I do not understand it, I can sit here and watch your video(s) for hours on end and simply enjoy them and learn so much! Thank you for sharing. G'Bless! - PJohnson
I never knew there was a difference between rimfire scopes and standard rifle scopes. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom! You are the most knowledgeable channel on UA-cam for firearms information.
Cheers Gunblue :) I do pest control down here in Australia, compete at my club and shoot pistols, rifles and shotguns. Consider myself knowledgeable to an extent. I am still in awe of the way you effortlessly discuss your topics. I wish I could articulate things the way you do to new shooters. I've done my best and forwarded on links to some of the new guys when i know i am not quite conveying what i mean, particularly around selecting calibers etc. Makes my life easier! Cheers
I remember as a school kid back in the early 80's here in the UK manually adjusting the parallax down to 40 yards on a Nikko Sterling scope which came with parallax fixed @ 100yds, i needed to make the change for use on a HW80 spring air rifle, I did this by using a tool I made in the school metalwork shop to wind the objective lens in and out, I discovered when looking at the front of the scope thatthere were notches in the metal ring around the edge of the lens to allow this, it took a few minutes to do but it worked a treat - thanks for the memory
Thank you for answering my question and doing it with a video as well. Your explanations made sense! You answered what I had in mind and so much more. I originally had bought a Leupold rim fire scope (2-7×magnification) for my marlin 39A golden mounty. After a few years I put it on a marlin 1894 in 44rem (1st gun I purchased at 18yrs!) for deer hunting without a thought as to if the extreme difference in recoil would damage the scope in any way. After a few years the thought did occur to me, but no one seemed able to really know if it would be a problem with continued use in this way. Didn't see any problems with accuracy. It was just nagging my thoughts. Something that needed to be addressed. Turns out it doesn't damage them! Your recent scope videos jogged that question again when you mentioned rimfire scopes. Very much appreciate those videos!
Thank you for your excellent videos. They are amongst the very best on UA-cam. I have a question I’m hoping you can answer. I have an old (circa 1960’s) Colt single-shot rifle. I used it extensively for short-range hunting when I was young and always with iron sights. Now that I’m 70 years old and wanting to get into target shooting, I’m finding it very difficult to use the iron sights on account of my no longer 20/20 vision. I can’t seem to find any eyeglasses that work well and I also find that my glasses fog up quickly. Hence I’m starting to consider adding a scope in the hope I can shoot accurately again. Any tips you can offer on types of scopes that may make sense, and whether to wear glasses focused for near or long distance, will be greatly appreciated. - Thanks again! - Jim
I wanted to thank you for these great videos full of valuable information. I tested my first 9mm loads yesterday with great success. I learned so much and got multiple reloading books as you suggested. My 18yr old son is now learning this tradition.
I always wondered what that was about, thank you! Also, I want to thank you for all your videos regarding reloading, I recently sold my business and have sort of retired and have taken up reloading. I now have the time to devote to it, and it was a blessing finding your channel! Thanks again and say hi to Benny, hope all is well!
I just happened to be watching your video on how to adjust your sights on a lever action and this popped up. I've been debating on installing a scope on my 1972 9422m, love the rifle and its incredibly accurate.
I have a regular rifle fixed 4 power Nikon on my 22 and it works really well for me I hardly notice the parallax although I am sure that it is present but it doesn’t seem to bother me I can shoot a 5 shot group at 50 yards and have one hole . I wish that I knew one tenth of the things that you know about firearms . Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us .
Hmmm wish I would have seen your video few weeks ago. Just purchased a CZ 22WMR 457 America. Bought a vortex crossfire 11 4-12×44, B.D.C reticle, Warner rings. Out to the range with several different types of ammo. Although the P.O.I. was different with each type of ammo, I was pretty impressed with the groups and the accuracy of this rifle. Now my Area 419 scope base has arrived (15 moa) had to change the rings. Vortex pro series low. Haven't been to the range yet. Was really excited about my setup until I watched this video, now I don't know if I've made the wrong choices with this setup. I intended to enter in some of the rimfire shooting competitions at my local range in the hunter class. The target ranges are 100 and also 200yds, that's why I went with the higher power scope. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks again.
Terrific video. Thank you. I just remember many comments over the years that rimfire scopes can fall apart if you mount them on a 3006-type recoiling rifle. I never thought of parallax. Merry Christmas from -30 C. Cache Creek, B.C. Canada.
I bought a new Miroku made Browning T-bolt as soon as they were advertised about ten years ago. Leupold makes a rimfire 3-9 scope that is scaled down and looks great.
Couldn’t agree with you more. You definitely know what you’re talking about. What I find when using a 22 with subsonic ammo. Is a dedicated. Scope with the bullet drop calculated. On the reticule great video thanks
I wish I had been able to view this content a few years ago when I was researching scopes for my newly purchased 10/22. I came to about the same conclusions and purchased a Nikon Prostaff P3 Target EFR 3-9x40 AO. I don't believe they are still available, but it works great with the adjustable parallax feature.
Thanks for the info. I have been mounting centerfire scopes on my rimfires for decades. Never noticing any issues. But since you've pointed out the differences, I want to find a good quality rimfire scope and try it out. Back in the day, when money was tight, I would mount whatever was available at my local gun shop in the used section. Then I simply learned how that rifle shot best with the equipment I could afford. I always liked the larger field of view through a centerfire scope. I now own 2 extremely accurate rimfires: a Savage 17HMR and an antique Western Field pump 22lr (open sights). When I bought that old pump gun, I figured it would be used up but was I ever wrong. That rifle is way more accurate than I am able to shoot it. I find it a bit disheartening that the younger generations don't get the opportunities to spend long hours with their firearms. Of course, some do but not in the same mass numbers like when I was young. My buddies and I would spend all day shooting our 22's and pellet rifles at ground squirrels, gophers, dump rats, pigeons and anything else that needed population control at the time. To this day, those guys can shoot very well. Most of them can't see well anymore though....lol. Even these days, when I get a little bored, I'll take my pellet rifle out back and shoot grasshoppers while enjoying my favorite beverage. It's a great way to kill a little time and help control the hopper population.
