NRL 22: Which Scope Should You Use? (Rimfire Optics Deep-Dive)

[@jdavis3232]

Seth is the "Pusher" who got me addicted. I have almost exclusively Athlon products on many of my rifles including a Cronus on my RimX and Ares ETR on my CZ457. Athlon offers great Mil/LEO discounts that makes getting a nice scope attainable. Great video and hope to see you at one of Seth's matches soon.

[@jeffgojkovich]

The Arken optics scopes are pretty good and at a great price. Some of them have the parallax adjustment down to 10 or 15 yards which I think is perfect for 22.

[@eduardochacon4347]

He doesn't mention Arken in any video because they are not an sponsor.

[@Pepe46873]

I’ve never met anyone shooting an Athalon scope. In my 22 events it’s Arken, Vortex or Leopold

[@Monkeybasher97]

Ep5 & Ep 7 for me

[@lucasblanchard47]

I’ve had a Ruger 10/22 standard model with a Redfield 4x scope on it that I got as my first non single shot rifle when I was a kid. I’ve recently made consecutive hits on steel at 300 yards by just walking rounds out to that range. I definitely want to build up a new plinking rifle soon!

[@philipyoung5480]

I own, and have owned, MANY firearms over the decades. An old, birch stocked 10/22 with a 4x scope is the most fun a person can have out plinking for the day.

[@briansupermag3918]

Currently it's a Vortex Razor Gen III 6x36x56. It's really nice but may upgrade in the very near future. Love my RimX

[@MikeKL]

I use Arken ep5 5-25*56 and i think its the best choice for price/quality (especially on Christmas sale 😊 )

[@bowhuntingeverything]

Athlon Helos BTR Gen 2 6-24X56 is a great scope NRL 22. It has 29 Mils of vertical adjustment, with a 40 moa base you will be able to adjust over 400+ yards. When you were comparing the scopes elevation adjustment should have been mentioned. I also run an Athlon Midas Tac 5-25x56 it allows for 31 mils of elevation adjustment with a 40moa base ima able to adjust to 500 yards. For ELR 22.

[@PNW_longrange]

I have been running a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25x, just picked up a Leupold Mark 4 HD 6-24x to put on my Vudoo.

[@agracer1000]

MK4HD will be a very noticeable upgrade. Just buy the dial tape to make it easier to read (Leupold really screwed up with the numbers and covering the tick marks)

[@aireydc]

I have a used generation 1 FFP Bushnell Match Pro 6-24x50 that works fine. Just enough elevation with a 20-30 MOA rail. Nice reticle. Locking turrets. Parallax to 10 yds. 399 new, but look for used. Got mine for 200 from an NRL22 director.

[@Sagittariustoo]

I have a ZCO 840 on my Vudoo. Expensive but shows incredible detail downrange. No need for a spotting scope when shooting with it.

[@aireydc]

Regarding 2nd focal plane you can calculate the Mrad per tick at lower magnifications, so to say the calibration is only valid at the highest mag is not true. But definitely for mags at which you can actually see the ticks on FFP reticles, this is more convenient for holdovers. If all you do is dial, and do not holdover, SFP and FFP shooting to the center dot is equivalent regardless of magnification.

[@patrioticguy1791]

I have several Athlon scopes and they perform very well. Definitely great bang for the buck.

[@maxcole3930]

I bought my 1st Athalon mid last year for deer hunting 308. It's an Argos HMR with illuminated bdc reticle, parallax adjustment on side also. I highly recommend the Athalons, you get a lot for your $. The glass is clear as any vortex I have. I'm needing a lightweight scope for my 22lr I'm putting together now. Medium ranges

[@jmbzrx1200]

Man….and here I am running a mid 90’s Tasco 3x9 on my 10/22.

[@ja0298]

In NRL22?

[@finaloption...]

