Basic Scope for 10/22

Scorpioj · Mar 15, 2021

Hi gents. I'm looking for a basic scope for a 10/22 takedown. I want to stay at 120 or less as this is really just for plinking fun. 2 scopes that were recommended are the Simmons 22 Mag Rimfire Rifle Scope 4x 32mm Truplex Reticle with Rings and the Athlon Optics Neos Rifle Scope 3-9x 40mm BDC 22 Rimfire. They have a significant (to me) price difference. One being 45 the other being 110. Any opinions on these 2 scopes specifically?

Catch-10-22 · Mar 15, 2021

I have 2 of the Simmons 22 Mag 4X scopes - they are mounted on Marlin 795s and I got them for $30. There is a little bit about it in this review: https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=54812.0.

Pros: Cheap! Lightweight. I liked fixed low power scopes for rimfire because you are typically shooting at relatively short (or fixed distances in the case of Appleseed). Good eye relief. Other instructors and shooters use these Simmons scopes to good effect for many many years. Cheap!

Cons: They are darker than a scope with better glass. Tracking is just ok - more of a set it and forget it scope for plinking. On one of my scopes, that is pretty lightly used, the reticle wires went screwy - instead of being a cross hairs, it has a weird jog to it. I can send a picture if you care to see it. Some of the lowest Midway reviews cite the same thing or when it would just suddenly break with 22LR recoil. So, Cheap...

I have also used the Simmons .22 Mag Rimfire 3-9x32mm Truplex - it was dark but plenty good for 25 yards and was $40 with rings at one point.

For what you want to do, it is a fine scope. Though a takedown may be bumped/dropped more than another rifle, worse case, you could buy 3 of the Simmons within your budget. But something to think about.

Can't comment on the Athlon specifically. But though I have a couple of Simmons 4x scopes, I prefer $100+ scopes, even for rimfire - including the Primary Arms Classic 6X (https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-6x-scope-with-the-patented-acss-22lr-reticle).

Uncle Duke · Mar 15, 2021

In your stated price range, I'd be looking at this scope from Bushnell. It is a manufacturer closeout. Has 70moa adjustability, and is parallax adjustable down to 15 yards, which is nice. Korean made instead of Chicom. Lifetime warranty if you take a chance and there's a problem.

I think you'd find this scope to be a better value than the Simmons. Not familiar with Athlon myself.

Visit Natchez.com and find the Bushnell Prime 3.5x10x36. 76 bucks on sale.

HOPEFULLY a working link below. Was for some reason getting a 404 error.

https://outdoors.natchezss.com/bestsellers/Bushnell-Prime-3.5--10x36

Catch-10-22 · Mar 15, 2021

I have always wanted to try that Bushnell Prime scope - at $75 on sale (half price), it seems like a killer deal, particularly with the adjustable objective. Only bad thing I see in reviews is failure of the adjustment turrets. But, again, maybe worth rolling the dice at the price.

454shooter · Mar 16, 2021

Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm Rifle Scope with the ACSS-22LR ballistic reticle. Around $120 on amazon.

warmachine · Mar 16, 2021

I am another fan of the bushnell for that price. I also ran a tr25 for awhile on a 10/22 takedown and it was minute of squirrel.

Magnumite · Mar 16, 2021

Scoping a 22 like the 10/22 I prefer to stay away from the larger objective scopes because of size....it is a 22 carbine. I like the 32mm objective lenses. The smaller 2-7 variables seem good size.

CelticBiggie · Mar 16, 2021

I haven’t yet been able to use it or zero it. I have this one on my 10/22.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bushnell...pZone-22-Reticle-Matte-Black-613510B/49839141

byf43 · Mar 16, 2021

Since this is for a 10/22 Takedown, and your intent is for plinking, I suggest a red dot of some sort.

I bought a Takedown 10/22 a good while back, and put a Picatinny rail and a compact Nikon BDC scope on it.
I wound up taking it right back off, because the daggon receiver assembly wouldn't fit back in the backpack/case!!!!!

I wound up buying a Bushnell red dot/green dot.
I've now got several of these on different set-ups.

This MAY now be discontinued, but, it works GREAT on this 10/22 Takedown.

https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-...1x28mm-4-dial-in-red-green-reticle-matte.html

(I've also got this same optic on a 20 ga shotgun that I set up for my youngest son, for turkey hunting.)

Scorpioj · Mar 16, 2021

Thanks

Thanks for the info guys. I don't want a red dot on the rifle so i'm going to investigate the Bushnell. Still would like to know if anyone has experience with any Athlon optics. :confused:

Neutron · Mar 17, 2021

What about a Bug Buster scope? They are about $100. and can be left on the receiver while it's stored in the carry bag. It comes with QR rings if you don't want to leave the scope on for storage.

calicojack · Mar 22, 2021

This is all the scope you need. https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-banner-rifle-scope-1-5-4x32mm-multi-x-reticle-matte-black.html

If you want a little more magnification at the expense of more weight. https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-banner-rifle-scope-3-9x40mm-multi-x-reticle-black-matte-clam.html

mcbruzdzinski · Mar 23, 2021

NeutronBlu said:
What about a Bug Buster scope? They are about $100. and can be left on the receiver while it's stored in the carry bag. It comes with QR rings if you don't want to leave the scope on for storage.

I put the Bug Buster on my 10/22 Take Down and it has never failed me. I would recommend it as a low cost scope that offers the flexibility of being removed easily.

Scorpioj · Mar 23, 2021

Thanks guys. Bug Buster looks interesting, I may give it a try. BUT still seeking anyone with info on the Athlon Optic.

Mark75H · Mar 23, 2021

For any thing less than $200 it’s hard to beat the BSA Sweet

I’m surprised it hasn’t been mentioned sooner

Gunny1 · Mar 23, 2021

KYFHO said:
I have several Simmons 22 Mag scopes

Me too. Very pleased with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Simmons-5110...6524834&sprefix=simmons+22+mag,aps,175&sr=8-2

Scorpioj · Mar 23, 2021

Mark75H said:
For any thing less than $200 it’s hard to beat the BSA Sweet

I’m surprised it hasn’t been mentioned sooner

Actually I already have the BSA on my regular 10/22. It seems to work well.

atblis · Mar 23, 2021

There is/was a Weaver Classic for sale in the classifieds. Those are very good scopes made by Light Optic Works in Japan (they also make Night Force). I'd rather have that all day every day over any of the Chinese/Philippine offerings.

photoracer · Mar 24, 2021

I have both 3-9x40 Sweet 22 and 6-18x40 ones. The BDC turrets work decently well although they are designed to shoot from 75-175 yards mostly. I add marks to the turrets for distances under 50 yards.

eruby · Apr 1, 2021

Did you ever get a scope?

I have 3-9 x 40 you're more than welcome to have.

Nothin fancy, just a basic, budget scope.

Basic Scope for 10/22

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Member

Appleseed Shoot Boss

Ultimate Member

Appleseed Shoot Boss

LARGE Caliber

... AS LONG AS THEY FEAR

Ultimate Member

Active Member

SCSC Life/NRA Patron Life

Member

Ultimate Member

American Sporting Rifle

NRA Training Counselor

Member

MD Wear&Carry Instructor

Senior Citizen Member

Member

Ultimate Member

Competition Shooter

Confederate Jew

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics