Good advice. Just buy for what you intend to do. When zeroed, stick with that ammunition, those settings and keep the whole setup tuned on regular paper at set distances. To many of us 22lr is a tool of work, we might plink for a bit of fun sometimes, but mainly in the UK at least, 22lr is used for pest control. I setup a CZ 457, Hawke Vantage, use Norma subs. Zeroed at 50 yards. It performs perfectly for the task. Used out to a 100 yards with just holdover and compensation left/right for any wind. Competition shooting is a different ball park.
Rimfire parallax is normally set for 50-65 yards on non adjustable scopes vs. 100-125 yards for non adjustable centerfire scopes. If you think you will ever shoot Rimfire past 100 yards get a rail with at least 20 MOA. That will get you to 200 yards even with a less expensive scope.
Don't need a 20moa rail as your only option. If you use Burris Signature ZEE rings....with those polymer ring inserts....you can buy 5 moa, 10 moa, and 20 moa offset inserts...and even use a duplicate set on the "other", mating ring.....to get as much as 40moa "tilt" if you need it. Just sayin'.....as a base is relatively expensive in comparison, and is fixed at one value only. See here for more info---> an oldy but a goody video---> th-cam.com/video/wcRAX5OLtJE/w-d-xo.html
@@TheWilferch thank you for the information on the rings. With Ruger rifles I need a cantilever base to get the scope far enough forward in prone and the bases with built in MOA cost the same as the zero MOA bases.
@@charlesmckinley29 ...good deal.....just remember there are more ways to skin the cat...AND...the Burris Signature ZEE rings provide multiple levels of "Cant" ( 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 degrees)...and this too....the "correction" offered by the Z rings are not just totally vertical...it can "correct" anywhere in a 360 degree circle. I get it....Rugervbase costs are the same. Maybe choose the base you want and still use "Z" rings/inserts....to fine tune?
Great explanation for beginners. For me my fixed 4 x 32 filled most of my 22 lr needs. Most importantly is learning bullet drop. BDC was rare on 22 when I started but be a great aid when shooting 200 plus
One of my favorite sayings is “You can improve the accuracy of most any rifle, but a bad scope is only good for a paper weight.” I’d rather spend my money on a top quality scope than the rifle.
wives need help understanding, mine couldn't get over the fact I wanted a high power scope on my 457 with similar magnification to my .308 wearing a viper hst 2nd gen, I settled for a venom for now but would love something with more adjustment in the future.
@@JohnSmith-jh1iy I wish 🤞 she's never splurged on herself and even when she does she picks modest priced practical items so definitely no winning that battle anytime soon. Just spent the whole weekend shooting a smallbore comp and she supports me so I'm feeling pretty lucky
Excellent video, one thing I learned to late was the parralax adjustment. 25 meters is isn’t enough. 15 meters is much better. 6-24 is ok, 4.5-27 is more appropriate.... Happy Thanksgiving and thanks...
One thing about a “rim fire” marketed scope is that with fixed parallax the parallax is set at 50-ish yards vs a hunting marketed scope will have fixed parallax set at 100-200 yards. Good video!
Excellent Video! I shoot Precision Bench Rest Rimfire. After much shopping around I found a 45 X 45 Sightron with fine cross hairs to be perfect for my application. It gives me a clear view of my target before & after the shot. I usually can score my card through the scope after shooting a relay. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family!
I decided on the Vortex Diamondback tactical 4-16x44 ffp with moa reticle on my CZ 457. I shoot mostly inside of 100 yards and I feel like it's about perfect for my purposes.
Finally got my Arken SH4 6-24 from my friend in the USA 👍🇺🇸. Firearms officer visit today too ! Hopefully won’t be long till I clip it onto an MTR 👌🏻👌🏻
Thanks for your honest opinion. The FUDDS and ex navy seals always have comments about "its only a 22" or "22s are for kids or gramma" Keep up the great work
Once again another excellent video. I'm just waiting for an Anshutz 54 Action Bencherest for competition and this video has reenforced my decision on the scope that I'm intending to put on it. Thank you for your honest and informative content.Keep up the excellent output.
22LR scope generally also means that the parallax is set at 50 yards vs 100 yards of a centerfire scope. Having a parallax adjustable scope is even better and very desirable on a 22LR as shots start up close and then generally only go out to 100 yards for most hunting applications. Within that range your targets are small so you want to assure that parallax does not get in the way of you hitting a very small target
The important distinction is that rimfire scopes with fixed parallax will have it at shorter/closer distance (under 100 yards) than a non-rimfire scope with fixed parallax (100 yards or beyond).
I have used a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 SF Mildot on my .308,243 and now on a Kidd barreled 10/22, able to mount close to the barrel, not the best but has served me well from deer to coyotes to woodchucks and squirrels at ranges that my 68 year old eyes can't see well anymore, Thanks for the info, keep the videos coming, still love small bore
@@PursuitofAccuracy Yes. Depth of field is kind of an afterthought, especially when people spend a lot of time centerfire at 300 yards and beyond. But with rimfire, DoF becomes quite important when engaging multiple targets between 25 and 200 yards.
