Scopes for NRL22 - How to Choose?

How do you choose a scope for NRL22? Hopefully this discussion helps those looking to get set up with a scope for shooting precision rimfire competitions like NRL22 and CRPS/ORPS (Canadian Rimfire Precision Series, Outlaw Rimfire Precision Series).
0:00 Intro and thoughts
4:24 First focal plane vs Second focal plane
5:38 Appropriate magnification
7:20 Glass quality
9:52 Reticle type
10:52 Turrets
12:48 Parallax adjustment
15:49 Canted scope bases
17:38 Throw levers
18:53 Bubble levels and anti-cant devices
19:39 Zero stops
20:49 Locking turrets
21:47 Sun shades
23:08 Flip-up scope caps
25:19 Outro

[@chrism.187]

The fact that you indexed the video timeline on a nearly 30 minute long and very comprehensive video, makes you a gentleman's gentleman. Thank you.

[@NathanLGrossman]

That has to be the cleanest, best organized workshop I've ever seen.

[@CasperChicago]

Whenever I search for a precision rifle subject and you show up, I hit the like before I watch the video. Why,..cause I know it will be what I am looking for 👍🏾

[@buckshotaaa]

Don't sell yourself short Matt, i think you ARE an expert. I'm a benchrest rimfire shooter in the UK on a limited budget and think all the points you brought up are 100% valid and are very useful information for any shooter.

[@John-uo1qf]

I started NRL22 with the Vortex Diamondback. I next went to the Strike Eagle which has all the features needed to hear Impact including the zoom, short parallax, decent glass and good turret function. With my first NRL22X match with targets at 360 yards coming up I moved a Night force from a centerfire rifle. Got to love rimfire competition! Personally, I think both zero stops and bubble levels are a must for precision rimfire.

[@SatBchMagicer]

EXCELLENT video presentation! Your precise, yet concise explanations of each salient point to consider in precision .22 rifle scopes was SPOT ON!! Keep up the GREAT work.

[@carlylea]

This is by far the best overview video on KZbin for a schmuck like me looking for their first scope. I'm looking for a scope for my Savage MK2, and I've been leaning towards the diamondback, I think this has sealed the deal. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@Heisenbrick]

Thank you for this information! I have watched too many videos on KZbin about what scope to buy for my 22 rifle, so far this has really helped me the most! only halfway through your video

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Thanks for a good introduction as someone considering 22lr competition your video is very helpful

[@joeesposito5101]

Very informative. Clear and concise descriptions and reasoning behind the choices is very helpful. Thanks!

[@gordmccoo5931]

Very well done. I have been following your channel now for a while and I like your style. Keep up the great work.

[@Womfat]

Good to hear, thank you.

[@Rorza75]

Very concise, informative and valuable. I appreciate the vid. Thank you Matt from Australia

[@Womfat]

Thanks!

[@TheWaterbouy88]

One the most informative video on use of rifle scopes.

[@gamebred5x]

I just purchased a vortex tactical 6-24x50 a few mins ago for my target 10/22. I can't wait to zero the combo

[@scottcrowell361]

Excellent review. Thank you very much!

[@tomh7708]

Awesome, thanks for the information. I found it very helpful.

[@laremm]

Great informative video. I was looking for one with this information.

[@davidbundesen5867]

Excellent explanation for someone (like me) considering getting into competitive prs shooting.

[@vemgm]

I shoot at 3-75m usually at golf ball size targets, I find a 3-15x quite useful, correctly using Vortex PST gen2. New strike eagle a good option now

[@timothywright1318]

Amazing video! Thanks for the information!

[@jayman1338]

Bro, this video was hard to find. Thanks for the info. Big help!

[@johnandcompetitionshooting282]

Well done Matt. I like how you split up the needed features from the nice stuff. No need for new shooters to feel they can't just because they don't have top end gear.

[@Womfat]

Thanks John. I love how ORPS is welcoming to new and inexperienced shooters. It's easy to get caught up in the gear and forget you have to do your part!

