Hello all,

I just managed to pick up a Ruger 10/22 compact with a lasermax already mounted. This will primarily be used for varmint hunting and ranch use. Any recommendations for an inexpensive scope? Doesn't have to be anything special, but mostly curious if there are any makes/models that you would absolutely stay away from or have had good luck with.

What is your price limit? I have a 2-7x32 redfield revolution, 3-9x40 bushnell elite 3200, and a 3-9x40 Nikon prostaff and I like all of them. All are priced around $150 or so.

On the least expensive side  Simmons Whitetail Classic (mildot version if you can find it)
Simmons or Tasco red dot scopes
Burris Fullfield II

Vortex Diamondback with BDC
Nikon Monarch3 with BDC
Pentax (used off eBay)

a lot of people like Mueller scopes
I looked at the Nikon Prostaff5 scopes and they look like they had good glass also
Leupold V2 series

I was in a similar situation looking for a scope for my ruger american and decided to go with the nikon prostaff efr 3x9x40

I went with the same scope for my 597.



I like it a lot.



 

For my first scope, $100 max is probably what I can do right now for this season. Obviously I'll probably want to upgrade at some point, but this is of course just going to be a ranch varmint removal device. Has the potential to get roughed up, so I don't want to put anything too pricey on it.

Thank you all for the replies. I suppose I'll just head over to academy or bass pros and see what they have.

My wife picked up a Ruger American .243 and I need a scope for that as well...Sounds like the Nikon Prostaff may be a good one for that.

A Simmons 22MAG should be just fine on your 10/22.  They run between $35 and $55 depending on where you get them.

You can either go Nikon Prostaff on the 243, or Redfield is running a rebate on certain scopes purchased by December 31st.  $25 or $45 depending on which model or reticle style you get.  Dick's was recently running $30 off of a $150 purchase where I picked up a Redfield 3-9x40.  Between that discount and the $45 rebate, I am looking at about $115 for the Redfield.

One of my favorite scopes for a light and simple 10/22 plinker is the old Beeman SS2 short scope originally marketed back in the '80s for air rifles. These scopes were so well made (by Hakko in Japan) that they were soon the hot, go to optic for everything from the H&K 91 to the AR15 to the UZI. Today we are awash with excellent "tactical" scopes and red dots, but back in the dark ages there really was nothing available like the SS2.

Here's a photo from an EE ad from this past summer:



http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=7&f=163&t=1189886

Here's a brief review of the original  SS2:

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2009/01/look-back-in-time-beeman-ss2-short.html

Also note that for the last couple of years new clones of the original Beeman scope have been manufactured in China and branded with the Beeman name. Very cheap ($75-$85) and an almost identical copy in all ways but quality. Nonetheless they seem to have become fairly popular in the air rifle circles, but I have seen mixed reviews:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEEMAN-SS2-4X21AO-4X-21mm-Waterproof-Recticle-Rifle-Scopes-for-11mm-Mount-Rails-/330616861301

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/message/1341288779/Got+my+Chinese+Beeman+SS2+today

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1309009669/Beeman+SS2+%26amp%3B+SS3+scopes-