Performance Center T/CR22 scope?

[Melix]

Hello: My first post here, thanks for letting me drop in.
I'm a long time shotgun shooter who has been slowly convinced to step into the 22 Egg Shoot at the club.
We shoot egg sized steel mounted on sawhorses with magnets.

Last fall, I picked up a Performance Center T/CR22 with the 17" carbon fiber barrel and the green laminated stock.
Now, of the 14-15 guns in the safe, this is the only gun I own that has a scope, and at 68, it has been an initial challenge.
As a bit of background, I have been looking though scopes for years, as a Land Surveyor; it's the adjustment that had me challenged.
That, combined with my initial astonishment of the ballistic profile of the 22LR, from a shotgun guy - they fall fast in that 100-125 yd distance!
The store mounted a standard 3-9x40 Burris scope, but after seeing the 22 on the bench, the Egg Shoot guys put me at the 125 YD line.
Besides realizing I had a 5-6" drop to contend with after trying to zero in at 100 yards earlier (I remember saying "that's a lot of clicks"), I could hardly see those white eggs against the sandy background.
Assuming my performance is not reflective of the quality of the firearm, and knowing I had 2" groups the day before at 100, what can I do to hit these damn things at 125? Besides practice....Will a better scope help?

So, here's my question: As a new shooter to this sport, should I just deal with the scope for now or upgrade to a 16x or better sooner rather than later? I'm leaning in the upgrade direction, just want to blame it you folks.
The Vortex guys suggested their Diamondback Tactical 4-16 x 44 FFP of the Crossfire II 4-16 x 50 AO, but there are so many choices...I would really appreciate any and all suggestions.
Thanks in advance

 

[Melix]

Thanks for your input

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Look at the Bushnell Engage scope. 6-24X 1/8 min clicks. This is what's on my 22 Heinz 57/10-22
Brownells reciever, Kidd barrel, Power Custom bolt, Timminey trigger, Bell & Carlson stock.
it loves SK Standard +

 

[lb-ft]

If you can swing the price, optical quality should be higher on your list than magnification, especially since you mentioned difficulty in low-contrast situations (white egg on sandy background).

Of the two you mentioned, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical would definitely get the nod over the Crossfire, especially if the Diamondback is the HD variant.

Really though, within reason spend as much as you can on a scope with great clicks and a great reticle. Plenty of good brands out there and if you can spend $400 or more, all the better.

 

[ebb]

If you are going to change scopes go to one in the 20-24 power range. Shot different kinds of ammo and see if you can find one that groups better in your gun.

 

[Melix]

I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to enlighten me.
It's all your collective fault, but I settled on the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16 x 44 FFP with the MOA reticle, arrives tomorrow.
Once I get it properly mounted, I'll post a photo.