I've mostly been happy with the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 I bought from the Appleseed store as my first and only scope. I've used it at several 25m events. I have very poor eyesight, and this scope has enabled me to participate in Appleseed, which would be completely impossible for me without a magnified optic.
I feel like I'm bumping up against the limits of this scope for 25m events, and I'm interested in a bit more magnification and maybe some other upgraded features. The magnification is fine up through stage 3, but I feel like in stage 4 I could benefit from seeing the target just a bit larger. I often get great groups in stage 4 with 2 or 3 holes right next to each other per target, but just off enough in a random direction to score poorly. Tight group a little high and to the right, tight group a little low and to the left, tight group dead on, tight group low and right. That kind of thing. I feel like my hold factors and steps to making the shot are good, but I just don't have enough of a target to hold on. In stages 1-3, I'm holding on a specific part of the target, while in 4, I can only see well enough to think I'm "in the black", not actually on any specific area of the target. I think higher magnification would help me hold on the center of the target, not just probably in the black.
And now I'm also interested in RKD — I missed one in May due to a scheduling conflict and actually signed up for another one in October that was unfortunately canceled, but I fully intend to go to one next year. And eventually I will want to do a 400m KD, but that's going to have to wait a bit.
So I'm looking for a scope that would be appropriate for a 10/22 rifle at a 25m event and a 200m RKD for sure, and could be also be used on a centerfire rifle 400m KD, but that last one is a secondary concern. I'm looking for magnification of 3-9x at a minimum, maybe 4-12x, or maybe even a maximum magnification higher than 12x, if that's the recommendation. I would like an adjustable parallax on this one. And I'd like a more generous eye box on this one. Sometimes I struggle to get decent eye alignment and a clear field of view in this scope, especially at higher magnification, and I've heard there are scopes that are a bit more forgiving than the Crossfire II. Also, if there are any features that would be helpful for RKD and KD, I'd love to hear about it. I've never done range estimation — are there better or worse features for that?
Please let me know if you have any thoughts on this, features to look for, brands, models, specific recommendations, links, etc.
Thanks!
The UTG BugBuster 3-9 mil dot recital. Used to be an Appleseed favorite & good scope.
Simmons Pro Target 4-16 mil dot recital. I use them at 1000 yards no problem.
I haven't done a rimfire KD, but at my last 25m clinic, I found dialing back to 4x actually increased my scores. Zooming in too much made it tempting to obsess over my own wobble, instead of just trusting my NPOA and squeeeeeeezing the trigger.
I do agree that adjustable parallax is a great feature and I look for it on any scope I buy. Being able to have the target and reticle in focus at the same time is a big win.
Quote from: Eagle Keeper on October 16, 2025, 12:35:13 PMThe UTG BugBuster 3-9 mil dot recital. Used to be an Appleseed favorite & good scope.
Simmons Pro Target 4-16 mil dot recital. I use them at 1000 yards no problem.
Thanks for the specific recommendations!
I was looking at a used rifle online recently that came with a UTG BugBuster 3-9 mil dot recital. I had not heard of it, so I looked it up, and it looked very affordable. You consider it to be pretty good?
I'll look up the Simmons too.
Quote from: Zorak on October 16, 2025, 01:05:05 PMI haven't done a rimfire KD, but at my last 25m clinic, I found dialing back to 4x actually increased my scores. Zooming in too much made it tempting to obsess over my own wobble, instead of just trusting my NPOA and squeeeeeeezing the trigger.
I do agree that adjustable parallax is a great feature and I look for it on any scope I buy. Being able to have the target and reticle in focus at the same time is a big win.
Thanks for the reply. I do dial my magnification down for Stage 1 to minimize distracting wobbles. But in seated and prone, I don't have much of an issue with wobbles. I might still dial it down for the purposes of getting more quickly into sight alignment and a clear field of view in stages 2 and 3. But by stage 4, my hold feels very solid, I have plenty of time for sight alignment, NPOA, and the steps to making the shot, including trigger squeeze, and I want maximum magnification. If I don't have it up to 7x in stage 4, I really can't see the target. So for me it varies by conditions, but my stages might go something like this Stage 1, 2x-4x; Stage 2, 4x-5x; Stage 3, 6x-7x; Stage 4, maxed out at 7x, and I'd like the option to go higher.
