Glass for .22 Squirrels up to 50 Yards?

Buck Wilde

Buck Wilde

Sergeant of the Hide
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Dec 6, 2020
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FL
#1
Based on a recent thread, I am thinking I may give up on giving up on rimfire. Accurate rimfire, I mean. I'm one rationalization away from buying a 16" Tikka T1x. It's all over the 6x5 thread, and it's short and threaded, so I can put a can on it.

The purpose is to punish squirrels, mainly, although I do have coons here. My dream is to have a <2-MOA hunting .22 up to 50 yards for humane kills. Ordinarily I would not want a lot of magnification in a hunting scope or a .22 scope, but squirrels are tiny, and I would like to know exactly where my POA is on the rodent. I think going as big as 15x on the top end would not be crazy. Maybe even a low-end Athlon up to 24x.

I suppose it is conceivable I might try whacking a possum or some other reasonably large animal up to 150, but probably not. I'm sure I would eventually do prone target shooting at 100.

Is there any glass I should look into for this purpose, or should I forget overthinking and just pick up any decent MRAD scope somewhere in the 15x range?
 
#4
I may get flak for this, but I really like 14x or better at 100 yards on a target.

I would like to go less than $300. I have an Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 on a Savage 93R in .17 HMR, and it seems acceptable to me for the purpose, but I don't know if I really need 24x. Maybe I should get better glass and a little less power.
 
#9
Squirrels are fricking challenging. It sounds silly, buying a bunch of nice gear to shoot a barking rat, but to me it seems like squirrel hunters should be respected more than hog and deer hunters. If you can hit a squirrel, you can definitely hit a deer, but the reverse is not true at all. Maybe I'm mistaken.

Maybe I should take the 2.5-15 Ares off my T3x in 6.5, put it on the T1x, and get a 2-12 for the T3x. The 2.5-15 would have a 28-foot field of view at 50 yards, which ought to prevent problems losing track of squirrels, but it would be very good for closing in and hitting the most important squirrel parts when I can't get close.

I guess I'll fiddle with a couple of scopes I already have and try to see which magnification ranges work best. That should help me make a good decision.
 
#10
One difference would be that the reticle of this Ares is going to appear so small at 2.5x that it'll be hard to make out. It's more of a 5x to 15x in a practical sense.

Whereas the reticle in the 2-12 can be seen well enough on 2x because it's much thicker.

The center dot in the 2-12 covers a 1/4" at 25Y so a squirrels eyeball.
A half inch at 50Y which is about the normal precision your 22rf is capable of with good ammo.
And covers 1" at 100Y. That's why this scope is a great fit to a decent all arounder 22rf.

The reticle thickness of the Ares is half as much as this 2-12. I had that exact scope for a few years and never used it on 2.5x. I was hardly off 15x either because the reticle appeared thinner than what I wanted by 10x.

I've used the 2-12 on 2x more than a few times because it's usable there and the FOV is huge.

It's the versatility that the 2-12 offers.
Speed shooting on steel is awesome with this scope on my 10-22 or semi auto pcp air rifle.
I mounted it on a expensive pcp pistol and won state twice in HPFT with the combo.
Used it once at a UFT match and got 2nd place and later found out some screws had worked lose on the gun. Ahh no wonder I was missing.
Had no problem hitting long range steel out to 1143Y with it on my AR.

If I had to choose one scope and one rifle for the rest of my life as a do all this scope would be mounted on that gun because it's that good at a lot of things.
 
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#12
I've got Leupold 3-9x33 EFR scopes on 5 of my squirrel rifles. I keep them set at 4x for the woods. That's enough magnification for most squirrel size heads out to 50-60 yards, without losing too much field of view for those little rascals zipping through the trees for no apparent reason. I realize those are over your desired budget, but they are fantastic scopes; light weight and great glass for the price point. I also have a fixed power 4x Leupold on one of my Kidd rifles, it's really light, but with the parallax set at 60 yards, it's a little blurry close in.
 
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#14
I just put a vortex diamondback tactical 4-16x44 ffp on a 308 that gets used as a brush gun. I found it on sale for about $265 and I think the 24x version can be found around $300.

