Best Rimfire Scope $300

[slickalaus12]

Hey Guys,

I am planning to build my girlfriend a 22lr soon. I am in Canada, but am wondering if you guys can suggest some options for around $300 USD.

I have a Midas Tac 6-24x50 on my T1x, but it's a little overkill for what she needs it for, and more money than we need to spend.

We plan to use it for some small game hunting and target shooting within 70yds.

FFP is not terribly important

What matters :

• Glass quality
• Preferably at least 16 power on the high end of magnification
• Parallax adjustment down to a maximum of 25 yds. Preferably 10 yards

 

[MarkCZ]

SWFA SS great scopes at any price. $299. They made a 10X, 12X, 16X, and 20X https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-16x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html

Mark

 

[sleeplz]

SWFA SS great scopes at any price. $299. They made a 10X, 12X, 16X, and 20X https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-16x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html

Mark

Do these work well at 25 yards?

 

[BLJ]

I picked up a Bushnell nitro 5-20 SFP with Deploy MOA from Natchez for $240. Mounted on my 457. Very pleased for the money. Parallax adjustability to 10 yards.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Tasco Varmint/Target 6-24x42 with true Mil Dot. I have several, and shot one at 1000yd with my 260 for several years,

Greg

 

[jdodd]

I just picked up a Argos BTR Gen 2 6-24 for my T1X. Has the magnification (24x) and Parallax (10yd) you want but glass quality is meh. However for your $300 price point you are in "meh" glass quality no matter what you pick.

 

[slickalaus12]

I picked up a Bushnell nitro 5-20 SFP with Deploy MOA from Natchez for $240. Mounted on my 457. Very pleased for the money. Parallax adjustability to 10 yards.

This may be a winner. I recently got a Bushnell forge in a trade, and I have to say I'm fairly impressed with it.

 

[slickalaus12]

I just picked up a Argos BTR Gen 2 6-24 for my T1X. Has the magnification (24x) and Parallax (10yd) you want but glass quality is meh. However for your $300 price point you are in "meh" glass quality no matter what you pick.

I own one of these as well. I agree, you're getting a fair bit for the price but the glass isn't great. I was hoping that sacrificing ffp, a zero stop and illumination might mean more money spent on glass quality, but that may be a stretch.

 

[slickalaus12]

SWFA SS great scopes at any price. $299. They made a 10X, 12X, 16X, and 20X https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-16x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html

Mark

I really wish I could buy SWFA. They don't ship to Canada, and it seems we have no dealers here. I appreciate the input, I have read only good things about them.

 

[-JoeDirt-]

Personally I love Vortex and Leupolds entry level scopes. Come with great warranties and have good glass. I keep my distance from TASCO and Bushnell.

 

[Frankr]

I picked up a Bushnell nitro 5-20 SFP with Deploy MOA from Natchez for $240. Mounted on my 457. Very pleased for the money. Parallax adjustability to 10 yards.

I’ve picked up 3 different magnification ranges on these this year (1 FFP and 2 SFP)

Each for around 250-300 bucks. Super handy on rimfires and I like the MOA deploy reticle and floating dot.

Watch Natchez and midway for deals on them

 

[BLJ]

Also, it came with a sunshade, caps, spudz, and a havalon knife. 80(84?) MOA of adjustment. Im pleased for the money.

My only complaint would be that when I zeroed the scope and adjusted the turrets, my elevation zero wasn`t exactly lined up with the hash mark. Minor for me, personally. I've dialled to 175 and back to 50 on numerous occasion and its yracked perfectly.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

An alternative suggestion, take it or leave it.
During some down time, I put together a range plinker and “go have some fun“ rifle for my family. I had an Arken SH4 and Vortex Viper PST but it was too heavy and over optioned for my bride and kids.

Like pants that come with belts included, I stay away from lesser known and reviewed optics that comes with scope rings but for a kick around gun with minimal expectations I explored a bit.
The CVLife 3-9x 40AO on Amazon and separately ordered Weaver Quad Lock high 1” rings set me back a grand total of $57. The scope is SFP, focuses down to 10 yards, glass quality in bright light and indoors was equivalent to my Nikon P-223, no gaudy illumination, mil-dot reticle (but 1/4 MOA turrets)and simple controls for my newer shooters. It even tracks reasonably well and has survived ~250 rimfire rounds without issue.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PXK9NF8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon.com

My bride loves it and does not care the Vortex Viper PST that was on her Savage B22 Precision moved to a different host.

Use the $243 saved to spoil her with things she really enjoys and your range time and opportunity will greatly increase.

Just my humble opinion from a married fudd.
Tacking test and 6x5 groups at 25 yards indoor attached.

