Scope for son's .22 Remington 597 semiauto

Hal · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Hi,
I bought my son a used Remington .22 semiauto, model 597 I believe. It came with a used scope (don't know brand offhand, but I think it's 4x32). Son will do mostly target shooting 100 yds; maybe small game later on.
I am considering getting him a new scope. Needs to be silver at his request; looks like that limits us a bit. I want to spend less than $100 or so. I was considering the Bushnell 3-9x32 Sportsman ($50) or the Bushnell 3-9x40 Trophy ($90). Questions:
1. I assume a scope doesn't have to be specifically made for a rimfire. Correct? I see Bushnell (and others) make scopes specifically identified as being for rimfire. Is there a reason for that except for price, and the mounts are already on the scopes?
2. Is there good reason (again, for target shooting, usually at 100 yds or less, but maybe at 200 yds for fun) to have the 40mm over the 32mm, considering the price difference?
3. Should I be looking at higher magnifications for 100 yd targets?
4. How do I know what size rings/mounts to buy? I read an article here stating that tubes come in 30mm and 1 inch. I didn't see that info in the specs here for those scopes. Are they 1 inch unless indicated otherwise?
5. Scope mounts: what type do I buy? I see the terms Weaver style and dovetail used here and there. Do all .22s use the same system?
6. Any other suggested scopes less than $100?
Thx,
Hal

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

Hi,

The main difference between a rimfire riflescope and a centerfire riflescope is the parallax setting. Rimfire scopes are generally set at around 50 yards parallax free, or are adjustable. Centerfire scopes are generally set to 100 yards or to 150 for some brands. If you are primarily shooting at 100 yards, then you can use a centerfire scope, or get a parallax adjustable rimfire scope. A 4x scope is generally okay for 100 yards, but you can also go with a 3-9 variable for greater versatility and the ability to place shots in tighter groups with the higher magnidication. Going to a larger diameter objective will give you a brighter image with better resolution. The Bushnell Sportsman model 720039 (currently $68.22) is one of my favorite rimfire scopes for great versatility. This model includes rings for a rimfire dovetail mount.

The typical dovetail found on a modern rimfire rifle is 3/8" wide. A Weaver style dovetail is appx. 7/8" wide.
_________________
Best Regards,

Ryan W.

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003

Hal · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Ryan,
Thanks for info.
I ckd the 720039. I'm looking for a silver version. I see the 721393S in same screen for $18 less. Seems to be same scope. Why lower price? Is there a difference?

Thx,
Hal

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

Hi,

The 721393S is not parallax adjustable so it will not be as good for closer shots, but for 100 yard shots it will be great. This does not come with rings, so you will need to order those.
_________________
Best Regards,

Ryan W.

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003