I have nice scopes also but for a beater this seems like a solid choice and would fit your budget and use case
 
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#15
I’d suggest a 17hmr…

A little bit more snort makes more difference than a little more magnification.

(Fudd mode, engage!) Get something 2nd FP and mount it low. You’re not really gonna try to dial on tree rats, are you? Take some of the drop out of the equation while you’re at it.

Say you’re at 6x and it’s moving, do you expect to have the time (and ability) to make the perfect shot? Marginal shots with a 17hmr kill where 22lr will not.

Good luck!
 
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#17
One thing to keep in mind that many of the bigger power scopes can't do for a rimfire wanting high precision at shorter distances (say under 50yds) is to make sure the parallax adjusts to a short distance, many only go down to 50yds. You probably want something that adjusts to 10-20yds.

It really depends on the details of your use case, if you really want very accurate shots at a wide range of distances, and your scenarios allow for the time it takes to setup on something solid, dial parallax, dial elevation/windage etc. on a squirrel then high mag with all the adjustments is great. If you have to be more mobile and quicker and can't take the time to setup perfectly then usually something lighter/faster like a 2x7 or even 1x4 is a good option.
 
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#18
Big Phish said:
Strictly for lightweight and killing tree rats a 2x7 is hard to beat.
I’m running a 4-14x leupold on my Tikka T1x that share duty with thermal.
Click to expand...
The 2-7 leupolds really shine on a squirrel rifle. I bet I've killed more squirrels on 6x than anything else.
Mr. Z said:
I’d suggest a 17hmr…

A little bit more snort makes more difference than a little more magnification.

(Fudd mode, engage!) Get something 2nd FP and mount it low. You’re not really gonna try to dial on tree rats, are you? Take some of the drop out of the equation while you’re at it.

Say you’re at 6x and it’s moving, do you expect to have the time (and ability) to make the perfect shot? Marginal shots with a 17hmr kill where 22lr will not.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
The marlins used to come with a set of weaver rings. Not sure if they still do or not. With the rings that came with my rifle and a 50 yard zero, my 17 mows down squirrels from 20 yards to 100 with little to no hold over at all. Most of the time at 6x.
 
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#19
Minimally, spend as much on the scope as you do in the rifle.

I have 6-24 FFP scopes (bushnell Tac-elite and Vortex gen 1 pst) on both of my 10/22s, and when I really want accuracy, I feed them good ammo. CCI SV is fine but CenterX shoots measurably better.

That said, at 50 yards, compared to rimfire PRS targets, squirrel heads are huge.
 
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#21
I'm going to forget about 100-yard targets and focus on 50 yards. I will never be happy with a .22's performance at 100 yards anyway. I will probably zero the scope at 35. That puts my POA half an inch high at 25, which is a likely squirrel distance, and I can figure out the difference at 50 and hold accordingly. I can't see myself trying to shoot a squirrel past 50 yards.

I have a .17 HMR. The barrel weighs a ton.
 
#24
hlee said:
Minimally, spend as much on the scope as you do in the rifle.

I have 6-24 FFP scopes (bushnell Tac-elite and Vortex gen 1 pst) on both of my 10/22s, and when I really want accuracy, I feed them good ammo. CCI SV is fine but CenterX shoots measurably better.

That said, at 50 yards, compared to rimfire PRS targets, squirrel heads are huge.
Click to expand...
I used to think matching the scope price to the gun price was a good idea too. Yeah sure if it makes the most sense but my Steyr ProX pcp was $2700 and I don't feel like a scope costing near that amount would be of much, if any, practical benefit. The HG2 2-12 is perfect for it.

I also own a March DFP shorty 1-10 and I like that Helos 2-12 more. The 1-10 is on my shorty AR in case I should ever need 1x. Suffice it to say that March could be better in IQ at high magnification even though it's expensive.

My 10-22 was $900 and I feel the same way. Currently a SWFA 3-15 is on it and it was $570 or so.

My HK300 22 magnum which was $1200 has a Heras 2-12 on it which was $300. This is a lightweight walk around varminter mostly but I occasionally shoot steel out to 300 yards away with it.