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

Excellent video. I'm all over the place right now trying to decide what scopes to buy for a Tikka T3X TAC A1 in 6.5 CM and a CZ 457 22LR. I would be starting at ground zero with this new hobby, having never attended any kind of PRS event, etc. Thought the Vortex Venom or Arken EP5 was the way to go. People have strong opinions for and against Vortex which has me second guessing anything Vortex except the Razor and that is way out of budget. I'd still consider the Strike Eagle but need to visit my local gun dealer to check one out. Feel like I want / need a scope with up to 25X (ish) magnification. Goal for the Tikka is to be 1000m capable though I will mostly shoot 100 - 400m. The CZ would likely be 200m and less. I like quality products and avoid products with known issues or spotty records.

[@jameskrouse160]

Excellent presentation, however I prefer high magnifications, so that my target seems larger for dead center shots. Just my preference.

[@lloydb248]

a brilliant video thanks... I'm currently trying to decide on a scope within a $1000 and it's just overwhelming with the amount that's out there.

[@PP-67]

No dzięki. Kolejny Twój film którego obejrzenie było dobrze spędzonym czasem, uzyskałem odpowiedzi na moje pytania. Pozdrawiam z Gdańska.

[@Womfat]

nie ma za co

[@PP-67]

In the movie 16'20 ”you mentioned Canted scope bases 55 MOA. You can provide a link to the store. (thanks for the information) Sorry my English is from google

[@Raidr44]

Thanks, well done.

[@northman77]

Awesome video man. I dont do competition but I came to almost the same conclusion. So, ffp, good tracking, good enough glass for the distance, throw level and bubble level is what I need. I was looking for a strike eagle like you but good/affordable 34 mm rings are... All back order. I choosed the athlon midas tac instead.And I will buy a Diamondback tactical soon.

[@p47rr]

Arken scope rings are from the same company that make Vortex. $59 on Amazon.

[@northman77]

@@p47rr not in canada!

[@dwaynesuggs5537]

Not long enough to be boring.great content thanx

[@craigwesson1788]

Very informative, just what I was looking for. In Canada where do you get your 419 accessories? Just starting out in this 22 rimfire sport 😊

[@bryanwilliams3524]

Good video. From USA. 👍🏻

[@Dave4291]

This is helpful, thanks

[@wille3303]

Great video

[@richardkut3976]

Excellent!

[@CallumOConnor_1]

I think this was a great comparison, well done. I personally use the Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50 optic and think it's one of the best rimfire optics out there, especially for competition.

[@Womfat]

Nice, the razor is a very slick scope.

[@valpairaviacionvalpair816]

Hi..WICH scope do you recomended model and distance for rimfire 22lr.??? A big hug from spain

[@peterlundqvist3362]

Hi! Can you recommend Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 FFP even for heavier caliber?

[@tomay57]

Good info

[@kevinrussell4172]

Thanks

[@d42macdo]

Do you recommend milradian or moa reticles? I know the turret adjustment knobs should use the same measurement system as the reticles.

[@Womfat]

The common answer to your question is choose whichever the people you shoot with use. They’ll both do the same thing, but it’s much easier to communicate and share amongst your group if you use the same measurements. I believe moa is still heavily used in the states, but if you’re anywhere else and usually shot alone, I’d go mrads.

[@tynottelling6584]

You do a really good job in your videos. Way too long sometimes but good info. So I found some great scopes you should try. I’m not a fan of Vortex. I used to sell scopes and have had way too many issues with Vortex so I think they suck unless you get lucky. Spending 3k for a rimfire scope hurts. Try Athlon Midas Tac or Ares ETR. They’re great and do everything we need for rimfire except they only go down to 25yrds. Tract Toric is great albeit $1700 but has everything including German Schott glass but only parallax down to 25. Element Titan or even the Element Helix. I have both. They have everything. Tons of internal adjustment with the Titan, parallax to 15yrds, epic turrets with a zero stop, 5-25x56, FFP and very good glass for $700. They even come with a throw lever. Very durable as well. I couldn’t believe it and now I have 3 Helixes and 2 Titans. The Helix parallax down to 10yrds and they still have 60 MOA of adjustment and they’re only $399! But the Titan has 110 MOA and is even better. Very surprising for scopes that don’t hurt the wallet so bad. All the scopes I named have REAL zero stops not shims and very good glass for the money. They all track excellent too. I’m a Leupold fan for life but not for rimfire. The Athlons are stellar! My all time favorite scope though for precision shooting either rimfire or otherwise is my Trijicon Accupower 5-50x56. 1/8” clicks, zero stop, great reticle, phenomenal glass, 100 MOA of adjustment and parallax to 10yrds!

