Your advice is needed, please... It's been 25 years since I shopped for a scope...

[unrepentant]

I haven't shopped for a scope for myself in a long time. I have a couple GA Precision .308s set up for long range shooting outfitted with old Nightforce scopes. That's all I really know--.308s-- my .22LR expertise could fit in a thimble upside down.

A friend wants to get into .22LR "long range" shooting (up to 150 or even 200 yards). He has his eye on a Ruger 10/22 Takedown and a Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 scope. He leans towards the Vortex Crossfire II because it got a good review here: https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-ruger-10-22#1 He likes the idea of a Ruger Takedown because he goes camping. This rifle would serve as his only .22LR rifle.

His budget is $1400 including ($575 for a) silencer and a Tandemkross trigger group. I'm tryin' to talk him out of the Takedown and silencer-- in favor of a 10/22 with better out-of-the-box accuracy. I'm quite severe in my criticism of his scope choice--but my bias for "better" clear and bright optics is showing I think. I also favor Volquartsen triggers but that's probably because I'm old and don't know what's available nowadays..

I'm not up on technological advances in the scope industry. He really likes the idea of FFP, but I dunno anything about these scopes. My scopes are all old, and SFP.. My advice to him was to at least get into the $800+ range for a better scope and stick with SFP for "short range" clarity, but on second thought that only seems valid if he gives up on the idea of the Ruger Takedown and chooses a Ruger 10/22 model that's inherently more accurate. My thinking is, putting an expensive scope on a Takedown is like putting a tuxedo on a pig.

What would your advice be for a Ruger 10/22 long range rig if you were limited to $1400 budget? Which Ruger 10/22 and what scope? Would you add a trigger group?

Thank you very much for your consideration and advice!

 

[littlepod]

I would get a KIDD Supergrade for $1000-1100 ish, and then spend another $300 for an Arken SH4 (to tide him over until he spends more on glass).

For all of the PRS/NRL22 like things, you'd want an FFP. If all he ever does is hunting, I guess SFP is fine, but I'd still choose FFP for flexibility.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I'd suggest against the Ruger 10/22 take down.
It serves a very useful purpose, but from the ones my friends & I have, it seems it's probably not well suited to the kind of exceptional accuracy and repeatability that you need when you want to stretch the limits of .22LR

 

[x2cross]

Standard 10/22, Vortex Diamondback tactical or Arken SH4 (gotta have turrets for long range), upgraded trigger, and make sure he knows to try a bunch of good quality ammo to see what it likes. Bulk pack boxes won't cut it for distance

 

[Tortuga]

I REALLY recommend against a TD as an only .22 if "long range" is involved and that's coming from a guy with a tricked out TD with a Volquartsen barrel.
If I had to have a do everything 10/22, I would go with a 10/22 LVT (light varmint target)($300), send it to Randy at Connecticut Precision Chambering for a bolt/barrel/trigger tune up($238), and mount a first focal plane Arken ($299) or Athlon Midas-Tac scope ($575).

I love Tandemkross and they are only 20 min from me, but for the price of their trigger, Randy will work over the whole rifle and make it a tack driver. If you must buy a new trigger, the gold standard comes from Kidd.

If your friend really wants to go down the 10/22 rabbit hole, send him to Rimfire Central. There is a lot of experience over there.

 

[BillOH]

I REALLY recommend against a TD as an only .22 if "long range" is involved and that's coming from a guy with a tricked out TD with a Volquartsen barrel.
If I had to have a do everything 10/22, I would go with a 10/22 LVT (light varmint target)($300), send it to Randy at Connecticut Precision Chambering for a bolt/barrel/trigger tune up($238), and mount a first focal plane Arken ($299) or Athlon Midas-Tac scope ($575).

I love Tandemkross and they are only 20 min from me, but for the price of their trigger, Randy will work over the whole rifle and make it a tack driver. If you must buy a new trigger, the gold standard comes from Kidd.

If your friend really wants to go down the 10/22 rabbit hole, send him to Rimfire Central. There is a lot of experience over there.

I'm quoting this because I think it's pretty good advice.

The Crossfire II will not work for long range. I have one.

One change I would make is to suggest your friend get a CZ 457 instead of a 10-22. Almost all of the winners in ARA Factory benchrest competition use CZ 457s because they are accurate. I've shot my CZ 457 out past 350 yards with a Vortex Strike Eagle scope.

 

[FuhQ]

I haven't shopped for a scope for myself in a long time. I have a couple GA Precision .308s set up for long range shooting outfitted with old Nightforce scopes. That's all I really know--.308s-- my .22LR expertise could fit in a thimble upside down.

A friend wants to get into .22LR "long range" shooting (up to 150 or even 200 yards). He has his eye on a Ruger 10/22 Takedown and a Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 scope. He leans towards the Vortex Crossfire II because it got a good review here: https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-ruger-10-22#1 He likes the idea of a Ruger Takedown because he goes camping. This rifle would serve as his only .22LR rifle.