You’re dead on about how things are now for the rest of us who are younger. I’m 36 now and have lived in the same town most of my life in Georgia. Growing up it was considered a smaller town but it’s expanded exponentially and is now a decent size city. For me to be able to shot my rifles I have to drive 45 minutes to any one of 3 ranges I have near me, pay the range (2 of 3 cost about $25 a visit, the last one is free) sit down at a bench, shoot, load everything back into the truck and drive 45 minutes home. I envy those who can walk out of their back door and shoot centerfire. I do shoot my air rifles at home but that’s as much as I can get away with. I’m hoping to move out of the city and live on some land in the next few years.
Thanks so very much for sharing your knowledge with us! You answered a question that I’ve been looking for over the years about for what kind of scopes to use on my rimfire rifles and pistols!
I own a CZ 452 Ultra Lux with a 4x rimfire Leupold. It's the best combo for squirrels I've ever had the privilege of owning especially with such a low noise report. I also like the old rimfire Japanese Tascos. I sight in at 25-30 yds instead of 60 for headshots with 4x. I'll shoot out to 50 with this combo; any further I prefer more magnification.
@paulpetty3331 Czech Republic. The 452 line was discontinued back in 2011 in favor of an easier, cheaper manufacturing process. If you're lucky enough to find one at a reasonable price I'd grab it.
I learned this the hard way. I tried putting a centerfire rifle scope on my 22 bolt action and I had trouble focusing on things at 25-50yrds and sometimes 100yrds depending on zoom. It was disappointing because I wanted to be able to do some crazy ballistic feats with the 22 slug. Unless you have a scope with adjustable parallax, you'll have to get a rimfire specific optic.
There's really no such thing as an airgun scope unless you count the extremely small number of models designed specifically for FT competitive shooters, which side focus down to 10 yards and are 50x magnification minimum. This happens to be close to the specs of a lot of benchrest scopes, so there's a lot of crossover there. I would ask what you're doing with your airgun before suggesting any scope, but for me personally, I won't buy any scope for an airgun unless it's side focus down to 10 meters, preferably 9.1 meters which is 10 yards. There is a difference, and it matters in FT. But for all other airgun use, 10 meters. I would as a general rule also suggest high magnification, because we tend to shoot small things, and we need precise shot placement. Other than that, go nuts. Most of my scopes on airguns cost more than the airgun. Also side focus is important to me for another reason, I use it for range finding. I focus on known distances, and mark the position of a large focus wheel. With practice this works for hunting as well as FT shooting and means you don't need a rangefinder when hunting. With the trajectory of airgun pellets, a few yards wrong estimating distance will easily cause you to miss.
For general airgun use, the Element Helix is almost impossible to beat. 6-24×50, tactical turrets, side focus, really nice glass, and it's rock solid. It's not an airgun specific scope, more like a really good scope for a reasonable price, that happens to be designed by people who are into airguns, so it ticks all the boxes for airgunners, but can just as well work for competition rimfire and PRS shooters who don't want to fork out for a Delta or a Nightforce. If I had the money I'd run a Delta Stryker 10-50x60 on my FT rig though. What a beast that is. I'm running a Falcon X50 10-50x60 now. That's a scope that's built in the Sightron factory and shares a lot with the Sightron SIII 10-50x60. Japanese glass is good.
Thank you for your explanation, very clear and easy to understand....the best yet I came across, I just bought two scopes on sale and was glad to go rimfire specific for my new 10/22 Ruger 2-7 35 v-plex...you have just confirmed my intuition with your knowledge, thanks again sir. Salute
I bought all my guns, ammo, and reloading before 1984 from paper route money. It was good work for a youngster and okay into manhood. Threw papers for 12 years from 12-24, 365 days a year, morning and afternoon for 10 then the afternoon paper went kaput. I have a K-6 Weaver on a Glenfield mod. 25. It won me a couple of rimfire silhouette trophies against rifles and scopes costing 5X as much. And squirrels had no chance within eyesight of that rifle.
Thanks for putting this information out there. I was surprised when I went to my local Cabela's to buy a scope for my Italian made Weatherby Mark xxii semi auto and the sales clerk tried to sell me a centerfire scope. If I didn't know better I probably would have bit just based on the paper specs like most. As it turns out I have that very same Leupold 4 power fixed mounted on it as you have on your CZ. Merry Christmas GB.
Your Winchester Model 70 looks exactly like the one I have chambered in .280 Improved and built by Saturn Sports , the Jenke Bros...here in Reno. I'm wondering if you have heard of them. I don't even know if they are alive as the old gun shop has been other businesses for many years now. My Model 70 Featherlight also has a Leupold scope, but it's a 3-9 power. It's one heck of a hunting rifle and it makes hunting too easy and itt made me switch to archery for hunting.
I have a few guns in the UK (grew up on a farm). Also a believer in less is more, but I use rimfires to try out new ideas - now running a small prismatic on a Volquartsen 10/22, and, dare I say it, a burris eliminator laserscope gen2 (the small 3-10×40 they briefly made) on my 17hmr. The later is the greatest setup I've ever used on rabbits in apple orchards - rapidly varying ranges. And there's nothing wrong with putting fancy scopes on a rimfire if you can.
This is solid advice. As a airgun field target shooter, I would add something, that I don't know if many rimfire and centerfire shooters would be interested in, but I never use a rule of thumb for figuring out what distance to zero at, I use math based on my actual real world trajectory. My zero for my target rig is set to be the highest point of my trajectory in relation to my line of sight. This is because I rangefind and then dial for every distance and I really don't like how messy things get when I have to dial down from my zero as well as up. For a hunting airgun setup, I'm going to specify a "killzone" of a specific size, that I think is reasonable for the critter I'm going after, and I'm then going to zero in the center of that, which means that my trajectory will go half the size of my killzone above the line of sight and then back down again. This means I have a large range between the minimum and maximum range I can shoot with no holdover or elevation adjustment because critters don't usually sit around like targets do. But I always let the combination of scope height and trajectory dictate my zero distance, whereas almost all my fellow shooters use a the conventional wisdom, which is usually 25 yards with an airgun for FT shooting, or maybe 30 to 40 yards with a high powered hunting airgun. This is madness to me, because they start with an arbitrary number and then build their dope chart around that. Maybe I'm just pedantic, but I like my dope chart to be as clean and simple as possible.