I kind of read into depth of field as referring to glass quality, some glass is better imo showing what is in front and back of the target, I 100% agree with your comment, it allows for quicker target aquisition
@@wowguy3562 Yes, DoF is how much is visible before and after the focus point. It's most commonly referred to in photography, where we want thin DoF for more dramatic portraits, but wide DoF to get the most details in the image in focus. DoF in photography is controlled by the aperture. I have no clue how DoF is affected with a rifle scope. I don't know if glass quality is what will define the DoF for a given scope. I If you go listen to the Modern Day Sniper podcast where they have Dark Lord of Optics on it, he talks about DoF. That being said, he explains how DoF helps with mirage because it allows the human eye and brain to better perceive the image and mitigate the effects of mirage because of having more information (more 3D details because of wide/deep DoF). Of course, wide/deep DoF allows for better faster target engagement because you have more leeway on the parallax.
Enjoyed your video. My CZ457 Varmint has an Athlon Argos FFP 6-24 X 50. It has very good glass. Sighted in at 50 yards and I use the parallax adjustment to 100. It was $399. Love it.
great video. I have a Vortex Tactical 4-16 44mm objective. It's a very good scope for the money. Mainly 200 yards is the farthest I do serious work and out to 300-400 yards plinking. I can shoot 300 meters with it easily. 500 meters leaves a little to be desired. I think you gave really good advice here.
I have a Leupold scope that’s labeled as being for rimfire, and there are actually reasons for it. It does NOT have a BDC reticle as you described. Instead, it has an MOA-hashed reticle, however there are more hash marks given for drop (5 MOA worth) than usual since rimfire will start dropping a lot sooner. Additionally, it’s a fixed-parallax scope, but it’s fixed for 60 yards rather than 100 or 150 yards like their other fixed scopes. Obviously that’s not a long-range precision setup and isn’t supposed to be, but for a hunting rifle where you’ll be shooting offhand at small game at relatively close distances and don’t have time to fiddle but do need parallax to be close to right it makes a ton of sense to have it set up that way.
Etched reticles seem to come into sharp focus better for me. Close parallax focus distance of 10 yards or so is almost a must. The thickness of the crosshairs or dot can make it difficult to see just how tight of a group your rifle can shoot. Toothpicks at 25 plus yards make better shooters of us all...enjoy your videos.
I am so glad I ran into this video after two days is research on which optic is best for my Winchester Wildcat 22LR. I got it just for the woods and plinking and have a Vortex Crossfire II 4 - 12 x 44 laying around and thought maybe it is overkill for small rifle and hated the idea of spending another $150 on an even smaller vortex. It does have a BDC MOA but I can learn to work around it . And after watching this, I think it should work for my needs. Thanks for taking the time .
Currently building a 10/22 for NRL22, all the bells and whistles from Volquartsen. I had a Vortex Diamondback rimfire on it, great for rabbits and prairie dogs. But, I swapped it with my Diamondback Tactical FFP and HUGE difference in long range accuracy. I do agree with the FFP reticle being a pain sometimes, especially at low magnification (getting older and eyesight is not what it use to be). Still doing research on the best scope for me without breaking the bank.
The Diamondback Tac ffp was my first "better" scope, its true it totally changed my long range game, spotting misses / hits was a game changer at 300+. Welcome to the rabbit hole, cry once, smile for a long freakin time
@@armysapper12b Thank you for your answer. On my .308 I have a Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP MRAD and I think I'll go for the Strike Eagle 5-25x56 EBR-7C MRAD this time. But I simply don't know whether I should get the CZ457 LRP or the Bergara B14R in .22
On BDC reticle, it usually is marked in Minutes (MOA) or MILs. You then use your ballistic calculator to calculate the holdover for the ammo weight & velocity, barrel length and distance to target. It should give you a holdover like 2 Minutes at 50 yards for 1040 FPS ammo and 3 minutes at 50 yards for 740 FPS ammo (for example - not accurate numbers). In my experience, that works.
EXCELLENT rant- because it's worthwhile. You speak nothing but common sense here and listening to your sound advice can be the difference between spending your hard-earned cash on something you really need as opposed to useless marketing drivel. Many thanks from a .22 LR rifle shooter in the UK.
I have a Weaver V-16 (4x16) AO SFP on my Marlin model 60 and I only shoot 100yds or less and it is a great $300 scope......One of the best things I like on it is the FC W/Dot reticle it has with no BDC.
The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire is a fine scope for hunting. Using common high-velocity ammo, a 22 zeroed at 50 yards with this scope mounted 1 to 1.5 inches above the bore axis is going to have zeros coincide at 25 and 50 yards. The MPBR of a rifle so zeroed is about 60 yards and shots on squirrels are going to be sketchy beyond that. So, a BDC is not really useful on this scope. I prefer a duplex reticle. But, I agree, it’s not a good choice for a precision rifle. “Rimfire” scopes are usually constructed the same as center fire scopes, but with a different parallax setting.
