The Ruger 10/22 Takedown Optics Project Mine Eyes Hath Seen the Glory - And not so glorious!

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown project (Ruger 10/22 Takedown (Model 11100) Project A Journey That Comes Apart!: https://guntoters.com/blog/2017/03/26/ruger-1022-takedown-model-11100-project/) lead me to yet another sub-project – adding an optic to the 10/22 TD.

With my eyesight, an optic, magnified or not, is a definite improvement over the open sights that are provided with the 10/22 TD – any 10/22 firearm, in fact.

To add to the equation, I opted to use the Ruger Picatinny rail rather than the standard issue Ruger 10/22 rail. I wanted a few more options for mounting optics, and after pouring over reviews and other scope literature, I just happened to have a number of different optics in mind.

The challenge with scoping the 10/22 TD is not too much different than scoping a standard 10/22 carbine, but it is different.  With fixed-barrel 10/22 carbine you just need enough space to clear the rear sight with the objective lens housing while mounting the scope as low as possible.  In the case of my Ruger 10/22 “International” build, I had to remove the adjustment blade of the rear sight to garner enough rear sight clearance with my selected scope; I did not want to remove the rear sight entirely.  When the Center Point scope was replaced by Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32mm scope and higher scope rings, the rear sight adjustment blade was replaced due to an increase in clearance.

With a barrel that can be removed, as with the 10/22 TD, a space is needed between the rear sight (when folded down or otherwise) and the objective lens housing when the barrel is twisted, as when removing or installing the barrel assembly. There is a good possibility of hitting the scope objective lens housing if not enough space is granted. The scope and ring combination is important, in this case. With that said, if I went with a more compact scope, I may not even have to concern myself with scope-to-rear sight clearance.

I wanted a compact scope that could remain attached while the 10/22 TD was in its storage case, but could also be quickly installed and removed if needed, but not one that would cost an arm and a leg.  I didn’t feel that I needed an abundant amount of magnification, given the nature of the 10/22 being a “utility” piece. A 1-4 or 2-7 magnification level, I felt, would be sufficient. I also did not need a scope that would cost more than the 10/22 TD.  Because of my experience with Nikon scopes, I really wanted to use one on the 10/22 TD, but another choice of optic was selected that I felt would fit nicely and also provide features that I preferred.

I am going to introduce you to my optic choices, which may confound you, but all of them, for the most part, met my needs and desires for an optic that could be used for (most) all occasions, given the nature of the Ruger 10/22 TD.

I have, for the past several weeks, spent time with each of the optics mounted on the 10/22 TD, and some have worked out better than others. What I can say, beyond all doubt, is that regardless of the optic that you place on the Ruger 10/22 TD, the inherent accuracy will not be improved.

The list of optics consists of the following:

• Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm with  Turkey Plex reticle
• Crossman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm riflescope with dual illuminated reticle
• UTG 6.4″ ITA Red/Green CQB Dot Sight
• Nikon P223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine scope
• BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Riflescope
• Leapers UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ

Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm With Turkey Plex Reticle:

I had purchased a magnified optic for my Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun (Baa-Baa) that had a UTG Red/Green Circle Dot sight, and I decided to try the new optic on the Ruger 10/22 TD just for giggles. After mounting it, and letting it sit for a day while I pondered on the combination of optic and firearm, I was no longer giggling.

Author’s Note:  When I am attempting to mate a scope with a rifle, I get everything mounted up, let the combination sit in the gun vice for a day or two, and let the rifle/optic combination speak for itself as I glance at the package every now and then.  If I like what I see and the package works for me, it is usually a go.  I have, on occasion, judged a rifle/scope combination to be not workable. It’s kind of like observing your daughter’s new boyfriend; sometimes you know right off that this pairing is not right, and other times you have to have to give it a little time – but not enough time for any “damage” to occur :>)

Given what I now know, I do have a recommendation for what I feel would be an  excellent optic for the 10/22 TD, and that would be the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm with Thick Reticle or Turkey Plex reticle; I had chosen the Turkey Plex Reticle, although the turkeys that I might have to deal with would not be suitable for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner – let alone invite to such.  However, the Leupold VX-1 is better suited to an outdoor environment.

Let me digress into the optic for a bit, and why I chose it for contention.

It is obvious, when looking at the scope, that the objective end does not have large objective lens housing.  This alleviates any clearance issues with the rear sight of the 10/22 TD.

