Rimfire Rifle Scopes
- Thread starter Tjv787
- Start date
I've been down the road of the budget scopes and found that while it doesn't take a strong scope to withstand a rimfire rifle I now prefer to pay a bit more for good glass so the image is more clear and bright.
I started with a BSA/Chinese import Sweet .22 scope. It's OK at low power but the image gets fuzzy at higher magnifications. Then I got one of the Simmons scopes that everyone raves about. It was a HUGE step up from the BSA but it still is a little fuzzy and foggy at higher magnifications. Finally I bought a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire. The 2-7x40 with the uncovered range only turrets. Now we're talking. The controls work smoothly with a nice firm click between stops where the Simmons is a bit funky and the clicks feel more like sand in the indexing grooves. And the image is crystal clear through the entire range.
For me the Nikon is now what I would suggest for someone on a budget that can't or won't pay for a Leupold but still wants good clarity and nice controls. It's a little more than the Simmons and a LOT more than the BSA but I'd call it the best bang for the buck due to the better functioning in all the areas.
I started with a BSA/Chinese import Sweet .22 scope. It's OK at low power but the image gets fuzzy at higher magnifications. Then I got one of the Simmons scopes that everyone raves about. It was a HUGE step up from the BSA but it still is a little fuzzy and foggy at higher magnifications. Finally I bought a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire. The 2-7x40 with the uncovered range only turrets. Now we're talking. The controls work smoothly with a nice firm click between stops where the Simmons is a bit funky and the clicks feel more like sand in the indexing grooves. And the image is crystal clear through the entire range.
For me the Nikon is now what I would suggest for someone on a budget that can't or won't pay for a Leupold but still wants good clarity and nice controls. It's a little more than the Simmons and a LOT more than the BSA but I'd call it the best bang for the buck due to the better functioning in all the areas.
IMHO the difference in the Parallax setting between a rimfire and centerfire scope has a negligible effect on practical accuracy. Centerfire scopes tend to be sturdier, but also (slightly) heavier, if weight is a concern.
The only Rimfire scope I've ever been truly happy with is a Leupold VX-1 2-7x. I've tried several others, and they're cluttering up my spare parts boxes now.
In general, a decent centerfire scope will be nicer to look through and last longer than a good rimfire scope. Once you get into the "great" scope categories, the prices start to really climb for both, so might as well get something you can switch up to your shoulder fired artillery later on.
The only Rimfire scope I've ever been truly happy with is a Leupold VX-1 2-7x. I've tried several others, and they're cluttering up my spare parts boxes now.
In general, a decent centerfire scope will be nicer to look through and last longer than a good rimfire scope. Once you get into the "great" scope categories, the prices start to really climb for both, so might as well get something you can switch up to your shoulder fired artillery later on.