I have been very happy/successful shooting long range with my RPR 22lr and my RPR Gen2 308. I have a matching set of Riton 6-24 ×50Ri Scopes on them. If I remember correctly they were about $500 each without the rings. 22lr has a 30moa rail and the 308 has a 20moa rail.
The more I watch this guy the more I think I should have gotten a CZ instead of a Savage 10 years ago. It's a 1 moa gun, but maybe I still could have done better.
I shoot the Arken 6-24×50 ffp. I'm very happy with it. I also have a Athlon Ares gen 1...that too is a very nice scope. I keep a dope book in my gun case so I can make notes of when, what I shoot that day and distance. I'm always learning.
I like the honesty, so many people say you dont need any more power than 20x max, which is bs. Yes putting a $2000 scope on a $750 rifle is silly but it works and what prevents you from taking it off and putting it on you centre fire? Buy once, cry once
This is such a helpful video and saved me a ton of time and money. Instead of purchasing a new scope, I’m just gonna use my 4x24 vortex ffp from my rem700 that I never shoot. 🙌🏼
My understanding is the fixed parallex is going to be closer in for rimfire. With the Leupold Freedom Rimfire I have it's going to be for 60 yards unlike my VX II and most other centerfires designated scopes at 100 yards. The reticle is also going to be MOA so it can actually be used as a decent reference. Not claiming I can put it and the 10 22 it's on against the awesome stuff you have, but it will hit steel at 100 consistently. I agree that many of the rimfire-marketed scopes are scams, but I think there are a few decent exceptions to the rule.
Speaking of scams one I disagreed with even as a kid was the 2-7 or 4x. The groupthink argument was either it’s JUST a 22 or you shoot closer distances than on a deer rifle. My two counterpunches to those : it’s not JUST a 22. You’re establishing muscle memory and foundational marksmanship skills that will serve or hinder you the rest of your shooting career so don’t get it wrong! Yes you’re typically shooting closer distances BUT your squirrel is much smaller than a deer. I’ve always been annoyed by people who outsource their thinking to the mob. Many of these so called opinions can be dismantled with two minutes of critical thinking.
I would think the important factors would be repeatable turret adjustment accuracy. And features like zero stops, resettable zero adjustment and so on.
Excellent and timely video. Newbie here. Literally been obsessing over ffp vs sfp. Since I don’t shoot nrl22 - nearest match for me is almost three hours away - sfp Is what I need. I shoot groups from a bench at the local Range, hunt and shoot with some people on property at various distances. Not on a timer or competition. Just for fun. I’ve got a pst gen ii sfp 5-25 ordered up. Should fit the bill.
Good Stuff Josh. I was out shooting my 455 @ 100 with about a 10 mph cross wind towards the right. I use Arken EPL4 6x24x50 on all my 22's. A guy was asking me how I was hitting that target in that wind. When I told him I could see the bullet down range he didnt believe me. I was set for 1.5 mil elevation and .5 mil right. I told him put it like normal on the target and shoot a couple rounds. He was like, I cant believe I can see the bullet curving in. He said it looked like a great thrown curve ball from a pitcher.
Great video Josh..I wished i would've waited to buy my scope. But i will make a wiser choice on my next scope. Thanks for all the info. can you do a video on how to create a dope chart. I see everyone zeroing at 50 yds, after that i'm lost what to do for other yardages. Happy Thanksgiving Josh...Thx for all you do we're all very grateful .
Precision costs money. There's no way around it. I feel kinda embarrassed admitting what I've spent 3.5k on my b14r, chassis and then having topped it off with a cheap ($750aud) scope (argos8-34), but, it got me in the game and that's all I needed at the time. I also didn't know any better 🤦♂️🤦♂️ Another great video josh
I love your videos, however I do want to correct one piece of information in this video. On scopes labeled as “Rimfire” scopes does not refer to a BDC reticle, nor does it suggest that it’s a less durable scope. In fact, the Nikon rimfire, bushnell rimfire, vortex rimfire, Leupold rimfire, and Burris .22 are all rated for the shock of a .308. On hunting scopes that do not have an adjustable parallax the “Rimfire” label refers to internal parallax setting of the scope. “Rimfire” scopes typically have a manufacturer parallax setting of 50-60 yards while a center fire scope is 100-125 yards. These rimfire scopes are designed for simplicity and durability. Which makes them less than desirable in a precision setting, but optimal in a hunting setting. Just wanted to give my rant, god bless you.
I have the Nikon rim fire scope! It works great! If you get that app you enter the ammo and a few other details. It tells you the differs holds at different magnification!
I am just getting into 22BR shooting and unfortunately am on a budget so i wanted to try and keep my brand new set up under $500 which i somehow did. Savage MKII FVSR ($189) Vortex Crossfire II 6-18X44AO ($192) Harris bipod 1A2-BRM ($80) For what i have in it i think i did well for a starter set up
The double the cost of your firearm formula is meant for high end duty guns and competition rigs. It was never meant for sporting or hunting applications, unless you have a private money tree.