Anyway, that's all beside the point. I probably made a mistake in the original post by providing too much background on why I wanted the scope, because it opens the discussion of why I don't need it, and the purpose of the thread is not to get into my unusual life-long vision problems. Let's just say I intend to buy a scope in the 3-9x to 4-16x range for RKD, and the purpose of the thread is scope recommendations.
Thanks again!
Don't forget the ocular end of the scope can be adjusted to be in focus.
You should be able to have a crisp reticle and target at the same time.
I won't try to talk you out of a new scope but there may be some performance left in the scope you have.
Well I just spend your money for you, I didn't see a price range
Ares BTR GEN3 HD 2.5-15x50 APRS13 FFP IR
Will be a solid all around scope. I have the Gen2 version and will be looking to sell it for the gen3. I want the newer reticle. .2moa dot vs a cross hair
FFP, parallax adjustment down to 10yrds, eye box is forgiving, glass is clear, it's built like a tank, lifetime warranty
I original purchased it for my cz457 for prs22, but I've moved it to my 1022 for AS with rimfire KD in mind
Quote from: Fulcrum on October 16, 2025, 02:58:57 PMQuote from: Zorak on October 16, 2025, 01:05:05 PMI haven't done a rimfire KD, but at my last 25m clinic, I found dialing back to 4x actually increased my scores. Zooming in too much made it tempting to obsess over my own wobble, instead of just trusting my NPOA and squeeeeeeezing the trigger.
I do agree that adjustable parallax is a great feature and I look for it on any scope I buy. Being able to have the target and reticle in focus at the same time is a big win.
Thanks for the reply. I do dial my magnification down for Stage 1 to minimize distracting wobbles. But in seated and prone, I don't have much of an issue with wobbles. I might still dial it down for the purposes of getting more quickly into sight alignment and a clear field of view in stages 2 and 3. But by stage 4, my hold feels very solid, I have plenty of time for sight alignment, NPOA, and the steps to making the shot, including trigger squeeze, and I want maximum magnification. If I don't have it up to 7x in stage 4, I really can't see the target. So for me it varies by conditions, but my stages might go something like this Stage 1, 2x-4x; Stage 2, 4x-5x; Stage 3, 6x-7x; Stage 4, maxed out at 7x, and I'd like the option to go higher.
Anyway, that's all beside the point. I probably made a mistake in the original post by providing too much background on why I wanted the scope, because it opens the discussion of why I don't need it, and the purpose of the thread is not to get into my unusual life-long vision problems. Let's just say I intend to buy a scope in the 3-9x to 4-16x range for RKD, and the purpose of the thread is scope recommendations.
Thanks again!
Completely fair, sir, and I would never try to talk anyone out of spending money on glass.
I have a Meopta Optika6 on one of my 10/22s that I really really like and hits most of your requirements. The glass is bright, the parallax can be dialed down to 15 yards, and it zooms to 15x. My specific model has a basic crosshair reticle. It gets a lot of use by first-time shooters and I didn't want a complicated reticle that might confuse them. If there's an Optika6 with a reticle that meets your needs, I think you'd like it.
30mm tube and a big adjustment ring does mean it requires a high mount and you'd probably to adjust your cheek riser.
Quote from: topper on October 16, 2025, 04:45:34 PMDon't forget the ocular end of the scope can be adjusted to be in focus.
You should be able to have a crisp reticle and target at the same time.
I won't try to talk you out of a new scope but there may be some performance left in the scope you have.
Thanks. I know how to focus the scope!
