The Ruger 77/22 is a versatile and reliable rifle, making it a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Choosing the right scope for this rifle can enhance your shooting experience, improve accuracy, and allow you to make the most out of your Ruger 77/22.
In this article, I'll explore some of the best scopes available for this rifle, providing detailed reviews, specifications, features, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Specifications:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Reticle: Duplex
Field of View: 33.1-13.6 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66 inches
Weight: 12.2 oz
Length: 12.39 inches
Finish: Matte
Best Features:
Twilight Light Management System
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Scratch-resistant lenses
Durable and lightweight construction
Pros:
Excellent light transmission
Durable and reliable in various weather conditions
Clear and crisp image quality
Easy to mount and adjust
Cons:
Slightly higher price point
Limited to duplex reticle option
Experience When Using the Product: When I mounted the Leupold VX-Freedom on my Ruger 77/22, the first thing I noticed was the clear and bright image. The Twilight Light Management System truly enhances low-light performance, which is essential for early morning or late evening hunting. The scope held zero perfectly even after multiple trips to the range, and the rugged construction gave me confidence that it could withstand rough handling.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: The Leupold VX-Freedom is an excellent match for the Ruger 77/22 due to its durable build and high-quality optics. The scope's ability to perform in low-light conditions complements the rifle's versatility, making it ideal for varmint hunting or target shooting at various times of the day.
Online Customer Comments: Many users on hunting forums and review sites praise the Leupold VX-Freedom for its optical clarity and durability. Some mentioned using it on different rifles and appreciating its consistent performance, which aligns with my experience.
Experience When Using the Product: The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II was a joy to use with my Ruger 77/22. The BDC 150 reticle is particularly useful for long-range shots, providing accurate holdover points. The fully multi-coated optics ensured a bright and clear image, even in low light. The zero-reset turrets made sighting in quick and straightforward, and the scope maintained its zero well.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: This scope is tailored for rimfire rifles, making it a perfect companion for the Ruger 77/22. The BDC 150 reticle enhances its long-range capabilities, and the rugged construction ensures it can handle the field's demands.
Online Customer Comments: Reviews highlight the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II's clarity and ease of use. Many users appreciate the BDC reticle for extended range shooting and commend its performance on various rimfire rifles.
Experience When Using the Product: The Vortex Crossfire II is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. Mounting it on my Ruger 77/22 was straightforward, and I found the image quality to be superb for its price range. The V-Plex reticle is simple and effective, making target acquisition quick and easy. The capped turrets are a nice touch, protecting the adjustments from accidental bumps.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: The Vortex Crossfire II is a great match for the Ruger 77/22, offering solid performance at an affordable price. Its durable construction and clear optics make it suitable for various shooting activities, from plinking to hunting small game.
Online Customer Comments: Users frequently mention the excellent value for money that the Vortex Crossfire II offers. Many appreciate its durability and the clear, bright optics, considering it one of the best budget scopes for rimfire rifles.
4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Multi-X Reticle
Specifications:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Reticle: Multi-X
Field of View: 40-14 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
Weight: 13 oz
Length: 12 inches
Finish: Matte
Best Features:
Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses
Fast focus eyepiece
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Multi-X reticle for versatile shooting
Pros:
Great performance in low light
Durable and reliable
Clear and bright image
Affordable price
Cons:
Shorter eye relief
Heavier than some competitors
Experience When Using the Product: The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn performed admirably during early morning and late evening hunts. The DDB multi-coated lenses provided excellent clarity in low-light conditions, and the Multi-X reticle was simple yet effective for various shooting scenarios. The scope held zero well, even after extensive use.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: This scope's low-light performance complements the Ruger 77/22's versatility, making it a great choice for hunters. The durable construction ensures it can handle rough outdoor conditions, and the affordable price makes it accessible to many shooters.
Online Customer Comments: Many users commend the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn for its low-light performance and value for money. It is frequently recommended for hunting applications, with numerous positive reviews highlighting its durability and clear optics.
Experience When Using the Product: The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag is a lightweight and affordable option that offers good performance for its price. The HydroShield lens coating provided clear and bright images, and the quick target acquisition eyepiece made it easy to get on target quickly. It held zero well during my testing, and the adjustments were smooth and precise.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: This scope is a great budget option for the Ruger 77/22, offering solid performance without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design complements the rifle's balance, making it easy to carry and handle during long shooting sessions or hunts.
Online Customer Comments: Customers often highlight the Simmons Truplex .22 Mag for its excellent value and reliable performance. Many users have praised its clarity and ease of use, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious shooters.
Experience When Using the Product: The BSA Sweet .22 is a specialized scope designed for .22 LR ammunition, making it a great fit for the Ruger 77/22. The calibrated turrets allow for quick adjustments based on the bullet weight, which is a unique feature that I found very useful for accurate long-range shooting. The adjustable objective helped eliminate parallax, providing a clear image at various distances.
Why This Fits the Ruger 77/22: This scope's design specifically for .22 LR rounds makes it an excellent choice for the Ruger 77/22. Its features enhance accuracy and versatility, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
Online Customer Comments: Users appreciate the BSA Sweet .22 for its unique features and performance tailored to .22 LR rifles. Many reviews highlight its accuracy and ease of adjustment, making it a popular choice among rimfire enthusiasts.
Selecting the right scope for your Ruger 77/22 involves considering several key factors:
1. Magnification:
Determine the typical shooting distances you'll be using. For general plinking and small game hunting, a 3-9x magnification range is versatile and effective. For target shooting, higher magnification may be beneficial.
2. Objective Lens Size:
Larger objective lenses (40mm and above) allow more light to enter the scope, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, they can add weight to the setup.
3. Reticle Type:
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. Duplex reticles are simple and effective for most applications. BDC reticles are helpful for long-range shooting, providing holdover points.
4. Durability:
Ensure the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to withstand various environmental conditions.
5. Adjustability:
Look for scopes with easily adjustable turrets and parallax settings if you plan to shoot at varying distances.
6. Eye Relief:
Adequate eye relief is important to avoid scope eye and ensure comfortable shooting.
7. Budget:
Determine your budget and find the best scope that fits within it while meeting your needs.
FAQs
Q: What magnification is best for the Ruger 77/22? A: A 3-9x magnification range is versatile and suitable for most rimfire applications, providing enough zoom for both close and mid-range shooting.
Q: Do I need a specific reticle for rimfire shooting? A: While a specific reticle isn't necessary, a duplex or BDC reticle can be beneficial. BDC reticles provide holdover points for longer distances, which can enhance accuracy.
Q: Is an adjustable objective necessary? A: An adjustable objective can be helpful for correcting parallax at different distances, improving accuracy. It's particularly useful if you plan to shoot at various ranges.
Q: How important is durability in a scope? A: Durability is crucial, especially if you plan to use the scope in different weather conditions. Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof scopes ensure reliable performance in the field.
Q: What should I consider regarding eye relief? A: Adequate eye relief prevents scope eye and ensures comfortable shooting. Look for scopes with at least 3 inches of eye relief.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for your Ruger 77/22 can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Whether you're hunting small game, target shooting, or plinking, the right scope can improve accuracy and make your shooting sessions more enjoyable.
The Leupold VX-Freedom, Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II, Vortex Crossfire II, Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn, Simmons Truplex .22 Mag, Weaver Classic Rimfire, and BSA Sweet .22 are all excellent options, each offering unique features and benefits. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can select the perfect scope to complement your Ruger 77/22 and achieve the best performance in the field.