Phew! There's a lot of madness in the world, but lacking your specificity in sighting an airgun isn't reason to call the mental health people! Setting a firearm sight such that the trajectory is maximized to strike a target or "kill zone" with one setting, based on sight height is commonly called traditional "point blank" sighting. What you discovered is the standard method that hunters, target shooters and the military have used since rocks have been thrown. 25 yards is actually a pretty good point blank zero for many air guns.
@GunBlue490 Yeah, it's just that airguns vary a lot. I have a system that works for me, but I find most of the others I shoot with have methods that I find painful. But I mean no offense, I'm just an incredibly pedantic guy who has to have everything logical and as simple as possible. So I always determine my zero distance precisely. Most of the time you're right, 25, 26 or 27 meters is where I land on, not yards. But 25 yards would work well if I was going for say, a half inch killzone, but for targets, I'm going for the apex of the trajectory.
I currently have three .22s. Two Ruger 10/22s and an old Western Auto Revelation single shot .22. Both the Rugers have high power rifle scopes and the single shot has a .22 scope. The single shot stays out in the tack room of the barn and we use .22 shorts in it. The 10/22s have 1.5 x 4 power 40 mm scopes due to the clarity and field of view I get with them
Mr. R, yesterday a UA-cam video popped up on my TV as recommended for me and don’t know why but the title intrigued me. The only center fire rifle I’ve seriously reloaded for is my 1993 Remington 700 Classic in .222 Remington. The UA-cam channel is, The Real Gunsmith, 12 days ago. The title was Properly Sizing Cases. I found it informative. You may use the same method…I don’t know.
Came here to learn the diff between c/f and r/f scopes while looking for a scope to put on a .22WMR. Grew up on .22lr and have sighted in a few c/f-round scopes through the years. But could always drive nails with a fixed-power Simmons on a .22lr. And in all that, I've never noticed parallax being an issue in any scope. Is it that parallax is really a function of the shooter being aware of having a center-line view through the scope?
Believe me, hunters & sport Shooters know much more than today’s guys behind counter. On different occasions, I had to shake my head to the inadequate knowledge most of them have about guns, scopes, bullets and shots. I’m telling one just for the hike of it. I asked for a certain sabot slug I was looking for 385 grains. I asked the guy to check the box to see how heavy the slug is for accuracy before purchasing. He replied “sir it says 385 Grams. And I didn’t know either to laugh, or cry for that answer knowing each gram is 15. + grain that multiplied by 385 = 5900 grains-+. 13.5 once 😊 Every time I go hunting stores, especially big box stores, I say to myself, this owner, manager must be a tree hugger/anti hunter/liberal/ democrat/vegan… you name it. Thank you sir for your time and effort to give us knowledge & wisdom
While I didn't get a dedicated rimfire scope for my CZ 455 Full Stock, I put on a Simmons Blazer 3-9X40 that came as a package scope with a Stevens 200 .25-06, and probably a centerfire scope, but cheap. Does well however, shooting quarter size target dots consistently blacking them out at 50 yards. I do have a Beeman Silver Kodiak break-barrel air rifle that came with 2 barrels and a Beeman 4X32 scope that I could swap out. One of my first pellet air Rifles was an RWS in .177 only with only iron sights. No idea whatever happened to it. Great air rifle of good quality.
Hi! Got a fixed 4X on my 22, no parralax adjustments. But from say 50 to 250m that's not really an issue. It's an "old" BSA scope and it works well for me. When i've swapped my Nikon 4/16 from my 222 to my 243 with a 1.5/6 Barska that costed me 60 euros, guess what? I'm still shooting good with my 222 rem and the 4/16 Nikon allowed me to shoot 1265m . The scope doesn't makes you better. Only your fondamentales will. But i know that's not even a point for you. Best regards from France! 🖖🏻🇫🇷😎🇫🇷😎🇫🇷🖖🏻
I’m a rimfire squirrel hunter. Everything you said was accurate. In my area, .22 squirrel rifle zero should be around 35yds. Shooting flat across the ground, 60yds seems perfect. Your point blank range doesn’t stray far from your aim point. However, when you start pointing up in the trees it doesn’t hold up nearly as well. With a 35yrd zero your point blank range stays close to your sight picture no matter the angle. That’s for my area where most squirrel are taken at distances less than 50yds. It also only applies to scopes mounted close to the rifle bore…where it should be for squirrel.
I was wondering If you could tell me the model number of the Leopold scope for the .22LR Rimfire? Thank you for a very well explained difference between a centerfire scope, and a rimfire scope.
Good Job Pops! Wish the younger kids would listen to all the wisdom you have on shooting. You can't hear this when buying a gun in a sporting goods store anymore! Take care !!
Another wonderful and very informative video…just love your content and explanations. I too have the same Hawks scope on my springer…love it. Thank you for sharing your depth of knowledge with us. God bless.
Strong spring powered airguns are scope killers because of the double recoil. Even expensive high quality scopes rated for heavy cal.centerfire cartridges can be easy destroyed when used on a springer. Some brands offer scopes specially for rated springer air rifles. Example are the Hawke Airmax series where de reticle/crosshair, mostly with mill and half mill dots are chemically or laser edged in the glas.
Actually no manufacturer I'm aware of rates their scopes for high powered spring guns from what I've seen. I shoot spring guns, and I just buy good scopes. Hawke aren't building their scopes any different from other scopes in that price range, it's mostly just a combination of airgun friendly features and marketing. When they say spring gun, they mean a 12ft/lb UK limit spring gun, not a Hatsan 135 or a Gamo Swarm Magnum. Those things will annihilate any scope unless you take steps to avoid it. Sportsmatch Dampa Mount or Diana ZR mount are basically the only options in that case.
@gun fisher Steps can be taken to avoid scopes moving in the rings. For me it stopped being an issue entirely when I purchased a Wheeler FAT wrench. Scope moving in the rings is most likely caused by inconsistent torque on the rings. You can also buy that super thin double sided tape and put that inside your rings, or you can on particularly brutal magnum springers, use a recoil reducing mount.