I found that that the Turkey Plex reticle was an idea aiming device and is much like the circle-dot configuration found in many dot sights. Although intended for a shotgun, the reticle really works for rifles as well.  Cover the intended POI with the circle, place the cross-hairs on the precise POI, and send the mail. I found that with using this type of sighting device I can return to the target quicker than just using the cross-hair alone.

The 10/22 TD and the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun/Muzzleloader 1-4x20mm scope comprises a sweet little package that can be stored in the Ruger-provided carrying case. Anytime that you can refrain from removing an optic, the less anxiety you will have when it comes time to use it.

The Leupold VX-1 Shotgun/Muzzleloader 1-4x20mm scope has; very useful magnification levels (1x to 4x) for both near and intermediate ranges (in regards to the .22LR cartridge), has excellent glass, the objective lens housing would have no issues clearing the rear sight, is robust enough for harsh environments, the eye relief is near perfect (4.2” – 3.8”), has no batteries to be concerned about, and would be a single unit to serve multiple purposes rather than two units (for example, a dot sight and a magnified optic) to serve the same purposes.

At only 8.1 ounces in weight and 9.5 inches in length, the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun/Muzzleloader 1-4x20mm scope is a very compact package and a compact package on a firearm like the Ruger 10/22 TD is a very good thing. The combination of scope and rings adds approximately 1.4 pounds to the weight of the 10/22 TD.

With this scope/ring combination, the center of the scope is exactly two inches above the center-line of the bore. It is a little bit higher than I like, but I needed to clear the front sight at the lowest magnification as much as possible. As it is, the front sight just peeks into the sight picture, but my attention is more focused on the cross-hair of the scope. At 2.5x the front sight post disappears totally from view.  When I shoulder the firearm, the scope is in a perfect position for a good cheek weld and line of sight. The substantial eye relief of the scope keeps me from crowding the stock. So far, the scope/ring combination is working out well.

The end result is shown below.

With the current scope/ring setup, the center-line of the scope sits 2” above the center-line of the bore.

I could have used lower scope rings, but the front sight would be seen in the scope picture except at its highest setting.  Should I use this scope on a shotgun for which it was intended, or on another long gun without a front sight, a lower set of rings would be a better choice.

Crossman Centerpoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope With Dual Illuminated Reticle:

Any initial plan is subject to fail. For that reason, I instituted a back up scope in case I decided to put the Leupold on a shotgun, which is actually what it is intended for.

The back-up scope is the Crossman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm riflescope with dual illuminated reticle scope that I had removed from the “International” and replaced with a Nikon 2-7x32mm, primarily from an aesthetic point of view.  The CenterPoint 2-7x32mm scope is a fine scope, but the reticle is obviously thicker than what comes with the Nikon.

Here is the Technical Specifications for the scope:

• SKU: CP273RG
• Magnification: 2 – 7x
• Eye Relief: 84mm-89mm (3.3”-3.5”)
• Objective: 32 mm
• Battery Included: Yes
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Turret Clicks: ¼” @ 100 yards
• Exit Pupil: 5.0 – 15.0
• Turret Caps: Yes
• Nitrogen Purged: Yes
• Focal Plane: 2nd
• Turret Adjustments: Finger
• Variable Illumination: Yes
• Reticle Illumination: Red / Green
• Reticle Material: Metal
• Reticle Type: Ranging
• Windage: +/-30
• Parallax: 100 yards
• Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
• Battery Type: CR2032
• Rings included: Picatinny

The first thing was to lose the rings and replace them with the Warne 1” Medium Lever-Lock rings, which I have come to develop a love-hate relationship with. While complicated to install, when they are installed both scope and rings are very solidly mounted.

The down side of the scope is that it requires a battery to illuminate the reticle. However, the reticle is thick and can stand on its own merits in normal lighting conditions. The illuminated reticle does come in handy when sighting in on a black or very dark target, however.

As noted in the specifications, the reticle is a ranging-type reticle. Of course, the range of values that each mark represents is wide open to interpretation in regards to ballistics information available at the time the shot is taken.  I find it far easier just to “run the turrets” these days rather than rely on a questionable hash mark value. With that said, and if you have access to ballistic software, there is a method that will help you determine a projectile’s path prior to and beyond your zero distance.  But, I digress and that is a topic for another time and place.

The magnification adjustment ring does have a nice lever for quickly adjusting the magnification level. The eyepiece lens can also be quickly adjusted.

