.22LR Gallery Rifle Scope / Magnification

[JDT]

I've shot .22LR for a long time (rabbits) but looking to get a semi-auto for gallery rifle. Was just wondering what scope brands and magnification people would recommend? I've done plenty of research for optics for different centrefire disciplines and ranges but don't really know much about rimfire disciplines optic choices.

[Mattnall]

 use a 1.5-5 power scope.

I've found the smaller magnification better for the more dynamic comps and 5 power is more than enough for 25-35yds of the other GR comps I shoot.

I have shot against those with 4-10 power or similar and on the quick fire rounds and speed steels although they may shoot the targets quicker I can find them faster so finish before them. the wider field of view of 1.5 power is often the biggest advantage of the scope.

[1066]

Snap - I use a little White tail classic 1.5-5 x 20 on both a ,22lr and a .357 Winchester.

[terryh]

Just sorted a gallery rifle myself, 

Having borrowed/used a couple of friends rifles/scope set ups concur on the low mag, Installed a (true) 1-10 SFP scope.

Close in on 1x you can keep both eyes open 'similar' to utilising a Eotech 😎

[JDT]

Thanks for the responses folks, they're as I suspected, quite low for quick acquisition and better view. I'll probably just stick my current 1-6 x 24 on.

[Timbo1963]

Even within the specialist gallery guys there are different ideas. Some of the top guys now go for high magnification. However they spent a lot of time practicing coming up on target developing the muscle memory to do it in one move. I don’t think I would recommend this approach for a beginner though. As stated above a 1-6 type mag will get you on the correct target quickly. If you cross shoot your just be giving the guy next to you points.  I use a Falcon 1-8 on my underlever and it is ideal for T&P 1 for me. For small cal I use a 5-20 MTC but I would like to be able to come down to x3 for the closer stuff. If money is no object I think the March 2.5-25 is the ultimate gallery scope (not a cheap option though), but I think you should look around for something that comes down to x3 and as high is you can afford (x15?). SFP is best for gallery and the cheaper optics probably won’t be a massive issue for gallery. Finally find a reticle that suits you and is nice and simple. Maybe something like the Sightron S-Tac 3-16 with duplex reticle? There is a gallery rifle Facebook group that you could join and ask for opinions. Try and have a look through all the scopes at your club if you can as what one guy likeS won’t necessarily suit you.
Hope this helps and don’t forget these are just my ideas, your always have to form your Own opinions in the end.

[JDT]

Cheers for the reply Timbo. As I'm starting out I'll probably stick with low magnification at first and then just see how I naturally progress I suppose. Unfortunately for myself (much as I'd love one for all of my different shooting disciplines...) a March optic is absolutely out of the question haha. Highest I can really push my budget to even for my mid- to longer- range optics is a Vortex Viper PST Gen II - solid midrange priced stuff. Took a look at the Sightron you suggested and I like the basic reticle and price, will definitely consider it if I evolve down the route of higher magnification like you said some gallery shooters prefer.