10/22 TD Scope

[Mathieu18]

Have discussed along these lines in the optics board but it’s pretty specific to the 10/22 Take Down, so asking here.

Finally got to spend time with a donated Simmons 3-9x32 this weekend. Range is good but it’s the wrong scope. I want to keep it low over bore and I want to store it in the TD bag, but the front bell interferes with the rear sight when attaching the barrel. So, I am looking for under 10”, 3-9 or 2-7 probably won’t be materially different for me. 4x was plenty at 25 yards but would like more for 50+ So discounting fixed 4x. PA 6x 22ACSS isn’t out but not sure about fixed 6.

The cheap side of me says UTG Bug Buster or Monstrum 2-7x AO, real cheap side says BSA Sweet 22. I’d get the Nikon Rimfire 2-7x but it’s 11.5” I think and I’d hate the size as much as I’d like the glass. Believe the Crossfire and Diamondback 2-7x are similar size. Prefer not to get into Leupold cost.

So anyone have any experience with any of these scopes or anything else I should consider? Why’s picking a scope so hard?

 

[Tailhunter]

The golden rule: Buy the best glass you can afford.

 

[Nebowictz]

I have the BSA 3-9x40 22 sweet on my 22lr and the UTG bug buster 3-12x32 side AO mil-dot on my .22 airgun.
I can't really speak to glass quality because I don't know what good glass looks like.
The BSA is 12.2” long and the UTG is 9”.

The BSA BDC turrets were horribly off for my gun and ammo - none of the turret markings were even close. So I taped over the markings and made my own markings using data at various distances along with a ballistic calculator. I dial it up and down for various distances and has returned to zero each time. I generally shoot from 25-100 yards with it but have stretched it out to 200 on some steel targets. Its working for now but I'll be upgrading it to something nicer as I am getting into 22lr matches.

The UTG is on my Gamo Urban airgun. I don't dial with it like the BSA sweet - I use the Mild-dots as the pellets have some serious drop even out to 50 yards. The side AO is very nice to have, especially when I am targeting squirrels that could pop out at various distances. I generally shoot from 15-50 yards with that airgun. I wish it was a FFP because the pellets have so much drop - I run it at either 3,6,or 12 power so that the math on the holds is easier.

 

[Mathieu18]

I have the BSA 3-9x40 22 sweet on my 22lr and the UTG bug buster 3-12x32 side AO mil-dot on my .22 airgun.
I can't really speak to glass quality because I don't know what good glass looks like.
The BSA is 12.2” long and the UTG is 9”.

The BSA BDC turrets were horribly off for my gun and ammo - none of the turret markings were even close. So I taped over the markings and made my own markings using data at various distances along with a ballistic calculator. I dial it up and down for various distances and has returned to zero each time. I generally shoot from 25-100 yards with it but have stretched it out to 200 on some steel targets. Its working for now but I'll be upgrading it to something nicer as I am getting into 22lr matches.

The UTG is on my Gamo Urban airgun. I don't dial with it like the BSA sweet - I use the Mild-dots as the pellets have some serious drop even out to 50 yards. The side AO is very nice to have, especially when I am targeting squirrels that could pop out at various distances. I generally shoot from 15-50 yards with that airgun. I wish it was a FFP because the pellets have so much drop - I run it at either 3,6,or 12 power so that the math on the holds is easier.

Appreciate it. Between those two, which glass do you like better? I stopped by a couple shops today that have good selections, and all of the good glass is just gonna be too big for what I’m looking for. So it’s probably down to one of those two or a Monstrum.

 

[Nebowictz]

To my eye they are fairly similar. Neither stands out as significantly better or worse.

 

[Mathieu18]

To my eye they are fairly similar. Neither stands out as significantly better or worse.

Appreciate it. Seemed the BugBuster was well regarded, but found some threads from 10-12 years ago and Leapers might as well have been the plague. Will take a look at specifics and your comments again, thanks.