I had my SFP Nikon 3-9 on the last two guns and it severely limited the versatility I needed. It's on 17 HMR because these shoot so flat but at some point it's getting stuck back in the cabinet.

I guess what I'm saying is that, within reason, and regardless of cost, I want a scope that is a optimal fit for the type of gun and use case.

My only overkill scope situation is a Vulcan 3 pcp with a March Genesis mounted that I use for airgun ELR because I need a huge amount of elevation travel. 500 yards requires 34 mils.

Had my S&B on my Mausingfield which were pretty close price wise for both. Good fit for it.
 
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#25
My favorite hunting is for squirrels, and traditionally my favorite magnification range has been the 4-16X 2ndFP. Several years ago I got into the long range barricade game, and love my 5-25 FFP, but when it comes to giving the different tools a chance in the woods, yes I’ll still hunt with a fixed 4 or 6X, but those variables are the preferred glass.
 
#32
Cowpokey said:
I've got Leupold 3-9x33 EFR scopes on 5 of my squirrel rifles. I keep them set at 4x for the woods. That's enough magnification for most squirrel size heads out to 50-60 yards, without losing too much field of view for those little rascals zipping through the trees for no apparent reason. I realize those are over your desired budget, but they are fantastic scopes; light weight and great glass for the price point. I also have a fixed power 4x Leupold on one of my Kidd rifles, it's really light, but with the parallax set at 60 yards, it's a little blurry close in.
Click to expand...
I’ve been using the Leupold 3-9x33 EFR on every squirrel rifle I have.
There simply is nothing better!
Squirrels can come very close and I have had them coming down the trunk of a tree I have been sitting under many times.
You need parallax adjustment not 25X magnification unless you intend to lug a competition 22lr into the woods.
You will chase your tail trying to sight in with a hunting 22lr rifle as the ammunition has a spread larger than your adjustment.
-Richard
 
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#34
I took a look at the Athlon 2.5-15, and yes, the Christmas tree is very tiny at 2.5. I had not thought about that.

Found a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x I'm not using, and I have a Fullfield II 3-9x sitting on a useless K31. Those guns were a lot more appealing before the ammo dried up.

I like using the MRAD stuff with turrets because I really enjoyed learning precision rifle shooting, but I have to admit, it is not exactly necessary for killing a squirrel on the other side of my yard.

Basically, I'll be aiming at point of impact or a fraction of an inch above or below, so It's not like I'll be using a Kestrel.
 
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#36
XP1K said:
The 2-7 leupolds really shine on a squirrel rifle. I bet I've killed more squirrels on 6x than anything else.

The marlins used to come with a set of weaver rings. Not sure if they still do or not. With the rings that came with my rifle and a 50 yard zero, my 17 mows down squirrels from 20 yards to 100 with little to no hold over at all. Most of the time at 6x.
Click to expand...
I got a sweet Burris 6x mini dot that I use also it’s on a browning left hand t bolt. Makes a very lightweight combo.
 
#42
I grabbed up another 457 in 22lr as a walking setup as well, carrying an 18lb rimx thru the woods doesn't sound like a good time.

Trying to keep this one on a reasonable budget. I feel SFP would suit my need better on this one as well.

Been taking a hard look at this one.


www.eurooptic.com

Athlon Heras SPR 2-12x42mm SF 1" SFP AAGR1 MIL Riflescope 214502

FREE SHIPPING on Athlon Heras SPR 2-12x42mm SF 1" SFP AAGR1 MIL Riflescope 214502
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
 
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#43
Shifty6BR said:
I grabbed up another 457 in 22lr as a walking setup as well, carrying an 18lb rimx thru the woods doesn't sound like a good time.

Trying to keep this one on a reasonable budget. I feel SFP would suit my need better on this one as well.

Been taking a hard look at this one.


www.eurooptic.com

Athlon Heras SPR 2-12x42mm SF 1" SFP AAGR1 MIL Riflescope 214502

FREE SHIPPING on Athlon Heras SPR 2-12x42mm SF 1" SFP AAGR1 MIL Riflescope 214502
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
Click to expand...