The Crossman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm riflescope with dual illuminated reticle scope mounting result shown below.

With the Warne 1” Quick Detach Medium rings, there is plenty of clearance all around, even with the rear sight blade in the upright position, for removing and attaching the scope.

With this scope/ring combination, the center-line of the scope sits approximately 1.625 inches above the center-line of the bore.

UTG 6.4” 30mm CQB Red/Green Dot Sight:

The UTG 6.4″ ITA Red/Green CQB Dot Sight is an excellent red/green dot sight.  With an integral 30mm mounting base, the sight locks onto the rail quickly and easily.

Here are the features and specifications for the optic:

Features:

• 4.0 MOA dot sight
• No-reflection high tech emerald coatings
• Low-profile, integral, one-piece quick detach Picatinny/weaver mount
• Red or green dot
• Patterned illumination rheostat with variable brightness levels
• Aim and instant lock on target
• Suits a wide range of shotguns and rifles
• Two year warranty

Specifications:

• Magnification: 1X
• Tube Diameter: 30 millimeters
• Objective Diameter: 34 millimeters
• Field of View @ 100 yards: 60 feet
• Eye Relief: Flexible
• Exit Pupil: 28 millimeters
• Click Value @100 yards: 1/2 inch
• Length: 163 millimeters
• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Parallax Setting: Infinity
• Batteries: CR1620 3V

The down side to the sight is that to adjust elevation and windage, two very small set screws need to be loosened slightly to allow the finger-adjustable turrets to move. Once set, the two set screws are tightened to prevent further movement of the turrets.  While this may be fine if the optic is not going to be removed from the firearm, dismounting and re-mounting the optic may result in a zero shift that would, of course, require the necessary hex-head wrench to unlock the turrets and make the necessary adjustments, or make manual adjustments (otherwise known as “Kentucky Aiming”) as necessary.

Because of astigmatism in my left (dominant) eye, the dot is not a dot; it is a dot with a tail. For general shooting; however, I just place the large portion of the dot on the target.

Rather than a step-switch that adjusts the brightness of the dots, the UTG uses a rheostat control that continually varies the brightness smoothly.

Another downside is that the sight requires a battery, which means that you should carry one or more spare batteries with you, in addition to the turret wrench, and in addition to the hex-head wrench needed to adjust tightness of the rail levers (just in case).

The sight does come with flip-type lens covers, which can be removed and adjusted to your preference, and that do seem to work well.

The mounted UTG 6.4″ ITA Red/Green CQB Dot Sight is shown below.

There are no issues with clearance anywhere.

The sight can remain on the 10/22 TD when the receiver section is stored in the provided Ruger case.

The front sight can be seen in the bottom of the sight picture, but the eyes focus on the dot rather than the front sight post.

Nikon P223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine:

If you have read my other 10/22 “Build” projects, you will quickly realize that I am becoming very fond of Nikon scope products, although at the lower end of the cost scale.

The Nikon P223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine scope was my first choice for the 10/22 TD build, as it met all of my needs and wants for an optic to mount on the 10/22 TD.

The following is the information regarding the scope:

• Magnification: 3 x
• Objective Diameter: 32 mm
• Exit Pupil: 10.7 mm
• Field of View: 35.6  ft @ 100 yds
• Tube Diameter: 1 in
• Eye Relief: 3.4 in
• Objective Outside Diameter: 39.3 mm
• Eyepiece Outside Diameter: 41 mm
• Weight: 12.2  oz
• Overall Length: 8.1  in
• Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 in
• Max Internal Adjustment: 100  MOA
• Parallax Setting: 100 yds
• Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes
• Matte Finish: Yes
• Use: Centerfire Short/Mid Range AR (Modern Sporting Rifle)
• Reticle: BDC Carbine

The size is compact; the fixed magnification level of 3X would be suitable enough for a variety of shooting distances, the open turrets make it very easy to make windage and elevation adjustments, quality is excellent, clarity is exceptional, and it did not work out I could slap it on a SR MSR, or other firearm with a Picatinny/Weaver rail without changing ring height (or use a riser if a BUS was used).

Especially nice is the “Return to Zero” feature that allows me to “Run the Turrets” for distances beyond my zero and then quickly return to my zero settings. Also, the turret adjustment are solid; there is no soft feel when the turret is changed from detent to detent.

