Do You Need a Rimfire Scope? ~ What's the Difference?

Published on December 15, 2022
Duration: 19:51

This guide, drawing on the expertise of GunBlue490, details the key differences between rimfire and centerfire rifle scopes. It covers the critical role of parallax settings, physical scaling, and reticle design for optimal performance with .22 and .17 rimfire calibers. The information is crucial for shooters looking to maximize accuracy and target acquisition in rimfire applications.

Quick Summary

The main difference between rimfire and centerfire scopes is the parallax setting; rimfire scopes are typically set at 50-60 yards for shorter ranges, while centerfire scopes are set at 150 yards. Rimfire scopes are also often physically scaled down and may feature finer reticles for precise aiming at small targets.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Rimfire vs. Centerfire Scopes
  2. 01:03The Primary Difference: Parallax
  3. 06:11Physical Scale and Compactness
  4. 09:11Reticle Thickness
  5. 10:52Adjustable Objective (AO) Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a rimfire scope and a centerfire scope?

The primary difference is the internal parallax setting. Standard centerfire scopes are typically set at 150 yards, while rimfire scopes are set at 50 to 60 yards to accommodate the shorter ranges typical of .22 or .17 rimfire shooting.

Why do rimfire scopes often have finer crosshairs?

Finer crosshairs are crucial for small game hunting, like squirrel headshots, where a thick centerfire reticle might obscure the target at close range, allowing for more precise aiming.

Can I use a centerfire scope on a rimfire rifle?

While technically possible, it's not ideal. Centerfire scopes have a parallax setting (usually 150 yards) not suited for the typical shorter ranges of rimfire cartridges, potentially causing accuracy issues. Rimfire scopes are optimized for these closer distances.

What is an Adjustable Objective (AO) scope and why is it useful for rimfires?

Scopes with an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus allow the user to manually adjust parallax for very close distances, sometimes down to 3.5 yards. This makes them highly versatile for rimfire rifles used at varying, often close, ranges.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from GunBlue490

View all →