.22 accessories

[thewalleyeguy]

I was wondering if getting a scope would be a good idea. I know it is really easy to pick up things with open sights and was wondering if a scope would affect that. If it would be a good idea what is a good brand and power.

[Steve Foss]

If you'd like a scope but still want the ability to use iron sights, buy see-through scope mounts. I'd buy a fixed 4-power scope, nothing bigger, because the .22's range is so limited you won't need more power. You can buy small-diameter .22 scopes, but the light-gathering ability of a full-sized 4x scope is what led me to mount that on my .22. I shot it that way for quite a few years, and was still able to pick up targets nicely through the see-through mounts.

In fact, I've used the same system with slightly more powerful scopes on a couple lever actions, a Marlin .30-30 and a Marlin .35 Remington, and it worked equally well with those.

[almostthere!]

Yes, you need a scope. Get a decent scope but don't go overboard; you do not need to put a Leupold on you .22 rifle.

I have a 3-9x40 Ruby coated Simons on my stainless Ruger. I typically set the power to 4.5X for my shooting needs, but once in a while I crank the power up to 9x to punch holes in tree rats in the tree tops. It is good to have a variable power scope when you need to confirm your targets.

I must be lucky because I have had the scope for 9 years and have yet to have any problem with it. It must have been a Tuesday or Thursday manufactured scope.

[lunker651]

I have a tasco 4x20 on my 10/22. The only time I use my scope is for longer shots and used it as binocular to locate squirrels up on tree tops when I got them tree and can't find where they are. I use open sight for all my shot most of the times.

[bigbucks]

I've had a 4 power Simmons on my .22 for probably 25 years. It still works fine. I don't use it a lot, but it gets banged around in a soft case by my kids climbing over it in the truck & it's still on. I haven't sighted it in for many years. I shot a red squirrel with it this fall at 20 yards or so & hit exactly where I aimed, took him right in the throat. I thought it might be a little off, so held a little below his head while he sat on his haunches in the corn crib. I figured if I shot high or low he was still going to a funeral...