Scope for .22LR Encore?

[silly goose]

Hey guys, question for you small bore handgunners.  I just picked up an Encore 15" barrel in 22LR.  I am hoping to use this for small game and to stay sharp a bit more cheaply than using a centerfire round.  At this point I have no experience w/pistol scopes.  In a rifle I love a 4x fixed.  What do you suggest for plinking, small game and target work.  I'm trying to decide between a 2x, 4x, or a 2-6x variable.  I am looking in the $150 dollar price range.  What do you think best for these uses?  Also I know you get what you pay for, but I really don't want to go top $ at this point.  I've been looking at simmons and weaver which seem to get pretty decent reviews.  Thanks for any insight you can provide. 

[Bearcat 74]

I am far from an expert, total newbie at the pistol stuff actually, but I don't care for the tiny field of view on the 4x scopes.  If I were you I would look at a 30mm red dot, a 2x or the 2-6 variable.  I have a 2x20mm on my 30/30 Contender and I really like it.  I don't have any problems on targets out to 75yds, farthest I have shot at targets and it has a pretty good field of view. 

[WayneS]

a 15" Encore is pretty heavy to be shooting in an extended arm [EER scope] style.  If you intend to shoot from any form of rest, OR a Toco hold standing  consinder a rifle scope. Depending on the distance you shoot at  there are several  4-12,6-18, and 6-24 X scopes in your price range.

[Steve P]

a 15" Encore is pretty heavy to be shooting in an extended arm [EER scope] style.  If you intend to shoot from any form of rest, OR a Toco hold standing  consinder a rifle scope. Depending on the distance you shoot at  there are several  4-12,6-18, and 6-24 X scopes in your price range.

Another vote for rifle scope.  Wayne is right on!!.  My Contender with 10" 22LR barrel has a 3-9X Rifle scope on it.  Works excellent!  I even have 32 Mag, 32.20, 270 Ren, and a couple of others with rifle scopes on them.  The bigger boomers have the EER Leupold 2X and 4X scopes on them, but if no recoil, the rifle scope is the way to go.

Steve

[David D.]

a 15" Encore is pretty heavy to be shooting in an extended arm [EER scope] style.  If you intend to shoot from any form of rest, OR a Toco hold standing  consinder a rifle scope. Depending on the distance you shoot at  there are several  4-12,6-18, and 6-24 X scopes in your price range.

Another that likes rifle scopes on rim fires and light recoiling pistols. I use rifle scopes on my 22L.R., 17MACH2, and 22Hornet.

Just another option for you to think about!!!

Merry Christmas To All,
Dave

[silly goose]

Ok, you guys make valid points and seem to think they work well, which I believe.  But............wouldn't it be better for me to practice like I was going to hunt?  I do plan on using a rest, I even try to use a rest when I hunt with revolvers.  I purchased a frame w/7-08 barrel which I haven't picked up yet.  I would think the 7-08 would have a bit too much recoil for a rifle scope(as far as my eye is concerned).  Does this make any sense or am I just being a hardhead(which I have been known to be).  To be honest, I'm not even sure how to hold one of these for the best shootability.  This is where the 22 comes in.  Feel free to say if my thinking is flawed, I'm the one w/no experience. Thanks guys, I really appreciate your posts.

[WayneS]

If practice for hunting is yourMAIN goal with a 7-08, then look at your hunting situations,ie; hunt from a stand, [tree or house], walk & stalk, ect.  also your  "kill fields" or distances,  max being 50, 100, or longer, OR how far youy feel able to hit the "kill area" on a deer ?
Also how you intend to load the 7-08 which will effect recoil. Being a "hunting only" barrel it might not justify a "break" but there are a few on the market that will reduce recoil to "almost" that of the 22 LR
To others, I said "ALMOST"

[Steve P]

Different story, different answer.

Encore with two barrels, 22LR/7mm-08, for hunting.  Get EER 4x Pistol scopes by Leupold and put one on each barrel.  Use same mounts and rings on each barrel.   Set the barrels up exactly the same.

The .22LR barrel will be a little heavier (smaller bore = more metal) but it will be close enough to get you practiced with the balance and positions needed for hunting.  BUT  <--- Big BUT..... Your 7mm-08 is going to recoil a lot differently so you need to practice shooting the .22LR in the same manner you shoot the 7mm-08 and NOT vice versa.   

The 15" .22LR barrel is not going to move a whole lot on firing.  You may get too relaxed shooting it.  You need to pretend it is the 7mm-08 and hold it accordingly.  The follow thru needed to keep accurate shots with the .22LR at 100 yards + will help the 7mm-08 shooting, but only if you are prepared for the recoil.

I have several of my Contenders set up with the Leupold 2x scopes.  .223, .30-30, and 7-30W.  Recoil is a little different, but practice is the same. 

Good luck.

Steve

 

[David D.]

My 22L.R., 17MACH2, 22Hornet are set up with rifle scopes and do double duty for target and hunting.

My bigger cals. that have to much recoil for rifle scopes are set up with pistol scopes. And yes the 7-08 has to much recoil for rifle scopes unless brake. And depending on the brake may still bite you.

My personal opinion is practice with what you will hunt with then when the moment comes to drop the hammer you will be prepared. There is a big difference between a 22L.R. and the 7-08 which I'm sure you know. Practice with the rim fire will help in focusing on the pistol scope and getting on target but you or at least myself still need practice with the bigger cals. Not to mention the thump in the hand feels good!!!!