I just overall dislike that saying. Buy the glass for your need and budget and your better off. 2 years ago I wouldnt have a 1500 optic on a competition 22lr but im sure glad I do now
I do not like Nikon bdc scopes I have a lot of them because I collect Philippine made scopes as I am from the Philippines. Their spot on program do not match the actual point of impacts even if you input all the correct data, and they do not specify the mil or moa values of their aiming points in the bdc reticles. At least in other bdc reticles from other brands they specify the mil or moa aiming points so you can use accurate ballistic programs to verify drop points. Just sharin.😁
It's too bad you can't rent a scope to test drive, as a newbie I fell for the bells and whistles, turned out illuminated reticle is not a reddot, only useful at dusk, I thought it would help pick up black targets-wrong. FFP scopes were all the rage, for me the reticle was so tiny it was unusable until >75% of zoom. Also higher magnification means smaller eye box, I thought 50x would be great but turns out almost impossible to get eye into the 2mm eyebox. So don't buy based on features , ask friends, fellow shooters to let you look through their glass, most willing to give experience pros and cons.
I went from a Sightron III 45X45 to a Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60X52. Nothing wrong with the Sightron. Great glass and features. I just wanted more magnification and a different reticle. I found it hard to see the fine crosshairs on the 15th target on a card with these old tired eyes. To your point, get the most magnification you can afford!
I totally agree with you. Optics are more important than most people think.
Agree 100%. Found out the hard way and had an inferior scope for years. Stepped up to a FFP quality scope and it was a game changer. Literally.
Good advice. Just buy for what you intend to do. When zeroed, stick with that ammunition, those settings and keep the whole setup tuned on regular paper at set distances. To many of us 22lr is a tool of work, we might plink for a bit of fun sometimes, but mainly in the UK at least, 22lr is used for pest control. I setup a CZ 457, Hawke Vantage, use Norma subs. Zeroed at 50 yards. It performs perfectly for the task. Used out to a 100 yards with just holdover and compensation left/right for any wind. Competition shooting is a different ball park.
Awesome thanks Jon
Rimfire parallax is normally set for 50-65 yards on non adjustable scopes vs. 100-125 yards for non adjustable centerfire scopes. If you think you will ever shoot Rimfire past 100 yards get a rail with at least 20 MOA. That will get you to 200 yards even with a less expensive scope.
Indeed, that's what rimfire scope means. Parallax set at 50M.
Don't need a 20moa rail as your only option. If you use Burris Signature ZEE rings....with those polymer ring inserts....you can buy 5 moa, 10 moa, and 20 moa offset inserts...and even use a duplicate set on the "other", mating ring.....to get as much as 40moa "tilt" if you need it. Just sayin'.....as a base is relatively expensive in comparison, and is fixed at one value only. See here for more info---> an oldy but a goody video---> th-cam.com/video/wcRAX5OLtJE/w-d-xo.html
Good info. Love your channel!
@@TheWilferch thank you for the information on the rings. With Ruger rifles I need a cantilever base to get the scope far enough forward in prone and the bases with built in MOA cost the same as the zero MOA bases.
@@charlesmckinley29 ...good deal.....just remember there are more ways to skin the cat...AND...the Burris Signature ZEE rings provide multiple levels of "Cant" ( 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 degrees)...and this too....the "correction" offered by the Z rings are not just totally vertical...it can "correct" anywhere in a 360 degree circle. I get it....Rugervbase costs are the same. Maybe choose the base you want and still use "Z" rings/inserts....to fine tune?
THANK YOU for the mythbusting on scopes ! I learned darned near everything you mentioned the hard way. You call BS in all the right spots !!
I get that all the time when people ask why I spend so much on optics. Very well said sir.
very good explanation, I run the strike eagle ,and works great .spot on with seeing your misses. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Great easy to understand video Josh. The actual reticle itself can make a tremendous difference as well. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
After countless hours of videos finally one that tells it like it is. Very good info and factual.
Great explanation for beginners. For me my fixed 4 x 32 filled most of my 22 lr needs. Most importantly is learning bullet drop. BDC was rare on 22 when I started but be a great aid when shooting 200 plus
Great video Josh. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Have a Blessed Day.
Your explanation of the scopes was very clear and concise as far as I was concerned. I appreciate your candid explanation.
One of my favorite sayings is “You can improve the accuracy of most any rifle, but a bad scope is only good for a paper weight.” I’d rather spend my money on a top quality scope than the rifle.
My wife thought I was crazy for getting a 5-25 x 50 for my 457. Being able to see what is going on really helps my game. Great video.
Yes sir
wives need help understanding, mine couldn't get over the fact I wanted a high power scope on my 457 with similar magnification to my .308 wearing a viper hst 2nd gen, I settled for a venom for now but would love something with more adjustment in the future.
Just tell your wife you don’t understand why she needs a $2000 handbag when a plastic shopping bag will do the same job.
