Hello, my friend and welcome back! I try not to do too many Guest Post, unless it’s something I think will be of special interest to my readers. This is one of those cases. Many of us keep a Ruger 10/22 Takedown in our bug out bags because of their compact size. While I don’t currently have a scope on mine, it would be great if I did. The thing is, which scopes are best for this particular rifle? In today’s guest post, Joe is going to discuss just that question, and hopefully, help us find the one that is right for us. Grab a cup of coffee my friend and have a seat while we visit.
The Ruger .22 rifle is considered a classic among firearms. Not only is it easily recognizable among guns of its type no matter its age, it’s considered a “fully formed” gun. In other words, one could buy a Ruger .22 without all of the attendant possible accessories and still have a very serviceable firearm.
But the Ruger .22’s design always has accommodated these additions as well, and that’s especially true of the model the company added in 2012, the Takedown. Designed to be quickly broken down for storage and transportation, the Takedowns design is no impediment to accessories such as scopes, which can greatly enhance a .22’s range and accuracy.
But as versatile as the Ruger 10/22 Takedown is, not every scope is a good fit. What are your best bets? Below are a few suggestions.
1. Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope
Simmons has been a manufacturer of high-quality, high-value riflescopes and binoculars since 1983, and has not disappointed with its more recent endeavors.
This is a sturdy, well made and reliable scope that’s easy to install and set up, with much of its adjustments and fine tuning done by hand. Scope features include high quality coated lenses and a parallax correction feature that presets the scope from 50 yards on.
The scope comes with 38″ dovetail mounting rings, offers a clear sight due to its lens coating technology, and has patented SureGrip rubber surfaces to help make scope adjustments in a variety of terrains and weather situations. The targeting guide is a crosshairs.
In addition to the Ruger Takedown, this scope fits other models, such as the Remington .22 pellet rifle. It can also be used with a Smith and Wesson .22.
Many users choose to replace this scope’s included rail and dovetail rings with more substantial ones, and for those who do so, rings should be of a size that fits Picatinny rails.
The largest complaint with this product concerns the scope’s eye relief and sighting difficulties. Also, despite the manufacturer’s claim that the scope can sight into “infinity”, most users achieve about 50 yards.
The scope is manufactured in China, and retails without shipping charges at around $36.00.
2. BSA Sweet .22 3-9 x 40mm Rifle Scope Matte Black
Made by BSA Optics, it offers few accessories beyond a lens cover, though the lenses themselves are well-coated and in addition to being damage resistant, hold up well against weather and “buggy” conditions.
Dovetail rings must be purchased separately for this scope. It fits both a number of other .22 models, as well as non-.22 ones. In many cases both the non-Ruger .22 models and other caliber ones don’t require modifications to use the scope, provided that it already has a rail.
This scope sights and holds at zero very nicely. However, a number of users have had major issues with this scope’s reticule, which after repeated use begins “swiveling” in a counter-clockwise direction independent of desired usage, affecting crosshairs appearance among other issues. This occurs too frequently to be dismissed as a misuse issue. Consumers should note that the company has declined to address this complaint directly. Otherwise, this is a good quality if no frills moderately price scope retailing for about $50.00.
3.Tasco Rimfire Series 3-9x 32mm 30/30 Reticle .22 Riflescope (Matte Finish)
Tasco’s entry in the Ruger .22 competition actually comfortably fits a surprising number of other .22 models, including Remington, Browning and even older Sears products. Some shooters also report good results on other calibers after making modifications.
However, be warned that such modifications, while not damaging to this scope, will prevent it from working at maximum efficiency.
Lenses are made for Tasco by telescope and binocular manufacturer Bushnell, and Tasco claims that they provide “HD-like clarity”. The scope has a parallax sighting of about 50 yards.
The only accessory included with this scope is dovetail rings, also the one major source of complaint (inadequate size and durability) about this product. This scope provides adequate viewing service for its price, which is around $35.00
The “Cadillac” of our scopes reviewed here, camera giant Nikon’s entry offers superior construction and functionality, but no frills for those looking for a scope with a lot of extras.
The scope’s construct is polymer aluminum, and the lenses are made with Nikon’s patented “Eco-Glass”, which the manufacturer claims is arsenic and lead free. This scope uses a BDC 150 reticle, which allows users an open shooting area from 50 to 100 yards.
Adjustments to the scope can be made by hand, and this is an easy scope to take and hold to zero. Turrets here also feature an “audible” setting.
This scope is well suited to the Ruger TD, but it works well with other .22 models as well, such as the Savage Arms 64, and the Marlin 7000. One caution is that match-grade ammunition only should be used with this scope, otherwise some reticle drifting can occur.
While its price is not unreasonable for a scope of this caliber, this is the most expensive of the products reviewed here, generally retailing at between $170.00-$171.00. Consumers should be aware that there have been complaints of online retailers shipping out returned scopes as “new” (and at full price) but such a practice if true does not appear to have affected scope performance.
Which Scope Would We Choose?
The first criteria in reviewing firearm accessory products is to determine if they serve their designed purpose.
All four scopes magnify targets to a reasonable degree, but the BSA’s continual reticule problems and the company’s failure to address this effectively boots it from our competition.
The Simmons and Tasco models are very evenly matched in many respects ranging from price to dovetail rings. There were some complaints regarding sighting and focusing with the Simmons, but many of these users also made modifications and didn’t use match-grade ammunition, all of which can affect a scope’s performance. Either one of these brands is fine for a user looking for a reliable, inexpensive scope.
But in terms of overall quality, the prize has to go to Nikon’s P-Rimfire for its clarity, accuracy, and ease of use, including in making adjustments. While it’s sold for prices approaching $200, this is not unreasonable for a scope of this quality, and the years of accurate sighting use users will get from it make it money well spent.
What Do You Think?
Have you used any of the scopes listed above? If so, what did you think of it? Or is there a scope that in your opinion is an even better option for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown?
If you have some thoughts, please share it with us by placing a comment in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!
About the author: This article was contributed by Joe from SmokingBarrelUSA.com. Joe is a gun enthusiast that started his blog specifically to not only learn more himself but to also share what he learned with others in the community. SmokingBarrelUSA.com aims to help promote gun safety, debunk some myths that exist today about firearms, as well as help folks to choose the right equipment to suit their specific needs.
Well, my friend, I hope you have enjoyed today’s Guest post and until next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Bless America!
-Sarge-