His budget is $1400 including ($575 for a) silencer and a Tandemkross trigger group. I'm tryin' to talk him out of the Takedown and silencer-- in favor of a 10/22 with better out-of-the-box accuracy. I'm quite severe in my criticism of his scope choice--but my bias for "better" clear and bright optics is showing I think. I also favor Volquartsen triggers but that's probably because I'm old and don't know what's available nowadays..

I'm not up on technological advances in the scope industry. He really likes the idea of FFP, but I dunno anything about these scopes. My scopes are all old, and SFP.. My advice to him was to at least get into the $800+ range for a better scope and stick with SFP for "short range" clarity, but on second thought that only seems valid if he gives up on the idea of the Ruger Takedown and chooses a Ruger 10/22 model that's inherently more accurate. My thinking is, putting an expensive scope on a Takedown is like putting a tuxedo on a pig.

What would your advice be for a Ruger 10/22 long range rig if you were limited to $1400 budget? Which Ruger 10/22 and what scope? Would you add a trigger group?

Thank you very much for your consideration and advice!

Christensen Arms Ranger 22 rifle (bolt-action, not semi for precision shooting) Comes factory with a TriggerTech trigger, and uses Ruger 10/22 magazines. $700-800

Suppressor - Recommend Dead Air Mask HD for Precision work, as its baffles are designed concentricity, and it was zero first-round pop. About $650 total with stamp and SS trust.

Scope - Cheap, but solid for the money, with good turrets… Arken SH4 6-24x50. On sale right now for $299 directly from their website. You can get their precision pack for an additional $35 once you use the code “SAVE$170” at checkout.

Slightly over his budget, but about the best setup he’s going to be able to buy for around $1,750. And it will probably outshoot him, if he’s a newbie. So he will have plenty of room to grow without needing to upgrade anything for a while.

 

[db2000]

I would get a KIDD Supergrade for $1000-1100 ish, and then spend another $300 for an Arken SH4 (to tide him over until he spends more on glass).

For all of the PRS/NRL22 like things, you'd want an FFP. If all he ever does is hunting, I guess SFP is fine, but I'd still choose FFP for flexibility.

Agreed but vote for the Arken EP5 personally. Not much more expensive and better glass and illumination (if that matters).

 

[MarkCZ]

If he is going with the take down, he does not need much of a scope because, The TD will not shoot that well.
A great scope for the money is a SWFA SS https://www.swfa.com/swfa-16x42-ss-30mm-riflescope-105771.html they are on sell now. they come in 10, 12, 16, and 20 power. I have 2 of them.
If he wants a 10-22 get a Kidd Supergrade, don't waste time with factory guns. I have one, it shoots great.
Let him get the TD and a cheaper scope for camping. Then get a CZ 457, Bergara B14R or Tikka T1X bolt gun for long range. If I were getting a scope today it would be a Arken EP5.

 

[OleGrim]

Tikka T1X (I got the 16" from Scheels for $579.99 for use with a suppressor)
Trijicon Credo 4-16x50 (Purchased from Eurooptic for $599.99)
Area 419 30 moa rail $60

Under budget and sub moa. There's enough left over for you to upgrade the stock if you can snag a deal.

The Credo is an impressive scope and I can attest to the fact that it punches way above its weight class. I compared it next to my 4-32 NX8 at the range and it held its own. Put my buddies few year old VX-5HD to shame - it was not even in the same class and he was embarrassed enough to purchase a credo on the spot. I am going to sell the NX8 and get two Ten miles.

Thoroughly impressed with the combination which is currently bone stock. Looking at either upgrading my stock to the AG Composites Alpine Hunter to match my current hunting rifle or to the XLR Element 4.0 MG to match my likely future purchase of the Bergara MG Lite and for the ability to pack. Decisions, decisions....

 

[lash]

@unrepentant,

Lots of good advice above. I happen to like the Rugers and how they work, but they are not good precision rifles and take a custom job to make them close to good for precision. A CZ457, B14, or Tikka T1 will serve the purpose much better and provide the satisfaction that only a more accurate rifle will do.

Scope choices like the Arken, Strike Eagle, Trijicon, etc. will be better than the Crossfire. The Crossfire has no zero stop and you Will want one when using for competition, even if casual. MRAD/mils.

He’s trying to marry two completely different uses into one rifle and that almost never works out well for either purpose.

The take down is great for camping and would do well with a vortex STrike Eagle 1-6x on it.

A precision slash Long Range .22 needs to be specific to that purpose.

He could even go lower on the long range bolt and get a Savage Mk2. I know that it’s sacrilege to the competition mavens, but they are very serviceable and pretty accurate for the money.