@@JohnSmith-jh1iy I wish 🤞 she's never splurged on herself and even when she does she picks modest priced practical items so definitely no winning that battle anytime soon. Just spent the whole weekend shooting a smallbore comp and she supports me so I'm feeling pretty lucky
Thank God am single my CZ 457 Jaguar has a leupold VX -6HD 3-18 50MM at 100 yards I cant put 5 rounds in the same hole.
Never liked a BDC hail Mary reticle. Know your rifle and where it hits at distance. Great advice, great video.
Excellent video, one thing I learned to late was the parralax adjustment. 25 meters is isn’t enough. 15 meters is much better. 6-24 is ok, 4.5-27 is more appropriate.... Happy Thanksgiving and thanks...
One thing about a “rim fire” marketed scope is that with fixed parallax the parallax is set at 50-ish yards vs a hunting marketed scope will have fixed parallax set at 100-200 yards.
Good video!
Thanks
Haven’t finished video and already know you’re on track and explaining real world results.
Excellent Video! I shoot Precision Bench Rest Rimfire. After much shopping around I found a 45 X 45 Sightron with fine cross hairs to be perfect for my application. It gives me a clear view of my target before & after the shot. I usually can score my card through the scope after shooting a relay. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family!
You can never have too much scope......especially the older you get. If you can't afford the scope you need, wait until you can.
Well said. It took me many years to learn this stuff!
me too
I decided on the Vortex Diamondback tactical 4-16x44 ffp with moa reticle on my CZ 457. I shoot mostly inside of 100 yards and I feel like it's about perfect for my purposes.
Same here with MIL .
I'll see to it That it WORKS!
On one of my 457s I went with a nighforce atacr 7×35×56 and the other one got a March 5x50x56 both are top notch if budget isn't an issue
One point that differentiates many .22LR scopes from others is parallax being set at 50 yards versus 100. Nice video, thanks.
Yeah i generally would suggest avoiding fixed parallax optics all together if possible
@@PursuitofAccuracy For precision shooting I agree.
Yes! What he said! It's also 100% relevant if looking for a scope for a centerfire. Thanks Josh!
Thanks brother
Finally got my Arken SH4 6-24 from my friend in the USA 👍🇺🇸. Firearms officer visit today too ! Hopefully won’t be long till I clip it onto an MTR 👌🏻👌🏻
Have no idea how much you helped and saved me from an expensive mistake! Thanks.
Thanks for your honest opinion.
The FUDDS and ex navy seals always have comments about "its only a 22" or "22s are for kids or gramma"
Keep up the great work
Yea…not so much.
Once again another excellent video. I'm just waiting for an Anshutz 54 Action Bencherest for competition and this video has reenforced my decision on the scope that I'm intending to put on it. Thank you for your honest and informative content.Keep up the excellent output.
Which scope?
22LR scope generally also means that the parallax is set at 50 yards vs 100 yards of a centerfire scope. Having a parallax adjustable scope is even better and very desirable on a 22LR as shots start up close and then generally only go out to 100 yards for most hunting applications. Within that range your targets are small so you want to assure that parallax does not get in the way of you hitting a very small target
The important distinction is that rimfire scopes with fixed parallax will have it at shorter/closer distance (under 100 yards) than a non-rimfire scope with fixed parallax (100 yards or beyond).
I have used a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 SF Mildot on my .308,243 and now on a Kidd barreled 10/22, able to mount close to the barrel, not the best but has served me well from deer to coyotes to woodchucks and squirrels at ranges that my 68 year old eyes can't see well anymore, Thanks for the info, keep the videos coming, still love small bore
Depth of Field is arguably one of the most important criteria in a rimfire scope given the distances people are shooting in the NRL/PRS type formats.
Do you mean as far as parallax goes?
@@PursuitofAccuracy Yes. Depth of field is kind of an afterthought, especially when people spend a lot of time centerfire at 300 yards and beyond. But with rimfire, DoF becomes quite important when engaging multiple targets between 25 and 200 yards.
Yeah very true. I suppose im just use to the athlons all having 25 - inf parallax.
Thanks brother.
I kind of read into depth of field as referring to glass quality, some glass is better imo showing what is in front and back of the target, I 100% agree with your comment, it allows for quicker target aquisition
@@wowguy3562 Yes, DoF is how much is visible before and after the focus point. It's most commonly referred to in photography, where we want thin DoF for more dramatic portraits, but wide DoF to get the most details in the image in focus. DoF in photography is controlled by the aperture. I have no clue how DoF is affected with a rifle scope. I don't know if glass quality is what will define the DoF for a given scope. I If you go listen to the Modern Day Sniper podcast where they have Dark Lord of Optics on it, he talks about DoF. That being said, he explains how DoF helps with mirage because it allows the human eye and brain to better perceive the image and mitigate the effects of mirage because of having more information (more 3D details because of wide/deep DoF). Of course, wide/deep DoF allows for better faster target engagement because you have more leeway on the parallax.