YMMV and happy shooting

 

[slickalaus12]

An alternative suggestion, take it or leave it.
During some down time, I put together a range plinker and “go have some fun“ rifle for my family. I had an Arken SH4 and Vortex Viper PST but it was too heavy and over optioned for my bride and kids.

Like pants that come with belts included, I stay away from lesser known and reviewed optics that comes with scope rings but for a kick around gun with minimal expectations I explored a bit.
The CVLife 3-9x 40AO on Amazon and separately ordered Weaver Quad Lock high 1” rings set me back a grand total of $57. The scope is SFP, focuses down to 10 yards, glass quality in bright light and indoors was equivalent to my Nikon P-223, no gaudy illumination, mil-dot reticle (but 1/4 MOA turrets)and simple controls for my newer shooters. It even tracks reasonably well and has survived ~250 rimfire rounds without issue.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PXK9NF8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon.com

My bride loves it and does not care the Vortex Viper PST that was on her Savage B22 Precision moved to a different host.

Use the $243 saved to spoil her with things she really enjoys and your range time and opportunity will greatly increase.

Just my humble opinion from a married fudd.
Tacking test and 6x5 groups at 25 yards indoor attached.

YMMV and happy shooting
View attachment 7510497View attachment 7510498

Appreciate the detailed response. The fact that the rings and scope only set you back $57 is crazy. I hope it holds up for you. I have a friend who's gone down that same route, with discovery scopes and they've actually been pretty decent for him. something to consider for sure.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

I have an Athlon BTR 6-24 gen 2 scope and for a rimfire I think it’s great. It sits on top of a Ruger 10/22. The glass for a 300 dollar scope is pretty decent. It’s not a Schmidt and Bender but it’s better than the Nikon Monarch that it replaced. Mine tracks perfectly on the box test. My biggest complaint is that the numbers on the turrets don’t line up perfectly. I have thought about sending it back for warranty but after some reading it seems that this is a common problem in this scope. I worry if I send it in then I will get one with some other problem. Also look at the Vortex Diamond back for a cheap scope. I have one on another 10/22 and I like it a little better. I paid like 340 for it and 280 for the Athlon. The extra 60 bucks is worth it to me because the turrets line up correctly. Both turrets aren’t very tactile or audible so it’s hard for me to count without looking at the turret.

 

[rybern]

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44. Street price is $349 on Ebay/Amazon but can be found for ~$300. 20yd parallax, side focus, great reticle but no zero stop.

 

[slickalaus12]

I have an Athlon BTR 6-24 gen 2 scope and for a rimfire I think it’s great. It sits on top of a Ruger 10/22. The glass for a 300 dollar scope is pretty decent. It’s not a Schmidt and Bender but it’s better than the Nikon Monarch that it replaced. Mine tracks perfectly on the box test. My biggest complaint is that the numbers on the turrets don’t line up perfectly. I have thought about sending it back for warranty but after some reading it seems that this is a common problem in this scope. I worry if I send it in then I will get one with some other problem. Also look at the Vortex Diamond back for a cheap scope. I have one on another 10/22 and I like it a little better. I paid like 340 for it and 280 for the Athlon. The extra 60 bucks is worth it to me because the turrets line up correctly. Both turrets aren’t very tactile or audible so it’s hard for me to count without looking at the turret.

I have the argos btr gen 2 as well. Its a little heavy for a woman's rimfire and Id like her to have a bit of a smaller low-end magnification. My turrets are tacticle and the lines are bang on. Might be worth giving Athlon a shout.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

I'll do some more break in and longer distance shooting out to 100 yards on Boxing day and post results here.
The purchase decision may depend on how serious your GF is with the shooting discipline. If she is into it and is asking you to go to the range all the time, recommend getting the best optic she can grow into. If it’s something you want her to get into, the budget route may save you $ and frustration.
I eventually learned not to impose my hobbies on my significant other/spouse.
YMMV, happy shooting

 

[slickalaus12]

I'll do some more break in and longer distance shooting out to 100 yards on Boxing day and post results here.
The purchase decision may depend on how serious your GF is with the shooting discipline. If she is into it and is asking you to go to the range all the time, recommend getting the best optic she can grow into. If it’s something you want her to get into, the budget route may save you $ and frustration.
I eventually learned not to impose my hobbies on my significant other/spouse.
YMMV, happy shooting

You raise a very good point about forcing your hobbies on somebody else. She is newer to shooting but she is the one bugging me to get out. She is currently going through the licensing process we have here in Canada, and is quite excited about it.