 

[WeeHooker]

I used to tell customers at the shop that "Guns are like golf clubs, you can't buy one and expect it to do everything well." In your friends case, a 10/22 TD is like buying a 5 iron and expecting it to make accurate 200 yd drives. Sure he can pour $ into that 5 iron but it's still going to be less than optimal. In my experience he would be much better served (and actually ahead cost wise) if he spent $600 or so on a CZ 457 . The CZ can perform at those ranges easily and requires only a $2 spring to get a 10 oz trigger that will shame any 10/22.

 

[Mostshooter]

Area 419 30 moa rail $60

Where is this rail available for this price ?

 

[OleGrim]

Where is this rail available for this price ?

Tikka T1X Improved Scope Rail

At Area 419 we decided that there were no scope bases on the market that really met our requirements for quality, so we made our own. Its all in the little details that set this base apart from the competition. These are machined in house on our 4-axis HAAS VMC from 7075 Aluminum. Straight...

www.area419.com

 

[Mostshooter]

Tikka T1X Improved Scope Rail

At Area 419 we decided that there were no scope bases on the market that really met our requirements for quality, so we made our own. Its all in the little details that set this base apart from the competition. These are machined in house on our 4-axis HAAS VMC from 7075 Aluminum. Straight...

www.area419.com

I apologize, I had the CZ 457 rail in my head

 

[FuhQ]

Agreed but vote for the Arken EP5 personally. Not much more expensive and better glass and illumination (if that matters).

I mentioned the SH4 only to keep him close to his budget, but I would also concur, that if he could save up a little more, the EP5 being on sale for $449 right now would be the best option. Plus, it has 10 MIL rev turrets, and real Japanese ED glass.

 

[DFOOSKING]

I would say to try and look around the area shops and see if he can find a steel Bergara B14R and the EP5 mentioned above. Might be a $100-$200 more than budget after rings and rail and bipod.

But you can hold off on those and find used 700 rails laying around or get a cheaper-ish EGW or DIP picatinny rail and lower brand rings and Harris BRM laying around. Turn the trigger weight down or do the factory trigger mod that's posted here somewhere.

The Bergara is a pretty potent rig out of the box for the money.

 

[unrepentant]

Thanks very much for all your advice! I sent him a link to this thread; he's been convinced by the posts here to go EP5, so at least we got him going in the right direction with the scope choice. FuhQ, thanks very much for the sales tip; he decided from that site and all ya'lls advice (two posts up) to move up from the SH4; the guys here were instrumental in narrowing the selections down to the Arken brand and I'm grateful for the help.

Littlepod, you got ME thinkin' about that KIDD...

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

 

[unrepentant]

Welllll, shit. I have this Nightforce 5.5-22x56 on ARMS QD rings sittin' spare in the safe. All this advice forced me into a KIDD Classic I found on the 'net. Damn. No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[Codiekfx400]

Tikka T1X (I got the 16" from Scheels for $579.99 for use with a suppressor)
Trijicon Credo 4-16x50 (Purchased from Eurooptic for $599.99)
Area 419 30 moa rail $60

Under budget and sub moa. There's enough left over for you to upgrade the stock if you can snag a deal.

The Credo is an impressive scope and I can attest to the fact that it punches way above its weight class. I compared it next to my 4-32 NX8 at the range and it held its own. Put my buddies few year old VX-5HD to shame - it was not even in the same class and he was embarrassed enough to purchase a credo on the spot. I am going to sell the NX8 and get two Ten miles.

Thoroughly impressed with the combination which is currently bone stock. Looking at either upgrading my stock to the AG Composites Alpine Hunter to match my current hunting rifle or to the XLR Element 4.0 MG to match my likely future purchase of the Bergara MG Lite and for the ability to pack. Decisions, decisions....

How is that credo working for small targets? Being in the second focal plane working out okay for your intended purpose on the 22lr?

 

[acudaowner]

id pick another sightron s 3 10x50x60 under 1k and you'll be spotting your own shots out to 400 yards larger calabers even further it's not that you need that much scope to shoot you don't but having that extra power is totally worth it . not needing to buy another scope cause you moved out further than 100 yards and 22lr on paper is almost a small screw sized hole .better to have and not need than need and not have .

 

[bsekf]

You get pretty much what you pay for. However, there are bargains out there. After you decide, check places like Optic Planit, Europtic and even Walmart on-line. Look at FFP, the reticle changes with the power. On a 22 you will be changing the elevation a lot, so good turrets and 0-stop are important. Chinese glass has made giant strides forward, but it's still German, Japanese and then China. I saw a Metope 6, 5-30x FFP in the classified and it sounded like a good deal. Good deals on Vortex Strike Eagle and Athalon and Arkens, just got to search. Walmart on line had Athalon Ares 2nd gen 4.5-27X50 for half price. Be prepared, most quality scopes are now 30 or 34mm, so rings are pricey. 34mm weighs a pound more than 30mm.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

 

[Kahrhart63]

I would get a KIDD Supergrade for $1000-1100 ish, and then spend another $300 for an Arken SH4 (to tide him over until he spends more on glass).

