I have a Contender pistol in 22 LR on the way. I am looking for advice as to the power of scope I should put on it.

Having worked with both a 2x Burris and the original Aimpoint on my 10 inch 22 Contender barrel I think I'd go with a 4x Leupold.

You didn't specify what you planned to use it for, but a variable might be your best option. I really like the 2.5-7x from TC and Burris; they afford ample field of view for close range, small game situations and allow me higher magnification to wring out accuracy at longer ranges. But a 1.25-4x20 is smaller and will be more streamlined on your barrel should that be a concern.

Then again, I've had a 1x on an 8" Dan Wesson for years, and it serves its purpose (small game at modest ranges) perfectly.

I have a swift 2x6 on my Contender 22LR Match 14" barrel now. I shot a 4x Swift for two years and it was great. Needed a 4x for my 45-70 so I took it off the 22lr. I found a good deal on the 2x6 and use it now. I set with shooting sticks and use the 6x power spotting squirrels and then I turn it down to 3 or 4x when stalking or shooting off hand. I tried a 1.25x4 Burris on my 10" contender barrel and it worked great. Sold the barrel and used the scope on a revolver. With all of that said, I would use something in a 2x to 4x. Even with the 4x you can shoot bench and have a good time.

Mike

will be used mainly for plinking at small targets.......but guess that is what you shoot a LR for eh? plan to use it this upcoming spring for ground squirrels in eastern OR

quote:

mainly for plinking at small targets... plan to use it this upcoming spring for ground squirrels

With a rimfire or other light kicker you could also try a conventional rifle scope and the taco hold. Looks goofy, but pretty is as pretty does.

I would like to second what the others have said about variables. Youn have the low power option for plinking but still have the higher powers for making sure that squirrel shaped knob is in fact a squirrel's head and better accuracy at long range. You'll probably shoot the 22 Lr more than all of your other barrels combined, so get just as good a scope for your 22 Lr barrel as you would put on any center fire barrel. You won't regret making that investment down the line...Rusty.

Rusty Hook makes a very good point about putting higher-grade glass on the .22 LR barrel as it is more than likely the barrel you will shoot the most. I've never, ever regretted splurging a little and putting better glass on a rig.

I have been shooting a 22 LR barrel for years.
When I started shooting IHMSA again 5 years ago I set up a 10" barrel for Hunter Pistol competition and love it! I use a Simmons Aetec 2.8-10X Rifle scope with adjustable objective.
Using the rifle scope does require a different hold on the pistol. Look at the IHMSA site for info:http://www.ihmsa.com/ ABCs of Unlimited Standing, for more info on using rifle scopes.

Likes:Able to put the wide benchrest forend on and shoot a one shot hole at 25 yards with 10 rounds. Makes the rifle guys feel BAD!
Dislike: hard to carry in field but does a great job once there!

I now have 3 barrels set up this way 10" Match, 10" LR and 14" LR.
I use Rifle scopes on my 22 Hornets also.

Heavy recoil still demands distance so EER is the rule for 223 and up.

Enjoy that 22 barrel, it is one of the best options.

KenTN

Using rifle scopes on handguns is all well and good for those who like it that way. But if you are going to use the 22 Lr as an understudy for your centerfire barrels, it would be better to stay with the same types of scopes your centerfires have mounted on them for more transferable practice. Just my 2 cents. It's your gun and your money, so do as you please. Good luck in your quest for a 22 Lr barrel, Rusty.