Rimfire scope for kids

[Jpmiller]

My oldest kids (9, 7, 4) are asking for a scope for their shared 22. It’s a cheap single shot probably not worth a scope so was exploring getting a better 22 or just letting them start using one of mine (but really, I think this situation calls for a new gun obviously).

My question is how much of a difference does a $50 dollar scope make vs a $100 bs a $300? They’ll be shooting inside of 50 yards at rabbits and gophers. I want them to have the equipment to succeed at their skill level, not really anticipating them using it to try and win an Olympic event.

Thoughts?

[birdshooter1189]

A $50 3-9x42 or similar would be perfect for that.  Anything more expensive would likely make no difference in how they shoot.

I shot many critters with my 1022 and $50 barska scope over the years. 

[wadu1]

I'm using the free ones that came with Burris Fullfield rifle scopes. They had a promo buy a Fullfield and get a 3X9X40 rimfire scope for free. They are used when we have a kids rimfire event, I loan them out for the kids who don't have a .22.

[ducks4days]

The mounts are more important than the scope when you get that low in cost. If the screws are tight they should be good with a $50 scope inside of 100 yards.

[highcountry_hunter]

I put a $99 bushnell 3-9 on my .22 mag about 7 years ago. It’s probably bounced around 10k miles in my Jeep and still knocks the crap out of ground squirrels at 100 yards


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[MIKEXRAY]

I did a 4X fixed scope for my kids 15 years ago , I got a little better quality over a variable for the same price plus I didn't want them always
messing with it. Worked out perfect, and has been a real nice setup all these years.

[Jpmiller]

I hadn’t thought about how much they’d want to mess with a variable power scope. I think a fixed scope is the right call thanks. I’ll have to look what’s in the gun shop next time I’m in town thanks for the advice!

[JDHasty]

A subject I put considerable effort into sorting out.  Most all one inch scopes except ~1-5 power w/o front bell are all but impossible to mount low enough.  Even the Leupold 4 and 2-7 RF Specials and afore mentioned “dangerous game” or “brush” scopes finding a ring set that mounts them low enough is all but an effort in futility.  Most of the small rimfire scopes are absolute junk.  Old Weaver B4 & B6 and baby Redfield and a few others notably excepted. 

Look for one of these.  They can be found at gun shows and on eBay for ~$60
They were also marketed under the B&L banner. 

Make sure it has the clamp w/it.  They also made them in 4 power.  With and without BDC.  Made in Japan quality.  Mount low so kids can get lined up behind it.

The 3-7 is my choice because shooting rodents 4 power just leaves off where a lot of fun is still to be had.  I’ve found that if the equipment is capable the kids will keep at it and seek to improve their abilities.  If there is nothing more to be gained then they get bored. 

These are something that will cover a lot of ground and are not a second rate compromise like a one inch scope with foam taped to the stock so they can get behind it with their cheek down on the comb and learn to shoot properly.   

My daughter was seven years old and shooting rock chucks at 225 and hit what she was aiming at with her 17 Hornet.  If she said she was waiting for one to come out a little so she could shoot it in the heart it would be center punched when you went and looked at it.   She could shoot and she could shoot because she had been shooting a 22 LR rifle that fit her properly. 

Effort put into locating a decent one of these will pay off in the long run. 

If you want a recommendation for a rifle look in pawn shops and LGS for a Remington 580 BR.  A standard 580 can be cut off and made into a Boys Rifle easy enough and so if you find one for a good price it can be made into a BR. 

They are good for close to a half inch group at 50 yards with ammo they really like.  We have a couple and they shoot ~3\4 w/Mini Mag HP.  It might take a bit of looking but they can be found for ~$100

The 581 is a box magazine repeater of the same and 582 is the tube magazine version. 

The legendary Remington 541 is nothing but a gussied up version of the same rifle with a match chamber and adjustable trigger. 

The 580 in the photo was a beater I bought as a “parts gun” and decided to restore instead.  I bought the mahogany stock off eBay for $10 and put a little effort into refinishing it and polished up the barreled action and furniture and had it blued.  They came with birch, mahogany or walnut stocks, they are all good.