I enjoyed shooting open sights when I was younger and my vision was clear. As I grew older, Mother Nature convinced me that a scope is definitely beneficial to more humane taking of small game. Today, at 75 years of age, I almost exclusively rely on scoped rifles. Shooting .22’s is still a passion. Your videos continue to provide valuable information and context. Keep up the good work, my friend.
Hi Wayne. I have so many topics that I want to post regarding .22's. However with deer season coming along I'll have to delay them because I need to include deer hunting topics since it's that time of year. I will make the effort though, since the .22 series is becoming more popular.
Good video. I’ve taken my share of game with open sights over the years but now at 77 years old I owe it to game to use a scope. It’s a definite help for these old eyes. I had to quit shooting traditional muzzleloaders as I just can’t see the sights well enough. But the good news, I still have good enough health to get around in the woods. I’ll be looking forward to part 2.
I love hunting squirrels with a good .22LR. A 69 year of age, I prefer a scoped rifle, but I have a great old open sighted Remington Model 121 pump action that I love to carry squirrel hunting on occasion.
Another great American classic. The 121 was a further evolution of the model 12, which I also own, but I simply can't stand the thought of drilling/tapping that old rifle for a scope mount. It just goes against the grain so to speak.
Yet another most excellent production! Really enjoy your Twenty-two Series - clearly among the best such on the Tube. I’m a fairly early War Baby and was raised on open sights and apertures. Started on small game with Dad when I was eight. (I got to play Dog - stomping brush piles to flush bunnies, moving squirrels to the rifle side of the tree, and retrieving game. Icy cold days that still remain warm even sixty-five years later…) Didn’t get to hunt solo until age twelve - five cartridges at a time. Winchester 69 Boys Rifle single shot; later, a Win. 63 auto. Both open sights. Still caring for and feeding both! I rarely shot beyond about forty yards - afraid of losing one if they weren’t DRT or fell into a ravine. Formal smallbore competition produced a lasting love of quarter or eighth minute Lyman, Redfield, and Parker-Hale peeps. Scopes arrived in the sixties - about the same time girls started to look an act different… An appreciation of good glass on Anschutz 54 Sporters (long rifle and WMR) allowed long range precision and will hopefully remain for the rest of my shooting life. I really love me some .22s(!), and your great Series continue to add fuel to the conflagration! I remain blessed with excellent visual acuity, but like all oldsters have lost accommodation and scopes are wonderful with their single focal plane. I still venture afield with irons, but serious work begs for glass. Your most recent jewel has already made me pack up a 39 Mountie and an assortment of ammo for fun and games. Spinners beware! Thanks again and standing-by for your next installment. Pax
Scopes have come a long way since they were first made available, but even those old Weavers, and Redfields gave hunters and shooters so much more accuracy over iron sights, they were bound to create a surging market. I still like iron sights, I shoot fairly well, and my vision is still pretty good, but I cannot deny the fact that a scoped rifle that is sighted in correctly, puts more meat on the table, and I also make cleaner kills, especially on small game such as squirrels or rabbits. I like your comment about scopes coming along about the time girls started acting and looking different. It illustrates a point of time that can be related to. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Great video topic Tom. I recently purchased a new CZ-457 Jaguar .22lr. I put Monstrum Dovetail See-Thru scope rings on it so I can use a scope or open sights while in the field. I've just mounted them and haven't had a chance to test it out at the range yet, but I will soon. JT
I need to get my hands on a CZ. They are really fine rifles, and in my opinion are real tack-drivers. A good scope is a must on those rifles. They simply beg for a scope when you look at one.
Getting old stinks in general, but especially when it comes to open sights. I used to love them in vintage firearms but age is a sight killer that is so much relieved by a nice scope. In my opinion, if your eyesight is getting poor, use a scope for humane harvesting on any game that you can use one for, I truly dislike wounded lost game when it can be remedied with a scope. I look at them as glasses for a rifle...
I can appreciate a good scope but for myself iron sights are a must but I'm just not a hunter I enjoy seeing the old guns the history and the other side of gun ownership too
Love yer videos and I’ve got A few scoped 22 rifles but when it comes to my lever action Henry’s I feel it’s just wrong to put a scope on it they were made for open sites 🤦🤷♂️
OK I'm enjoying your videos so subscribed. Excellent stuff. I am a big game hunter but found your squirrel hunting videos learned a lot. Thanks for your fine work.