Is eye relief different as well? My dad put a Weaver V22 on my Sheridan air rifle as a boy and I couldn’t get a full field of view because of how it had to be mounted. Fortunately, it didn’t take me long to grow into it.
Eye relief differs between scopes and is effected by magnification too. But really that's more of a mounting issue. Most scopes it's just under 4 inches.
Hi GunBlue, love your channel a ton. Any chance you’ll be doing another Christmas “throw back” video? That’s a favorite of mine. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
I spoke to vortex and was told the only difference in their crossfire 2-7 and remfire is the parallax is at 50 yards vs 100. It was suggested for my 3030 over the standard.
Very helpful information. Stuff I sort of knew but never put it all together with comprehensive understanding. I look forward to your videos. May God Bless you and your family, Merry Christmas to all!
What do you prefer.... fixed or variable magnification? I've been an iron site guy all my life, I did take your recommendation on the Tech Site for the 10/22 and Mini 14. They improved accuracy but alas the years are creeping in and I have started to think about a scope......but I will resist as long as I can.
"Do You Need a Rimfire Scope?" Yes, Yes you do! AO is highly recommend for hunting small game with a .22 Rimfire. I want AO on every rimfire I hunt with. I agree with everything you have presented here. The Leupold 3-9x33 is my favorite rimfire scope. 300$ is a fair amount of cash. Hawke has some pretty nice options.
Yes, some of the Hawke scopes are decent. My problem with them is that they are made in China. I try to not buy any made in China stuff whenever possible or practical.
Last week I was gifted a pristine custom rifle made by the Alamo Gun Company out of Texas in 1946 that was re-barreled on a small ring Mauser action in .300 savage complete with a Norman-Ford 2.5x scope with a post type retical. It is very well put together and ideal for woods hunting, however, with modern bullets such as the Hornady 178 ELD-x at 2,350 fps, it could be good enough for elk out to 300 yards (1,500lbs of energy) if one could hold steady at that range. The problem is that the scope is low powered and has a 7/8'' tube. I'd like to find a modern, or vintage variable, or fixed powered scope that has a 7/8'' tube. Any suggestions?
Another great video, thank you. Of course I have an AO (Leupold EFR) scope on my 10/22. I like to target shoot at various near distances so it is imperative to have AO or side focus.
how do you know if you go to the store if you are buying a rim scope . Do these scope come in first parallel so that the point impact does not change when the magnification is change
Love the video. I would like to know the exact scope model you have on your 22LR. I just bought my first one and would love to get that same one. Thank you in advance.
Could you go over copper bullets, how and when to use them and any other insight you might have. What about weight considerations or sectional density compared to conventional lead based bullets. Thanks for your information and keep up your videos. They are the best most informative I have found.
Sad that Weaver and Bushnell got pushed out of Japan, I love my r-9 and cz in 22hornet I did buy a Hawk scope just will not hold zero reticle always returns to the right after a few shots probably should send it back but you never know if you will get burned again
Great video as usual, but I still have a question. You may have answered it and I just didn't get it. I understand adjusting the the parallax at 50 - 60 yards on the rimfire scope. I do not understand why not just set all scopes at the same 50 - 60 yards? What does the 160 yard parallax adjustment do better at longer distances that a 50 - 60 yard parallax doesn't do. Is the image more crisp and clear? I have asked this question on internet forums and just can't seem to get an answer I understand.
The farther the parallax is factory set at the longer the infinity distance actually is. The closer fixed 50-60 yard parallax hinders the maximum farthest distance to see clearly at. Having AO or side focus eliminates this.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I recently picked up a used Leupold fixed X4 scope for center fire. I will check it against my Leupold fixed X4 rimfire scope.
I know what parallax is. But there’s someI don’t understand. How can you have parallax when you are only using one eye? And that eye should also be aligned with the bore axis, pretty much anyway.
Every video is an advanced class that goes explores origins, I'm just a Plinker not a hunter at all and find your content excellent.
I do not understand it, I can sit here and watch your video(s) for hours on end and simply enjoy them and learn so much! Thank you for sharing. G'Bless! - PJohnson
I never knew there was a difference between rimfire scopes and standard rifle scopes. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom! You are the most knowledgeable channel on UA-cam for firearms information.
I agree !!!
Spot on. I've been shooting for 55 years, and am still learning. Thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge, Captain.
I could listen to this guy talk and tell stories for hours!!
That was the best and most simple explanation of parallax Ive ever heard
thank you
Thank you. I am looking for a scope for a Ruger 10/22 and, as usual, your video was the most informative I've come across yet. You are a true gift.
Cheers Gunblue :)
I do pest control down here in Australia, compete at my club and shoot pistols, rifles and shotguns. Consider myself knowledgeable to an extent.
I am still in awe of the way you effortlessly discuss your topics. I wish I could articulate things the way you do to new shooters.
I've done my best and forwarded on links to some of the new guys when i know i am not quite conveying what i mean, particularly around selecting calibers etc.
Makes my life easier!
Cheers
I remember as a school kid back in the early 80's here in the UK manually adjusting the parallax down to 40 yards on a Nikko Sterling scope which came with parallax fixed @ 100yds, i needed to make the change for use on a HW80 spring air rifle, I did this by using a tool I made in the school metalwork shop to wind the objective lens in and out, I discovered when looking at the front of the scope thatthere were notches in the metal ring around the edge of the lens to allow this, it took a few minutes to do but it worked a treat - thanks for the memory
So glad youre still making content. Always informative, always concise, always a good watch!!!
Thank you for answering my question and doing it with a video as well. Your explanations made sense!
You answered what I had in mind and so much more.
I originally had bought a Leupold rim fire scope (2-7×magnification) for my marlin 39A golden mounty. After a few years I put it on a marlin 1894 in 44rem (1st gun I purchased at 18yrs!) for deer hunting without a thought as to if the extreme difference in recoil would damage the scope in any way. After a few years the thought did occur to me, but no one seemed able to really know if it would be a problem with continued use in this way. Didn't see any problems with accuracy. It was just nagging my thoughts. Something that needed to be addressed. Turns out it doesn't damage them!
Your recent scope videos jogged that question again when you mentioned rimfire scopes. Very much appreciate those videos!