Enjoyed your video. My CZ457 Varmint has an Athlon Argos FFP 6-24 X 50. It has very good glass. Sighted in at 50 yards and I use the parallax adjustment to 100. It was $399. Love it.
My cz 457 varmint has a leupold vx freedom 4-12 x 40
great video. I have a Vortex Tactical 4-16 44mm objective. It's a very good scope for the money. Mainly 200 yards is the farthest I do serious work and out to 300-400 yards plinking. I can shoot 300 meters with it easily. 500 meters leaves a little to be desired. I think you gave really good advice here.
Thanks!
I have a Leupold scope that’s labeled as being for rimfire, and there are actually reasons for it. It does NOT have a BDC reticle as you described. Instead, it has an MOA-hashed reticle, however there are more hash marks given for drop (5 MOA worth) than usual since rimfire will start dropping a lot sooner. Additionally, it’s a fixed-parallax scope, but it’s fixed for 60 yards rather than 100 or 150 yards like their other fixed scopes. Obviously that’s not a long-range precision setup and isn’t supposed to be, but for a hunting rifle where you’ll be shooting offhand at small game at relatively close distances and don’t have time to fiddle but do need parallax to be close to right it makes a ton of sense to have it set up that way.
If you like it, hey whatever works.
There are also tons of options of affordable scopes with good mil or moa reticles with adjustable parallax .
Great Video!!! Thanks Josh. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Etched reticles seem to come into sharp focus better for me. Close parallax focus distance of 10 yards or so is almost a must. The thickness of the crosshairs or dot can make it difficult to see just how tight of a group your rifle can shoot. Toothpicks at 25 plus yards make better shooters of us all...enjoy your videos.
Thanks EJ. Agree with ya and prefer etched reticles for sure on my optics
I am so glad I ran into this video after two days is research on which optic is best for my Winchester Wildcat 22LR. I got it just for the woods and plinking and have a Vortex Crossfire II 4 - 12 x 44 laying around and thought maybe it is overkill for small rifle and hated the idea of spending another $150 on an even smaller vortex. It does have a BDC MOA but I can learn to work around it . And after watching this, I think it should work for my needs. Thanks for taking the time .
Currently building a 10/22 for NRL22, all the bells and whistles from Volquartsen. I had a Vortex Diamondback rimfire on it, great for rabbits and prairie dogs. But, I swapped it with my Diamondback Tactical FFP and HUGE difference in long range accuracy. I do agree with the FFP reticle being a pain sometimes, especially at low magnification (getting older and eyesight is not what it use to be). Still doing research on the best scope for me without breaking the bank.
The Diamondback Tac ffp was my first "better" scope, its true it totally changed my long range game, spotting misses / hits was a game changer at 300+. Welcome to the rabbit hole, cry once, smile for a long freakin time
With which scope did you end up?
@@mamu679 I kept with the Diamondback Tactical, just upgraded to the 6-24x50 magnification. It’s a great scope for $500
@@armysapper12b Thank you for your answer. On my .308 I have a Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP MRAD and I think I'll go for the Strike Eagle 5-25x56 EBR-7C MRAD this time. But I simply don't know whether I should get the CZ457 LRP or the Bergara B14R in .22
@@armysapper12b What country are you from? In the USA they can be bought for $300-$329 when you buy from dealers who offer good prices over the phone.
Thanks for your video. I have a SWFA ss 6x on my Anschutz rimfire. Perfect quality scope. You do not need more for hunting.
On BDC reticle, it usually is marked in Minutes (MOA) or MILs. You then use your ballistic calculator to calculate the holdover for the ammo weight & velocity, barrel length and distance to target. It should give you a holdover like 2 Minutes at 50 yards for 1040 FPS ammo and 3 minutes at 50 yards for 740 FPS ammo (for example - not accurate numbers). In my experience, that works.
It would then also work with a reticle made up of moa or mil-dot marks.....and doesn't pre-suppose a specific drop as BDC does.
Great info. I felt good about my scope choice but now I feel better
EXCELLENT rant- because it's worthwhile. You speak nothing but common sense here and listening to your sound advice can be the difference between spending your hard-earned cash on something you really need as opposed to useless marketing drivel. Many thanks from a .22 LR rifle shooter in the UK.
Thanks
22lr scopes don’t always mean a cheap scope. Sometimes it just means parallax is set at a shorter distance than an equivalent center fire scope.
Agree. Just a common trend to market a 22lr scope and its essentially just a super cheap scope
Excellent advice. I was one who purchased less quality optics on my 22LR. Then I repurchased higher quality on my precision rim fires.
Thanks Jeff
I have a Weaver V-16 (4x16) AO SFP on my Marlin model 60 and I only shoot 100yds or less and it is a great $300 scope......One of the best things I like on it is the FC W/Dot reticle it has with no BDC.
Slick video Josh. Great explanations.
Yeah going to go with vortex gen III 6X36X56. MUCH BETTER GLASS. GLASS IS SOMETHING that can't be ignored.