It's got a thin reticle and doesn't have illume so watch out "if" there are a bunch of dimly lit shaded areas you hunt in. I live in AZ so it's not much of a concern.

The basic .2 mil reticle is kinda cool though and the scope is a nice one. Even so I could still see good enough on 2x to hit 1" white painted steel at 50Y when I had it on a airgun either holding or dialing.

Truthfully I'd really like to know what others think about this Heras 2-12 used as a small game scope.

Here's mine with it's "long" sunshade attached mounted on a HK300. The other scope is a SFP Nikon 3-9.
20230426_104525.jpg
 
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#45
Big Phish said:
Hard to beat the leupold for bright glass in dimly lit areas.
Click to expand...

That Heras has very good IQ and is superior to that Nikon by a large margin, equally so to my friends older Leupold 2-7 and 4-12. New L's I couldn't say either way because none of my group has one.

But just the fact that this Heras has side focus down to 10Y helps with that.

The reticle is on the thin side which could be a downside occasionally. Just about perfect for that HK300 especially when shooting on long range steel compared to the old Nikon.
 
#46
My resident squirrel hunter, is perfectly happy (and successful) with a Leupold Freedom 3-9x. 3 to 4X is what is needed (as mentioned above) but when needed, to see up close and personal 6-9x is great to have.
 
#47
steve123 said:
It's got a thin reticle and doesn't have illume so watch out "if" there are a bunch of dimly lit shaded areas you hunt in. I live in AZ so it's not much of a concern.

The basic .2 mil reticle is kinda cool though and the scope is a nice one. Even so I could still see good enough on 2x to hit 1" white painted steel at 50Y when I had it on a airgun either holding or dialing.

Truthfully I'd really like to know what others think about this Heras 2-12 used as a small game scope.

Here's mine with it's "long" sunshade attached mounted on a HK300. The other scope is a SFP Nikon 3-9.......
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info buddy, much appreciated!!
 
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#48
Here is what I have on my Tree rat killer. , Tikka T1X

Athlon Talos BTR Gen2 4-14x44mm DD SF 30mm FFP APRS10 FFP IR-MIL Riflescope .​


Its going for about $325 these days. 10yd focus. plenty of low end field of view, and top end to find them in the trees.

Ive had this scope for about 8 years, and never had an issue with this .

The optics are not going to be your handicap. Finding the right ammo your rifle likes, and focusing on proper fundamentals will get the job done %100 of the time.
 
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#50
FB_IMG_1674008473969.jpg


This 77/22 has killed more shit than the plague. I've gotten quite a few offers for this rig even before prices skyrocketed. But it's pretty dang good rig. Lightweight and super accurate with CCI Sub's.....which hit hard as fuck. Has a SFP 6-18x40mm optic that is the weakest link. Wish it had side parallax and graduated reticle. But this thing has tracked and handled abuse better than Leupold Mark 4's I've had. I'm always cranked to max or min on the magnification ring.

And although the internet likes to poo poo the mags. I've never had issues at all and it's flush fitting 10rnds unlike almost everything else out there. Timney trigger (more like a spring kit) is a must do.

This rig has a few issues. No ability for a bipod. And the gun industry as a whole has fucked me with sandpaper when it comes to aftermarket support. No rail at all let alone a canted rail.....but it's 230yds capable with this 1" tube optic. Yeah, I know a rail exists but it's stupid thick. I carry a sand sock. And I use a pack for a front rest when on a bench. In the field I use a sock or nothing. Really wish a good quality target stock was available. Boyd stocks are trash.

There definitely needs to be more hollow point subsonic offerings. Wish SK/Lapua would do one that is common here in the states. CCI standards can kill stuff but I've had numerous occasions where things got speared and ran/flew off. CCI 40gr HP's would knock a quarter sized exit wound. I never can find the Winchester 42gr HP's to really get a sense of them. If there's others out there....let me know.

I would say get barrel length. Unless it's a truck gun. It's only a plus to run longer on a suppressed rig. Keeps the ammo slow and keeps the report further away from you. I've shot/set up indoors....length has never been a real issue.
 
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