I've been invited to go "long range shooting" next weekend?

Question

I have a cheap Savage/Stevens 305 bolt action. It is a .22 WMR that I paid $179.99 for. Presently it has the open iron sights. I plan to get a cheap scope tomorrow and zero it in.

My local choices are:

4x15 Barska "Rimfire" $10

4x20 Barska "Rimfire" $16

3-7x20 Barska "Rimfire" $20

4x32 Barska "Plinker-22" $35

3-9x32 Barska "Plinker-22" $46

Will these be of any use? I could drive to Wal-Mart some 30 minutes away, but would I find anything better?

Answer 1

Those are some pretty cheap (read "crappy") scopes.  With optics, you will only get what you pay for.  Good optics are not cheap.  When you buy a cheap scope, you get a CHEAP scope.  If you want a decent scope, it is going to cost you a few bucks and you will be far better off spending the few extra bucks for a decent scope rather than buying a cheap piece of c**p and then throwing it away and having to replace it once you find what a piece of c**p it is.  One place I have found that you can get a decent scope at the best price is Cabela's.  Their store brand Pine Ridge scopes are good value for the money.  You can get a good 2 to 7 power for $70 or you can get a good tactical scope that has interchangeable turrets to match your specific caliber for  $90.  The rule of thumb for buying a scope is to never spend less for a scope than you spent for your rifle.  In this case, I think we can make an exception.

If you think you want to shoot at any distance that requires the use of a scope, never buy a piece of c**p scope just because it is cheap.  If you do, you will have wasted your money and you will regret ever having made that decision.  Save up your money and buy a good scope in the first place, you will never be sorry.

Answer 2

Barskas are cheap junk. Go to walmart and look at a bushnell dusk to dawn, or a burris. they run around 60-70 dollars and will beat the barskas to death. There may be some other brands, but the key thing is ask to look through them and compare.

Answer 3

I would find  the clearest fixed power scope with the thinnest reticle or wires you can find in your price range. I also agree walmart is probably your best bet. I also shoot long range with my 22mag (Marlin model 762 micro-groove) Long range for my 22mag is 100yards. It shoots consistant 1.5-3 inch groups. I use a simmons 2x7 in the 44mag series.This scope was alittle more expensive then what you wanted to spend, but is a great scope for the application I use it for and I feel is a good value. I also use this scope on slug guns and inline muzzle loaders. A good low end scope at a reasonable cost.

Answer 4

Long Range Shooting? Don't worry about the scope you need a new gun first! I got a nice tasco 3-9x32 for about $35. At wal-mart as a matter of fact. I have it on one of my pellet guns. That thing hasn't lost it's zero in nearly a year. One time some dope that I had over here knocked it over and it had to be resighted but it hasn't been since that incident. I kill many a squirell and chipmunk with that thing.  

Answer 5

go with the 3-9x32 barska plinker it's your best choice because you need a scope that will make a target at at least 100 yards seem fairly close

Answer 6

Barska is perfectly suited for a 22 mag

I prefer the fixed 4 power for the light gathering characteristics but 3x9 isn't bad

Just keep in mind the greater the magnification the greater the natural wobble of your stance will be accentuated

I also like the larger lens compared to the typical 22 pinhole scopes

of all that you have listed I would get the 4x32

But the 4x20 would not really  put you at a disadvantage for target shooting

You have good taste in rifles also

Answer 7

A .$40.00 scope is not worth the money.

If you are not going to get a good, or at least decent scope stick with the iron sights.

Truth is, depending on the definition of :long Range Shooting" your friend is using, a .22, even a magnum, is not going to be anything like idea for the job.

Take what you have, do the best you can, and have fun.  If you are interested in taking up long range target shooting, use it as a learning experience.  And start saving your money for a good center-fire rifle and a good quality scope.

Doc