Thank you for your excellent videos. They are amongst the very best on UA-cam. I have a question I’m hoping you can answer. I have an old (circa 1960’s) Colt single-shot rifle. I used it extensively for short-range hunting when I was young and always with iron sights. Now that I’m 70 years old and wanting to get into target shooting, I’m finding it very difficult to use the iron sights on account of my no longer 20/20 vision. I can’t seem to find any eyeglasses that work well and I also find that my glasses fog up quickly. Hence I’m starting to consider adding a scope in the hope I can shoot accurately again. Any tips you can offer on types of scopes that may make sense, and whether to wear glasses focused for near or long distance, will be greatly appreciated. - Thanks again! - Jim
Once again I'm grateful for you taking the time to share your knowledge as I always learn something and my use of firearms always benefits.
I wanted to thank you for these great videos full of valuable information. I tested my first 9mm loads yesterday with great success. I learned so much and got multiple reloading books as you suggested. My 18yr old son is now learning this tradition.
I always wondered what that was about, thank you! Also, I want to thank you for all your videos regarding reloading, I recently sold my business and have sort of retired and have taken up reloading. I now have the time to devote to it, and it was a blessing finding your channel! Thanks again and say hi to Benny, hope all is well!
I just happened to be watching your video on how to adjust your sights on a lever action and this popped up. I've been debating on installing a scope on my 1972 9422m, love the rifle and its incredibly accurate.
My personal feeling is that putting a scope on my Model 9422 would be like hanging a snowplow on a BMW.
Thank you. Nothing better than knowing the facts and the background that supports the facts.
Finally someone I trust in, answers this question.
I have a regular rifle fixed 4 power Nikon on my 22 and it works really well for me I hardly notice the parallax although I am sure that it is present but it doesn’t seem to bother me I can shoot a 5 shot group at 50 yards and have one hole . I wish that I knew one tenth of the things that you know about firearms . Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us .
Hmmm wish I would have seen your video few weeks ago. Just purchased a CZ 22WMR 457 America. Bought a vortex crossfire 11 4-12×44, B.D.C reticle, Warner rings. Out to the range with several different types of ammo. Although the P.O.I. was different with each type of ammo, I was pretty impressed with the groups and the accuracy of this rifle. Now my Area 419 scope base has arrived (15 moa) had to change the rings. Vortex pro series low. Haven't been to the range yet. Was really excited about my setup until I watched this video, now I don't know if I've made the wrong choices with this setup. I intended to enter in some of the rimfire shooting competitions at my local range in the hunter class. The target ranges are 100 and also 200yds, that's why I went with the higher power scope. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks again.
Terrific video. Thank you. I just remember many comments over the years that rimfire scopes can fall apart if you mount them on a 3006-type recoiling rifle. I never thought of parallax. Merry Christmas from -30 C. Cache Creek, B.C. Canada.
I bought a new Miroku made Browning T-bolt as soon as they were advertised about ten years ago. Leupold makes a rimfire 3-9 scope that is scaled down and looks great.
Have this combination--the Browning rings fit very well.
Wow the very first rifle I ever had was given to me by my Dad. Remington 572 fieldmaster pump 22. Wish I still had that gun.
Couldn’t agree with you more. You definitely know what you’re talking about. What I find when using a 22 with subsonic ammo. Is a dedicated. Scope with the bullet drop calculated. On the reticule great video thanks
I wish I had been able to view this content a few years ago when I was researching scopes for my newly purchased 10/22. I came to about the same conclusions and purchased a Nikon Prostaff P3 Target EFR 3-9x40 AO. I don't believe they are still available, but it works great with the adjustable parallax feature.
Thanks for the info.
I have been mounting centerfire scopes on my rimfires for decades. Never noticing any issues. But since you've pointed out the differences, I want to find a good quality rimfire scope and try it out.
Back in the day, when money was tight, I would mount whatever was available at my local gun shop in the used section. Then I simply learned how that rifle shot best with the equipment I could afford. I always liked the larger field of view through a centerfire scope.
I now own 2 extremely accurate rimfires: a Savage 17HMR and an antique Western Field pump 22lr (open sights). When I bought that old pump gun, I figured it would be used up but was I ever wrong. That rifle is way more accurate than I am able to shoot it.
I find it a bit disheartening that the younger generations don't get the opportunities to spend long hours with their firearms. Of course, some do but not in the same mass numbers like when I was young. My buddies and I would spend all day shooting our 22's and pellet rifles at ground squirrels, gophers, dump rats, pigeons and anything else that needed population control at the time. To this day, those guys can shoot very well. Most of them can't see well anymore though....lol.
Even these days, when I get a little bored, I'll take my pellet rifle out back and shoot grasshoppers while enjoying my favorite beverage. It's a great way to kill a little time and help control the hopper population.
You’re dead on about how things are now for the rest of us who are younger. I’m 36 now and have lived in the same town most of my life in Georgia. Growing up it was considered a smaller town but it’s expanded exponentially and is now a decent size city. For me to be able to shot my rifles I have to drive 45 minutes to any one of 3 ranges I have near me, pay the range (2 of 3 cost about $25 a visit, the last one is free) sit down at a bench, shoot, load everything back into the truck and drive 45 minutes home. I envy those who can walk out of their back door and shoot centerfire. I do shoot my air rifles at home but that’s as much as I can get away with. I’m hoping to move out of the city and live on some land in the next few years.
Thanks so very much for sharing your knowledge with us! You answered a question that I’ve been looking for over the years about for what kind of scopes to use on my rimfire rifles and pistols!
I like those old 3/4" Weaver scopes, I've collected a few.
I own a CZ 452 Ultra Lux with a 4x rimfire Leupold. It's the best combo for squirrels I've ever had the privilege of owning especially with such a low noise report. I also like the old rimfire Japanese Tascos. I sight in at 25-30 yds instead of 60 for headshots with 4x. I'll shoot out to 50 with this combo; any further I prefer more magnification.
Cz452,???? Where does that come from? An import?
@paulpetty3331 Czech Republic. The 452 line was discontinued back in 2011 in favor of an easier, cheaper manufacturing process. If you're lucky enough to find one at a reasonable price I'd grab it.