Laugh if you will sir but I’m here to tell you I only do head shots. If I can’t get a head shot I don’t shoot. And yes, I get my share of squirrels. This is where a quality rifle and a quality scope are a necessity. Give it a try as it’s way easier than you think. But keep in mind I’m not taking 80 or 100 yard shots. I usually shoot 40 yards or under.
Squirrels are hard enough to hit with open sights alone, but to claim only head shots.....puts the hunter in a self limiting position. Thanks for the insight.
I’m with you all the way. I rarely shoot at small game at anything approaching ‘long range’ and always make head shots. However, I’ve been working hard these last sixty+ years to only make head HITS. (I blame it on misalignment of the moons of Jupiter…) Keep hunting!
I set my sights a bit different than some do. I align the sights level as usual but then what I do is make the shot picture as though the squirrel is sitting on top of the sights. So if the limb is parallel to the ground, the sights cover the limb and Mr.bushy tail is on top where I can still see him. Thats at about 45 yards. Thank you for another great video.
Yes your way of setting up and aiming with iron sights will yield finer accuracy. Much depends also on how fine the sights are. A finer bead will shoot tighter groups, provided your vision is good enough.
22lr can be very challenging. Different types of mammals jumping and running. We dont have squirrels in the desert atleast I haven't seen any. We have jack rabbits which are fun on the run.
Would you consider doing a video explaining in detail how you aim with iron sites. When you were instructing you grandson you gave some pointers but (with your 22) do you focus on the bead or the squirrel? Do you aim differently at different ranges? Could you show diagrams of what you would see when you shoot at squirrels? I don’t have formal shooting training and would like to introduce my son to a 22 and the state hunting course next year. Thank you,
I'm 69 and I've been shooting for over 60 years. Hunting squirrels, rabbits and other small eatable critters with a .22. Many of those years I've spent with a Marlin 39A. I HATE scopes. They take away ALL the challenge and the fun. As long as I can still see, it's Iron sights or nothing.
The thing I like about squirrel hunting with a scope is I have drop comp dots for different ranges and the 22lr round has a large arch it is not at all a flat shooting round. I can quickly estimate the range and make my shot and not have to hold over iron sights
I have a Bushnell .22 Custom scope that has this feature (BDC). It is in 4X, but I also had one in 3X-7X. I actually like the 4X better because it has a wider view. Happy Huntin' and a blessed holiday to you.
I started using a scope at an early age of 15 (marlin 782 - 22mag). Then a scoped Remington 541-T which didn’t come with open sights. Scopes are a big advantage on longer shots and finding squirrels in trees.
I slipped out for the first time this year for the last two hours of the day. Used a Marlin 39 mountie. Shot a red and missed a red. I’ll be 58 next week. I can’t see the front sight anymore.
My friend, you need a remote or wireless mic so you don't get all the crunchy sounds and so on. The rifle-action and zoom/camera adjustment sounds won't be louder than your voice. just an observation and suggestion...not criticism. Good video describing REAL hunting situations versus tin can shooting, nice presentation.
I learned a long time ago, use a scope when it's dark a squirrel can be almost invisible against against a tree plus in the late season most of my shots may be 50-125 yards. Can't do that with iron sights .
Open sights ain’t for me nowadays........ it’s the age factor need to wear specs too , scope for me now. Different story with the 12 bore. Anyhow’s if you can’t see the target you can’t shoot it, in my opinion. Nice video oh by the way just subscribed to your channel.
Thanks Tony. Nicely stated comment, and to the point. Seeing the target and your sights is crucial in making a good shot. A good scope will make shots possible in low light conditions, and longer ranges as well.
What bullets were you using in the 39A? I have one made in 1960. It likes stingers. Have an old weaver made in El Paso Texas fixed 4X. Not the cleared but works and looks good on the old marlin.
my grand dad had a 22 bolt with peep sight i learned 0n when i squirrel hunting with open sigths i prefer peep a i agree my older eyes now can t beat a scope for head shots HAPPY HUNTING
Thanks for sharing your story. I always love reading about another hunter's experience. Great memories with your grand dad, I'm sure you cherish them. Take good care my friend.
Not knit picking here but shooting a bright yellow leaf that is bigger than a squirrel's head against a contrasting background is not exactly a test that brings out your original claim at the start of the video. Better would be shooting a chocolate tootsie pop with the tree background.
The reason I used that as a target was to see if the sights were still on. I doubt very seriously that I or anyone else can see a "chocolate tootsie pop" at that distance, much less hit it with an open sighted rifle, (perhaps if a sheer stroke of luck came along). However with a scope, I could probably turn that tootsie pop into something resembling swiss cheese!