Although intended for an MSR, the scope is more than capable of handling the recoil of the mighty .22 caliber cartridge given that it is intended for its more powerful big brother. It is a robust scope that could handle field work and not just range or plinking work.

Ballistic information for the BDC feature of the scope is readily available through Nikon’s Spot On software.

You may note that I have highlighted two zero points; one at fifty yards that is my primary zero point and one at twenty-five yards.  I don’t know about you, but I cannot shoot 0.05 inches (the difference between POA at these two distances) to save my life; getting an effective zero at twenty five yards will suffice, thank you.

You may also notice that beyond fifty yards, I can simply dial in one click of adjustment for every five yards of distance out to one-hundred yards; theoretically speaking, of course.

Weight wise, the Nikon P-223 3x32mm scope is the heaviest of the three other scopes mentioned in this article.

The Nikon P-223 3x32mm scope, when mounted on the 10/22 TD, is shown below.

Due to the high turret length, Warne Quick Detach 1” Low Height (.250”) rings was used with this scope to bring the ride height down as close as I felt comfortable with.  As you can see, and in this case, the ride height is about perfect and there is no clearance concerns at all.  However, had the Picatinny rail for the 10/22 been any longer, a higher set of rings would have been warranted.

The 10/22 TD can be stowed with the scope mounted in the applicable pouch within Ruger’s 10/22 TD bag.  A higher set of scope rings would not have worked well for mounted storage.

With this scope/ring setup, the center-line of the scope is almost exactly at 1.5” above the center-line of the bore.

BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd GENERATION SNIPER SCOPE:

The BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Riflescope had actually been allocated for use with an MSR, but was replaced by another scope.

Here are the specs for the BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Riflescope.

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Lens: 42mm
• Waterproof and Fog-proof
• Length: 10 inches
• Reticle: Mil Dot IR Dual Color
• Exit Pupil: 4.69-14mm
• Optical Coating: Multi-Coated
• Field of View (ft@100yds/m@100m): 36.7/12.3@3x and 12.5/4.2@9x
• Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches
• Tube Diameter: 1 Inch

With 3.9 inches of eye relief, the BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Riflescope was a top contender due to the increase in LOP of the 10/22 TD Hogue stock. It is an excellent optic, but not well-suited for the 10/22 TD.  Regardless, the magnification would definitely bring the target closer and the 42mm objective lens gave quite a view of the target.  The weight; however, was an issue and the fact that the 10/22 TD/scope combination could not be stored together due to the length of the scope.

When mounted on Warne 1″ High Lever-Lock rings, clearance with the scope was not an issue.

LEAPERS UTG 4IN COMPACT RED-GREEN TARGET DOT SIGHT SCP-RG40SDQ:

The Leapers UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ is the most compact of all the optics evaluated. Compared to the UTG 6.4″ ITA Red/Green CQB Dot Sight, the UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ has several advantage to include; light weight, compactness, single-point quick removal and attachment point, and no need for special wrenches to lock in the sight adjustment knobs. Dot intensity is controlled by a rheostat that provides continuous levels of dot intensity with stepping though the intensity through a series of steps.

• Reticle:  RG Dot Reflex
• Magnification:  1X
• Tube Diameter:  38mm
• Objective Diameter:   30mm
• Field of View @ 100 yards:  16.5′
• Eye Relief: Flexible
• Exit Pupil:  25.0mm
• Click Value @ 100 yards: .5″
• Length:  95mm
• Weight:  7.4 oz
• Batteries: CR2032 3V
• Regular illumination – adjustable illumination knob on the Ocular tube for red, green, or black reticle. Different levels of brightness for diverse weather/light conditions
• Target Dot reticle consists of a single floating dot in the center as the aiming point with the least visual distraction
• Fixed magnification at 1X
• Mounting accessories included
• Lever Lock
• Flip-open lens caps

When mounted on the 10/22 TD, there is absolutely no issues with weight or size.  The 10/22 TD and the sight are well-suited for each other.

THE FINALIST:

All of the optics tested would serve you well when mounted on the Ruger 10/22 TD, given the nature of the firearm. That being, a carbine that can be disassembled and assembled in a short amount of time and is not known for its precision. Given that, the optic used should provide the best opportunity for successful shooting.

The use of a special tool to lock/unlock the adjustment turrets eliminated the UTG 30mm red/green dot sight from contention.  I rated the CenterPoint 2-7x32mm scope higher than the UTG simply because I could use the reticle with or without a battery and the turrets are finger adjustable.

