Rifle Scopes Scope magnification range too short?

[Jeimuzu]

I just got back from the range, mounting and sighting in my very first scope. It's a Vortex Crossfire 2, on a Savage Arms Mk2 .22LR bolt action.

The scope does 2-7x magnification, and at 100 yards, I can't see the bullet holes to get the sighting in well. I thought this was a good fit in a scope, from lots of reading articles, watching videos, basically doing as much research as I can, but it's very hard to use. Is this just inexperience from first time scope sighting ? Do I need a higher magnification scope ? Would that help at all ?

I'm very frustrated that this experience turned out unenjoyable and while I get that setting up a scope isn't the "fun" part, having it be such a huge hurdle is demotivating. What do I do ?

 

[Bender]

If you want to see holes, you will need a 20x or greater. Or a spotter scope.

 

[Thud]

What bender said.
7x no way to see the 22cal hole

 

[wade2big]

Seeing holes is not a necessary part of shooting.

 

[theLBC]

with x7 and .22, reactive targets might work?

 

[Halfnutz]

For most 100yrds is quite a ways for a .22. Sighting in it would be a good start to begin at 25 yards and move out to 50 then 100 and if your groups are decent you can try moving out farther. It sounds like you are kinda new to this, that's ok. Dont get discouraged. Walk before you run. Once you get the basics dialed in you can upgrade your optics.
You didnt say what ammo you were using. Unless you are going to hunt with it stick with standard velocity ammo, Federal automatch is relatively inexpensive and pretty accurate CCI std velocity is good too, your rifle may like one better than the other. If you plan to hunt with it then "hi velocity" ammo will need you to rezero your scope or at least know the amount to adjust your scope.

 

[Simonsza1]

Left left left right left it’s only 100yds

 

[10ring'r]

"Shoot-n-See" Targets, are your friend. Mac

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Joined a decade ago, two posts, and unsure why you can’t see .22 holes at 100 with a 7x scope...

 

[beetroot]

As above, need a lot more magnification to see 22cal bullet holes. Also bear in mind the crossfire is a realtively cheap scope, better qualitly glass will help but will also cost considerably more.

If you are using the rifle for bench rest then yes you definitely need more magnification.
If you are using it for small game or plinking then the 7x is perfectly acceptable.

 

[Simonsza1]

Joined a decade ago, two posts, and unsure why you can’t see .22 holes at 100 with a 7x scope...

 

[RHINOWSO]

ah, yeah... as mentioned, spotting scope and reactive targets.

Then once you are zeroed, just shoot steel targets.

 

[spife7980]

As above, need a lot more magnification to see 22cal bullet holes. Also bear in mind the crossfire is a realtively cheap scope, better qualitly glass will help but will also cost considerably more.

If you are using the rifle for bench rest then yes you definitely need more magnification.
If you are using it for small game or plinking then the 7x is perfectly acceptable.

 

[edub1309]

"Shoot-n-See" Targets, are your friend. Mac

This. These things are amazing!

 

[Lug Nut]

Sometimes I like not being able to see the holes at 100 yards. Sometimes seeing the group develop can be distracting.

Similar to shooting open sights, not being able to see the holes, forces me to focus on form, every shot.

The anticipation as I walk down the range can be ½ the fun.

2x7 is plenty for most .22 shooters. Most .22’s don’t do well at further distances anyway.

You did good. Have fun.

 

[steve123]

Better to have and not need than need and not have. 2-12 vs 2-7, if you must have 2x on the bottom end. This at the sacrifice of weight and length.

Pick a scope based on application, then feature set. 2-7 makes a fine short range deer rifle scope on a centerfire and for big ole Wabbits on a 22.

Learning curve cost $, you can shorten it by studying.

 

[koshkin]

7x will allow you to see 22 holes if the optical quality is good enough. Crossfire is clearly not. It is a cheap scope, so if it stays zeroed and you can see the target you are already ahead of the curve.

If you want to see bullet holes, you either have to invest in a spotting scope or get a higher quality/magnification scope. If you get a higher magnification scope, it might compromise other qualities you are looking for in a rifle, so you kinda need to figure out what you want out of it.

Shoot and See targets definitely help, except when sighting in you might not necessarily be hitting it.

ILya

 

[theLBC]

with x7 and .22, reactive targets might work?

btw, if you are one of the poors, there are how-tos for making them instead of buying. i don't know if it is actually cheaper to buy tape and spray paint.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Sometimes I like not being able to see the holes at 100 yards. Sometimes seeing the group develop can be distracting.

Yup - If you're sighting in a scope, then Shoot'n See, Splatterburst, etc. are the bomb. If you're going for groups (load dev, etc.), then seeing the impacts can pull you off. When I started using orange dots for load development, I got much more consistent results.

 

[Simonsza1]

You can also take a peak through your binoculars assuming you have a pair. Should be able to see that distance with anything half way decent and surely with a good pair. Can be a lot easier and quicker then a spotter for a quick check and most people have or can affordably get into some binoculars easier than a spotter plus it’s great to have a pair for all kinds of other uses.

 

[SanPatHogger]

At 24x I can't see .243 holes at 400. I use 8x11 white paper with either a 1 inch or 3 inch orange dot target sticker in the middle. I am in the process of looking for the right spotting scope for me. Also the shoot and see targets are pretty nice. You could probably see 22 holes at 200 yards on 7x with shoot and see targets. Good luck and shoot more

 

[Southern Custom]

With the low price of decent optics today just ditch it and jump up the power. Even the least expensive Athlon will get you up close and personal.