The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire is a fine scope for hunting. Using common high-velocity ammo, a 22 zeroed at 50 yards with this scope mounted 1 to 1.5 inches above the bore axis is going to have zeros coincide at 25 and 50 yards. The MPBR of a rifle so zeroed is about 60 yards and shots on squirrels are going to be sketchy beyond that. So, a BDC is not really useful on this scope. I prefer a duplex reticle.
But, I agree, it’s not a good choice for a precision rifle.
“Rimfire” scopes are usually constructed the same as center fire scopes, but with a different parallax setting.
Great Vid. I will soon purchase a mid market .22, I learned a ton by watching this, many points I had not considered. Thank You.
I have been very happy/successful shooting long range with my RPR 22lr and my RPR Gen2 308.
I have a matching set of Riton 6-24 ×50Ri Scopes on them. If I remember correctly they were about $500 each without the rings.
22lr has a 30moa rail and the 308 has a 20moa rail.
Nice
Absolutely great advice! Thank you for the informative video for someone new to PRS for 22LR and NRL22 Open (in Europe).
The more I watch this guy the more I think I should have gotten a CZ instead of a Savage 10 years ago. It's a 1 moa gun, but maybe I still could have done better.
CZ makes great rifles, and very accurate. I have four.
naw.
@@VanquishedAgain Naw to me, or to rla1000?
Hey josh I got vortex 6-24*50 3week ago Love from
Maryland ❤️
I shoot the Arken 6-24×50 ffp.
I'm very happy with it. I also have a Athlon Ares gen 1...that too is a very nice scope.
I keep a dope book in my gun case so I can make notes of when, what I shoot that day and distance.
I'm always learning.
Awesome Kent. Never have enough data
I like the honesty, so many people say you dont need any more power than 20x max, which is bs.
Yes putting a $2000 scope on a $750 rifle is silly but it works and what prevents you from taking it off and putting it on you centre fire?
Buy once, cry once
Those people have never tried to see a 22lr bullet or its trace at 300+ yards either lol.
Thank you for this great video Josh. I recently purchased 6-18×50 scope.
Delta Javelin 4.5-30x56 is what sit on my T1X, great scope
This is such a helpful video and saved me a ton of time and money. Instead of purchasing a new scope, I’m just gonna use my 4x24 vortex ffp from my rem700 that I never shoot. 🙌🏼
My understanding is the fixed parallex is going to be closer in for rimfire. With the Leupold Freedom Rimfire I have it's going to be for 60 yards unlike my VX II and most other centerfires designated scopes at 100 yards. The reticle is also going to be MOA so it can actually be used as a decent reference. Not claiming I can put it and the 10 22 it's on against the awesome stuff you have, but it will hit steel at 100 consistently. I agree that many of the rimfire-marketed scopes are scams, but I think there are a few decent exceptions to the rule.
Speaking of scams one I disagreed with even as a kid was the 2-7 or 4x. The groupthink argument was either it’s JUST a 22 or you shoot closer distances than on a deer rifle.
My two counterpunches to those : it’s not JUST a 22. You’re establishing muscle memory and foundational marksmanship skills that will serve or hinder you the rest of your shooting career so don’t get it wrong!
Yes you’re typically shooting closer distances BUT your squirrel is much smaller than a deer.
I’ve always been annoyed by people who outsource their thinking to the mob. Many of these so called opinions can be dismantled with two minutes of critical thinking.
I would think the important factors would be repeatable turret adjustment accuracy. And features like zero stops, resettable zero adjustment and so on.
Thanks Josh great review and explanation of optics and strengths.
Excellent and timely video. Newbie here. Literally been obsessing over ffp vs sfp. Since I don’t shoot nrl22 - nearest match for me is almost three hours away - sfp
Is what I need.
I shoot groups from a bench at the local
Range, hunt and shoot with some people on property at various distances. Not on a timer or competition. Just for fun.
I’ve got a pst gen ii sfp 5-25 ordered up. Should fit the bill.
Awesome
Great video as usual learning lots!
Good Stuff Josh. I was out shooting my 455 @ 100 with about a 10 mph cross wind towards the right. I use Arken EPL4 6x24x50 on all my 22's. A guy was asking me how I was hitting that target in that wind. When I told him I could see the bullet down range he didnt believe me. I was set for 1.5 mil elevation and .5 mil right. I told him put it like normal on the target and shoot a couple rounds. He was like, I cant believe I can see the bullet curving in. He said it looked like a great thrown curve ball from a pitcher.
Lol sweet
Most informative video I found put in to simple terms to understand. Thank you!
Greetings! Very well explained the importance of having a good optics! Totally Agree!
Great video Josh..I wished i would've waited to buy my scope. But i will make a wiser choice on my next scope. Thanks for all the info. can you do a video on how to create a dope chart. I see everyone zeroing at 50 yds, after that i'm lost what to do for other yardages.
Happy Thanksgiving Josh...Thx for all you do we're all very grateful .
