[Paul Workman]

None of my current 22LRs have scopes - at game distances (50 yards maybe) I've never felt the need for more than peep sights, and never looked into scopes.

However, a good friend of mine IS interested in a scope for his new CZ 452.

Given these criteria, what would youz guyz recommend?

• Must be adjustable for parallax - must be able to shoot/focus to 20-25 yards to infinity
  
• First focal plane w/ MOA stadia is ideal, but second FP would not be a deal breaker.
  
• magnification variable to 14x or even 20 to 25 (on the upper end, obviously).
  
• Decent glass, no distortion at any magnification level (he's a photographer by trade, and optic is a bugaboo for him too).
  
• Price range in the $400-500/550 ish range.
  
• Lifetime warranty and transferable if sold.

What say U? Any favorites???

 

[TinMan]

Wow, I haven't done that one in a long time, but today sticking point will be the price. My sporter 22lr with a scope is a Kimber M82C with a duplex 6.5-20x40 EFR Vari-X III, which was also my Hunter Silhouette rifle. If you can find that scope used in that price, especially with a varmint reticle, that would be my choice. Short of that, a Nikon Monarch or maybe even a Nikon Buck Master would be my choice. For a new scope, it would be a mil-dot or Nikoplex reticle, as I immensely dislike the Nikon BDC reticle with the little circles instead of stadia lines. I do have several 22lr rifles with older Simmons 6.5-24x 44mm (44 Mag model) scopes, which work fine for me. They are duplex reticle, but they were only around $100- 150 back in the day. Let us know what you find.

 

[T.D.C.]

Paul, take a look at rimfirecentral.com. In the CZ section there is always a lot of discussion on scopes. In the FAQ's there is a section of scope and base combinations.

You have to be mindful that there is often a clearance issue with the eyebox and the bolt handle. Also, the dovetails are an odd size, either 11 or 13 mm. I have several CZ's and on the 452 I have a 4x16 Tasco. The AO will adjust down to 10 yards. I note the numbers on the barrel don't match the distance generally so I just turn to focus and leave it at that. The down side is the duplex crosshairs are a little thick for my taste. The block the point of aim somewhat.

I have a couple of Leupold VX 2 6 x 18 x 40 that sit real well.

The other issue is how high does he like his scope. I like mine low. Quite a few of the silly-wet shoutes like a higher mount for comfort shooting off hand.

Warn your buddy. CZ's are addictive and they multiply if you leave enough money laying around.

Note: The Nikons are excellent scopes but the bolt / eyebox clearance can be an issue. The oculars are pretty fat. I have a few Nikons but to put extra high bases on makes it too high for my taste.

 

[George Foster]

I use 4-12x Bushnell Elite 3200's on two of my rimfires and I like them for target and sporter rifle. For something like target shooing or sporter rifle I like to have a scope with an adj. obj. that I can adjust down to 50ft. I have a 6x Weaver on a Win 320 rifle I use for my "Wandering Rifle". I personally like and have used Millet rings for years. I gave my best friend an 4-16x Tasco (Japan Model) that he uses for his sporter rifle and he was high overall shooter for his league, apparently worked well.

 

[Paul Workman]

Wow! Great feedback, guys! Several scopes listed I have never experienced, and I value your feedback almost exclusively over factory hype (BS!). (I do read the spec list; focus/parallax range, 1st vs. 2nd focal plane, adjustment "clicks" (MOA vs. MIL), bezel/fwd objective size, reticule type and stadia etc., but pay little attention to their PR hype...all of them are "WONDERFUL", doanchaknow...just ask them)

TinMan got it right: I haven't thought about this application in quite a while either. Boy! Have things ever changed in the last few (10-15) yrs! Bottom line tho, the solution to 22LR scopes seems to skew me toward those intended for center fire, with the exception of focus range down to 20 or so yards (rarely that short). But, except for hole in a hole paper punching, "cheek weld" is prolly plenty good for bunnies or squirrels or varmints under 50 yards.

The search continues....

 

[Dave H]

BKL 261 is all he needs to know on great 1-piece mount with 1" rings.

Have on my CZ 452 Varmint in .17HMR.

Many would throw rocks at the Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20X w/AO but prairie dogs feared it - well, when my buddy Eric was shooting it - a 208 yard shot with very few crawlers over 150.

CZ 452 will not disappoint.

Ck rimfire central for the inexpensive trigger kit that replaced the original Brooks.

Best.

 

[TinMan]

I agree on the Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20x that Dave H mentioned. I have a couple of those also on mildly customized 1022s. They are 2nd FP, target knobs and are available in mil-dot reticle.

 

[Paul Workman]

Ooooo... Well, it comes from those who's opinions I value, so maybe they have gotten better. But. my last SIMMONS scope had so much lash in the EW knobs it reminded me of steering my grandfather's old Farmall "F" tractor (with hand-crank start!). Course it's been a while...that tractor was new when I drove it... (JK! I'm old, but not THAT old!!!)

 

[TinMan]

Paul, I have only had one Simmons that was a total dog, very poor optically. The others were been fine, very serviceable, but definitely not Night Force or S&B class scopes.

 

[Paul Workman]

Paul, I have only had one Simmons that was a total dog, very poor optically. The others were been fine, very serviceable, but definitely not Night Force or S&B class scopes.

Yep, I hear ya. After a looong list of issues with Tasco scopes, I considered them only good for driving tent stakes in a pinch, or to stir paint with if a stir stick wasn't handy,

And, then I bought a used rifle that had a Tasco with an adjustable AO, and would focus down to 15 yards. It has a nice duplex reticule and tho clarity/contrast isn't close to modern standards - even with inexpensive scopes, it is quite serviceable for all shooting but the those shots most demanding of good optics.

There was a time when I had become jaded against certain brands, based on personal experience - and would avoid them based on brand name alone. But, that one ol Tasco caused me to re-examine that.

"Truth is where you find it!" And, sometimes it is found in places I'd long ago dismissed "out of hand".

 

[Wiley Coyote]

Have to agree with TinMan. I have both a Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x40mm A/O, #66560 and a Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x40mm, Side Focus, #170887. Both with the Varmint Hunter's Reticle. Both are incredible optics. I did have to send the 3i back to Leupold to have it re-parallaxed down to focus at 25 yards.

The remainder of my .22s are all fitted with the older (one's a 1995 vintage) Leupold VX-II 3-9x33mm Rimfire EFR A/O, #114416 (Fine Duplex Reticle) scopes. These are terrific for Squirrel Hunting and walk-about plinking. Sadly they're no longer in production and the used market supply has vanished.

And T.D.C. is right about RimFire Central being a great source of ALL things rimfire.

 

[Doug Roberts]

Going cheap

I know I'm going cheap here but, a couple of years ago I took a chance on a Mueller APV 4.5-14x40, AO, "APV Plex" reticle. Put it on a CZ 452 .17 HMR and liked it enough that I bought another. $135 at SWFA.

 

[RickB]

Doug I think you hit a home run

I have a line of Muller scopes, and the 8X25 is good until you get to 20+ on it then it goes fuzzy. The 4.5X14 is a Much better scope all around. The 3X9's are Ok for general use scopes, but mine are Fixed focus and as such mot good for close distances he's looking for. I have an accurate 22 and I put a a 3X9 AIR Gun scope on it (Daisy) and love the AO on it. Works great and focuses down to 50 ft too. Paul read what folks say with a grain of salt, cause, as you have found, they ALL have a big helping BS in their adds.

Good Shooting

Rick B and RedFoxy