[@commonsense5709]

The 39oz Element Titan 5-25x56 which is a super heavy scope only has 90moa total elevation travel in a 34mm tube. The Arken EP5 which also weighs close to 40oz is a better choice for roughly half the price. After comparing a lot of different brands of scopes, we found came to the conclusion that Element Optics scopes don't offer a very good value for the money their charge. You can see the huge difference when you compare Element Helix 60moa total travel to the Athlon Midas Tac with way better glass and way more 85moa total elevation travel and Element Titan 90moa total elevation travel to the Ares BTR also with better glass and 80moa total elevation travel in a lighter 30mm tube. These specific Athlons also have much smoother turret and side focus adjustments compared to either Element scopes. They simply aren't at the same level of quality.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I noticed you had to add a cheek riser on the synthetic CZ stock. It appears the stock is about the same design as the synthetic Tikka T1x which also needs a cheek riser. Who makes the 55moa base?

[@Womfat]

Yes, I sewed the cheek riser as the comb height is way too low to use with an optic. I ordered the 55moa based from Triggers by Scar.

[@99bogatyrs99]

What model of the Strike Eagle? I wish in your comments you would list the actual items that you are talking about. Sometimes even when I play it back I still can't pickup the name. There are a lot of choices for the Vortex scopes it would be helpful to know the details of which one you are talking about. You can't assume us newbies really know the products well enough to know what you are referring to. Thanks, enjoy your vids, "...keep on keeping on!" Is there a scope you would recommend for someone who is just getting started. I have a new CZ455, after I have got use to it I intend to at a MDT LSS Chassis. The dealer suggested a Vortex Crossfire II. What are your thoughts if you have the time to give me a direction to look at.

[@Womfat]

It’s the 5-25x56

[@clarson2916]

Word of advice… If you want your wife, or Children, to enjoy your hobbies with you, always give them the newer better equipment. Keep the second grade equipment for yourself. Trust me on this.

[@TroyVD]

This was super helpful, thanks!

[@luckman248]

Hey how about a video on mounting a scope and bore sight and how to use turrets it would be fantastic tks keep it up

[@Womfat]

I'll keep those in mind. Thanks for the feedback.

[@guoxx098]

Great video! Do you go for MOA or MRAD?

[@Womfat]

mrad

[@luckman248]

Great stuff wide range of in fo on scopes beginner here got my ruger 22 precision now to find the scope which looks like the diamond will do the trick which by the way is at sportsman where house at 349 with a 25,$ gift card sale starts today through end of July look forward to next video tks I just subscribed to ur channel keep it going awesome stuff

[@Womfat]

Thanks, happy shooting!

[@frankvanhoof4509]

Matt - I am thinking about putting a 6-24 Diamondback tactical on my CZ457 varmint, with a 30moa base. Curious what height of rings should I go with to clear the front objective? Can I get away with low rings, or will I need medium or high even with a rail. (thinking about Vortex pro series rings and either area 419 or mdt base.)

[@Womfat]

I believed I used 1.1" rings with the 6-24, but I don't have that scope anymore to confirm. Your best bet would be to use a ring height calculator you can find online.

[@commonsense5709]

The 4-16x44 Diamondback Tactical with 85moa total elevation travel would be a better choice than the 6-24x50 with only 65 moa total elevation travel plus the glass is pushed past it's limits with the 6-24x.

