Reasonably Priced .22 with Scope

[GGB]

I'm trying to control muskrats that are burrowing into my ponds. They can really make a mess, and I know if you let them go, you may run the risk of losing a dam.

I've got a trap, but don't want to use it for fear of my and our neighbor's dogs getting in it. So far, I've been able to get several of the water rats with my old bolt action open sight .22 but realize that my eyesight just isn't what it used to be-kind of like a lot of things, huh? So I'm looking for a decent .22 with a scope already mounted, mainly to gather more light. My bolt action isn't set up for a scope mount, and besides, I need a new toy!

I thought about a .177, but that would be way more than I need, and a .22 is more fun for plinking with the family. So does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[SARG]

I have a pair of Ruger 10/22s that I use for the exact same purpose.
They do the job.

 

[TripleR]

Like many, I prefer the Ruger 10/22 but don't know what you consider reasonable. I put a Leupold VIII 3x9 with a Voltzquarsen trigger and Hogue over-molded stock, so I passed the "reasonable cost some time ago. My sons get their .22 scopes at Wal Mart and they work pretty well.

 

[GGB]

I have a pair of Ruger 10/22s that I use for the exact same purpose.
They do the job.

Thanks! A 10/22 was going to be on my short list, and you just confirmed it. Did you buy them with scopes already mounted?

 

[GGB]

Like many, I prefer the Ruger 10/22 but don't know what you consider reasonable. I put a Leupold VIII 3x9 with a Voltzquarsen trigger and Hogue over-molded stock, so I passed the "reasonable cost some time ago. My sons get their .22 scopes at Wal Mart and they work pretty well.

Yes, reasonable is in the mind of the buyer. I'll probably not get too crazy for a .22 just to take out muskrats so I can get another toy or two.

You reminded me about the Leopold scopes. They always seemed to be popular for larger calibers, but I sort of recall that they may have had a model for .22's, maybe even specifically for the 10/22. Am I on track?

 

[TripleR]

Yes, reasonable is in the mind of the buyer. I'll probably not get too crazy for a .22 just to take out muskrats so I can get another toy or two.

You reminded me about the Leopold scopes. They always seemed to be popular for larger calibers, but I sort of recall that they may have had a model for .22's, maybe even specifically for the 10/22. Am I on track?

I really like Leupold scopes and yes they seem to have all bases covered.

Cabela's: Leupold® Rimfire Riflescope

 

[k0ua]

Keep in mind that the combination scope mount and adapter will be on each rifle, however you will need rings and a scope, The rings are pretty cheap, and there are lots of scopes you could even find at Wal Mart that I am sure would make you happy. You are not going to find one already mounted I don't believe, but it is an easy thing to do. Just basically screw things together. Use some blue locktite on the screws, and go sight it it. I am taking it you have never done this before, but it can actually be fun. Well within the capability's of the average guy.

James K0UA

 

[TripleR]

Yep easy to do, some videos on You Tube on it, here is one; didn't watch it though.

Ruger Scope Mounting - YouTube

 

[Knight9]

I put a Simmons scope on my Ruger 10/22 and it seems to be a good match.

 

[nybirdman]

Lots of options here.I have a 10/22 with a bull barrel and inexpensive scope that is a tack driver.You may want to look at Savage .22's also.Word of caution;bullets can ricochet very easy off water.As stated it is very simple to mount a scope;do yourself or have a local gunsmith help.Check out your local gun shops they may have a good used gun and could mount your scope.

 

[MoKelly]

So, where will you get the 22LR's to shoot?

MoKelly

 

[k0ua]

So, where will you get the 22LR's to shoot?

MoKelly

OMG.. that is a good point..I haven't seen any lately..

 

[TripleR]

OMG.. that is a good point..I haven't seen any lately..

None around here either, we have a few hundred rounds left, maybe 200-300 or so, but after that, we're out.

 

[RobertBrown]

I have a 10/22 that has worked well for me so I would recomend it.
Lately I find that problem critters are more safely and effectively dealt with using an old .410 bolt action shot gun I got at a pawn shop around 20 years ago....paid 40 bucks for it.
I find that more often than not, these problems occur at night so the .410 is much faster and easier to aim with a flash light, and a lot more forgiving. It's probably safer too....although that could be debated.

 

[GGB]

Great input, guys. Don't know why I hadn't thought of a 10/22-we have a lot of fun with my BIL's up the farm. For some reason I'd been thinking of a Remington, but I think the Ruger or Savage would be a better way to go.

KUOA, I'm probably less than "average", but don't think I'd have too much trouble mounting a scope! That's one project I've never done, as most of my experience has been with shotguns for upland game.

TripleR, thanks for the video link.

I've thought about just bringing out one of my shotguns, but some of the shots would be a little long, and I think I'd have a better chance with a rifle. Besides, I need a new toy!

And the point about ricocheting off the water is well taken. I'm always aware of the possibiliy because one of my friends got shot in the arm by his brother when they were on opposite sides of a pond shooting at frogs. Thankfully it wasn't worse-the bullet went cleanly through his shirt and arm. They went home, cleaned the wound with hydrogen peroxide, threw the shirt away and never told their folks!

 

[redfarmer]

Get body gripping conobare traps and use them under water, they are safe that way. Plus 6 dollars apiece makes it worth it. For the muskrats that is.

 

[TripleR]

Remington use to make some good semi-auto .22's but I don't know about now. My son has his grandfather's old 552 Speedmaster that will shoot, shorts, longs and long rifles; real nice little gun.

I also like my Marlin lever action, but find myself using the Ruger more than anything else.

Mounting and sighting in is no big deal, just don't go too tight on your mounts and like James, I use Loctite.

 

[MotorSeven]

GGB I put together and modify 10/22's and think they are an excellent value for the money. A new one at Walmart will run a little over $200 in blue and around $250 in Stainless. The receivers are all painted aluminium alloy, trigger housing is plastic(since '08), and the barrel is steel(blue) or Stainless. An new one's will come with the picatinny rail that screws onto the top of the receiver to accept a scope.

For a scope you will need one designed for 22's because the parallax setting for a centerfire scope is usually preset at 75 or 100yds. This means if you use it for targets less then that there will be a noticeable error when you look through the scope which equates to your rounds not hitting in the same place every time. A dedicated 22 scope is set at 35-50yds which is generally the range most 22 are shot at. You can get a scope that has a true adjustable objective(AO) which means you can dial it in from 4-7 yards to infinity but they will be a bit larger and heavier than a fixed parallax setting scope.

With all that being said I like the CenterFire scopes sold at Walmart. They make a dedicated one for .22's with a fixed parallex, but I like the AO model that is a variable 4x16 power:

CenterPoint Illuminated Scope - Walmart.com

I have 4 of these and have mounted several more for friends & so far they are all working properly...not bad for $70 & it comes with the rings that mate to the picatinny rail.

The only other thing a 10/22 needs is a "trigger job". If you are a tinker-er you can do it yourself with stones. If not buy a Power Custom drop in hammer for $30 and drop you trigger weight from 6-7lbs to around 3...it makes a world of difference.

Power Custom 10/22 Competition Hammer

 

[brin]

I've got a Remington model 512 Sportsmaster 22 rimfire long or short and I would love to put a scope on it - just a $50 scope from walmart...has good reviews but mine does not have the pre bored holes for the scope mount...anyone know how I could go about it...? Thanks..

 

[GGB]

Thanks M7. You just answered my next question about effective range. Much appreciated.