thru 07). So that leaves me with buying a used Weaver, B&L or Leupold. What is the purpose of the fixed power and what power do I look for strictly to shoot paper?

For your stated shooting I would try to find a weaver T10 with a dot. An old shooter gave me one and its my favorite on my 10-22. The clarity is great, focuses down to less than 25yds. To change yardage it takes two revolutions, not 1/4" like other scopes. I shoot a lot at 100yds and the dot centers in a 1" square. Small pebbles and paints balls are a hoot to shoot. Best regards

 

[Mike in Oregon]

For your stated shooting I would try to find a weaver T10 with a dot. An old shooter gave me one and its my favorite on my 10-22. The clarity is great, focuses down to less than 25yds. To change yardage it takes two revolutions, not 1/4" like other scopes. I shoot a lot at 100yds and the dot centers in a 1" square. Small pebbles and paints balls are a hoot to shoot. Best regards

What size dot, 1/8 or 1/4?

 

[kyotekiller25]

You'd want 1/8 dot

I'm also in the camp of a variable. You can't always use 36x. Nice to be able to back off. It's no fun trying to shoot through a swimming pool.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

You'd want 1/8 dot

I'm also in the camp of a variable. You can't always use 36x. Nice to be able to back off. It's no fun trying to shoot through a swimming pool.

I've shot a 1/8 in the rat patch. I really liked it.

 

[dhagerty40]

I have a weaver T10 and it is a great scope. Mine has a 1/4 dot along with 1/4 minute adjustments. I have used mine out to 200 meters and it is clear. Mine is an Old El Paso steel scope, so at least 20 years old.

I am not using it right now as it needs a good cleaning. The marks on the scope have faded so much, I cannot read the marks in bright sunlight anymore.

I still think overall for most shooting, a variable scope around 6-24x works best.

Just do not go overboard as I did with my long range rifle! My long range rifle has a Sightron S3 10-50x60 scope on it!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Do I need to worry about main tube size on a RF? I'm thinking not. I'm thinking budget oriented here.