Benchrest is a shooting sport that requires accuracy in firearms and ammunition when shot at paper targets. The rifles positioned on the rest’s rear and front ends are then placed on top of a bench or table. Shooters are very detail-oriented and have to have excellent skills as they got to aim at tiny targets, and the 0.22 light rifles they use are of small caliber. Therefore, they need nothing but the best scope for 22LR Benchrest.
A decent rifle is a requirement, but it is also necessary to find a scope that can help them win the competition.
Finding the finest one to use in competitions and training can be challenging, herein, this article might help!
Best Scope for 22LR Benchrest Comparison
No products found.
Top 5 Best Scope For 22LR Benchrest Reviews- 2023
Benchrest shooting requires maximum precision that can only be achieved when a scope is used. It is one of the most critical decisions a benchrest enthusiast has to do.
1. UTG 3-12X44
No products found.The best scope combined with a good 22LR rifle is the right combination for a great experience in shooting. If you are a hunter who also is into benchrest, this may be the proper scope for that.
This scope has zero locking target turrets and has zero resettings. These features make field adjustments more accurate. Moreover, it also has the SWAT or Side Wheel Adjustable Turret, which provides a range of 10 yards and further for the parallax.
Another key feature of this scope is the Illumination Enhancing reticle. IE supports multi-color modes and brightness. It suits all backgrounds and has 36 colors. Optics are also high quality with multi-colored lenses covered by an angled and glare-free sunshade that can be opened.
To ensure constant brightness, it has a combination of unique housing design, and the circuit is innovative. Even when you experience heavy recoil, the light is nonstop as it is designed to function intuitively.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Best Headspace Gauges
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II – Dead-Hold BDC
No products found.Highly economical performance is what this scope is famous for. Hunters and long-range shooters find this scope to be an excellent choice.
With proprietary coating which increases light transmission and anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, it is guaranteed that this scope is fully multi-coated.
Dead-Hold BDC, the reticle, is a customized hashmark design that can help with holdover and windage. When holdover estimates are your prime concern, the varying range of this Vortex Optics is right for you.
Because of O-ring seals in this scope, it will not suffer from moisture, debris, and dust getting into it. Also, it is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent possibilities of internal fogging when used in extreme conditions.
Besides being constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is also water, fog, and shockproof. Furthermore, it’s hard anodized finish provides low glare and matte surface, which helps conceal the shooter’s position.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: VORTEX COPPERHEAD VS. CROSSFIRE 2
3. Nikon P-Tactical
No products found.When training for benchrest shooting, practice for accuracy. To practice correctly and prepare for the big day, go for a scope with a fantastic zoom range.
Because of the reticle’s unique design, precise targeting of long-range targets is easy to attain. It is also very comfortable to use as it is also designed for high-recoiled situations.
Using this scope, the bullet can hit an 8-inch target that is 800 yards from your position. The scope is with a 3X-8X variable zoom range. This level of magnification is enough for a clear picture of the target at 100 yards and can be adjusted out to 800 yards.
Equipped with the Variable Zoom Scope with a BDC 600 reticle, it can offer a unique open-circle aiming from 100-600 yards. Moreover, its Spot On Technology also helps figure out what the dots mean in terms of zoom settings and yardage.
With default of 100-yards parallax setting, a typical range of precise shooting is easy to execute. As a result of the scope being well-constructed and durable, it is convenient and easy to use.
PROS
CONS
4. BARSKA 3-9×32
No products found.Packed with all the necessary features to win the next benchrest competition, you would not believe that this scope is lightweight.
Weighing only 11.5 ounces, the Barska is remarkably portable. There is no need for painkillers because there is no need to carry on your shoulder a scope that is too heavy.
At any time, this scope guarantees high optical power. The optics are well designed and fully-coated. It has 32mm objective lenses, 12-inch tube length, and one-inch tube diameter, and an excellent magnification of 3X-9X.
The best part about this scope is that it’s waterproof, and shock and fog proof. These proofings only mean that rain or shine, you can go to that benchrest practice or even the recreational hunting with friends. On a foggy day, this scope will still be crystal clear.
