High end squirrel hunting scope

Ac338

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Dec 21, 2018
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Looking for opinions on a higher end scope to put on a T1X .22LR. This will strictly be used for small game hunting but would still like to put something on it that will hold zero and take some abuse as I’m typically banging stuff around. I do prefer variable power for small game. Thanks in advance
 
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Ac338

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Dec 21, 2018
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Michigan
I just put a 3-9 huron on my new t3x trainer/plinker. I love the gun so far
Trijicon has definitely been on my radar thank you. Also see an Optika 5 2-10 that caught my eye but I know nothing about that scope
 

wesfromky

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I have also been looking to upgrade my diamondback rimefire, but it is hard to find one with parallax set at 50. The ones with adjustable parallax also tend to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive than what I would like.
 

Rich M

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Put a bushnell on it. You don't need the low light capabilities and the Bushnell Banners used to be near bullet-proof. I have one on my deer rifle - most deer I see are at 8:30-10 am and once it gets twilight I pack up.
 
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Ac338

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I’m really tempted to try the Swfa ultralight 50yd parallax model. Does anyone have experience using this scope for squirrel hunting? Also eying the Leupold 3-9x33 EFR or 2-7x33 rimfire even though I’m not a huge Leupold fan. I’m having more trouble picking a rimfire scope than I do choosing optics for any of my other firearms
 

RWT

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I have the SWFA and it fits a 22 well. It is currently riding on a Howa mini and as soon as my Huron is back I am switching out. The SWFA will go back on a 10/22. The lightweight is nice and for squirrel ranges it works well. The Huron is easier to get behind quicker, but a Huron is a little big for a 22lr IMO.
 

TaperPin

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Jul 12, 2023
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At 75 yards I’d want at least 12x and if you shoot to 100 a high end of at least 14x or 16x is much better. Unlike big game, small targets require lots of magnification.
 
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Ac338

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I just ordered the Swfa ultralight. I’ll get it in the woods in the next couple weeks assuming it shows up and I’ll let you guys know how it does
 

Loper

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I just ordered the Swfa ultralight. I’ll get it in the woods in the next couple weeks assuming it shows up and I’ll let you guys know how it does

Where did you order it from? I thought it’s been out of stock in SWFA’s website for several months and I don’t even see it in there now. Did you get it used?
 
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Ac338

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Where did you order it from? I thought it’s been out of stock in SWFA’s website for several months and I don’t even see it in there now. Did you get it used?
I ordered it straight from SWFA, click the 3 tabs click riflescopes and click ss ultralight. Still showing it in stock for me. I ordered the 2.5-10x33 ss ultralight rimfire model. If you don’t want the rimfire model the 5.56 bdc ultralight model is also in stock
 

Loper

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_S_R_

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Sep 7, 2022
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Trijicon hunters BDC perfect fit for 22.
From 16” barrel zero at 50, 1st 75/2nd 100/3rd 125. With 4 different loads it varies +-3 yards.
 

dneaster3

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Mar 6, 2014
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Memphis, TN
...it is hard to find one with parallax set at 50.
This is true and significant for squirrel hunting. Attempting headshots at a steep angle from between 15 and 85 yards can be affected by parallax error if the scope is calibrated for 100 yards.

I haven't used the SWFA others have recommended, but just by the specs it looks like a great option. I know a lot of guys on these forums like them. I recently picked up a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire (new old stock) for a squirrel rifle for the same reasons.... needed high(-enough) quality glass within the use case parameters, paralax at 50, without the extra weight or bells-and-whistles of adjustable objectives or long range turrets.
 
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