@@CumberlandOutdoorsman I know, that makes the point. A squirrel's head is mighty hard to see in the woods at times. A scope is a big help. 20 yards can be a long shot with open sights if the target is hard to see.
A scope simply allows you to aim and shoot more precisely, so you can take game more cleanly, at further distance, and in lower light conditions. No denying those facts, but open sights do have their appeal.
No need for a scope. Your literally "trying shots", for the sake of it. You and I both know you can just walk up and shoot a squirrel. Never a need for a shot over 20yds. A sacred squirrel will just climb, and you walk up and shoot him. Sometimes they will branch hop and you have to pay attention to what tree they end up in, and then you shoot him. Squirrels do not leave the county or present a huge challenge. It's getting first sight that's the challenge, once spotted a squirrel is toast.
I love being able to use open sights, but my aging vision is making it very difficult these days under good conditions even though my vision is still not bad.
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I enjoyed shooting open sights when I was younger and my vision was clear. As I grew older, Mother Nature convinced me that a scope is definitely beneficial to more humane taking of small game. Today, at 75 years of age, I almost exclusively rely on scoped rifles. Shooting .22’s is still a passion. Your videos continue to provide valuable information and context. Keep up the good work, my friend.
Hi Wayne. I have so many topics that I want to post regarding .22's. However with deer season coming along I'll have to delay them because I need to include deer hunting topics since it's that time of year. I will make the effort though, since the .22 series is becoming more popular.
Good video. I’ve taken my share of game with open sights over the years but now at 77 years old I owe it to game to use a scope. It’s a definite help for these old eyes. I had to quit shooting traditional muzzleloaders as I just can’t see the sights well enough. But the good news, I still have good enough health to get around in the woods. I’ll be looking forward to part 2.
I hope to get it posted in just a few days. Thanks.
I love hunting squirrels with a good .22LR. A 69 year of age, I prefer a scoped rifle, but I have a great old open sighted Remington Model 121 pump action that I love to carry squirrel hunting on occasion.
Another great American classic. The 121 was a further evolution of the model 12, which I also own, but I simply can't stand the thought of drilling/tapping that old rifle for a scope mount. It just goes against the grain so to speak.
@@CumberlandOutdoorsman I agree!
Always enjoy your vids. Thanks Doug in Lincoln Co
Yet another most excellent production! Really enjoy your Twenty-two Series - clearly among the best such on the Tube. I’m a fairly early War Baby and was raised on open sights and apertures. Started on small game with Dad when I was eight. (I got to play Dog - stomping brush piles to flush bunnies, moving squirrels to the rifle side of the tree, and retrieving game. Icy cold days that still remain warm even sixty-five years later…) Didn’t get to hunt solo until age twelve - five cartridges at a time. Winchester 69 Boys Rifle single shot; later, a Win. 63 auto. Both open sights. Still caring for and feeding both! I rarely shot beyond about forty yards - afraid of losing one if they weren’t DRT or fell into a ravine. Formal smallbore competition produced a lasting love of quarter or eighth minute Lyman, Redfield, and Parker-Hale peeps. Scopes arrived in the sixties - about the same time girls started to look an act different… An appreciation of good glass on Anschutz 54 Sporters (long rifle and WMR) allowed long range precision and will hopefully remain for the rest of my shooting life. I really love me some .22s(!), and your great Series continue to add fuel to the conflagration! I remain blessed with excellent visual acuity, but like all oldsters have lost accommodation and scopes are wonderful with their single focal plane. I still venture afield with irons, but serious work begs for glass. Your most recent jewel has already made me pack up a 39 Mountie and an assortment of ammo for fun and games. Spinners beware! Thanks again and standing-by for your next installment. Pax
Scopes have come a long way since they were first made available, but even those old Weavers, and Redfields gave hunters and shooters so much more accuracy over iron sights, they were bound to create a surging market. I still like iron sights, I shoot fairly well, and my vision is still pretty good, but I cannot deny the fact that a scoped rifle that is sighted in correctly, puts more meat on the table, and I also make cleaner kills, especially on small game such as squirrels or rabbits. I like your comment about scopes coming along about the time girls started acting and looking different. It illustrates a point of time that can be related to. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
My eyes just can't run open sights anymore. I put scopes on all my rifles. Lookin forward to your follow on.
Thanks, Should be coming soon.