They need to have K-Mart special matches for our class. 😅

[@kirkmartin2223]

I have a K-mart branded Tasco on a 30/30. I have never had to adjust the scope in over 40 years.....I think everything is rusted into zero lol

[@oncall21]

Leupold scopes have served me well. I have a Leupold VX-2 2-7x33 on my Brno Model 2, a Leupold VX-2 2-7x28 rimfire scope on my BL-22 lever action and a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 on my CZ 452 .22 Magnum. All my rifles are for hunting. The BL-22 lever is also a fun plinker.

[@bertpulaski2492]

While I’m a Leupold fan (VX-2, VX-3, VX-3i, VX-Freedom, and BX-1), for the level of magnification for competition with 22’s, they don’t offer one I would use in a price range to keep me from having step up a class. The Base class is all based on a MSRP budget of $1500 or less for the rifle/scope combo. If they made a rimfire specific scope for this kind of competition, I’d definitely have one.

[@benlineberry1]

I'm running a Bergara 14R with a Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm mil/mil. I've been pretty happy with it, so far.

[@benhalverson515]

Athlon Ares ETR, same as seen in video. Also have a Blackhound Evolve 5-25x56 in moa, and a Vortex Diamond 4-16x44 in mil. All on Cz457s

[@bayoumike544]

Put 3 different scopes on my Mossberg and took them off. That lever gun seems to shoot best with iron sights.

[@chipherrick5121]

Arken Optics is my go to recommendation for most folks considering dipping their toe in to NRL22 or 22PRS and I also ran the EP5 till recently. The Arken Glass is great for the distances we shoot and the .5 mil reticle is clean and effective. Class leading turrets, in fact I received a deal on a Leupold MK4 this year and switched. The MK4 glass is better, but the Arken turrets are so much better that I am thinking about switching back. I do not own any Athlon Optics, but I would not recommend them based on what I see on the line. The most common "budget scopes" I see are the Arken, Vortex, and the Bushnell Match Pro line. For the next tier Leopold and Burris seem to be the most popular. Then for Tier 3/4 Vortex seems to lead the pack with the Gen 3 razor with some NightForce, ZCOs and Thetas mixed in.

[@geraldgreen123]

Use 22LR to train / prep for centerfire hunts only. Fit my Anschutz 1420 with the same scope as the centerfire rifle I plan to use. Dangerous game / 375 H&H a 1.5-5X Leupold and for other hunts 7x57, 30-06 and 300 H&H a Zeiss Conquest 3-9X.

[@Hunter-vl6ft]

Ive had a 4x32x40 scope on mine since 92. People laughed at it, until they shot it. Standard reticle. Not always used high magnification. Usually 10-20x. If you had a steady hold, you could shoot a golf ball at 100 easily. Never shot beyond that. Tons of fun, brick by brick.

[@dougroope8040]

I run a Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40 with their TMR reticle. The rifle is a Savage MK-II varmint weight barrel, and it shoots super consistent 1" groups at 100 yds. It's a great setup

[@bertpulaski2492]

I had a one of the MK’s years ago. With tuning and tweaking, I got it down to .600” at 100yds with my best 5 shot being .573” (never could repeat that lol). Now it did take me probably a year or better to get it to that point. Wish I kept that rifle.

[@reloadNshoot]

I dont complete but built up a accurate CZ 455 about 15 years ago before the .22 game became poular. Have an US Optics Sn3 t-pal 3.2-17. This combo has done everything i ask of it out to 500yds. I literally have drug that rifle around since building it and have abused it some but it still shines today. Back then it was a top tier scope and was just under $3K. In todays world and technology you can get a better glass but i dont know about the ruggedness for a lot less money.

[@ja0298]

Whatever happened to us optics?

[@apodbielski913]

Athlon commercial, nice.

[@mattharmon3838]

I have a model 52 B winchester and use a 20 power unerdel.

[@philipyoung5480]

Classic.

