Is this scope too cheap for even my .22LR bolt action rifle?

[Javelin]

Saw this Vortex 6x24 powered scope w/ 1" tube and was wondering if any of the gurus could give me a thumbs up or down for my suppressed .22LR bolt action rifle.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-Cross...074#vi-content

[Moltke]

Suppressed? Yes.

[Javelin]

Suppressed? Yes.

Yeah. I thought maybe since it is just a 22LR that cost a whole $250 that I could get away with something that does not cost the same in opticsland.

I was looking at the Nikon ProStaff for like $169-179 depending where I buy it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/149...-reticle-matte

I have ALWAYS regretted going cheap on purchases in the end and I think I am heading down that road with the Vortex scope and maybe even the Nikon for my 22L.

[thopkins22]

Vortex scopes have excellent glass(in the sub 1k range) and a great warranty...something I'd buy for a family member going to war? No...but something I'd definitely put on a .22lr.

I'd read some of the reviews at Sniper's Hide...they seem to get a passing grade in a place where USO and S&B are kings.

[Cesiumsponge]

Why are folks tempted to go cheap on optics because "its only a 22"? Good optics help you see things, so if you're planning on using it for anything more than casual plinking, such as a trainer to help improve your skills, the money is worth it. What do you plan to do with the rifle? I've seen folks buy Schmidt & Bender for their 22lr and I'm not suggesting that, but there is a wide degree of latitude depending on your goals.

[Javelin]

Why are folks tempted to go cheap on optics because "its only a 22"? Good optics help you see things, so if you're planning on using it for anything more than casual plinking, such as a trainer to help improve your skills, the money is worth it. What do you plan to do with the rifle? I've seen folks buy Schmidt & Bender for their 22lr and I'm not suggesting that, but there is a wide degree of latitude depending on your goals.

I like shooting and the .22LR is a way to do it and keep costs down. I hear you about the optics though. My distance is approx 50-100m with a .22LR so long distance is kind of out of the question on this particular platform. Just trying to get some glass for my little pea shooter is all.

[SteyrAUG]

Pop on Gunbroker and find a used Leupold in decent shape.

[Cesiumsponge]

Check the Equipment Exchange here too. In general, if you can find a scope that starts at about $300+ new, you'll weed out a lot of the iffy stuff for a less recoil-critical platform like a .22LR. Of course, going used, you won't be paying near $300.

If you really want to put in some research hours, Sniper's Hide is full of glass snobs. Vortex does have a more budget-oriented following over there. M4C tends to be more focused on battle-hardened stuff and the AR platform.

I'd try to go with a 30mm tube to give you more elevation adjustment for a 22, and a larger objective for more light. 30mm should give you enough to dial to 200m If you're going with higher magnification, cheaper scopes tend to "gray out" at the upper end. That is, contrast and sharpness will go away, and it's simply not a joy to use. If you've ever used a cheaper and/or higher power spotting scope, you'd understand the effect I'm trying to describe when you crank it up.

[Javelin]

Check the Equipment Exchange here too. In general, if you can find a scope that starts at about $300+ new, you'll weed out a lot of the iffy stuff for a less recoil-critical platform like a .22LR. Of course, going used, you won't be paying near $300.

If you really want to put in some research hours, Sniper's Hide is full of glass snobs. Vortex does have a more budget-oriented following over there. M4C tends to be more focused on battle-hardened stuff and the AR platform.

I'd try to go with a 30mm tube to give you more elevation adjustment for a 22, and a larger objective for more light. 30mm should give you enough to dial to 200m If you're going with higher magnification, cheaper scopes tend to "gray out" at the upper end. That is, contrast and sharpness will go away, and it's simply not a joy to use. If you've ever used a cheaper and/or higher power spotting scope, you'd understand the effect I'm trying to describe when you crank it up.

Thanks for the info. I honestly have never used a cheap scope. The cheapest one I have is a toss up between my Trijicon Accupoint 1.5x4 or my Leupold Mark 4. I had a Bushnell as a kid like 20 years ago and it sucked.... have not gone cheap ever since.

I will check out used scopes. They scare me a little as I always wonder why the person is selling it (like maybe the damn thing drifts or maybe the tube is not sealed). That's my only fear with used though.

[Cesiumsponge]

Sticking to users to an established posting history and iTrader rating is usually a pretty safe bet. There are occasionally unscrupulous folks who sell things on the EE but usually they have just the bare minimum amount of posts...just enough to run their scams. That should shout "red flag!" or at the very least, be cautious. If you're really worried about that off-chance, then the extra cost of a new product is a small price to pay.