Yes sir I will definitely get a video on aquiring dope
Thanks for the video and information Very good.
Excellent information on the important points. Thanks.
Thanks
Precision costs money. There's no way around it.
I feel kinda embarrassed admitting what I've spent 3.5k on my b14r, chassis and then having topped it off with a cheap ($750aud) scope (argos8-34), but, it got me in the game and that's all I needed at the time.
I also didn't know any better 🤦♂️🤦♂️
Another great video josh
Thanks Daniel
I love your videos, however I do want to correct one piece of information in this video. On scopes labeled as “Rimfire” scopes does not refer to a BDC reticle, nor does it suggest that it’s a less durable scope. In fact, the Nikon rimfire, bushnell rimfire, vortex rimfire, Leupold rimfire, and Burris .22 are all rated for the shock of a .308. On hunting scopes that do not have an adjustable parallax the “Rimfire” label refers to internal parallax setting of the scope. “Rimfire” scopes typically have a manufacturer parallax setting of 50-60 yards while a center fire scope is 100-125 yards. These rimfire scopes are designed for simplicity and durability. Which makes them less than desirable in a precision setting, but optimal in a hunting setting. Just wanted to give my rant, god bless you.
Well stated Josh. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your expertise about what scope to get. That is why i have subscribed to your channel. Fantastic video !!!!!!!!!!!!
Appreciate ya
yes i have come to the same conclusion on scopes after years of shooting some of us are just a little slower on the learning curve.
Good brief explaination. Thanks
I have the Nikon rim fire scope! It works great! If you get that app you enter the ammo and a few other details. It tells you the differs holds at different magnification!
I have it to but its basically useless compared to a good tracking scope you can dial accurately with
Happy Thanksgiving Josh great video and information provided. More of this type video is cool along with the shooting
Thanks Dean
Great Video! Can you do a scope mount comparison test? One piece vs two piece mount!
Let me think about how i might go about it
Scary timely! THANK YOU!!!
I am just getting into 22BR shooting and unfortunately am on a budget so i wanted to try and keep my brand new set up under $500 which i somehow did. Savage MKII FVSR ($189) Vortex Crossfire II 6-18X44AO ($192) Harris bipod 1A2-BRM ($80)
For what i have in it i think i did well for a starter set up
Good video. Good for a beginner like me. Very useful information.
Love it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Well done! Great, instructive and informative video! A small suggestion for some of the future videos: LR at 300+ yards.
Thanks and yes long range 22lr coming soon
JOSH, GREAT VIDEO ...!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR ....!!!!! DOUBLE G. HERE...!!!!
The double the cost of your firearm formula is meant for high end duty guns and competition rigs. It was never meant for sporting or hunting applications, unless you have a private money tree.
I just overall dislike that saying. Buy the glass for your need and budget and your better off.
2 years ago I wouldnt have a 1500 optic on a competition 22lr but im sure glad I do now
Good information. I’m only looking at changing out a Tasco 4x15 for a Western Auto Revelation 4x32 on a vintage Remington 550-1.
I have been using a Bushnell Match Pro on my 457. Best scope for under 500 bucks.
love the Bushnells- I have several, and never had a problem
I do not like Nikon bdc scopes I have a lot of them because I collect Philippine made scopes as I am from the Philippines. Their spot on program do not match the actual point of impacts even if you input all the correct data, and they do not specify the mil or moa values of their aiming points in the bdc reticles. At least in other bdc reticles from other brands they specify the mil or moa aiming points so you can use accurate ballistic programs to verify drop points. Just sharin.😁
It's too bad you can't rent a scope to test drive, as a newbie I fell for the bells and whistles, turned out illuminated reticle is not a reddot, only useful at dusk, I thought it would help pick up black targets-wrong. FFP scopes were all the rage, for me the reticle was so tiny it was unusable until >75% of zoom. Also higher magnification means smaller eye box, I thought 50x would be great but turns out almost impossible to get eye into the 2mm eyebox.
So don't buy based on features , ask friends, fellow shooters to let you look through their glass, most willing to give experience pros and cons.
Seeing is believing for sure
A few shots wit a Nikko stirling on my Weihrauch HW80 springer and it was trash.
I went from a Sightron III 45X45 to a Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60X52. Nothing wrong with the Sightron. Great glass and features. I just wanted more magnification and a different reticle. I found it hard to see the fine crosshairs on the 15th target on a card with these old tired eyes. To your point, get the most magnification you can afford!
Thanks Bill
Awesome in every way
Appreciate ya brother! Nothibg compared to your scope videos
In my opinion you are totally spot on. I am so pleased with my Athlon scope. Great video!
Thanks Gary
Excellent video, very easy to understand! cheers.
Thanks
Is great tips really enjoyed the video thank you
Thank you for this and addressing the difference in scope needs for the 22LR vs cannons.
Great video, Josh. Hopefully someone will watch this before getting the wrong scope.😬😬
Thanks Terry
once again, no bull shit josh,love it.....
Thanks Ron