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damn my eyes, or advice for optics on a .22

1441 Views 19 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  Sport454
So apparently my eyes aren't what they used to be. It probably has something to do with staring at a computer screen more often then not for the last 20 odd years or so.

I just got back from my first trip to Mitchel Field to break in my new 795. I learned she pulls to the right a bit, so I did fairly well aiming at the left side of the black blob.. (using the slow fire pistol targets they sell there). At 15 yards I could make out the fact there was a black circle on the target, but nothing finer then that. I tried with my glasses and safety glass over them, with just the safety glasses, and when the gentlemen next to me put his brass catapult away (some form of AK build), I even tried with just my glasses for a few shots. No useful combination had any real benefit over the others. So I've concluded that for any form of accuracy at 50 yards any beyond I'm going to have to break down and use some form of magnified optics.

Just for kicks I sent one of the modified appleseed 50 yard targets down range, and I couldn't even see the simulated 500 yard square, let along get a single shot through it..

So now the $64,000 question, can anyone recommend a scope suitable for a low cost .22? Preferably something that doesn't cost more then the 795 itself. Thanks as always for any advice you may be able to share.
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I have a Marlin 60, on which I put an air rifle scope. It came off a Gamo Whisperer rifle, and had a 1-piece base. It doesn't drift or move - totally solid.
A "spring" air rifle has more kick than a 22. It recoils in both directions, and is quite violent inside the rifle. Anyway the air rifle scope is more than enough for your Marlin. I don't shoot mine that much anymore, because it's so accurate it's boring. I might even take the scope off, so that it's more of a challenge.
I put a BSA 3-9 X 40 mm scope on my Ruger 10-.22. I paid $70-80.00 for it at South Shore Sportsman. And, it's got a nice, illuminated reticle, in both red and green.

But, another thought ... if the scope idea bothers you, try shooting outdoors first.

I'm having similar issues with the peepers but outdoors, I'm having less issues. (Too bad there's no outdoor nudie bars).

If you want to try out my BSA scope, let me know. We'll work something out.
I put a simmons 3x9 redfield scope on my 1022. Scope was 25 bucks and mount was 10 bucks, Got it all at walmart. I always shoot it at 100 yds, Works good for me
walmart has 3x9 Bushnell scopes very low cost. 30.00 and rings were  9.00 which was in stock as well.
.22 has so little recoil, almost any scope will do. I went with some noname scope, 4-16x42. I did hear that spring air rifles are very rough on scopes, and can destroy even some high dollar scopes because of reverse recoil.
T.Webb said:
But, another thought ... if the scope idea bothers you, try shooting outdoors first.
I'd love to, but I live west of Mitchel Field. Any place outdoors is either over an hour away, or requires an annual membership someplace that this new homeowner can't quite swing yet. If I can even find an hour to go shoot, I'd consider that a good day.

I wish the wally worlds on this end of the island had a real outdoor sporting section. I'll have to shop around and see what low cost options are available, while including the air rifle sections in my search.

Thanks everyone for the advice on brands, and models, you all probably just saved me from over buying for such a low recoil platform.
SWFA has a good sale on the Bushnell Elite 3200 with rings for 130.
Might be worth a look.
Scope sounds good from the reviews I've read.
Not sure who needs a Mil-Dot reticle on a 22, but at that price...............

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-10x40-Elite-3200-Rifle-Scope-SWFA-SS-Tac-Rings-Kit-P50879.aspx
The marlin is notorious for having scope rings drift back, even with loctite. I was advised (here actually) to get a scope mount that was one piece, vs. two rings.
This is from a long time ago and I don't know if it's still relevent and I hope I remember this right but 30 years ago .22's usually came with a cheap 7/8" diameter scope. A good scope is 1" in diameter.

Also, you may need glasses for distance.

Paul
Mad Russian said:
I have one of these on a Mosin, and it DOES NOT move! And its from one of the sponsors to boot!

http://www.airgunsbbguns.com/Accushot_Scope_mounts_25H4_High_Profile_1_56_mm_p/acc-rgpm2pa-25h4.htm

You can also get away with one of these if the one piece blocks anything:

http://www.airgunsbbguns.com/Accushot_Scope_mounts_25M4_Medium_Profile_1_45_mm_p/acc-rgpm-25m4.htm
Hey MR - how did ya mount this on the Mosin ?
Strat688 said:
Hey MR - how did ya mount this on the Mosin ?
Cut the rear sight base off with a Dremel. There is an 11mm dovetail under all that junk.
mongo said:
I put a simmons 3x9 redfield scope on my 1022. Scope was 25 bucks and mount was 10 bucks, Got it all at walmart. I always shoot it at 100 yds, Works good for me
I second that. Friend of mine ordered a Simmons scope for ~$30 online for his 10/22, surprisingly good quality for the price!
Mosin1942 said:
I second that. Friend of mine ordered a Simmons scope for ~$30 online for his 10/22, surprisingly good quality for the price!
If I'm not mistaking, steve Orlando has a pair of scopes here in the "for sale" section.
I know it's been about a while . I'm curious about what scope you got if any.
I have a Marlin 795 and have been using the stock iron sights. Which aren't too bad up to 20-25 yards for me.
I can't see past that with the stock sights so, I just ordered a Simmon's 22mag 3-9x Ao Hopefully I will get it next week.

BTW Simmons is having a promotion
http://simmonsoptics.com/global/promotions.cfm
Found a Simmons 3-9 X 40 in the for sale sections a while back, and picked it up from a fellow LIFer..  a little overkill for such a small rifle, but the price was right! Still think I need new glasses though
For the range I use a $7 Daisy plastic lens made in Chinamart special. For the range you dont need to see the target clearly. Especially with a semi.
I bought a 10/22 VLEB from another member here ..... I went with a BSA Contender 4-16X40 with the side focus [parallax], I don't like AO scopes.
At MF using an NRA 50' small bore target I was able to put 5 through what looks like 3 holes ..... I did have to tighten my rings about halfway through sighting in.
$130 was a little pricey but well worth it.
Just my $ .02
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