What kicked the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm out of contention?  The scope has a lot of positives going for it.  The Turkey Plex reticle really made it easy to set up my POA.  The upper magnification level certainly made it appropriate for use with the 10/22 TD, turret adjustments are easy, the scope is certainty light yet robust enough to handle field conditions.  But, it is better suited for what it was intended to mount on – a shotgun.  My Mossberg 500 20-gauge really shines with this scope mounted on it.  From #3 Buck shot to a 273-grain lead slug, this optic allows me to place shots where I want them. The 1x magnification level is great for placing buckshot out to about twenty-five yard while keeping most of the pellets on the target. But, it really shines when shooting slugs accurately out to about sixty yards (a 273-grain lead slug traveling at 1580 fps, such as the Remington 20-gauge Slugger round, which is my primary defensive load, is relatively flat between ten and seventy yards), which is within my comfort zone with a 4x scope. Note that with a fifty yard zero, there is a secondary zero at fifteen yards. At close distances, I only need to consider how much the muzzle lifts during recoil – optic or no optic.

I had issues; however, using the scope at my indoor range. I could not get the target, which was posted at twenty-five yards distant, and the reticle to come into focus.  I don’t know if it was the target distance, my eyes, the indoor range lighting (fluorescent, which plays havoc with my eyes, or a combination of all three.  However, in lighting other than the range (indoor and outdoor) everything was clear, bright, and focusing was not an issue even at a target fifty yards distant.

At twenty-five yards, the Turkey Plex circle covers approximately 3.5 inches of the target.

The Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm scope is heading on to better pastures and will be more at home sitting atop a good shotgun, for which it was originally intended.

The Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine scope will now reside on something other than the Ruger 10/22 TD.  Although intended for a MSR for CQB work, it did fit quite well with my intentions for the 10/22 TD.  It has excellent optical qualities and looked very nice when mounted. It; however, lost out for one reason – the large windage knob. Although I tried my best to work around the windage knob, my knuckle kept hitting it every time that I had to manually operate the bolt.

I started out wanting to see the  CenterPoint 2-7x32mm scope as the over all winner.  I also really wanted the choice to come down to the Nikon P-223 and the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm, but the CenterPoint 3-9×32 won out simply due to ergonomics and compatibility with my eyes and with the 10/22 TD.

UPDATE – THE NEXT DAY:

Sometimes, you just wake in the middle of the night thinking that you are an idiot!

I awoke at 0300 hours the next morning, and at 0301 hours I realized that an answer to the 10/22 TD P-223 scope issue was right in front of me.

I had used a set of Warne “Low” rings that have a saddle height of 0250 inches,  The scope sat low and also interfered with working the bolt handle due to the large windage knob.  The Warne “Low” rings was all I had left of Warne rings and that’s why they were used. A set of Warne “Medium” rings were ordered with the Leupold shotgun scope and that’s the reason that they were mounted.  The Warne “Medium” rings have a saddle height of 0.375 inches.

If I removed the rings from the Leupold scope and put them on the P-223, would that be enough of a height difference to make a difference?

I almost got out of bed at that point to find out, but the wifey would have killed me, and I would go to my grave wondering if I had the answer all along.

As soon as I awoke at 0630 hours, coffee was made and I headed to the man-cave.  Within twenty minutes, I had the answer. Indeed, the higher scope rings worked!  I now have just enough clearance between the windage knob and the bolt handle; just barely, but enough where I am not scraping my knuckle on the adjustment knob. Now all I have to do is re-zero for the change in scope height, which now sits at 1.5″ above the center-line of the bore instead of 1.375″ inches.

Sometimes, I miss the answer, even though it is right in front of me. The wifey may still kill me, but at least I will go to my grave knowing that the answer to this life’s mystery has been found.

What follows is an animation showing the difference in height between the two scope rings.

I get to keep the P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine scope on the 10/22 TD, and I am happy about that. Besides, the CenterPoint scope would have prevented me from storing the 10/22 TD in the Ruger case due to the length of the scope.

As a side note, I did have to move the scope more rearward in an attempt to get closer to the scope due to an eye relief issue when bench resting. Continue reading to learn what was done about the eye relief issue.

UPDATE 03/02/2017:

Ayup, it was range day. Since I had added a little high scope rings on the 10/22 TD’s P-223 scope, I needed to re-zero it. I still had an issue with the scope’s eye relief (short), but we got the job done.

