Scopes for Rimfire rifles (.22)

mattress_16

mattress_16

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I have a noob question:

What is involved in mounting a scope to a rimfire rifle such as a .22? Is it the same process as any other rifle? If so, how would I go about mounting a scope to a .22?

Thanks for the help! :)
 
All my .22 rifles use the same monuting as larger rifles. I treat them all the same. With .22s you just don't have to worry about the scope getting knocked as much by the recoil so I guess you could cheap out on the mounts if you really wanted too.
 
What model .22 is it?

If it is a CZ for example (like so many others), it will have a “dovetail” style rail which looks like two rails cut on the top/side of the receiver. You can buy rings specifically for this dovetail which will fit whatever scope you choose.

My CZ 452 Varmint with 11mm dovetail, for example:
IMG_6036.jpg

IMG_6034.jpg
 
ha: Well done


I'd always used dovetail mounts on my old air rifles without issue. My dad has a bolt-action .22 with a dovetail mounted scope as well. But I found that when I did the same on my semi-auto 10/22, the scope was inching forward under recoil every few magazines - I've since switched to the Weaver rail/scope rings to stop that. the 10/22 VLEH has a combo rail with both mounts.

As a side note, I use a Tasco 3-9x32 rimfire scope, which came with dovetail scope rings. Had to buy some weaver rings aftermarket.

Old dovetail rings:
r1022tt.jpg


New weaver rings:
scopemount.jpg
 
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Savage uses Weaver style mounts on their bolt action guns -- the same style as used on centerfire. It is a very secure mount system, with all kinds of rings to fit them. Many others use a dovetail slot cut in the receiver. There are two standards for size, and you have to get it right. Also they tend to be less secure than the Weaver style.
 
mattress_16 said:
Thanks for the info guys. Still not sure what the main difference is between the dovetail mount and the weaver mount...
Click to expand...

The dovetail mount is two parallel grooves cut into the receiver. The rings for this style of mount grip the grooves in a kind of claw-like fashion. They work OK, but have a tendency to loosen and slide backwards in the grooves from recoil.

The Weaver mount (someone posted a picture above) is a solid rail screwed to the receiver (or sometimes two short rails.) The rail has cross slots cut into it. The rings have a bolt which fits into the slots. This is a much more secure mounting system since the rings can't move out of the slots.

Regardless of which kind of rings you need to use I suggest buying ones of at least moderate quality, say about $30 or so. Really cheap rings will work, but are more apt to loosen up quickly. It's really a pain when your scope comes loose during a shooting session, especially if you don't notice it right away.
 
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