For all of the PRS/NRL22 like things, you'd want an FFP. If all he ever does is hunting, I guess SFP is fine, but I'd still choose FFP for flexibility.

Where are you going to get a supergrade for 1000-1100ish dollers? I would try and find a Bergara b14r on the used market!! And put a arken ep5 on it!

 

[lash]

Where are you going to get a supergrade for 1000-1100ish dollers? I would try and find a Bergara b14r on the used market!! And put a arken ep5 on it!

This is definitely a solid way to go. Just got my first EP5 in and am duly impressed with it. It is a bit meaty for a .22, but I’m thinking it should work great for matches.

 

[obx22]

The 10/22 platform (as you likely know) has evolved to the point you can build an entire rifle without using a single “Ruger” part including the magazine. The only issue I would have with such a build for long range, is I don’t usually see the kind of reliability that competition demands. The below assembly of parts is a very accurate rifle, it’s free recoil groups are shocking, but I’ve fired even tighter groups from a factory Bergara BXR belonging to a friend who IS running his in competitions from 25-400+ yards!
As I continue to piddle with mine, I’ve been considering an Arken EP-5, but will likely slap a Vortex StrikeEagle on it like my bolt gun.

 

[Kahrhart63]

I have a supergrade in a krg chassis with a 20 inch non threaded barrel and a 16 inch barrel! I run a tract toric elr on it! I would take a Bergara b14r over it for nrl22.

 

[lash]

The 10/22 platform (as you likely know) has evolved to the point you can build an entire rifle without using a single “Ruger” part including the magazine. The only issue I would have with such a build for long range, is I don’t usually see the kind of reliability that competition demands. The below assembly of parts is a very accurate rifle, it’s free recoil groups are shocking, but I’ve fired even tighter groups from a factory Bergara BXR belonging to a friend who IS running his in competitions from 25-400+ yards!
As I continue to piddle with mine, I’ve been considering an Arken EP-5, but will likely slap a Vortex StrikeEagle on it like my bolt gun.
View attachment 8178066

If you already have the Strike Eagle, do it. If not, Arken EP5>Strike Eagle. No question.

 

[obx22]

I have a supergrade in a krg chassis with a 20 inch non threaded barrel and a 16 inch barrel! I run a tract toric elr on it! I would take a Bergara b14r over it for nrl22.

That’s a beautiful build

 

[lash]

I haven't shopped for a scope for myself in a long time. I have a couple GA Precision .308s set up for long range shooting outfitted with old Nightforce scopes. That's all I really know--.308s-- my .22LR expertise could fit in a thimble upside down.

A friend wants to get into .22LR "long range" shooting (up to 150 or even 200 yards). He has his eye on a Ruger 10/22 Takedown and a Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 scope. He leans towards the Vortex Crossfire II because it got a good review here: https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-ruger-10-22#1 He likes the idea of a Ruger Takedown because he goes camping. This rifle would serve as his only .22LR rifle.

His budget is $1400 including ($575 for a) silencer and a Tandemkross trigger group. I'm tryin' to talk him out of the Takedown and silencer-- in favor of a 10/22 with better out-of-the-box accuracy. I'm quite severe in my criticism of his scope choice--but my bias for "better" clear and bright optics is showing I think. I also favor Volquartsen triggers but that's probably because I'm old and don't know what's available nowadays..

I'm not up on technological advances in the scope industry. He really likes the idea of FFP, but I dunno anything about these scopes. My scopes are all old, and SFP.. My advice to him was to at least get into the $800+ range for a better scope and stick with SFP for "short range" clarity, but on second thought that only seems valid if he gives up on the idea of the Ruger Takedown and chooses a Ruger 10/22 model that's inherently more accurate. My thinking is, putting an expensive scope on a Takedown is like putting a tuxedo on a pig.

What would your advice be for a Ruger 10/22 long range rig if you were limited to $1400 budget? Which Ruger 10/22 and what scope? Would you add a trigger group?

Thank you very much for your consideration and advice!

So, @unrepentant, what did you end up doing?

In case I somehow missed it.

 

[FuhQ]

If you already have the Strike Eagle, do it. If not, Arken EP5>Strike Eagle. No question.

That's what I tried to tell folks 2 years ago, but they used to laugh at me... " 'cause Vortex..."

The glass in my EP5 is actually on par with the Viper PST Gen2's that I've looked through.

And the glass in the Burris XTR-II 5-25x50 that is on sale at EuroOptic for $599 beats them both. And for $599, I'd take the Burris any day of the week! It had a $1,499 MSRP.