[@wilfdarr]

My thought is to take my high end CF scope and run it on my rimfire as well. The only down side is it has to be sighted every time. That's no big deal on the rimfire, but it's a couple bucks out of pocket when it goes back on the CF rifle.

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

That's what I am going to do as well. Too expensive to buy two for me anyway!

[@wilfdarr]

@@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921 Hey, since I wrote that post, I heard some good advice (works so long as both rifles have the same mounting system and you don't have to pull the scope from the rings...I wouldn't try it if for example you're going from tapped rings to weavers etc): (I apologize my vocabulary is probably wrong, and I can't remember where I heard it, but I'll try to explain) before you remove your scope, record your zero for each gun in that rifle's DOPE book (not the slipped/stopped zero, but the actual number of clicks from the absolute windage and incline scope zero (where the screws bottom out). When you put it back on that rifle, turn the turrets back to your recorded zero, and you shouldn't be more than one click from rifle zero! Confirm your zero and slip your turrets and your done. Should save you some ammo!

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

@@wilfdarr First off, thanks for responding. That is a great idea! I just ordered my Green Mountain Barrel and 25 MOA base for the 22. My scope mount is an offset so I can remove it without actually taking the scope out of the rings. It's also a 20MOA so I should have a total of 45 MOA on the 22. If your right (And I will try it), it will definitely save me some money and time! Thanks!

[@wilfdarr]

@@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921 Nice. What's the action?

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

@@wilfdarr Well, surprisingly it's one of my Ruger 10/22! I already have it, been used little, has MAgpul Stock, better trigger group, and I will be putting on a Vortex Strike Eagle 5x25x56. What convinced me is last weeks XLR NRL22 match here in Colorado (Cameo Shooting and education Complex). I'm a volunteer there and photographer, so I witnessed many "High End' rifles including Vudoo and others. Most had action problems with the bolt's, many Jams, and the list goes on. It's a learning experience for me.

[@fiveanddime3994]

Hello I'm looking at the vortex diamondback tactical Is magnification more important than elevation adjustment

[@commonsense5709]

The 85moa with the 4-16x44 is more logical than the 65moa with the 6-24x50 and the image quality is nicer on the lower magnification 4-16x.

[@fiveanddime3994]

@commonsense5709 Thank you I went with a 30 moa rail and the higher magnification

[@charlesmckinley29]

Are you still happy with the Strike Eagle? Some people are reporting issues with it. This was a good introduction to picking out a scope. You covered a lot of pertinent information.

[@Womfat]

I can only speak from my own experiences, but I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve used it heavily in the last half of this year and so far it’s going strong.

[@charliecraddock2217]

My son has one on a 300prc and its held up wonderfully.

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thank you

[@vgoose50]

I notice I haven't noticed anything said about "The problem of mirage", in competition ? Maybe I missed it somewhere?

[@Max-wd8ox]

@Wonfat On the CZ did you use low or medium rings from Vortex? Thanks

[@Womfat]

Medium, depends on your scope though.

[@Max-wd8ox]

@@Womfat It s gonna be a vortex diamondback tactical 6x24 50 on a cz varmint at one. I just can t decide between low and medium

[@Womfat]

I’m not sure what would be best. There are some scope height calculators you can use online, I’d try that.

[@colostomybag9367]

I appreciate this video. I have been into guns for years but I got a CZ 457 and the accuracy bug bit me. I had a 4-12 Nikon rimfire scope and the magnification is fine but the eye relief is very critical and the clarity is nothing like my nicer scopes.

[@MrWilierizoard]

I’d like to get into rimfire competitions next year, I need to stay under $1300 for nrl22 base class. I was thinking about going with the CZ 457 MTR which is $849 which leaves me with $451 for my scope. I’m considering the Arken SH-4J 6-24-50 and the Bushnell Match Pro 6-24-50, both retail for $399. Which would you recommend between the two? Should I be considering any other rifle/scope options at that $1300 price point?

