Originally Posted by K22
Some brands and models of scope are mentioned often, but there still are a lot of different scopes and sizes being used.
I was never a fan of the hubble telescopes. With modern technology I've noticed they are getting shorter which is a plus in my book, but they are sure gaining weight. Trying to keep up with society? LOL
A 20+ oz. scope isn't something I would put on my light weight Squirrel rifles, but again, that's just me.
A few years back I tested 2 of my rifles I knew would shoot the same ammo very accurately. The ammo was Wolf Target Match. The distance was 50yds. and one rifle had a 24X scope on it and the other a 6X. Both rifle bores were cleaned before I started shooting. The results verified what I was saying concerning me and my shooting. I could match the group size at 50yds with a 6X scope versus a 24X.
Nothing against the higher magnification scopes, only that my needs for a Squirrel hunting scope aren't the same as others. Most of my Squirrel shooting occurred in trees much lower than 50yds. and a good clear 6X was more than enough scope. In fact, I used to zero my 22lr. rimfires at 100ft. as that was close to the maximum ft. I ever had to shoot. Add to that I was shooting uphill so a scope set to hit approx. 1/8" above center always worked for me. The rifle I used back then, a KDF K22, is still zeroed to hit 1/8" high at 100ft. That setup never failed me.
Below is the target I shot with the 2 different scopes.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

This is a couple of targets I shot many years ago with the KDF K22 @100ft. The larger target at the top was shot by the owner of KDF at 50yds using my rifle and Win. Super X. The guarantee from KDF was 5rds. of Win. Super X @50yds into a 1/2" group or better.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Of course high powered scopes aren't needed for producing tight groups on paper. I do that with irons, so have others I know. Where the higher powered scopes shine is in being able to see real small targets. If that makes any sense. Where I shoot rimfire competitions in Washington, everyone uses some sort of higher magnification scope, even on their Ruger 10/22s. We do a lot of head to head speed matches too, but the targets are smaller. Golf balls hanging from strings, paint balls, KYL targets. Etc. etc. With some of these targets, it's a benefit to see what you are shooting at. Especially when you are needing to get on that target quick.

You are asking about rimfires, but also with squirrel hunting in mind. Just about any scope will work, as has been shown. Like my first post said, you are going to get so many suggestions, it's not even going to be funny. Scopes are always highly subjective. Eyesight needs to be considered, and also what the quarry/prey is going to be. I grew up using 3-9x40 rifle scopes, and shot many many running jackrabbits and ground squirrels, but now I prefer a good 4.5-14x42 or there abouts, as a good all around scope. Yet, on my big game rifles, I always us a 3-9x40 with the appropriate LR reticle. This gets me out to 500 yards easily with all of my big game rifles. Like anything, there's always going to be a multitude of choices, you just have to figure out what works best for you..

Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.

BSA MAGA