[@EagleEyeShooting]

When you get into this competitively, the highest clarity optic is a must. You need to be able to see the bullet travel and apex to accurately correct your misses. Ive tried all sorts of scopes and ended up with just going with NF ATACR

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks for sharing your input Kenny! I hope you are doing well.

[@lucasblanchard47]

A nightforce scope on a rimfire rifle seems like major overkill haha!

[@sdpy15]

Bro, i can see the .22 flight out of a 700 cad bushnell elite.

[@Cristopher1976]

My main 457 is running a bushnell match pro ed. My backup has an older arken for now.

[@sdpy15]

People underestimate bushnell products because of the name. No lie, the match pro is one of my favorite scopes and I've used a lot of good glass over the years.

[@Cristopher1976]

@sdpy15 it's pretty solid.

[@The_Rimfire_Impact]

Night matches are getting popular. Make sure you have an illuminated reticle and that the Christmas tree illuminates so you can hold over and hold wind.

[@rambocambo75]

I’m running an NX8 2.5-20 with the MOAR reticle on a Tikka T1x. I got a screaming deal on it from a family member and its 10yd parallax adjustment had me leaning toward putting it on my rimfire. I would prefer MIL but beggars can’t be choosers when a good deal shows up. Since I’m mostly plinking in the yard and shooting small game, I haven’t had to do much dialing to really worry about the MOA vs MIL situation thankfully.

[@lonz5.56]

I run an Arken EP5 on my CZ 457 LRP with the factory one piece rail which is 25 MOA I believe

[@gavinbowman8234]

This is fun stuff. Go shoot at a local match and ask to try others stuff. People at the matches are very friendly and will help. Try it before you buy. Then get ready to spend money…the rabbit hole is deep but very fun!!

[@CableDawg496]

I have a Leupold MK 5 HD 5-25X56 on my Vudoo 360 and a Zeiss S3 4-25x50 on my Vudoo Gen 2.

[@AnonTheory]

I have an Athlon Argos BTR and I absolutely hate it. I can't wait to get rid of it. It's definitely their low end scope, but its really bad. My primary and arken make it look like crap

[@davidrothmann4240]

Athlon Helos BTR Gen 2 6-24 on my CZ457 base class rifle. Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 UHD on my CZ457 open class rifle. The NRL22 is a lot of fun and very addictive 😂

[@petermurdoch3001]

I bought a Browning 30-06 bolt, older rifle, no sights open or otherwise from Cabela here in Calgary, when I got home and opened the box the salesman had dropped in a rimfire Cabela scope, kinda made me laugh

[@number1catfish959]

I assume you’re running open class? It looks like you’re priced out of base class, unless the $ amount has gone up again. I’m thinking about starting to shoot NRL22 soon, but I’m going to start in base class to figure out if I really like it.

[@johnmorrow5085]

Zeiss LRP S3, MOA for me as I have to many moa scopes to change now! 425-50

[@NatureMan50]

Interesting might have to get into this sport

[@John-uo1qf]

It's a bad addiction! 😂

[@KevinKovatch-g9h]

I stated NRL22 last summer and has been a lot of fun !!! But it’s an expensive addiction…………. ( Well worth it though,lol ) Wish I was 42 instead of 62,getting up ,down and around is a little tougher these days.

[@jamesnierodzik8542]

ZCO527 on the Vudoo

[@10dannyp89]

One thing that can be big in rimfire is the total elevation range which you didn’t talk about.

[@The_Rimfire_Impact]

At least 20 mils of total adjustment but you will need some cant in your rail. 30 MOA for most scopes with a 30mm tube. Most scopes with a 34mm tube or bigger can use a 40 MOA rail. This gets you out past 400 yards with a center hold without cutting the ability to zero at 25-50 yards.

[@sdpy15]

10:52 Try watching the video all the way through next time.

[@fauxtool952]

something you can afford according to the purpose. The "best" is an impossible task

[@FSU1HEMI1]

If milradian scopes are the most popular. Why are all the base mounts measured in MOA ?

