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?

 

[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

 

[MoKelly]

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

MoKelly

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[GGB]

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