[@JW-wi1nf]

For 2025 NRL22 the base class will be a $1500 combined MSRP. I like the SH-4J better than the Match Pro.

[@hunt4020]

Why no love for the Cabelas Covenant 4 or 7, or the CX4 Pro. Awesome scopes for the price, and quality on par or better than similarly priced Vortex scopes.

[@Womfat]

I'm just using the scopes there as examples of the features. I see many Covenants on the firing line, they're good economically priced scopes.

[@commonsense5709]

They no longer honor their own warranty.

[@Jlui83]

What distance zero do you recommend for base class nrl22?

[@Womfat]

50 yards

[@jn3750]

Bro, what do you think about the Hawke Vantage 4-16x SF SFP? How about a fixed SWFA 10x scope - suitable for NRL22?

[@Womfat]

I’ve never seen or handled a Hawke Vantage in person so I can’t give an opinion on it. If you’re shooting no farther than 100 yards, a fixed 10x could work if it has a good reticle. I’d still prefer variable magnification personally

[@jn3750]

@@Womfat have you fired the savage b22 precision? Is it as good as CZ 457?

[@Womfat]

I know two shooters with it, one had horrible ejection issues and returned it, the other has no issues and loves it. I would say the stock trigger in the b22 precision is actually better than the cz.

[@jn3750]

@@Womfat may i ask why you chose your rifle instead of the other great rifles?

[@Womfat]

I had a savage before and although it shot well it could be refined a bit better. I had heard great things about the cz rifles and the 457 had all the good features of the 455 and more. It’s not an easy choice now with the saturation of options. The T1x was another consideration of mine at the time.

[@gx12]

If I am only competing in Outlaw Rimfire (25-100 yards) and a bit of Rimfire Racegun how much magnification do I “need”? Can I get away with a red dot and a 3x magnifier? Or maybe a 5x prism scope and a red dot?

[@Womfat]

If you know your drop for 75 & 100yds, you could potentially use a red dot +magnifier for ORPS, but it would probably be much more challenging. The vast majority of ORPS shooters will use a rifle scope.

[@gx12]

@@Womfat Do you think 5x is underpowered for 100 yards?

[@Womfat]

@@gx12 Although most shooters would prefer higher magnification, that's not really he issue. More so the lack of a target reticle, when using a red dot you'll have to know your bullet drop and estimate based on the target size. Not to mention that depending on the size of the dot, it may not be a very accurate way of shooting for precision. A target style "christmas tree" style reticle is most popular for this type of precision shooting.

[@gx12]

@@Womfat What do you think an appropriate magnification range is for Outlaw Rimfire?

[@Womfat]

@@gx12 Most shooters will run somewhere between 10 and 16x magnification for these matches.

[@nsvirginiafankelly9526]

Very informative and well done video. I’ve never looked into the Vortex Strike Eagle scopes. Which Strike Eagle scope would you recommend for .22 match shooting at 21 yards? Appreciate any info and the video

[@Womfat]

I believe there’s only one strike eagle scope currently in production, the 5-25x56

[@notforever123]

Great video!. What is the height of the rings on your vortex setup?

[@superseries7007]

👍👍👍

[@FredSchmitthammer]

Isn't the Strike eagle a sfp scope?

[@Womfat]

There was a 3-18x model (which I think is discontinued) that was SFP, the 5-25x56 is FFP

[@FredSchmitthammer]

@@Womfat Thank you! That model will get me into the open class. Not ready for that yet.

[@andrieescalante4950]

Gudpm boss location nyo sir?

[@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan]

Athlon ETR is really pretty affordable and ideal.

[@Womfat]

I’ve heard great things about Athlon, I’ve yet to try one though

[@commonsense5709]

The cheaper Ares BTR and Midas Tac 6-24x50 are fantastic scopes and a lot cheaper than Ares ETR.