I learned this the hard way. I tried putting a centerfire rifle scope on my 22 bolt action and I had trouble focusing on things at 25-50yrds and sometimes 100yrds depending on zoom. It was disappointing because I wanted to be able to do some crazy ballistic feats with the 22 slug. Unless you have a scope with adjustable parallax, you'll have to get a rimfire specific optic.
I have always purchased Air rifle scopes which are limited in quality so now I can venture into rimfire scopes for my Air rifle thanks to your video.
There's really no such thing as an airgun scope unless you count the extremely small number of models designed specifically for FT competitive shooters, which side focus down to 10 yards and are 50x magnification minimum. This happens to be close to the specs of a lot of benchrest scopes, so there's a lot of crossover there. I would ask what you're doing with your airgun before suggesting any scope, but for me personally, I won't buy any scope for an airgun unless it's side focus down to 10 meters, preferably 9.1 meters which is 10 yards. There is a difference, and it matters in FT. But for all other airgun use, 10 meters.
I would as a general rule also suggest high magnification, because we tend to shoot small things, and we need precise shot placement.
Other than that, go nuts. Most of my scopes on airguns cost more than the airgun.
Also side focus is important to me for another reason, I use it for range finding. I focus on known distances, and mark the position of a large focus wheel. With practice this works for hunting as well as FT shooting and means you don't need a rangefinder when hunting. With the trajectory of airgun pellets, a few yards wrong estimating distance will easily cause you to miss.
For general airgun use, the Element Helix is almost impossible to beat. 6-24×50, tactical turrets, side focus, really nice glass, and it's rock solid. It's not an airgun specific scope, more like a really good scope for a reasonable price, that happens to be designed by people who are into airguns, so it ticks all the boxes for airgunners, but can just as well work for competition rimfire and PRS shooters who don't want to fork out for a Delta or a Nightforce. If I had the money I'd run a Delta Stryker 10-50x60 on my FT rig though. What a beast that is. I'm running a Falcon X50 10-50x60 now. That's a scope that's built in the Sightron factory and shares a lot with the Sightron SIII 10-50x60. Japanese glass is good.
My first gun was a single shot .22 O.F. Mossburg with the Weaver 7/8 tube with tip-off mounts. And yes, tear drop plastic turret caps in 4X.
Thank you for your explanation, very clear and easy to understand....the best yet I came across, I just bought two scopes on sale and was glad to go rimfire specific for my new 10/22 Ruger 2-7 35 v-plex...you have just confirmed my intuition with your knowledge, thanks again sir.
Salute
I bought all my guns, ammo, and reloading before 1984 from paper route money. It was good work for a youngster and okay into manhood. Threw papers for 12 years from 12-24, 365 days a year, morning and afternoon for 10 then the afternoon paper went kaput.
I have a K-6 Weaver on a Glenfield mod. 25. It won me a couple of rimfire silhouette trophies against rifles and scopes costing 5X as much. And squirrels had no chance within eyesight of that rifle.
I have a Leupold FX series rimfire scope (2.5x) on my CZ 452, great combination.
Thanks for putting this information out there. I was surprised when I went to my local Cabela's to buy a scope for my Italian made Weatherby Mark xxii semi auto and the sales clerk tried to sell me a centerfire scope. If I didn't know better I probably would have bit just based on the paper specs like most. As it turns out I have that very same Leupold 4 power fixed mounted on it as you have on your CZ. Merry Christmas GB.
Your Winchester Model 70 looks exactly like the one I have chambered in .280 Improved and built by Saturn Sports , the Jenke Bros...here in Reno. I'm wondering if you have heard of them. I don't even know if they are alive as the old gun shop has been other businesses for many years now. My Model 70 Featherlight also has a Leupold scope, but it's a 3-9 power. It's one heck of a hunting rifle and it makes hunting too easy and itt made me switch to archery for hunting.
I have a few guns in the UK (grew up on a farm). Also a believer in less is more, but I use rimfires to try out new ideas - now running a small prismatic on a Volquartsen 10/22, and, dare I say it, a burris eliminator laserscope gen2 (the small 3-10×40 they briefly made) on my 17hmr. The later is the greatest setup I've ever used on rabbits in apple orchards - rapidly varying ranges. And there's nothing wrong with putting fancy scopes on a rimfire if you can.
This is solid advice. As a airgun field target shooter, I would add something, that I don't know if many rimfire and centerfire shooters would be interested in, but I never use a rule of thumb for figuring out what distance to zero at, I use math based on my actual real world trajectory. My zero for my target rig is set to be the highest point of my trajectory in relation to my line of sight. This is because I rangefind and then dial for every distance and I really don't like how messy things get when I have to dial down from my zero as well as up. For a hunting airgun setup, I'm going to specify a "killzone" of a specific size, that I think is reasonable for the critter I'm going after, and I'm then going to zero in the center of that, which means that my trajectory will go half the size of my killzone above the line of sight and then back down again. This means I have a large range between the minimum and maximum range I can shoot with no holdover or elevation adjustment because critters don't usually sit around like targets do.
But I always let the combination of scope height and trajectory dictate my zero distance, whereas almost all my fellow shooters use a the conventional wisdom, which is usually 25 yards with an airgun for FT shooting, or maybe 30 to 40 yards with a high powered hunting airgun. This is madness to me, because they start with an arbitrary number and then build their dope chart around that. Maybe I'm just pedantic, but I like my dope chart to be as clean and simple as possible.
Phew! There's a lot of madness in the world, but lacking your specificity in sighting an airgun isn't reason to call the mental health people! Setting a firearm sight such that the trajectory is maximized to strike a target or "kill zone" with one setting, based on sight height is commonly called traditional "point blank" sighting. What you discovered is the standard method that hunters, target shooters and the military have used since rocks have been thrown. 25 yards is actually a pretty good point blank zero for many air guns.
@GunBlue490 Yeah, it's just that airguns vary a lot. I have a system that works for me, but I find most of the others I shoot with have methods that I find painful. But I mean no offense, I'm just an incredibly pedantic guy who has to have everything logical and as simple as possible. So I always determine my zero distance precisely. Most of the time you're right, 25, 26 or 27 meters is where I land on, not yards. But 25 yards would work well if I was going for say, a half inch killzone, but for targets, I'm going for the apex of the trajectory.
