Squirrel Rifle Scope

[webs]

What power scope do you prefer for Squirrel hunting and if variable what power setting works best for you?

[mitch_mckee]

Originally Posted by webs

What power scope do you prefer for Squirrel hunting and if variable what power setting works best for you?

I prefer a simple, compact, 4x scope with a decent field of view. Since I don't happen to have a fixed power right now, I use a 3x9 Simmons scope made for center fires rifles and set it on 4x.

Shots are typically no more than 30 yards and I think that clarity and f.o.v. are more important than power.

[GlockMeister]

I'd have to agree with what Mitch said. If I were you just get a 4X32. If you have to have or really want a variable, get a 3-9X32 or 3-9X40. If you really need to let the light in, then by all means get a scope with a 50mm objective. lol

For informational purposes mainly, and I suppose to check it out, if you do a search on this site, under scopes or .22s in the general rifle section, you'll see a G&G member by the name of sucklead that posted a picture of her recently purchased Ruger 10/22 and where she put I believe it was a Simmons 3-9X50 scope on it. It looks dam good.But it mainly comes down to a matter of preference and how much you want or have to spend. Good luck. There's a lot to choose from. Or do you already have a scope and are just wondering what the best power is or what most use on a variable powered scope?

As for what setting on variable power scope, I'd again agree with Mitch, but if a range had to be given, I'd say 3,4 or even 5 power at the most.

[jerry]

Fixed Weaver 4x32

[NHmsj]

I have always used fixed scopes on my rimfires, 4x32s; however, I thought it about time I give a variable scope a try. Just recently I bought a Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32 AO rimfire rifle scope. In fact it only arrived the day before yesterday. I mounted it on the particular rifle I had in mind when I ordered it, and I must say - well, it looks a bit odd. It’s a big scope, least ways, bigger than I am accustom to, and it sort of makes my rifle look a bit top-heavy. Of course, I am sure I will get use to the “new” look soon enough. I haven’t yet sighted it in, but the scope’s clarity seems very good and the scope is so designed that the eye relief does not change as magnification is increased - something I never liked about variable scopes. Of course, it is Parallax adjustable and it will be set to 50 yards. But now I’m thinking, perhaps having a AO scope is a bit of overkill. I doubt very much I’ll ever use a setting other than 50 yards - the setting all fixed rimfire scopes are set to anyway. It does have a pretty sharp focus adjustment at the eyepiece. However, that adjustment can’t be locked down as I am use to. The adjustment is much like the right eyepiece of a pair of binoculars, and I don’t know how that will hold up in the field. To be blunt, although I like the finger-quick adjustment, I’m not crazy about it not being locked down once it’s set. And much like a Parallax setting, once the eyepiece is properly set, there is seldom, if ever, any reason to change it (at least not much beyond any one season. Old eyes to tend to get older over time.) Unfortunately, however, I didn’t realize the eyepiece could not be locked down when I settled on the scope.
So, although I have always used 4x32 scopes on my rimfires, and have never had a problem with such, I’ll soon see if this variable scope is worth the effort and expense. I suspect it’ll work out nicely on the range, but in the field - well, after getting my hands on it and mounting it on my rifle, I have my doubts it’ll out perform any of the 4x32 scopes I have. We’ll see, though.
msj

[mitch_mckee]