She loves the Midas Tac I have on my T1x but dropping $2000 CAD on her first rimfire would be alot of money for us.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

My apologies, the CV Life scope may not meet you or your GF’s needs.
If she is asking you to go to the range and shoot, recommend the higher end scope route.
I’ve been very pleased with the Arken SH4 gen1 (saw one for sale in the PX for $300) and have the gen2 awaiting delivery.
I recently listened to an Everyday Sniper Podcast with Frank and the guy from ZCO (formerly from Nightforce). The main takeaway for me: the optic has to be first and foremost durable, then tractable, then glass quality in that order.
That was a surprise to me and they are probably talking about high end glass vs. the milky fisheye lens bang arounds like the CV Life, but the more I think about it, the more I think they are correct.
YMMV, happy shooting

 

[MarkCZ]

Do these work well at 25 yards?

They come into 10 yds.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Actually, for under $300, this Mueller 8-32x44 is my best pick for 22lr, where it's quite popular, and I also shot it at 1000yd for several years.

But it's made in China.

 

[Gallente]

Maybe used Arken SH4?

 

[Mr. Wolf]

Slickalaus12,
Beautiful day to shoot at the range on 12/26/2020.
Had the CV Life 3-9x on a Savage B22 Precision and shot drills on steel for warm ups then shot out to 50 yards for groups with various ammo with my boys.
We went through close to 500 rounds and the CV Life scope and Weaver rings had zero problems.
Parallax was a bit off the numbers but focused sharply and was easy to adjust with the Adjustible Objective on the front bell. The optical quality started to show its limitations at 50 yards and the reticle was too thick to shoot for supreme accuracy but we shot .6”- .7” with CCI SV ammo.

Things I learned:
1. Wonderful to see how quickly kids learn the fundamentals. My youngest shot 3-4” groups during the previous outing, but shot a .7” group at 50 yards.
2. Breaking in a rifle is much faster when 4 shooters rotate, with less neck and eye strain as well.
3. The CV Life 3-9x 40 AO scope and Weaver rings were solid for what a $57 setup was designed to do: plink out to ˜100 yards, but shooting tight groups bench rest style it is not. It may work for Appleseed, silhouettes or Sporter style matches, but not for bench rest style groups, 6x5 groups or NRL22 as the KYL and <1” targets at distance will be limited by the thickness of the reticle and relative lack of magnification.
4. A day outdoors in the sunshine with the kids is good for the soul.

I think that a used Arken SH4 gen1 4-14 may be the best bang for your money at the $300 range.

YMMV, happy shooting.

 

[slickalaus12]

Slickalaus12,
Beautiful day to shoot at the range on 12/26/2020.
Had the CV Life 3-9x on a Savage B22 Precision and shot drills on steel for warm ups then shot out to 50 yards for groups with various ammo with my boys.
We went through close to 500 rounds and the CV Life scope and Weaver rings had zero problems.
Parallax was a bit off the numbers but focused sharply and was easy to adjust with the Adjustible Objective on the front bell. The optical quality started to show its limitations at 50 yards and the reticle was too thick to shoot for supreme accuracy but we shot .6”- .7” with CCI SV ammo.

Things I learned:
1. Wonderful to see how quickly kids learn the fundamentals. My youngest shot 3-4” groups during the previous outing, but shot a .7” group at 50 yards.
2. Breaking in a rifle is much faster when 4 shooters rotate, with less neck and eye strain as well.
3. The CV Life 3-9x 40 AO scope and Weaver rings were solid for what a $57 setup was designed to do: plink out to ˜100 yards, but shooting tight groups bench rest style it is not. It may work for Appleseed, silhouettes or Sporter style matches, but not for bench rest style groups, 6x5 groups or NRL22 as the KYL and <1” targets at distance will be limited by the thickness of the reticle and relative lack of magnification.
4. A day outdoors in the sunshine with the kids is good for the soul.

I think that a used Arken SH4 gen1 4-14 may be the best bang for your money at the $300 range.

YMMV, happy shooting.

thanks for the range report. i love to hear that the kids are already shooting good groups, even when limited by an optic that may be less than ideal for the task. all in all i remain impressed with the reported quality of a $57 setup.

as far as the arken goes i have heard only good things, but like some of the other lesser known brands, we don't have any suppliers in canada

 

[HousePlant]

Whatever you do, don't get the Hawk 22LR scope. Eyebox, at least on mine, is bloody terrible in the field. I suffer through it when taking the dog in the forest for some squirrel treeing. I'd get a new scope but... I get by -- it stays zeroed, so there's that. And thankfully the squirrels tend to sort of wait to get shot while I get myself just right behind the scope. I'd use a shotgun, haha, but I don't want to deafen my dog.