Great video topic Tom.
I recently purchased a new CZ-457 Jaguar .22lr. I put Monstrum Dovetail See-Thru scope rings on it so I can use a scope or open sights while in the field. I've just mounted them and haven't had a chance to test it out at the range yet, but I will soon.
JT
I need to get my hands on a CZ. They are really fine rifles, and in my opinion are real tack-drivers. A good scope is a must on those rifles. They simply beg for a scope when you look at one.
Getting old stinks in general, but especially when it comes to open sights. I used to love them in vintage firearms but age is a sight killer that is so much relieved by a nice scope. In my opinion, if your eyesight is getting poor, use a scope for humane harvesting on any game that you can use one for, I truly dislike wounded lost game when it can be remedied with a scope. I look at them as glasses for a rifle...
Very well stated facts.
I can appreciate a good scope but for myself iron sights are a must but I'm just not a hunter I enjoy seeing the old guns the history and the other side of gun ownership too
I mounted a 4x15 scope to my 22. Recently, I wasn't limiting out with my 22. Before that. Now I usually limit out with it. The scope helped me a lot.
Can't wait for part 2. Have you tried peep site? I think better for old eyes like mine. But after 40 yards I would think scope.
I am looking for a peep sight for my 39A and my Rem. model 12. No denying peeps improve accuracy. Some are rather costly though.
Love yer videos and I’ve got A few scoped 22 rifles but when it comes to my lever action Henry’s I feel it’s just wrong to put a scope on it they were made for open sites 🤦🤷♂️
I know exactly what you mean. Thanks.
OK I'm enjoying your videos so subscribed. Excellent stuff. I am a big game hunter but found your squirrel hunting videos learned a lot. Thanks for your fine work.
I also hunt big game. I do have some deer and turkey videos on my channel. Thanks for your support, and kind words.😊
great video.
Great video
Nice, enjoyed the video!!!!!! I laugh at those that claim they only do head shots! LOL
Laugh if you will sir but I’m here to tell you I only do head shots. If I can’t get a head shot I don’t shoot. And yes, I get my share of squirrels. This is where a quality rifle and a quality scope are a necessity. Give it a try as it’s way easier than you think. But keep in mind I’m not taking 80 or 100 yard shots. I usually shoot 40 yards or under.
Squirrels are hard enough to hit with open sights alone, but to claim only head shots.....puts the hunter in a self limiting position. Thanks for the insight.
I’m with you all the way. I rarely shoot at small game at anything approaching ‘long range’ and always make head shots. However, I’ve been working hard these last sixty+ years to only make head HITS. (I blame it on misalignment of the moons of Jupiter…) Keep hunting!
I set my sights a bit different than some do. I align the sights level as usual but then what I do is make the shot picture as though the squirrel is sitting on top of the sights. So if the limb is parallel to the ground, the sights cover the limb and Mr.bushy tail is on top where I can still see him. Thats at about 45 yards. Thank you for another great video.
Yes your way of setting up and aiming with iron sights will yield finer accuracy. Much depends also on how fine the sights are. A finer bead will shoot tighter groups, provided your vision is good enough.
22lr can be very challenging. Different types of mammals jumping and running. We dont have squirrels in the desert atleast I haven't seen any. We have jack rabbits which are fun on the run.
Yes alot of fun. I've shot them with a 22 while running and they fell down and tumbled. Then get up and bounce away. LOL
Would you consider doing a video explaining in detail how you aim with iron sites. When you were instructing you grandson you gave some pointers but (with your 22) do you focus on the bead or the squirrel? Do you aim differently at different ranges? Could you show diagrams of what you would see when you shoot at squirrels? I don’t have formal shooting training and would like to introduce my son to a 22 and the state hunting course next year.
Thank you,
Yes indeed. I have already considered that very idea. Thanks.
I like your style, Having my friend groups annual camp out/squirrel hunt on a local Georgia WMA this weekend!
I'm 69 and I've been shooting for over 60 years. Hunting squirrels, rabbits and other small eatable critters with a .22. Many of those years I've spent with a Marlin 39A. I HATE scopes. They take away ALL the challenge and the fun. As long as I can still see, it's Iron sights or nothing.
Korngrats great channel pure pipppi u really nailed it kumby
The thing I like about squirrel hunting with a scope is I have drop comp dots for different ranges and the 22lr round has a large arch it is not at all a flat shooting round. I can quickly estimate the range and make my shot and not have to hold over iron sights
I have a Bushnell .22 Custom scope that has this feature (BDC). It is in 4X, but I also had one in 3X-7X. I actually like the 4X better because it has a wider view. Happy Huntin' and a blessed holiday to you.