Really love all your content. I watch for hours at a time. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. Look forward to more videos next year.
I currently have three .22s. Two Ruger 10/22s and an old Western Auto Revelation single shot .22. Both the Rugers have high power rifle scopes and the single shot has a .22 scope. The single shot stays out in the tack room of the barn and we use .22 shorts in it. The 10/22s have 1.5 x 4 power 40 mm scopes due to the clarity and field of view I get with them
Thank you for a clear and informative presentation. I'm going shopping for a 22 scope soon and now I'll be a much smarter shopper. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for this. I'm scope-shopping for a 1948-manufactured Marlin 39a and this is very useful.
Mr. R, yesterday a UA-cam video popped up on my TV as recommended for me and don’t know why but the title intrigued me. The only center fire rifle I’ve seriously reloaded for is my 1993 Remington 700 Classic in .222 Remington.
The UA-cam channel is, The Real Gunsmith, 12 days ago. The title was Properly Sizing Cases. I found it informative. You may use the same method…I don’t know.
This is important stuff for scope selection. I'm gonna check out the parallax on my son's rifle scope now.
I have Vortex Diamondbacks 2-7*35 Rimfire, 50yd Parallax, 60+ ft FOV on a Marlin 60 and on my Marlin 1894 44Mag/44Spl. 😀
I very much appreciate you sharing your knowledge in such a pleasant relaxed manner!
Came here to learn the diff between c/f and r/f scopes while looking for a scope to put on a .22WMR.
Grew up on .22lr and have sighted in a few c/f-round scopes through the years.
But could always drive nails with a fixed-power Simmons on a .22lr.
And in all that, I've never noticed parallax being an issue in any scope.
Is it that parallax is really a function of the shooter being aware of having a center-line view through the scope?
I bought a bsa sweet 17 scope for my savage .17 hmr. I'm liking it.
thanks for the simple and clear explanation on the differences and how those differences effect the shooter! enjoyable watch thanks again.
Believe me, hunters & sport Shooters know much more than today’s guys behind counter. On different occasions, I had to shake my head to the inadequate knowledge most of them have about guns, scopes, bullets and shots.
I’m telling one just for the hike of it.
I asked for a certain sabot slug I was looking for 385 grains. I asked the guy to check the box to see how heavy the slug is for accuracy before purchasing. He replied “sir it says 385 Grams. And I didn’t know either to laugh, or cry for that answer knowing each gram is 15. + grain that multiplied by 385 = 5900 grains-+. 13.5 once 😊
Every time I go hunting stores, especially big box stores, I say to myself, this owner, manager must be a tree hugger/anti hunter/liberal/ democrat/vegan… you name it.
Thank you sir for your time and effort to give us knowledge & wisdom
I put a center fire scope on my good rimfire and I couldn't be happier.
While I didn't get a dedicated rimfire scope for my CZ 455 Full Stock, I put on a Simmons Blazer 3-9X40 that came as a package scope with a Stevens 200 .25-06, and probably a centerfire scope, but cheap. Does well however, shooting quarter size target dots consistently blacking them out at 50 yards. I do have a Beeman Silver Kodiak break-barrel air rifle that came with 2 barrels and a Beeman 4X32 scope that I could swap out. One of my first pellet air Rifles was an RWS in .177 only with only iron sights. No idea whatever happened to it. Great air rifle of good quality.
you can adjust the parallax on any scope, i do it all the time. i does not have to have an AO ring.
Hi! Got a fixed 4X on my 22, no parralax adjustments. But from say 50 to 250m that's not really an issue. It's an "old" BSA scope and it works well for me. When i've swapped my Nikon 4/16 from my 222 to my 243 with a 1.5/6 Barska that costed me 60 euros, guess what? I'm still shooting good with my 222 rem and the 4/16 Nikon allowed me to shoot 1265m . The scope doesn't makes you better. Only your fondamentales will. But i know that's not even a point for you.
Best regards from France!
🖖🏻🇫🇷😎🇫🇷😎🇫🇷🖖🏻
I always wondered, thought it was a construction difference. Thanks again!
Great information, like always! Thanks.
Best wishes from Bulgaria.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year 🎉
The most comprehensive explanation for a rimfire scope. Will share with my brother who is going to buy his first rile. A .22LR rifle. 👍
Merry Christmas and God Bless! Love to see you do a video with Hickok 45 or another UA-camr.
I’m a rimfire squirrel hunter. Everything you said was accurate. In my area, .22 squirrel rifle zero should be around 35yds. Shooting flat across the ground, 60yds seems perfect. Your point blank range doesn’t stray far from your aim point. However, when you start pointing up in the trees it doesn’t hold up nearly as well.
With a 35yrd zero your point blank range stays close to your sight picture no matter the angle.
That’s for my area where most squirrel are taken at distances less than 50yds.
It also only applies to scopes mounted close to the rifle bore…where it should be for squirrel.
Merry Christmas and Happy New!!
I was wondering If you could tell me the model number of the Leopold scope for the .22LR Rimfire? Thank you for a very well explained difference between a centerfire scope, and a rimfire scope.
Looks like a similar set up to my 457, GB. 457 American with 2-7 vx freedom rimfire and it’s my favourite rifle in my safe
I loved last years 1932 Christmas video. I’m really hoping you can do another Christmas video this year!
Good Job Pops! Wish the younger kids would listen to all the wisdom you have on shooting. You can't hear this when buying a gun in a sporting goods store anymore! Take care !!
Very informative. You're a great teacher and very knowledgeable. Thank you for taking the time to share this knowledge with us.
As usual, so much useful information. Thank you and God bless. Merry Christmas.
Another wonderful and very informative video…just love your content and explanations. I too have the same Hawks scope on my springer…love it. Thank you for sharing your depth of knowledge with us. God bless.
Strong spring powered airguns are scope killers because of the double recoil. Even expensive high quality scopes rated for heavy cal.centerfire cartridges can be easy destroyed when used on a springer. Some brands offer scopes specially for rated springer air rifles. Example are the Hawke Airmax series where de reticle/crosshair, mostly with mill and half mill dots are chemically or laser edged in the glas.