Originally Posted by NHmsj

I have always used fixed scopes on my rimfires, 4x32s; however, I thought it about time I give a variable scope a try. Just recently I bought a Simmons 22 MAG 3-9x32 AO rimfire rifle scope. In fact it only arrived the day before yesterday. I mounted it on the particular rifle I had in mind when I ordered it, and I must say - well, it looks a bit odd. It’s a big scope, least ways, bigger than I am accustom to, and it sort of makes my rifle look a bit top-heavy. Of course, I am sure I will get use to the “new” look soon enough. I haven’t yet sighted it in, but the scope’s clarity seems very good and the scope is so designed that the eye relief does not change as magnification is increased - something I never liked about variable scopes. Of course, it is Parallax adjustable and it will be set to 50 yards. But now I’m thinking, perhaps having a AO scope is a bit of overkill. I doubt very much I’ll ever use a setting other than 50 yards - the setting all fixed rimfire scopes are set to anyway. It does have a pretty sharp focus adjustment at the eyepiece. However, that adjustment can’t be locked down as I am use to. The adjustment is much like the right eyepiece of a pair of binoculars, and I don’t know how that will hold up in the field. To be blunt, although I like the finger-quick adjustment, I’m not crazy about it not being locked down once it’s set. And much like a Parallax setting, once the eyepiece is properly set, there is seldom, if ever, any reason to change it (at least not much beyond any one season. Old eyes to tend to get older over time.) Unfortunately, however, I didn’t realize the eyepiece could not be locked down when I settled on the scope.
So, although I have always used 4x32 scopes on my rimfires, and have never had a problem with such, I’ll soon see if this variable scope is worth the effort and expense. I suspect it’ll work out nicely on the range, but in the field - well, after getting my hands on it and mounting it on my rifle, I have my doubts it’ll out perform any of the 4x32 scopes I have. We’ll see, though.
msj

There is a good upside to variable scopes like that. One can zoom in on small critters hiding out in the brush better. Real convenient for early season hunts. I leave mine on 4x and zoom in/out to scan.

[CZer]

I'm now using a Weaver RV7 2.5-7x28 and it's perfect for my use. Small, Light, Clear&Bright, & 7x is a plenty for squirrel shots taken with a 22lr.

[webs]

Thanks for the replies and good input by all.I also think that a fixed 4x32 scope on a .22 is a good set up for Squirrel hunting.I like a rifle set up like this for the early season when the leaves are still on.When the leaves fall off and the woods open up, I like a rifle set up with a 3x9x40 and leave it set on 5x.Seldom do I zoom up to more than 6x for any shots.

[big boomer]

For hunting I like the simple, so a fixed power scope. I like a 6x but they are hard to find so a 4 power is my next best and make it a 1" or 30MM not the little 22 scope.

[jerry]

I don't believe it's the safest practice to use a scope as a binoculars. While your zooming in, you might see something you didn't expect, then your pointing a gun at it.

[NHmsj]

Originally Posted by jerry

I don't believe it's the safest practice to use a scope as a binoculars. While your zooming in, you might see something you didn't expect, then your pointing a gun at it.

Yes, like a fully camoed bowhunter, perhaps. During bowhunting season I am constantly looking for someone sitting up in a tree who might end up in the path of some birdshot or single .22 bullet. Such is not something I'd like to be a part of. Regrettably, not all treestand hunters care to let others know they are close by. In my opinion, failing to let other hunters know they are in close proximity is also unwise.

msj

[andrew cochran]

I agree to what NHmsj just said. It is bad when a hunter dosen't even let someone know he is there. I usually use a shotgun so I don't use a scope. When I use the .22 I just use iron sights.

[sell33]

4x for me...

[big boomer]

Using a scope as a binocular is known as "glassing" and we always taught our students not to do that in gun safety class. I like my scopes to have enough power to pick my spot but low enough to quickly pick up the target, thats why I like a 6X scope for small game. The variables have too many things going on to be simple for hunting small game at close ranges.

[ArkansasHunter]

Personaly I prefer a 3X9 40mm scope though it would be nice if you could buy one 3X6 to go on a 22 rifle.

[elmer fudd]

a cheap tasco 4X scope

[AKHunter]

a cheap tasco 4X scope
__________________
If you wait long enough everything comes to you, like a boomerang!

+1 thats what I use. No complaints.

[pruneemac]

around here it gets hot and any higher than 12X you blur out from the heat waves. when its cooler you can go to 18x

ergo, I have a 6-18X

[webs]

I read pruneemac's post and for a second was wondering how in the world a 6-18x scope could be used in woodland Squirrel hunting situations.It then dawned on me he is from California and hunting the other species of Squirrel,the ground Squirrel(I think?).Pruneemac,are you using a .22 rimfire to hunt the ground variety and at what ranges are you shooting?Nice Bear by the way.

[J-Rod]

I just bought a leupold 4x33 for a squirrel gun, dont know whether or not im going to put it on my marlin golden 39a or a factory 10/22 i just built though.