10/22 Optics Recommendations

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SQLGeek
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10/22 Optics Recommendations

#1

Post by SQLGeek »

I have a 10/22 Takedown that's a ton of fun to shoot but it's no secret the stock sights are abysmal. Even with my relatively young eyes, the brass bead is nearly impossible to see in other than bright light.

I've been considering either putting a set of aftermarket sights on and continuing to shoot with sights or putting some sort of optic on there. All of my shooting with it right now is plinking at ~20 yards at the range though I plan to occasionally take it out to a friend's farm for plinking and bullseye shoot at less than 100 yards.

I don't have a ton of experience with rifles and know very little about optics in general beyond the basics of what a red dot, holographic and scope are. :)

What I am looking for are some recommendations for a somewhat inexpensive optic including mounting options for shorter range shooting.

Thank you in advance for your patience with the noob.
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jason812
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#2

Post by jason812 »

I run a Nikon fixed 4 power on mine with a Wiegand one piece scope mount. The scope isn't made anymore and I believe I paid slightly over $100 for it at the time. For my needs, 4x is plenty. I'm not shooting targets with it, and the skunks and rabbits seem like they don't like it very well. I have an adjustable stock and .920 dia barrel and it is not fun to walk around with but sure is fun to shoot.
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montgomery
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#3

Post by montgomery »

You will be able to find a reliable scope at an affordable price from Leapers in the Bug Buster series: https://www.leapers.com/index.php?skey= ... act=search

You will also need a scope level http://www.cabelas.com/product/Wheeler- ... lsrc=aw.ds

and torque wrench for mounting ...http://www.cabelas.com/product/Wheeler- ... lsrc=aw.ds
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bblhd672
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#4

Post by bblhd672 »

I put a set of fiber optic sights on my 10/22 Takedown because I couldn't see the front bead either. I don't have the package they came in anymore so can't tell you the brand.

I got several 10/22 enhancement parts for Christmas and while I had the receiver apart I put the rail on so I can mount a scope. Don't have one yet so will look forward to others' recommendations.

As an aside, I discovered that buying firearm parts will end up causing you to have to buy the tools to install them properly! I spend more on tools to install the 10/22 parts than what all the parts cost. :mrgreen:
The left lies about everything. Truth is a liberal value, and truth is a conservative value, but it has never been a left-wing value. People on the left say whatever advances their immediate agenda. Power is their moral lodestar; therefore, truth is always subservient to it. - Dennis Prager

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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#5

Post by MechAg94 »

I have one set up for bench shooting with a Nikon 2-7X scope. My rifle with a lighter weight barrel has a red dot. I cannot remember the brand, but it was $200 or less. I like the red dot best. It is easy to use and quick to put on target and the cheaper red dots work fine. The scope is good, but not so great for just carrying around and plinking.

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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#6

Post by DocV »

My ancient eyes really like tech sights
http://www.tech-sights.com/ruger-products/
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Middle Age Russ
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#7

Post by Middle Age Russ »

Sights for your 10/22 depend on a lot of things, not the least of which is what you intend to use it for. I have one set up with upgraded irons (NODAK SPUD - similar to the Tech Sights but a bit more robust and with a rail) that I can mount a red dot to (Bushnell TRS-80 in a QD mount). For a handy gun that is quick to get on target but not super precise, this is a nice way to go for me. I have another set up with a 4-12X variable scope for different uses that require a bit more precision.
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Oldgringo
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#8

Post by Oldgringo »

I have a 4.5-14x40 Mueller from Joe Bob on my bull barrel 10/22 and G.I. Joe peep sights on the other. I really need to get out and shoot 'em along with my CZ's and various Ruger handguns. C'mon warmer weather.

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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#9

Post by Greybeard »

+1 on the tech sights.

I have had good luck with a "Sweet 22" scope from Academy. Some good features for a $60 scope. It has been rode very hard and put up wet thru dozens of hunter ed classes and it still functions fine.

With any of em tho, be prepared to possibly buy a semi-pricey "extended" rail (not a Ruger product) to be able to get the scope moved far enough forward for the best eye relief.
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#10

Post by Pawpaw »

I went with Williams Ace in the Hole sight on my 10/22 Takedown.

They give you a rear peep sight and a fiber optic front sight that lights up like neon. They also have a Picatinny rail so you can mount a scope too.

I mounted my scope with a Weaver Tactical Thumb-Nut SPR 1-Piece Scope Mount so I can install or remove the scope as I want.
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#11

Post by apostate »

I have a red dot and a Ching sling on my 10/22. I call it my cub scout rifle.
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#12

Post by SQLGeek »

Caribe wrote:I have this scope on my 10\22 Takedown. Great scope
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms ... a6x32-22lr
I saw that one reviewed on .22 Plinkster's YouTube channel and it looks like it might fit the bill quite well. I've also been looking at the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire.

I had been leaning toward a Red Dot due to the nature of the shooting I normally do but now I'm not so sure. I am looking at smaller, lighter options as this is a takedown so I want to keep it portable.

I may just stick with an upgraded set of iron sights like the Ace in the Hole or Tech Sights but I wanted to consider my options. Not knowing nearly anything about scopes, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
bblhd672 wrote: I got several 10/22 enhancement parts for Christmas and while I had the receiver apart I put the rail on so I can mount a scope. Don't have one yet so will look forward to others' recommendations.
What other parts did you get? My rifle came with the rail attached and I had to take it off because I couldn't see the stock sights. :lol:

Thank you everyone for the responses.
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#13

Post by bblhd672 »

SQLGeek wrote:What other parts did you get?
Recoil Buffer for 10/22 and 10/22 Magnum
https://volquartsen.com/inventory_configurations/814
Bolt Tune-Up Kit for Ruger 10/22
https://volquartsen.com/inventory_configurations/737
Automatic Bolt Release – Silver
https://volquartsen.com/products/158-au ... lt-release

Ruger BX Trigger Guard Assembly Ruger 10/22 2.5-3.0 lb Polymer Black
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10162 ... ymer-black

I had to buy a set of punches and a block to install everything.
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Re: 10/22 Optics Recommendations

#14

Post by Pawpaw »

SQLGeek wrote:I may just stick with an upgraded set of iron sights like the Ace in the Hole or Tech Sights but I wanted to consider my options.
Be advised that removing the stock front sight on a 10/22 can range anywhere from easy to a real bear. Of course, mine was a real pain.

Pounding with a hammer and punch, with the barrel resting on a piece of wood sitting on concrete, wouldn't budge it one bit. I wound up using a Dremel with a cutoff wheel to cut straight down through the sight, perpendicular to the barrel. I didn't cut quite all the way because I didn't want to do any damage to the sight base. With it cut almost all the way through, the hammer and punch took it out in only a few strokes.

Installing the new sight was much easier. I used plenty of blue loctite, which worked sort of like a lubricant when wet, but dried hard to keep the sight in place.

ETA: The reason I recommended the Ace in the Hole sights is that they will give you a very usable set of irons while keeping the ability to add a scope later. Using a quick connect scope mount gives you the best of both worlds... a scope when you need it and irons when you don't. My scope & mount (plus plenty of loaded mags & extra ammo) fit easily in the Ruger bag that came with the rifle.

Sighting in the Ace in the Hole sights can be a pain. You'll need a very small screwdriver (think jeweler's screwdriver) and some blue loctite to make sure the rear sight doesn't walk. Once you get it set, you're good to go.

Read the reviews at MidwayUSAto see the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Last edited by Pawpaw on Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. - John Adams
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