[@jdavis3232]

I am not an expert, but mil was mostly the domain of military until the recent phenomenon of Precision shooting. Everything prior was MOA which likely has just carried over. I do see MOA scopes at our matches but Seth's point on translation error is correct. Fortunately my ballistics program displays both, so I try and help MOA folks when appropriate.

[@benhalverson515]

We also brag about our group size in MOA.

[@JustinRJager]

Why did you only review Athlon scopes? Seems silly to only pick 1 manufacturer.

[@aireydc]

The rifles and scopes were supplied by the vendors. Think of them as exhibiting the characteristics to look for in whatever brand you prefer. They just serve as examples. From the vendor point of view they were supplied in the hopes you might also choose their excellent products.

[@reloadNshoot]

It's business wink wink.😉😉 Not an accident😂

[@HuskyKMA]

Gavin is just a schill for his sponsors, you'll never get objectionable info from him.

[@chipherrick5121]

This is why: The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video: Bergara Athlon Optics Lapua SK D-M Targets

[@oldguyrimfire]

Zeiss LRP S3 6-36x56mm on mine.

[@fshizl2918]

I’m running my Tangent Theta 735 so I don’t have to adjust between Centerfire and rimfire.

[@natdad0011]

I have a cheap $30.00 Simmons rimfire scope on my Rossi RS22 magnum rifle. It works just fine for what it is.

[@ja0298]

But are you competing? Because this is specific to competition.

[@lewishaynes4931]

Vortex Strike Eagle and 1 pc mount.

[@bill2292]

Hey Gavin, I want to be able to dry fire at 20 feet indoors, which is closer than most any scope will adjust. I've heard about a close-focus lens that you fit over the front of the scope to allow for this. Can you provide insight or maybe do this as a follow up video? Thanks

[@garysnyder6020]

Leupold 3 X 9 works for me on a 22 mag.

[@pepperoni-prepper]

FFP is also less likely to change the POA as you zoom and out due to the difference in design. If you dont need your retical to be to scale...I.E. SFP, why not just have a cross hair sight. what is the point of a MOA or Mil retical if its not to scale and you are not using it for scale. the best .22 scope I have used is a SKW 10x42 fixed magnification. There really is no need for zoom, when you are using a short range cartridge like the .22LR. a 10x power fixed scope with appropriate retical (what ever you think you need) is not going to shift with zoom adjustment, lense tends to be suitable for the magnification and less likely to have chromatic aberrations (cheap glass trying to cope with wide magnification range), is considerably lighter, and generally more robust. considering how much is sacrificed to incorporate zoom in a rifle scope, it is rather stupid that fixed power scopes are not more popular. I found the 10x able to easily achieve maximum accuracy for the .22LR, with average 50m groupings around 0.32-0.37 MOA (with the right ammunition)

[@tonydevich7937]

A march 6×60 high master

[@jesse5167]

I'm a little disappointed theres no discussion of magnification range. I know whats useful for 400-1200 yard rifle competitions but have no clue whats optimal for 25-200 yard competitions with smaller targets.

[@The_Rimfire_Impact]

This video is just a paid advertisement for Athlon. Missing lots of needed info. Something with a max magnification of 24-35x is great. On the low end you want to go down to at least 8x. 5-25 is great with lots of options. Some options out there for 6-36, 5-27, 7-35, etc. most shots by experts are taken at 12-18x. We zoom up for small KYL targets and zeroing. We zoom down to 8x or below for the occasional offhand shots sometimes required.

[@chipherrick5121]

I started with a SH4-16 Arken and as my ability to manage NPA (natural point of aim) and target ID improved I switched to a EP5 5-25. Today I am shooting a 6-32 Leupold MK4 and it has been great, but I like the Arken turrets better =).