[@andresfeliperamosromero3060]

I installed this optic on a crossman 760 air rifle.I have now shot the riffle around 500 times during target/plinking practice, and the kzbin.infoUgkxc4K63Fd5LglDMObu7-Bgapxp_ef0W8hE scope has done well.With this optic, I have neutralized around 30 pigeons that were invading one of my buildings.For my short range air rifle, I will continue to use this scope, but will be upgrading to a more powerful scope, when I buy a more powerful air rifle, in order to shoot at longer distance.For the money I have spent, this scope has truly been a great buy.

[@kevinokeefe8783]

You should consider second focal plane on a fixed power scope, which is what I prefer. Semper Fi

[@mplp1959]

What do you use?

[@kevinokeefe8783]

@@mplp1959 Sousa 42 fixed power, best deal out there cost was around 600 dollars when it came out now on clearance at Botach 100 dollars shipped with sunshade because the company renamed to usa optics. good luck

[@mplp1959]

@@kevinokeefe8783 What’s the shortest range you shoot with it?

[@Alpheus1151]

@@kevinokeefe8783 Are you high? You gotta be, because there is no other logical reason why you would be suggesting a utter garbage PoS chinese scope from a sketchy-as-hell website, that is 1000% completely unsuitable and near enough useless for rimfire PRS shooting.

[@kevinokeefe8783]

75 yds but mostly 100 yds but for 100 dollars getting started could not be cheaper and it gets the job done. I know i will get haters but it gets the job done on a budget. Its all about the shooter and trigger time. Semper Fi@@mplp1959

[@dustinbomnskie4674]

if your on a budget id check out these monstrum tactical scopes, i recently put on one of their alpha series on my 6.5 Creedmoor and for the roughly 150 i paid for it it does the job well and checks all the boxes for a 6x24 magnification first focal plane optic with a calibrated reticle for much less than many other options ive personally found. if your looking for something budget to punch paper and hunt with it seems to be a sleeper. the turrets could be more clicky though

[@commonsense5709]

We haven't had much luck with Monstrum Tactical scopes whatsoever. They weren't reliable enough and tracking weren't good enough either. Gavintoobe even did a KZbin review on the new G3 Monstrum Tactical and his tracked at an angle and he probably didn't notice the factory canted reticle.

[@jaypeemagno7044]

👍❤️😊👌🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@butchescue5594]

I understand but you should say Vortex scopes for NRL22 there are better scopes for NRL22 out there did not mean to hurt your feelings the video was ok I was just looking for a video with a few different brands.

[@Womfat]

Oh no worries, I don’t take anything like that personally. Again, just using the scopes as an example. There are plenty of options on the market, I’ve seen many different brands on the firing line.

[@ej7447]

Not sure saying "its good enough" is the best way to make your point.....ever, on any thing.....but you do make some very good points. For me, if you can't see it, you can't hit it......get the best scope/glass you can afford...

[@sigzulu6749]

Good videos ! But way to many ads!

[@Womfat]

Yeah, the KZbin ads can be ridiculous. I recommend getting the ad-block ad on for your browser :)

[@sigzulu6749]

@@Womfat i will do that. Thanks. I wondered if KZbinrs had a choice for so many adds. So you could make more money. It's that true?

[@Womfat]

I can monetize the videos to make some ad revenue, but the ads are up to youtube. I hate them as much as everyone else, but it’s the only way to somewhat recover some money to fund the content. After installing adblock some years ago, I only remember how bad the ads are when I’m on the mobile app.

[@sigzulu6749]

@@Womfat makes sense. Anyway good videos man! Are you from Bc Canada? I'm out in Chilliwack bc Canada.

[@Womfat]

@@sigzulu6749 I'm in ON. Chilliwack is a beautiful place!

[@JeffAlpha1]

Pro tip- if you drill a small hole or a big hole for that matter in the top of your scope and put in your liquid of choice, you have a make shift level you can use to make sure you are square. This only works with 1st focal plane optics.

[@butchescue5594]

Just about vortex would like to see more scope brands not a vortex commercial.

[@Womfat]

I was trying to use the scopes' features as examples for any brand. I purchased all these scopes with my own money, I simply have many Vortex products.