22 LR scope for my new (not yet) Tikka RF

Gonna get a 22 RF bolt action. Probably a Tikka in ss when they are available. I will need to put a scope on it, and I want one with enough magnification for target shooting at 100 yards and seeing the bullet holes. Experience tells me that a variable with up to 12 power should work. I want something I can dial (turrets or even CDS). Illumination would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.

Would prefer to not have a big heavy scope, and don’t see the need for 30 mm tube. I’ll start my googling, but your suggestions would be appreciated.

The Leupold 4-12 AO scopes sell like hotcakes in RimfireCentral's classified. Pretty sure you can get a VX-2 with CDS.

I'm thinking about a Mil based scope for my 10/22. I'd like 1X or 2X on the bottom end. I've thought about a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8X, but its a stupid BDC reticle, and for .223, with a 100 yard zero. I need to do some research and see how that would translate to .22lr with a 50 yard zero.

There's been plenty of times I'd rather not shoot a coon with a big centerfire, and want to get the 10/22 rigged up for that scenario.

Look at Bushnell Rimfire series. Have on a Kimber HT 22
Leupold Mark AR series I have on a 223 but would work well on a 22 I would think.

leupold 6.5-20 EFR

What about one of the SWFA fixed-powers scopes?

I have an extra Leupold M8 6 power scope, but that really isn’t what I want on the still imaginary Tikka T1. I’m thinking that maybe a VX2 4-12 with CDS would work. Or maybe I should just go FFP and a mil reticle, but a 30mm tube on a short rifle will look a bit goofy. So...a 1 inch tube, ffp, 4-12x40 or something like that, and not as heavy as a boat anchor. Like Fireman, I don’t really want BDC. I want to set the scope on a power and dial for distance. And MAN, that doesn’t even sound like me. Have I been infected by Fireman? Oh, Lord, i’ve gone over to the dark side with the turret twiddlers.

Whatever you do...a really accurate rimfire rifle benefits nicely when equipped with an AO scope.

I don't see much sense in twirling turrets on a rimfire rifle, but if that's what a guy wants to do, then that's what a guy should do.


I put a VX-III 4.5-14x40 AO on my Winchester 52, and I do not feel like it's too much scope. Maybe a touch more than I need, but still pretty practical.

In July, I moved my SS 5-20 over to my MKII rim fire. I zeroed it at 50 yards, then commenced to ting steel at 200 and 300 yards. Sure is fun!

But a guy has to have a scope to allow him to do that.

I bought the tract .22 4/12 with fixed 75 yd parallax
It's good in the day , lacks at night with a flash light

12x42 is about perfect for what the OP is talking about.

I just picked up a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 AO for my 10/22. It's fine for 50 yards, but I'll be doing holdovers for everything else until I can swap it out for something like an SWFA 12x42. I agree that adjustable objective is nearly a requirement for precision rimfire.

I should have explained my wanting an ffp scope for a 22 LR I don’t even have yet. I have a big yard/pasture all around the house. It’s 87 yards from the front porch to the yard feeder, and different distances to other points that I want to be able to eliminate corn thieves and skunks. FFP seems to be the perfect answer for dialing for those specific distances while not having to change the power setting. A 22 has a bit of a rainbow trajectory, so varying my holdover isn’t an exact science, even for an old 22 hand like me. I guess i’ve been shooting a 22 since before some of you were born. I started on ammo my grandpa probably bought in the 20’s or 30’s. PETA has had a contract out on me since the 60’s due to the critters i’ve shot.

Out of curiosity, what's the longest range you might shoot this rifle in your pest control efforts?

603....the whole point of FFP is the ability to use 'hold over' vs dialing. If you're going to dial, go SFP and save a bunch. P_102

Thats right.

FFP is so your reticle, will be correct at all magnification settings. If you're going to be dialing elevation, it doesn't matter if you get FFP or SFP. In the event you need to worry about wind, go to maximum magnification and work on it.

Enjoy my Leupold VX2 Rimfire AO

Ya’ll have me thinking. Looks like a Leupold VX2 4-12x40 with CDS might do for what I want. A call to Leupold is in order, to see if they can do a CDS dial for 22LR. I might get laughed at.

They probably can but as soon as you switch ammo it will likely be off due to different velocity. I prefer using a ballistics app and a standard turret, you can keep all your firearms and ammunition in it and simply select what combo you're using. On your property you'll likely have holds/dials memorized in a short time. P_102

Agreed.

.22lr ammo is going to fluctuate way more than hand loaded centerfire. With Mil or MOA, you can roll with the punches.

I do believe that i’ll go with a VX3i 4.5-14x40 CDS and ‘standardize’ with a specific 22LR ammo make. I read that CDS dials can be done in 22LR. Even better, I have an old unutilized Vari-XIII in that power range, if I can remember where I put it. Leupold will ‘CDS’ it for a fee. Now...where’d I put that scope? Then all i’ll need is the Tikka T1. I’ll have to get in line for that...