Today was also yard day. It is supposed to rain here the next several days. If I didn’t get the yard cut…

Anyway, while I was mowing the lawn I was hit by an epiphany – along with parts of a ball that one of my dogs had chewed up.

I bought my first MSR as a Christmas present to myself in 2013; a Windham Weaponry WW-15 “SRC” with some cheap sights that the dealer had put on it just so it would have sights. When I purchased the “SRC” I also purchased a Leapers 3-9×40 “Tactical” scope, and I got a decent price on the entire package, but not the best as it turns out.

Anyway, the scope had cheap rings and I had purchased a set of Warne Ultra High rings, which are supposed to be “MSR Ideal Height” rings at 0.935 inches of saddle height. I have never used the scope with the MSR and had forgotten about the rings – until about the middle of mowing the back yard.

After I finished mowing, I pulled the P-223 scope off of the 10/22 TD and went to measuring scope ring height. I sure can’t afford $90 for rings again, but I could afford to pull off the rings the Leapers scope and mount them on the P-223 scope, which I did. With the Magpul MOE fixed stock on the Windham, the eye relief is near perfect, the P-223 clears the rear sight by a large margin, and the P-223 looks at home. The Nikon P-223 is better suited to the MSR. The scope is a “Stand and Deliver” scope and not a bench rest scope. I could say the same abut the Ruger 10/22 TD, and while the 10/22 TD and the P-223 was a good match-up, they were not ideal companions.

The Center Point scope was back on the Ruger 10/22 TD. Although I cannot store the 10/22 TD in the Ruger case with the scope mounted, the scope can be stored in the case separately. So, why the vacillating between scopes? Well, sometimes when you think that you got it right – you don’t, and it’s as simple as that.

BUT, WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

However much I liked the BARSKA 3-9×42 IR 2nd Generation Sniper Riflescope, I knew that the comparability between rifle and scope just wasn’t there. However, and for some folks, having that much optic on the 10/22 TD just may be the cat’s meow. I still had one optic left.

If you remember, and if I have not made you leave by this point, I had stated early in this article that beyond all doubt, is that regardless of the optic that you place on the Ruger 10/22 TD, the inherent accuracy will not be improved.  I still stand by that. I also mentioned my issues with my astigmatism and dot sight. I still stand by that. However, there has to be a trade-off sometimes, and for me it seems, the Leapers UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ is the best trade-off for general-purpose shooting given the nature of the Ruger 10/22TD.

So, there I am. Given the inherent accuracy of the Ruger 10/22 TD, there is only so much I can do with even the best of scopes that I can afford.  I’ll take the portability that the Ruger 10/22 TD affords me, continue using the UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ for general shooting. But, the CenterPoint 2-7x32mm magnified optic is my best choice for wringing out the most accuracy from the 10/22 TD that I can.  It’s finally time to end this journey.

I wish you well on your journey with the Ruger 10/22 TD, and hopefully some of this information will help you decide what optics is right for you.

RESOURCES:

• Leupold VX-1 Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm with Turkey Plex Reticle Matte: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/812958/leupold-vx-1-shotgun-scope-1-4x-20mm-turkey-plex-reticle-matte
• Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm riflescope with dual illuminated reticle: https://www.amazon.com/Crosman-CenterPoint-Adventure-riflescope-illuminated/dp/B001PO5QNG
• UTG 6.4″ ITA Red/Green CQB Dot Sight : http://leapers.com/prod_detail.php?mitem=optic&level1=Dot_Sight_and_Magnifier&level2=&itemno=SCP-DS3068W&status=&mtrack=8m
• Nikon P223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine scope: http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products/Hunting-Optics/riflescopes/8496/p-223-3×32-matte-bdc-carbine.html
• Warne 1″ Maxima Quick-Detachable Weaver-Style Rings: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/930489/warne-1-maxima-quick-detachable-weaver-style-rings
• 3-9x42mm IR 2nd Generation Compact Sniper Scope by Barska: https://www.barska.com/optics/rifle-scopes/3-9×42-ir-2nd-generation-compact-sniper-scope-by-barska.html
• Leapers UTG 4in Compact ITA Red-Green Target Dot Sight SCP-RG40SDQ: http://www.opticsplanet.com/leapers-utg-4in-compact-ita-red-green-target-dot-sight.html