red dot or scope??
- Thread starter martin1981
- Start date
^this. The red dots are fun at closer distances, on reactive targets (steel/tin cans), using a semi, etc. When the word "precision" enters the conversation, it suggests you really want to put the bullets in a specific spot on your target. That's better-achieved with a scope...even better with a bolt-action gun. Not all scopes are created equal from a quality POV, but also from an application POV. Some are better-suited to closer-ranges/hunting...others for longer ranges shooting from a rest. If I can "read between the lines" though, it sounds like you'd be well-served by 3-9X with an adjustable objective that allows you to focus-in quickly at close distances. Left on the lower-end of the magnification range, I've found you don't need to really mess with the AO if you need to get shots off quick.
I might add, it's a good time to avoid the "bigger is better" idea when it comes to magnification. There are lots of high-magnification/low-quality scopes out there..and lots of guys pounce on them. They might work for you, but in my experience...the better the scope quality, the less magnification you might find you need. I used to pick scope magnifications based on being able to see the bullet holes in a target @ 100 yards. To do that with an low/mid-range-priced scope and rimfire rifles (and my aging eyes) that needs to be around 12X-14X on the upper end. My main hunting 22 wears a variable power Sightron S1 with a 12X magnification top end. I chose it because most of my shots with that gun are on small targets 75-125 yards out on average.
22LRGUY gives some good advice.
To add, before purchasing a scope, try to have a look through it. The style of reticle may look good on paper/internet, and may be want you want, but some reticles are finer than others, and may not agree with your eyes. Some shooters find very fine reticle lines fatiguing/uncomfortable and others shooters prefer them. I myself prefer a medium thickness for my shooting sessions.
To add, before purchasing a scope, try to have a look through it. The style of reticle may look good on paper/internet, and may be want you want, but some reticles are finer than others, and may not agree with your eyes. Some shooters find very fine reticle lines fatiguing/uncomfortable and others shooters prefer them. I myself prefer a medium thickness for my shooting sessions.
^great point Steiner. As long as I've been at this, I still have some blind-spots/preferences that I need to maybe reexamine. I've always (strongly) preferred fine reticles, and my sunny-weather groundhog rifle has a scope that satisfies that. I recently went coyote hunting with the same gun and in low-light, BOY do you learn allot about the limitations of a super-fine reticle! I'm already planning a (possible) dedicated coyote gun in 2019, and without a doubt...the reticle I choose will be heavier for that reason. Possibly with an illuminated reticle..haven't decided.
How is that even possible? lol
martin1981
New member
- Location
- Victoria, BC
the one with dot looks really cool...
martin1981
New member
- Location
- Victoria, BC
I will go with the scope and I agree: will not think "bigger is better". I'm thinking of getting 2-7 from Nikon or Bushnell
If you go illuminated make sure it has very low settings. Some are useless in low light because theyre to bright to see anything thru the scope. I like ones that have 10 or 11 settings. Mine on my 22 on 1 i cant see it unless im in almost total darkness. I use setting 3 thru 5 at dusk depending on canopy cover. Full brightness its very bright in broad daylight
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
You might as well go with a 3x9x40, I have a Nikon prostaff rimfire II in a 3x9x40 on a .22 bolt gun and it’s great. When I have shot out to 100y with it at clays more magnification would’ve been nice. .22 holds at 100yrds are reall small even at x9, I would like a 4x12x40 if it was a dedicated target rifle but as I hunt small game with it the 3x9 is perfect and I do the majority of my .22 target shooting at 50y and the 3x9 is good at that distance. The prostaff rimfire II I have has an adjustable objective which is nice.
This was at 100yrds and I could barely see that it was a hit, the other clays I hit were breaking which made it easier to tell if I was on the target or not.