[@mastermoarman]

Right now i have my vortex golden eagle 15-60 on it for bench rest untill i het my ftr gun built. Then ill run something that goes up to 35 ish

[@alexgehring1623]

BSA sweet 22 compact

[@brettmundey1123]

Element theos 6x36x56 its perfect.

[@patrickcornwell9465]

Element makes some top tier scopes.

[@johnh4957]

I was disappointed no discussion of magnification needs, NRL might need more variable (4.5-28) while benchrest more higher the better (24-32)(to a point) to be able to see impacts and adjust quickly.

[@ECThomas89]

Glass matters. Buy what you can afford. Everyones budget is different.

[@John-uo1qf]

Agree. Spend at least as much or more on the scope as you do on the rifle

[@hughsavage2136]

I'm using an Anschutz BR50 22lr benchrest rimfire rifle with a Weaver T36 of the T series TR. I love the Wever. I shoot 50 m Benchrest in Australia.

[@Oldhogleg]

Arken scopes are rather decent for the affordable price

[@reloadNshoot]

And every influencer with enough subs give you the super secret 25%-30% discount code for arken and outlier. My guess they are wanting to flood YT with free advertising. Kinda like what hobby lobby does.

[@Oldhogleg]

@reloadNshoot Yup, normally that would be a turn off for me, but I've gotten a number of their scopes over the last year or so to replace my aging and grossly out of date scopes that I've had for over two decades; and like I said, it's decent optics for the price.

[@ja0298]

Based on the comments, I think people didn’t get past the video title

[@wayne-oo]

For the 12 individuals watching who would spend $600 or $1400 for a 22 rimfire I thank you !

[@builderone2469]

I am running a $1300 scope on my .22. Run what you can afford and what works for what you need it for.

[@matthewgreenfield1449]

I use a Gen III Razor on my 22LR all the time. My backup is a Strikeagle, it may seem silly but these guns are very easy to zero and I don't generally shoot my 22LR and my center-fire competition rifles in the same weekend.

[@dougroope8040]

Why does it matter to you or anyone else what anyone pays for a scope for their rimfires? I shot those $35-$65 scopes on mine and it was the most inconsistent rifle I've ever shot. I switched to a Leupold Mark 3HD and all day long, any day of the week it will shoot consistent 1" groups at 100 yds and can and do dial up to shoot prairie dogs or targets to 400 yds....

[@ja0298]

Sounds like envy.

[@ngallakp62]

Yeah metric get with it America

[@matthewgreenfield1449]

MRAD isn't metric. It's an angular measurement. 1 mil is 1 yard at 1000 yards or 1 meter at 1000 meters.

[@NormanPOlt]

1. What do you intend to shoot with your 22 rimfire? 2. How far away will it be? 3. How critical is the ammo choice? 4. How good of a shot are you? Oh... I forgot the most important question of all: WHAT IS YOUR GUN?

[@jdavis3232]

I started PRS22 with a Savage MKII. It's Bern all downhill from there😢😂

[@OldScratch81]

It’s a .22rf ,wtf ,You’re shooting 20 to 60 yards 95% of the time

[@benhalverson515]

Yes but target size can go down to 1/4". Pretty small and want to be able to see misses.

[@OldScratch81]

@ 1/4 inch groups ,are you trying to shot the rabbit in the heart? Get a grip

[@benhalverson515]

@@OldScratch81 Different uses, more to .22 than small game hunting. I do prefer head shots while squirrel hunting.

[@OldScratch81]

@ name one other use, other than pest control and small game

[@benhalverson515]

@@OldScratch81 Competitive target shooting. Some matches can have targets out to 300 yards and even beyond that. That is what the video was about. If that isn't your thing the video and this discussion should be irrelevant to you.

[@slurpyman20]

I just got a barska 3x9 from big5 and its better than those 300$ scopes people mention on here I wont say the brand cuz they get offended easily

[@ja0298]

No, it’s not 🤣