Because scopes for centerfire rifles are satisfactory for use on 17 HMR and 22 WMR rifles, the range of available models is enormous. They are produced with fixed powers of magnification that include 2.5X, 4X, and 6X on up to target models of 24X, 32X, or higher magnification. Because of the advances in optics, zoom lenses for cameras have become more common than those of fixed focal length. This trend is also observed in scope sights. If you look at a catalog from a scope manufacturer, you will see that there are many more models available with variable magnification than there are of fixed power. Scopes with variable power are available in several ranges of magnification, but the 2.5-7X, 3-9X, 3-12X, and 4-16X are the most common although other ranges are available. Eye relief of scopes intended for use on centerfire rifles is around 3 inches or more, but rimfire rifles produce almost no recoil so that is never a problem.
Scopes made specifically for use on rimfire rifles (especially those in 22 LR caliber) are sometimes more compact and lighter in weight than those intended for use on centerfire rifles. This is reasonable since most rimfire rifles are slimmer and lighter in weight than most centerfire models. Many manufacturers produce so-called rimfire scopes in a wide range of prices, and to some extent the old caveat “you get what you pay for” applies to scopes. Large suppliers of outdoor equipment such as Cabela’s and Scheels market scopes with their own brand labels. Two of the scopes in the Cabela’s Pine Ridge line are a very nice 3-9X rimfire model that has a catalog price of $79.99 and a 4X model that sells for $49.99. These are good quality scopes that are representative of the lower priced models that provide good value and reliable service. When mated to a rimfire rifle of modest cost, the combination gives the shooter a rifle capable of fine performance. I have used two of the Pine Ridge scopes from Cabela’s with complete satisfaction.
Tasco markets a line of scopes that includes 4X and 3-9X rimfire models that sell for under $50. BSA offers a 4X rimfire scope for under $30 including mount which is the model my brother mounted on his Remington 597 autoloader. Simmons offers several rimfire scope models although some differ only in finish. The popular 22 Mag series is available in 4X and 3-9X models for $50 or less at most retail outlets. Bushnell markets two popularly priced scopes for rimfire rifles, 4X and 3-9X models. The scopes mentioned are typical of the budget class of optics, but all are capable of enabling the shooter to get good performance from a rimfire rifle. While I may prefer a better scope, I have used a number of low priced scopes on my rimfires with complete satisfaction. If I could afford nothing better, I would mount one on my rifle, sight in carefully with ammunition that I know to shoot accurately in my rifle, and enjoy rimfire shooting.
Two superb rimfire scopes are the 3-9X AO Simmons 1022 T (top) and the 2.5-7X Cablea’s Pine Ridge (bottom).
Moving upward in price gives the rimfire shooter many more options. Weaver offers rimfire scopes in 4X, 2.5-7X, and 3-9X AO models with the first two selling for around $150 and the last for around $250 because of its AO feature. I have had experience with some of these scopes and they are superb. Simmons also offers a 3-9X AO scope appropriately known as the Model 1022T which is found for a retail price of approximately $140. It is a fine scope that will enable the rimfire shooter to enjoy a wide range of shooting activities. Another scope that I have found to be well-suited for use on a rimfire rifle is the Nikon Pro Staff 4X model which is corrected for parallax at 50 yards and is generally available for a retail price of about $100. Thompson/Center makes a superb 2.5-7X rimfire scope that sells for around $250. While many other scopes could be discussed, these are representative models in the mid-price range. Higher priced optics of outstanding quality are available from manufacturers like Burris, Leupold, Swarovski, and Zeiss. These outstanding products will meet or exceed any reasonable expectation for a scope.
Having discussed rifles and scopes does not mean that these are the only items that you will find useful in rimfire shooting. Except possibly for shooting from a bench, a sling should be considered as a necessary piece of equipment. Most rimfire rifles are sold with either swivels or studs for attaching them. Notable exceptions are the lever-action rifles and a few autoloaders including the Ruger 10/22 Rifle. However, it is possible to install swivels on these rifles. Front swivels that clamp around tubular magazines simplify that part of the problem for lever-actions and some autoloaders. A sling not only makes carrying the rifle easier, but also it is an aid to steady aiming under field conditions. The classic military sling is a two-part affair, but an adjustable nylon strap will suffice for most uses. A rifle with a composite stock will not look out of place with a nylon strap. On a fine sporting rifle with a checkered walnut stock, an elegant leather sling would be more appropriate.
One item that is closely related to the rimfire rifle is a case to carry it in. This is often given very little attention and almost any case that will hold the rifle is placed in service, but a fine case that fits properly is a good investment. Many cases simply are not proportioned well for a rimfire rifle, which is often shorter than a rifle in a centerfire caliber. Good cases are not expensive with many of the models with nylon shells selling for around $20 or so. If you are so inclined, a heavy canvas duck case with leather trim can be obtained for around $50 or so. Finally, if you expect travel by air with your rimfire rifle you will need a case that meets FAA requirements. Probably more shooters take centerfire rifles on long hunting trips by means of air travel, but it is not uncommon for the rimfire enthusiast to take his or her special rifle to competitive events or on that special prairie dog shoot. The lockable hard case that meets FAA requirements may become a necessity for such shooters.
The rifle, scope, and sling constitute the basic shooting unit. Other aftermarket options will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 12 and ammunition will be discussed in Chapter 6. To my knowledge, there has never been a time when the rimfire rifle shooter had such a wide selection of rifles and related items.
Chapter 4THE RIMFIRE HANDGUNS
In Chapter 3, an overview was presented of many of the rimfire rifles that are currently available. In the case of rimfire handguns, the primary uses for many shooters involve recreational shooting in the form of plinking but handguns are often used for hunting and dispatching pests. Rimfire handguns are not normally the first choice for defensive purposes although they may certainly be used in that manner. There is also a great deal of interest in formal target shooting (both paper and silhouette targets) for which specialized high-end equipment is required (see Chapter 12). These uses for rimfire handguns will be considered separately.
This Ruger Single Six Bisley model is a good choice for plinking and general sport shooting. Having fixed sights, it is not a good choice for formal target shooting.
Popular rimfire handguns are produced in (left to right) single- and double-action revolvers and semiautomatic pistols. The guns shown are (l. to r.) the Colt Frontier Scout, the Smith & Wesson K-22, and the Smith & Wesson 422.
Basically, rimfire handguns fall into the broad classifications as “sport” and “target” models. Sport models generally have shorter barrels and may not have adjustable sights or at least may have sights that are not as sophisticated as those on target models. Rimfire handguns intended for high level competition usually have rather long barrels and the best possible sights that are fully adjustable. Some of the most sophisticated target handguns are single shots that are designed for ultimate accuracy rather than rate of fire. Although revolvers were popular target handguns in the past, the majority of target pistols today are semiautomatics. In this chapter, a discussion of rimfire handguns is presented and some specific models are discussed, but it is not meant to be a catalog of all currently available models. For that type of coverage, consult the current edition of the Gun Digest or Handguns 2005 (see Appendix A).
Before progressing to the subject of rimfire handguns, it is appropriate to make clear certain