Interestingly, because of the 3.5 wide eye relief, there is no need to strain the eyes before taking that perfect shot. There is a comfortable enough distance between the eye being used and the scope.
PROS
CONS
Suggested Article: Rear Bag for Benchrest Shooting Review
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
No products found.Vortex Optics is widely known for their rifle scope designs. Famous for being extremely durable and with high precision, they meticulously design and manufacture scopes.
Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire has multi-coated lenses with anti-reflection coatings for minimum glare and maximum light. As a result of this, the lens provides a higher contrast of colors, the superior transmission of light, and sharper images.
Because the V-Plex MOA is on the second focal plane, the scope maximizes more extended range shooting. Interestingly, this MOA has a windage level maximum at 60 and a maximum elevation adjustment level of 60.
Made with 1-inch tube size diameter in a single piece tube that is designed for maximized alignment improves accuracy and optical performance. The nitrogen gas is purged and sealed by O-ring to create a water, shock, and fog proof body.
Without changing positions, this scope will keep holding through as many rounds as you wish to shoot with. It is straightforward to zero this one in. And it is excellent to be used by beginners and pros alike.
PROS
CONS
What to Look for Before Buying?
In benchrest training and competitions, the distance you will be working on would be a deal-breaker. Invest in scope that would aid in both practice and the sport itself. First, there is a need to understand what to look for. Here are some factors that need to be considered:
Power
It is best to find a scope that best matches the rifle. 22LR is one of the most versatile ones and can be accurate at long distances. The generally accepted and perfect for benchrest view should be 10-15x magnification.
Magnification
22LR has an operative, maximum range of around 200 yards. A benchrest shooter can usually get by with 9X magnification.
Reticle: Mil-Dots or BDC
Since accuracy is the main goal in benchrest, standards crosshairs may not be of much use. Here’s what’s recommended:
Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) Reticle
This reticle is a benchrest shooter’s best friend. The marking helps gauge where to aim. If a 22LR rifle can be tuned to the reticle, you can get the most out of the BDC scope. Sadly, BDCs are a little complicated and need getting used to.
Mil-Dot Scope
A duplex with markings for bullet drop (mil-dots) is an excellent all-round scope. Mil-dot scopes have thick bars that get thinner as they reach the scope’s center, making it easier to aim at the target. Regrettably, 22LRs are rarely tuned to mil-dot reticle markings.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from the scope that your eye needs to be for a clear sight. On a rifle scope, typical eye relief is between 3-3 ½ inches.
The more magnification a rifle is capable of, the shorter the eye relief. When a scope meets your forehead, measure the eye relief, and then find one that will meet that measurement.
Objective Size
Lens size is the objective size and is the size of your picture, too. Bigger doesn’t mean to be better. Look for something between 32mm-42mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rimfire scopes are more suitable for shooting short-range as it has a parallax of 50 yards. They are designed for low recoil rifles and have a lower level of eye relief.
A centerfire scope can be used on rimfire rifles, but rimfire scopes cannot be used on centerfire rifles.
Scopes should be lightweight and have excellent lenses. The lenses allow more light inside the scope for a clearer picture.
To shoot targets at the maximum effective range of the 22LR, that would be 200-yard. Generally, high magnification scopes are used. Some of the best shooters use 20X-50X in both variables and fixed targets.
The magnification of the scope would depend on the competition’s requirements on rifle, caliber, scope, and weight.
A benchrest shooter can use any of these: 22 rifles, rest, ammo, and scope. Any type of action is allowed. A rifle should at least weigh 7.5 pounds or less with scope. The scope must be 6.5X or less. Any variable is allowed. Also, ammo must be made in the US.
Final Words
No matter how amazing the rifle and bullets are, it does not matter if the shooter cannot see the target. If you are into the sports of benchrest, it is the best time to invest in a proper and effective scope for that 22LR waiting to be used.
Enthusiasts cannot go wrong with any of these scope for 22LR benchrest as they will give you the precise aim that you have been wanting.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telescopic_sight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vhIKe3T_RY
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Rifle-Scope