I started using a scope at an early age of 15 (marlin 782 - 22mag). Then a scoped Remington 541-T which didn’t come with open sights. Scopes are a big advantage on longer shots and finding squirrels in trees.
Never used a scope in my life. Shot everything from steenbuck to an eland.70 years old!
Maybe after hunting with your scoped rifle , you can try your 22 handgun?
I slipped out for the first time this year for the last two hours of the day. Used a Marlin 39 mountie. Shot a red and missed a red. I’ll be 58 next week. I can’t see the front sight anymore.
Keep hunting my friend.
I just finished putting a Nikon 22 scope on it.
My friend, you need a remote or wireless mic so you don't get all the crunchy sounds and so on. The rifle-action and zoom/camera adjustment sounds won't be louder than your voice. just an observation and suggestion...not criticism. Good video describing REAL hunting situations versus tin can shooting, nice presentation.
I learned a long time ago, use a scope when it's dark a squirrel can be almost invisible against against a tree plus in the late season most of my shots may be 50-125 yards. Can't do that with iron sights .
a scope also leets you see the twigs and branches more clearly between you and the squirrel
How about a video on your 52B testing different bullets at 50 to 100yds. Maybe your 39A too.
Open sights ain’t for me nowadays........ it’s the age factor need to wear specs too , scope for me now. Different story with the 12 bore. Anyhow’s if you can’t see the target you can’t shoot it, in my opinion. Nice video oh by the way just subscribed to your channel.
Thanks Tony. Nicely stated comment, and to the point. Seeing the target and your sights is crucial in making a good shot. A good scope will make shots possible in low light conditions, and longer ranges as well.
@@CumberlandOutdoorsman Yes sir we understand each other 👍👌
What bullets were you using in the 39A? I have one made in 1960. It likes stingers. Have an old weaver made in El Paso Texas fixed 4X. Not the cleared but works and looks good on the old marlin.
my grand dad had a 22 bolt with peep sight i learned 0n when i squirrel hunting with open sigths i prefer peep a i agree my older eyes now can t beat a scope for head shots HAPPY HUNTING
Thanks for sharing your story. I always love reading about another hunter's experience. Great memories with your grand dad, I'm sure you cherish them. Take good care my friend.
I have seen part 1 and part 2, can you try a peep sight next time for comparison.
Any recommendation for a good scope for my ruger 10 22? I want to take some squirrels with it.
Not knit picking here but shooting a bright yellow leaf that is bigger than a squirrel's head against a contrasting background is not exactly a test that brings out your original claim at the start of the video. Better would be shooting a chocolate tootsie pop with the tree background.
The reason I used that as a target was to see if the sights were still on. I doubt very seriously that I or anyone else can see a "chocolate tootsie pop" at that distance, much less hit it with an open sighted rifle, (perhaps if a sheer stroke of luck came along). However with a scope, I could probably turn that tootsie pop into something resembling swiss cheese!
@@CumberlandOutdoorsman I know, that makes the point. A squirrel's head is mighty hard to see in the woods at times. A scope is a big help. 20 yards can be a long shot with open sights if the target is hard to see.
I have always said a rifle without a scope is a rifle without a sight
Wise words! Some rifles just don't look right without a scope.
Open sights is more fun because of the challenge, using scopes I think is cheating.
A scope simply allows you to aim and shoot more precisely, so you can take game more cleanly, at further distance, and in lower light conditions. No denying those facts, but open sights do have their appeal.
No need for a scope. Your literally "trying shots", for the sake of it. You and I both know you can just walk up and shoot a squirrel. Never a need for a shot over 20yds. A sacred squirrel will just climb, and you walk up and shoot him. Sometimes they will branch hop and you have to pay attention to what tree they end up in, and then you shoot him. Squirrels do not leave the county or present a huge challenge. It's getting first sight that's the challenge, once spotted a squirrel is toast.
I look forward to your video,
Sure thing.
Me 2 must have more moves than a box of exlax
Sacred squirrels should be left to reproduce more sacred byshytails
Must not be any hollow trees where you hunt
I love being able to use open sights, but my aging vision is making it very difficult these days under good conditions even though my vision is still not bad.
Started out with open sights, Once I went to a scope there was no going back. Scope is light years ahead of open sights.