They also have problems with the scope moving in the rings.
Actually no manufacturer I'm aware of rates their scopes for high powered spring guns from what I've seen. I shoot spring guns, and I just buy good scopes. Hawke aren't building their scopes any different from other scopes in that price range, it's mostly just a combination of airgun friendly features and marketing. When they say spring gun, they mean a 12ft/lb UK limit spring gun, not a Hatsan 135 or a Gamo Swarm Magnum. Those things will annihilate any scope unless you take steps to avoid it. Sportsmatch Dampa Mount or Diana ZR mount are basically the only options in that case.
@gun fisher Steps can be taken to avoid scopes moving in the rings. For me it stopped being an issue entirely when I purchased a Wheeler FAT wrench. Scope moving in the rings is most likely caused by inconsistent torque on the rings. You can also buy that super thin double sided tape and put that inside your rings, or you can on particularly brutal magnum springers, use a recoil reducing mount.
Is eye relief different as well? My dad put a Weaver V22 on my Sheridan air rifle as a boy and I couldn’t get a full field of view because of how it had to be mounted. Fortunately, it didn’t take me long to grow into it.
Eye relief differs between scopes and is effected by magnification too. But really that's more of a mounting issue. Most scopes it's just under 4 inches.
Hi GunBlue, love your channel a ton. Any chance you’ll be doing another Christmas “throw back” video? That’s a favorite of mine. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
He reminds me of JPII when he blesses the scope at 18:49.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us! Merry Christmas to you and yours too!
I spoke to vortex and was told the only difference in their crossfire 2-7 and remfire is the parallax is at 50 yards vs 100. It was suggested for my 3030 over the standard.
Very helpful information. Stuff I sort of knew but never put it all together with comprehensive understanding. I look forward to your videos. May God Bless you and your family, Merry Christmas to all!
Thanks for another informative video, complete with some gun tech history. Merrry Christmas to you and the whole family!
This guy is a pleasure to watch to listen too. great stuff GB490.🙂
A Hawke scope for about $90.00.. oh I wish!
What do you prefer.... fixed or variable magnification? I've been an iron site guy all my life, I did take your recommendation on the Tech Site for the 10/22 and Mini 14. They improved accuracy but alas the years are creeping in and I have started to think about a scope......but I will resist as long as I can.
Thank you for another great video. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you and your family
"Do You Need a Rimfire Scope?" Yes, Yes you do! AO is highly recommend for hunting small game with a .22 Rimfire. I want AO on every rimfire I hunt with. I agree with everything you have presented here. The Leupold 3-9x33 is my favorite rimfire scope. 300$ is a fair amount of cash. Hawke has some pretty nice options.
Yes, some of the Hawke scopes are decent. My problem with them is that they are made in China. I try to not buy any made in China stuff whenever possible or practical.
you learn so much from this guys channel i love this guy if america had 1 million of this guy wed be ok
Last week I was gifted a pristine custom rifle made by the Alamo Gun Company out of Texas in 1946 that was re-barreled on a small ring Mauser action in .300 savage complete with a Norman-Ford 2.5x scope with a post type retical. It is very well put together and ideal for woods hunting, however, with modern bullets such as the Hornady 178 ELD-x at 2,350 fps, it could be good enough for elk out to 300 yards (1,500lbs of energy) if one could hold steady at that range. The problem is that the scope is low powered and has a 7/8'' tube. I'd like to find a modern, or vintage variable, or fixed powered scope that has a 7/8'' tube. Any suggestions?
★ Thank you for that. Much appreciated. I also like the fixed
4X for 'most' shooting in rimfire.
Good video!
Another great video, thank you. Of course I have an AO (Leupold EFR) scope on my 10/22. I like to target shoot at various near distances so it is imperative to have AO or side focus.
When you finally find an expert on youtube, you shut up an listen... 😮
Another great video from the voice of experience.
Hope Bennie is doing well.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and thanks for the video!
I love you blue no homo, learned so much from you. Happy new year and merry Christmas. Brother man. God bless you you’re family and you’re dogs.
Thank you for your well-presented and very important information.
Thanks for the great info. about rimfire scopes. What scope rings did you use for the CZ 457 to mount the fixed power Leupold scope?
how do you know if you go to the store if you are buying a rim scope . Do these scope come in first parallel so that the point impact does not change when the magnification is change
What scope would you recommend for 22 mag rim fire rifle. Great videos, thanks😊
i have a good leupold rimfire scope on my cz 455, i love it.
Love the video. I would like to know the exact scope model you have on your 22LR. I just bought my first one and would love to get that same one. Thank you in advance.
I would love to hear about how you mount a scope on a rifle that has open sights already installed!
Could you go over copper bullets, how and when to use them and any other insight you might have. What about weight considerations or sectional density compared to conventional lead based bullets. Thanks for your information and keep up your videos. They are the best most informative I have found.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do a segment about monolithic bullets, for sure.
Merry Christmas, i hope you made it through the record snow storms.
Sad that Weaver and Bushnell got pushed out of Japan, I love my r-9 and cz in 22hornet I did buy a Hawk scope just will not hold zero reticle always returns to the right after a few shots probably should send it back but you never know if you will get burned again
I have always used Burris rimfire scopes they are set at 50 yards
Great video as usual, but I still have a question. You may have answered it and I just didn't get it. I understand adjusting the the parallax at 50 - 60 yards on the rimfire scope. I do not understand why not just set all scopes at the same 50 - 60 yards? What does the 160 yard parallax adjustment do better at longer distances that a 50 - 60 yard parallax doesn't do. Is the image more crisp and clear? I have asked this question on internet forums and just can't seem to get an answer I understand.
The farther the parallax is factory set at the longer the infinity distance actually is. The closer fixed 50-60 yard parallax hinders the maximum farthest distance to see clearly at. Having AO or side focus eliminates this.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I recently picked up a used Leupold fixed X4 scope for center fire. I will check it against my Leupold fixed X4 rimfire scope.
I know what parallax is.
But there’s someI don’t understand.
How can you have parallax when you are only using one eye?
And that eye should also be aligned with the bore axis, pretty much anyway.