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22 magnum scopes

33K views 75 replies 57 participants last post by  C170B  
#1 ·
I bought a cz 512 22 magnum and I’m overwhelmed with scope choices.

My intent for the gun is vermin control on the farm so I don’t need a high powered scope. I’m leaning towards the Leupold 2x7 Rimfire and possibly the vortex similar model. Other options are a fixed 4x Leupold or a 1.5 x 4 Leupold.

Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated
 
#65 ·
+1. I have the CZ512 in 22WMR. It has an IOR 4X scope mounted, which for me is ideal. I have tried other scopes (variable and 6X fixed) but for what I use it for (hunting), the 4X is perfect. Large FOV, adequate magnification for the distances I shoot and crystal clear glass. Also, as the poster above alluded to, it is very simple (very important for an old guy like me).
 
#3 · (Edited)
Leupold has a life time guaranty...

The Leupold has a life time guaranty which goes with the scope, so it is not dependent on it being owned by the original purchaser. That means you can buy a used one and send it in if problems with it. They have terrific customer service. I own a bunch of them.

Vermin are small, and as you say, close at hand. A rimfire scope will have the parallax set at about 60 yards, which is what you want. I think your first choice of the 2-7x Leupold rimfire is a good one. I think they also make a 3-9x rimfire version and that little bit more magnification might be helpful.

Take a look at our classified here, 61 ads for scopes last time I looked. Keep the money on the family. A couple of nice Leupold Vari-X III included.
 
#5 ·
Kinda in the same boat for 22 mag deciding which direction for my uses. Hunting camp is in hill country, with closer wooded shots mixed with wider clearcuts. As well as night calling for mostly 50 for 75yds max. Have been leaning at the Vortex 1-4x24 30mm with illuminated reticle or Vortex Diamonback 2-7x35. Weaver has the kaspa 1-4x24 or 1.5-6x32 illuminated. I would a like a lighted German #4 reticle too.
 
#6 ·
For me, the size of target would determine if a variable is needed . . .

Both my scoped .22 Magnum rifles have fixed 4x scopes on top of them. I considered lower power models, but figured with the extra range of the magnum, it could be needed at longer distances on small targets. These rifles are geared for "large small game " like turkey / javelina as well as the more common jackrabbit. No need for the magnum on cottontails.

I stopped my predator hunting some years back and until they cause me to change my mind, I'm good with that. Watching bobcat and hearing coyote 'music' is part of the outdoor experience now. :)

Sorry - beginning to ramble on ...
 
#44 ·
Both my scoped .22 Magnum rifles have fixed 4x scopes on top of them. I considered lower power models, but figured with the extra range of the magnum, it could be needed at longer distances on small targets. These rifles are geared for "large small game " like turkey...
j.r. guerra in s. texas,

22 mag is sadly not legal for birds where I live, so I have exactly no experience with it and turkeys.. that said I am always willing to learn from others.

what ammo is your choice for turkeys, Please
sorry for the interruption / thread drift
 
#8 ·
Almost everything I own has a Weaver V-16 (4-16x) scope on it because of the magnification range it gives me and the fact that this scope has an Adjustable Objective that adjust down below 30 FEET not yards like other scopes...but the number one reason I have so many if these scopes is the reticle. Just the right size for me not to thick or not too thin...so I would suggest you find a scope with a reticle in it that works for you not one you have to make work. There are a lot of low magnification scopes that are made for big game hunting which have thicker reticles which in my eyes are not the best for those longer shot when needed...so choose wisely. Size and weight is important too...your on the correct path.

When I am out hunting I like to crank up the magnification to get the best view possible...sometimes 4x is enough and other times it might go to 7x or even higher depending on the distance. :)

Good luck on your quest. :bthumb:

Signalman :mad::):D
 
#12 ·
Nikon P223

I picked up the Nikon P223 on sale at Bass Pro when I scoped my Zastava .22WMR. It is a 3x9 50 mm BDC. I have been very pleased with the scope. Typical Nikon optics clear as a bell. The BDC rings are fine and excellent for stepping out to the next 10 or 20 yard mark. I shot a 0.49 in. group at 100 yd.s shooting the 30 gr. Hornady V-Max. The bullet holes were very easy to view at a 100 yd.s.

VH :eek:man:
 
#13 ·
How much light your scope gathers and...

How much light your scope gathers and how much light your eyes can make use of are each considerations. As you get to be old, your eye will take in less light. The only good side of this is that you need not spend as much on expensive light gathering scopes. I believe John Barsness said that a 6x scope gives about as much relative brightness as the eye can use. He has a good book out, and you can get it here for short money.

https://www.amazon.com/Optics-Hunter-John-Barsness/dp/1571571566

As to an adjustable objective lens, yes, they are good to have, but considering we are talking about relatively short distances at targets of opportunity on the farm, it is not much of a consideration. And in my humble opinion, for most hunting situations by the time you finish adjusting a scope, the animal will have left. Ditto with your fiddling around and letting yourself be noticed more.
 
#15 ·
The 2-7x Leupold rimfire is an excellent choice for critter control. I could stop here. This is great scope, for the "just right" minded person.

The 1.5x4 is better for larger game and priced higher for no added usefulness on a 22mag.

I did not know 4x Leupold was an option. That is and always was a very practical choice of magnification. The 2-7x comes in a rimfire specific version and you get a little extra magnification at the high end and much more field of view at the low end. So, that is what I like for the application given.

In reality I have been messing around more with 3-9 efr, but; no way that is need for the intended purpose.
 
#16 ·
Leupold offers a rimfire specific fixed 4x. My scope choice will ultimately come down to clarity and weight. The Leupold fixed 4x weighs 7.5 ounces. I haven’t personally looked thru one but have an older 3x9 and feel it should be comparable in quality. I think the choice is now down to the Leupold 2x7 (11.5 ounces) and the fixed 4x. My only concern with the fixed 4x is close up shots say 20 yards or so.
 
#20 ·
I bought an SWFA 2.5-10x32 on black Friday and I am pleasantly surprised. It is light weight, has nice clear glass, and the turrets offer a nice audible click. It also tracks and holds zero very well. I had it mounted on a Ruger American .17 but like it so much it is going on my T/C .22 Classic as it fits the lines and usage of that rifle well. I like my Weavers and Leupolds but there is just something different about this particular optic/rifle combo that I like.
 
#21 ·
Thanks for all the feedback. I did a non technical comparison tonight with my old Leupold 3x9 set on 4x in the house looking at targets 10-15 yards away. I was able to make out targets relatively quickly but suspect the small 4x fixed will be a little more difficult which is okay for my intended purpose.

In the end, I hit amazon prime and picked the Leupold fixed 4x. The simplicity, clarity and light weight checked all the boxes I was mainly concerned about.
 
#27 ·
Can't answer for the others, but I have a couple of the VX-1 2-7x28 Rimfire scopes, and they are great little scopes. Clear, with a fine crosshair. The newer VX-Freedom versions are a little bigger, a little heavier, with a bit better eye relief according to the specs, but I don't have one so offer no direct comparison regarding clarity or other features.
 
#31 · (Edited)
Thanks again for all the feedback. I got the fixed 4x Leupold mounted and bore sighted. Hopefully I get to shoot it tomorrow. So far I'm really digging the small fixed 4x. Very clear and light. Some minor distortion at really close distances in the house but that's ok
I too am trying to go light for a 17HM2 and that is one of the scopes I am looking at. I have the 1.5-4x20 on my Takedown and it is 9.6 oz. The 2-7x33 is 11.1 oz. Please post how it works for you.