trying to decide between scopes

[wmdron]

Well folks I would like some opinions and/or input about a couple of scopes I am looking at. Since this is the rimfire section I thought it might be better to post here rather than in the scope section of this forum. I am trying to decide on a scope for my .22 LR. So far I've narrowed it down to three, a Leupold Ultralight 3x9x33 EFR fine duplex, a Nikon Prostaff target EFR 3x9x40 with precision reticle and finally a Leupold VX 2 4x12x40 with fine duplex I know this last one is a centerfire scope but I am considering it because I thought 4x12 might be a little better for old eyes. I will be cleaning up the squirrel population around the place come fall and be doing some informal shoots with friends on weekends. I will most likely be using this rifle at ranges from 25 to no more than 100 yds. Please give me some opinions on my choices or recommendations as to alternatives. Thanks, Ron...

 

[snert]

If the 4-12 has parralax adjustment, I would use it. I run a 6-20 EFR on my best tree-squirrel rifle and love it. I have not had any problems with the 6-18 Leupold vx2 and target turrets either. I also use a Weaver T-10 (old steel and new one as well, no issues).

Just my experience over 25 years. Really like the Leupolds with turrets for squirrels. Must have an adjustable obj though!

 

[wmdron]

Oops, I forgot to mention that all of these scopes including the VXll have AO. Thanks snert.

 

[hogpatrol]

Check out the Clearidge line. They have 3-9 rimfires with AOs. I just bought one of those and a 4.5-22 and the optics are definitely better than the Nikons and close to if not better than the Sightrons.

 

[bigwoodsman]

Mueller is my preference, have one on my 17HMR,i own lots of top end scopes and the Mueller fits right in there for clarity and precise adjustment,best bang for the buck on rimfire scopes.



Jeff

 

[wmdron]

Will check out Clearidge and Mueller Thanks, Any more ?

 

[justinp61]

I have a Leupold on my 22-250 and love it, but my 22 has a Mueller 4.5-14 X 40, 30 mm tube, AO and a mil dot reticle. I called Leupold when I was looking for a scope for my rimfire to check on the close focal distance on their scopes and the Redfield line, it's 50 yards. The Mueller I have is advertised at 10 or 15, (I can't remember which) but will focus down to 6 or 7 yards. For the money the Mueller's are great scopes.
You can check out the Mueller's here http://muelleroptics.com/category/products/mueller-scopes/rimfire-scopes

 

[stinnett1981]

I cant tell a difference in clarity with the top selling scope brands in lower powers like 3-9 or 4-12. Leupold makes great scopes, but they are overpriced. I was at cabelas last week and bought a new Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 that they had on sale for $170 for my new Henry lever action .22lr. It originally was around $225. I was there for around a hour looking at Leupolds, Bushnells and Nikons. I really couldnt tell a difference between the 3. The Nikon was the cheapest and honestly felt the strongest. It came with the BCD reticle. I really like it. I also bought the extra high see-through rings so I can use the iron sights and the scope. Whatever scope you decide to buy get the extra high see-through rings!!! Here is some pics for you.

 

[wmdron]

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and the links +pics, it was a difficult decision to make considering all the good choices. I had $125 worth of cabelas gift cards (birthday present) I ended up going with the Leupold 3x9x33 EFR. I got "er mounted up yesterday and hope to sight it in this morning. Thanks again, Ron...

 

[chucknbach]

http://www.opticsplanet.com/simmons-22-lr-cal-turrets-3-9x40-pro-target-riflescope.htmlhttp://www.opticsplanet.com/simmons-pro-target-matte-6-18x40-22-lr-turrets-riflescope.html

This one is better quality then a 3x9 Prostaff. Yeah yeah I know it's a Simmons. I have both of the above. The 6x18 I even put it on my 7mm rem mag for about 60 rounds, held up nicely.

Been trying to talk my brother into this one so I can compare them but if it has the same glass as the Prostaff the Simmons will beat it. http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-22-2-7x32mm-rifle-scope.html

 

[Hippy]

If you have the patience to wait and find a old El Paso Weaver 3-9 with the AO they are Ideal scopes as are the Lyman, just heavier. The 6.5-20 Leupold is bulky enought to make some rifles TOP heavy.

As far as current scopes the Leupold 3-9 EFR are nice but the 33mm IMO is too small and limits light gathering. I own and use all four and like the Weaver the best make sure you have the AO as it is VERY important for Head shots.

Jim

 

[wmdron]

Lots of good input here. Sighted my .22 in at 50yds with the Leupold EFR 3x9x33 onboard using wolf match ammo, it's not too hard to keep 5 shot groups dime sized. I can see where the 33mm objective might be a factor in low light, so far so good . Leupold's no BS warranty was what initially swayed me, another factor was that after some thought I decided I didn't want a bulky or heavy scope. Thanks to all who responded and helped me out with this. I appreciate it, Ron...