Quote from: Nightpoison on October 16, 2025, 04:53:25 PMWell I just spend your money for you, I didn't see a price range
Ares BTR GEN3 HD 2.5-15x50 APRS13 FFP IR
Will be a solid all around scope. I have the Gen2 version and will be looking to sell it for the gen3. I want the newer reticle. .2moa dot vs a cross hair
FFP, parallax adjustment down to 10yrds, eye box is forgiving, glass is clear, it's built like a tank, lifetime warranty
I original purchased it for my cz457 for prs22, but I've moved it to my 1022 for AS with rimfire KD in mind
lol! Yes, I did not mention a price range! There is one, but I didn't want to limit the conversation too much. I will take a look at this one. Do you prefer the dot over the crosshairs? I have no experience with that style.
Quote from: Zorak on October 16, 2025, 05:07:46 PMCompletely fair, sir, and I would never try to talk anyone out of spending money on glass.
I have a Meopta Optika6 on one of my 10/22s that I really really like and hits most of your requirements. The glass is bright, the parallax can be dialed down to 15 yards, and it zooms to 15x. My specific model has a basic crosshair reticle. It gets a lot of use by first-time shooters and I didn't want a complicated reticle that might confuse them. If there's an Optika6 with a reticle that meets your needs, I think you'd like it.
30mm tube and a big adjustment ring does mean it requires a high mount and you'd probably to adjust your cheek riser.
Thank you. I'll look that one up. Most likely I will want a different reticle, so I'll research that. My rifle is currently set up with medium rings, and I have the highest Magpul cheek riser for the Hunter stock on it. Much higher might be an issue, but I'll give it a look.
I hear what you're saying about a desire for more magnification but my recommendation would still be to stay at 4x for 25m. For 200 yards I didn't got beyond 8-10x on my scope.
I would focus on getting a better scope that provides better clarity and light transmission. While I love my Simmons AO scope, it just isn't nearly as clear as my Nikon rimfire. Even at the same magnification it is much easier to see a target with the Nikon. It's like looking at an analog tv transmission versus a high definition stream. Same movie you are watching but one lets you see all the wrinkles on the actors faces!
I have the same 2-7 Crossfire on my Appleseed rifle, and as others have said, I rarely dial over 4x. If this is any indication of my eyes, I was using a spotting scope to spot the holes in a paper target at 7 yards yesterday!
I shot the rimfire KD with the same scope, and only dialed 7x at anything over 100.
Things to bear in mind, the more magnification, the more you will fell/see the unsteady hold.
Keep the weight down, you have to hold it still!
There is a 4-12 Crossfire with objective lens focusing I have on my Bolt gun.
Hope to catch you at Concord or Sac Valley next year!
When you start cranking up the magnification, you will definitely want the parallax adjustment.
I have UTG BugBuster 3-12x32 on a Daisy 853 air rifle as my primary backyard iguana killer. It will focus down to 3 yards, which is helpful because I use a sidewheel on the focus knob the determine ranges and elevation clicks. It's sufficient for this 5-25 yard use, but a neighbor looked through it and thought it was awful. Of course, he's used to his Vortex Razor.
If $400 is in the budget, a simple lightweight (12oz) option would be the Leupold #175075 3-9x33 EFR, which will focus 10 yards to infinity. I think it may have been recently discontinued, but there are probably some still available in retail channels. I have 3 of these on 10/22s with many patches earned with those rifles.
In the $350+ range SWFA Super Sniper scopes (I know, cheesy name) have an interesting military history and are pretty highly regarded in the airgunning world. They are no frills and good value for the money. They are made in Japan instead of China. Some of the models are the only rear focus adjustment scopes I've ever seen.
Otherwise, I'd probably look through the line of Athlon scopes. Quite a few of the Athlon scopes will focus down to yards and there are options at many budget levels.
Don't forget Black Friday sales are only about a month away.
dvor.com (optics planet outlet site) has some good deals if you luck into one.
Eurooptic and Redhawkrifles have some deals on demo/like new scopes. I ordered a Zeiss V4 6-24x50 and it arrived brand new in a factory sealed box. Maybe I was just lucky.
If willing to buy a used scope, the member classifieds at airgunnation can be a good place to look. I've had good luck, but there are scammers out there.
Best of luck in your search.
Not Sure
Between me and another person we have 8 Bug Busters on loaner rifles. They have done very well for several years with no problems.