New to the 10/22 - Scope Question

R

Ranger77

Member
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Hello all.

I recently picked up a 10/22 (Model 31145) with a 3-9 Crosman Centerpoint installed. The rifle and scope only cost me $250 and the seller included a box of 500 rounds and a nice trigger lock.

Well, I have no idea why I didn't pick up one of these years ago. I even have the kids interested in plinking now as well and I might need to pick up a second rimfire rifle.

That said, I am not sure the Crosman is performing well. I have zeroed the scope and find it will not hold that zero for long. Now, I am by no means versed in rimfire rifles and scopes. I have very little experience with either as I am predominantly a grouse hunter of the shotgun variety. Also, for full disclosure, I am using an inexpensive bore sight from Amazon. Perhaps I am the issue here and it is user error. The fellow that sold me the rifle did mention he was not a fan of the "cheap" scope so I may not be the issue. Hard to say.

I was thinking of picking up another scope. Unfortunately, there are far too many options available. I was thinking of grabbing a Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33 Rimfire MOA as they seem to be well regarded. However, they are not easy to come by and they cost more than the entire rifle cost me so far but I am not opposed to buying a nice scope. I like the idea of an adjustable objective. I may want something for longer distance as well so the 3-9x33 may be better. Again, I am so new to the rimfire scene I am not sure what I am missing.

The only thing I know for sure is that I know very little.

I will be using the setup for plinking but may look for the odd chance to hunt with it as well. Do you have any recommendations CGN? Back to the range? Back to the range with a new scope?

Thank you in advance.
 
Your best bet would be to go to a range with/meet someone who knows a bit more about 22s. Thje Centerpoint scope might be the problem, tho they are 'good enough' for starting. My first 22 I used the 4x scope off my nonPAL pellet rifle and could keep shots within 2" at 50 yds.
More likely is just inexperience, like how you are actually sighting thru the scope. Slight changes in alignment of your eye to the scope can be a cause of 'missing'/ inaccuracy. How you are holding the rifle - are you resting on bags or a 'stable' support - how 'stiff' the trigger pull is (you want as light as possible) -all are factors in accuracy. A bit of 'in-person' advice/guidance will do wonders for you, and a 'second set of eyes' can help determine if the scope is your problem.
One last thing, the 10/22 is not known for 'super accuracy' as well. 2" groups of 5-shots at 50 yds or even at 25 yds are not unusual for those rifles, especially in 'new hands'. And if you actually consider getting another rifle, consider getting an inexpensive Bolt-action 22 as they are inherently more accurate than 'low-priced' semi-autos.
Don't give up - the fun is just beginning !!
Best wishes on your new hobby !!
 
check the screws on the scope rail ,I find they will come loose without loc tite (use blue). If you are getting a new scope get a dedicated rimfire scope which will have paralex set at 50 yards.
 
Good point shms - I looked and there are several "Centerpoint 3-9x " scopes and his may not be rimfire. That could be the cause of inaccuracy, too.
 
The 10/22 is unique. Won one once and said I would never buy one.
Now there are two in my locker.
One is dedicated to Speed Steel with a 1X Red Dot. Capable of 1" for 10 shots at 25 yards.
The other is for 100 Metre Rimfire and has a Bushnell 4200 6-24 but could double as a gopher gun.
For most general purpose shooting, a 2-7 or 3-9 will accomplish 90% of most shooters tasks.
Nine power will allow you to shoot out to 100 yards and with a little testing of ammo will allow you to find the right stuff for2" groups for ten shots.
 
I've only owned 1x10/22, and said the same thing as a previous poster=never again. In it's stock configuration, trigger pull was super heavy, and there was also at least one QC issue that should have resulted in it never leaving the factory. Regardless...I'm flirting with the idea again. lol To the question;

whether or not that scope COULD be in working order, I would set it aside and put something half-decent on there. Search the Optics EE here under AO and see what you come up with. Keep in mind, the landscape changes every few days-lots come/go on there. Also, it's very common to spend as much or more on the scope (vs the rifle) in spite of how odd an idea that might be. Used to be that way myself. Scope/rifle both get equal consideration and often for me, the scope is chosen first...and tied to the application. Watch for any scopes branded "rimfire" as the parallax is usually set to 50-60 yards+. If you shoot targets inside of 50 yards with any degree of frequency, you'll appreciate having an AO or SF (side focus) scope that is built to do it.

Vintage (glossy black) Bushnell Banners are one to watch for, they often had AO. I used to have a number of them, my 17HMR still wears one. (6-18x) I've used some 4-12X on my 22s.

Brands-I probably use Sightron most, but like Leupold and recently picked-up a Burris 4.5-14 E1 with side focus. That's sitting on my T1x. I have a Sightron S1 4-12AO on my gopher rifle. I like older Nikon Prostaff 3-9 EFR AO as well.

If $ were no object, every scope would probably be a Leupold but until recently, I found Sightron to deliver better value. Seems the prices are creeping up on those steadily. Like most things I guess. I've also found the Bushnell Elite series 3200s to be very good, once had a 4-12AO. I don't think they made a 3-9 with AO. 4-12, 7-21 as well? They were made in Japan, and very decent for the $.

Power range-again, if your shots are all close (50 yards or under) and/or it's a hunting gun for the bush, probably no need to go higher than a 3-9X. Some might even suggest 3-7X, etc. For me, I want to be able to see my bullet holes at the distance I'm target shooting, so @ 50 yards, that's a 12X scope+ on the higher end. Naturally, the quality of the glass plays into that.

When gopher shooting out west with my 4-12AO (.22LR) we regularly shoot out past 200 yards, and no chance I'm seeing bullet hoes...but that's hunting/pest control=no concern. They're reactive targets anyway.
 
Thank you for all of your replies. I should have clarified that I have a few bolt rifles with iron sights and I am a decent shot. What I am new to is the 10/22 and optics.

I can say the scope is securely installed. I will send a few more rounds down range and then see where I am at.

Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom